Water retention is a common issue characterized by the excessive accumulation of fluid in the body’s tissues. This can lead to swelling, discomfort, puffy face, swollen eyelids, and bloating. Various factors can cause water retention, including hormonal changes, ongoing treatments, and certain medical conditions; however, food also plays a significant role. So, here are a few common foods that can cause water retention and those that help manage the issue: Foods that cause water retention Salty snacks One of the most significant contributors to water retention is the intake of high-sodium or salty foods. Sodium is an essential mineral that helps maintain fluid balance in the body. However, an excess of sodium can increase water retention. This is because the body retains water to dilute the excess sodium, leading to swelling and bloating. So, salty snacks like potato chips, nachos, burgers, pizzas, pickles, and instant noodles are notorious for their high sodium content and should be limited to reduce fluid retention. Caffeine Caffeine, usually found in coffee and some energy drinks, acts as a diuretic, causing an increase in urine production. This disrupts the balance of fluids within the body and leads to swelling. So, one should avoid or limit the intake of caffeinated beverages when experiencing fluid retention.

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects one’s blood cells, bone marrow and lymphatic system. The condition is commonly affects children below the age of 15 and older adults above the age of 55. While leukemia is a complex condition and there’s no cure for the same, timely intervention and certain strategies can help ease the symptoms and help in its effective management. Here are some silent signs and symptoms and available treatments for leukemia. Silent signs of leukemia Here are some of the silent signs of leukemia that should prompt one to seek professional help immediately: Petechiae Petechiae are small reddish spots that appear on the skin and are often a silent sign of leukemia. These spots are the result of bleeding under the skin’s surface. In leukemia, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells, which can interfere with normal blood clotting. This can lead to the development of petechiae, as the tiny blood vessels under the skin become more fragile and can break more easily. These spots can appear on various parts of the body, such as the arms and legs, and may be painless. Fatigue and weakness Individuals with leukemia may experience persistent fatigue and weakness, even after a full night’s sleep of about 7 to 8 hours.

Acid reflux is a digestive issue involving irritation in the lining of the esophagus due to acid or bile backing up into the region. It can be the primary symptom of a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the prevalence of which is estimated to be from 18.1 to 27.8% in the country. In most cases, certain lifestyle changes, including better food choices, can help prevent and manage acid reflux. Best foods for managing acid reflux 1. Ginger Packed with antioxidants, ginger is an age-old remedy for digestive problems, including nausea and vomiting. Gingerol, an element found in ginger, can help in the passage of food through the stomach. So, a cup of warm ginger tea or the addition of ginger to stir-fries, gravies, and other recipes is an excellent way to help manage symptoms of acid reflux and soothe the stomach lining. 2. Lean protein The body requires protein to boost immunity and help reduce acid reflux symptoms. Lean protein sources like fish, turkey, and chicken help regulate the production of stomach acid and manage acid reflux while not being too heavy on the stomach. 3. Spinach This leafy green vegetable is a natural remedy for acidity. Spinach is also low in sugar and fat and rich in fiber, helping control stomach acid production.

Mucus production is a healthy part of one’s respiratory system. This mucus lining in the mouth, nose, sinus, throat, and lungs is responsible for trapping dust, allergens, and viruses. However, during an infection or an allergy, phlegm or mucus can cause irritation and discomfort. People often use home remedies such as humidifiers, steam, and gargling to relieve mucus. To aid this process and alleviate symptoms, the following foods may also help: Ginger Ginger plays an important role in the cuisine of several cultures across the world. Due to its antihistamine content, ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, often acting as a natural decongestant. It can help relieve mucus and reduce infections of the upper respiratory tract. For best results, try fresh ginger root. Boil it in some water to make ginger tea, or slice or grate it into smoothies or juices for an additional flavor and immunity boost. Cayenne pepper Cayenne pepper (and other spicy peppers) are a rich source of capsaicin. This can help reduce cough and mucus buildup in the body. To consume it, simply add one pinch of cayenne pepper to soup or broth. However, those experiencing acid reflux or other digestive ailments must avoid spicy foods as they may worsen inflammation.

Eye health is as important as any other functioning organ in the body. However, with the current lifestyle of people that involves prolonged exposure to different gadgets, taking care of the eyes has become more crucial. Also, some diseases can impair vision and cause vision-related problems. To prevent any unforeseen situations, here are some effective ways one can follow to maintain optimal eye health and ensure a lifetime of clear and comfortable vision. 1. Protecting eye from sun rays Extended exposure to harsh sunlight and its ultraviolet (UV) rays elevates the risk of eye conditions such as cataracts. Therefore, it is crucial for one to protect their eyes from harsh sunlight when stepping out. One can either wear sunglasses or UV-blocking contact lenses. Sunglasses are often regarded as a fashion accessory, but their significance extends beyond that. They serve as a crucial shield, safeguarding the eyes from the detrimental impact of the sun’s UV rays. Sunglasses with polarized lenses offer an excellent choice for those seeking enhanced glare reduction. Alternatively, individuals requiring vision correction can explore the option of UV-blocking contact lenses designed to shield their eyes from harmful UV rays. 2. Taking breaks from screen time Staring at the screen for long periods, whether on a phone or a computer, can adversely affect the eyes, leading to dryness and strain.

A stuffy nose or nasal congestion is generally caused by inflamed blood vessels or mucus in the sinuses because of allergies, colds, or flu. It affects normal breathing, leads to appetite loss, and makes it difficult to perform routine activities. While a stuffy nose typically goes away in a couple of days, one may require some home remedies to manage the discomfort. Here are certain foods to have that give relief from a stuffy nose. Chicken soup Packed with nutrients and flavors, chicken soup is good for getting relief from discomfort caused by a stuffy nose. It contains lots of vitamins, minerals, calories, and protein, that are required by the body while recovering from an illness. Also, the chicken in the soup is a good source of amino acid cysteine, which has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It breaks down the mucus in the nasal passage opening up the sinuses. Moreover, chicken soup is enriched with electrolytes, which keeps the body hydrated, quickening the process of recovery. Broths Similar to chicken soup, broths are also effective in relieving a stuffy nose. They are good sources of electrolytes and fluids that can help in soothing the inflamed nasal membranes. Drinking warm broth made from either vegetables or meat is often recommended to alleviate the discomfort caused by a stuffy nose.

The common signs of lung cancer are well known. Some of them include cough, fatigue, breathlessness, and chest pain. However, there are many symptoms of lung cancer that are not as well-known or documented in a host of content on the internet. Like other malignancies, detecting lung cancer in its early stages increases the chances of a successful treatment. Therefore, here are some of the uncommon signs of lung cancer that one should be aware of: 1. Clubbed fingers Arguably, the strangest of all lung cancer symptoms is the phenomenon called finger clubbing. In this symptom, the fingertips of an individual with lung cancer become fatter than usual. The fingers also tend to appear rounder, and the fingernails begin to appear more and more bent with time. This clubbing mainly happens because the tumor in the lung secretes a chemical that directs more fluid and blood to a person’s finger tissue. Healthcare research studies have found that about 8 out of every 10 cases of finger clubbing happen to people with lung cancer. 2. Puffiness in the face, arms, and neck In many instances, lung cancer tumors can often obstruct the superior vena cava, a significant vein that carries blood from the head and arms to the heart.