Breathing is an essential function that occurs naturally and effortlessly. It is automatically monitored and regulated by the body and does not require constant intervention. However, many significant circulatory and metabolic functions depend on respiration. So, one must occasionally analyze how they breathe and look for irregularities. Experts have identified a few mistakes people make that affect their breathing and respiratory function. Individuals should avoid these breathing mistakes as far as possible. Breathing through the mouth It is common for people to inhale from their mouths without even realizing it. However, experts suggest breathing using the nasal passage. This passage has filters that clear out debris and allergens and humidify the air before it enters the lungs. Getting anxious about breathing Some people closely monitor every breath they take. Respiration is a process closely regulated by the body and requires no major intervention. Therefore, breathing should be monitored only when one experiences respiratory problems like shortness of breath or chest pain. Not using the diaphragm The best way to absorb oxygen is by using the diaphragm muscle located above the stomach. The American Lung Association recommends this technique as it creates negative pressure in the chest and enhances airflow. With training, it is possible to use the diaphragm for regular breathing.

Headaches can be a common problem and a sign of health conditions. The pain can be triggered by stress, anxiety, or a lack of quality sleep. However, certain headache symptoms can indicate bigger, more serious health conditions such as migraine or diabetes. Such symptoms must be taken seriously as, if left unchecked, they could pose health risks. Here are a few headache signs that could be a result of underlying health conditions: Pain behind or around the eye Headaches are closely linked to vision problems. If a person experiencing headaches also senses sharp pain in and around their eye, they may be affected by acute glaucoma. In this condition, there is a pressure buildup in the eye, and eventually, the blood flow gets cut off. This is a serious condition that can lead to blindness. So, if one experiences any pain in and around their eyes accompanying a headache, they must consult a local healthcare expert immediately. Neck stiffness Another notable sign of a headache is stiffness and pain in the neck. The stiffness here can be a symptom of meningitis—a bacterial or viral infection that directly affects the membrane surrounding the spinal cord and brain. The subsequent enlargement of these membranes results in neck stiffness, neck pain, and, eventually, headache.

Pain is a sensation that everyone has either already experienced or will experience at some point in life. Most pains are harmless and, more often than not, resolve on their own. However, some aches and pains might not go away quickly and would require expert intervention. To be able to identify when the pain is a cause of concern, it is important to learn the body’s cues. Pelvic pain Painful conditions, such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can give rise to pelvic pain. Therefore, it is crucial not to ignore severe and persistent pelvic pain, especially when it is accompanied by vaginal bleeding or fever. Neck pain Poor posture, injury, cervical spondylitis, and meningitis are all possible reasons for neck pain. Because of the varying range of severity of these conditions, neck pain is one of the aches and pains that should never be ignored. The condition can get crucial if it is present with headache, fever, or stiffness. Tooth pain Gum disease, cavities, and abscesses can cause tooth pain. If someone experiences persistent tooth pain, it is advisable to seek a dental consult, especially if the pain is in combination with fever, swelling, and difficulty swallowing.

Our food moves to our digestive system through the esophagus, a long, hollow tube that starts from the throat and ends in the stomach. But when tumors start growing long anywhere along the esophagus, specifically over the cells that line the insides, that’s when esophageal cancer occurs. Its symptoms usually start showing up at later stages. However, certain signs of esophageal cancer can help in early diagnosis. Some of them are: Difficulty while swallowing Difficult swallowing of food and liquids is one of the most prominent signs of esophageal cancer. As the cancerous cells grow slowly, a person finds it difficult to swallow food. The experience is similar to having food stuck in the chest or the throat. In some cases, it may even cause choking. This usually begins as a mild symptom and worsens over time as the lining of the esophagus narrows. Acute pain in the chest In some cases, esophageal cancer may trigger discomfort or pain in the chest. The sudden flare-up of pain usually occurs in the central part of the chest. Sometimes, the pain may be accompanied by a burning sensation or may feel like pressure building up. This type of sign is often reported as a symptom of other health problems, such as heartburn.

Pain is a natural response of the body that alerts one of potential harm or injury. While some types of pain are normal and can be easily treated with natural or holistic home remedies, there are certain types of pain that may be severe or persistent. These pains may be signs or causes of underlying health conditions that require immediate medical attention. Certain types of pain that one should never ignore are listed below. Chest pain Chest pain can indicate a heart attack or angina- a form of chest pain triggered by reduced blood flow to the heart. Chest pain can also indicate other severe conditions, such as a pulmonary embolism or aortic dissection. Severe headache Common causes of headaches include dehydration, lack of sleep, eye strain, or sinus infection. But when one experiences a severe or sudden headache or headaches accompanied by other symptoms like a stiff neck, vision changes, dizziness, or tingling on one side of the body, it may be a warning sign of underlying health concerns. Usually, severe headaches may result from a head injury, the onset of stroke, meningitis, low blood sugar, or more. Abdominal pain Abdominal pain can indicate various health conditions like appendicitis, ulcerative colitis, or a kidney stone.

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that affects many people around the world. The condition is characterized by recurrent seizures or uncontrolled jerking movements and confusion, mainly caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. While various treatments are available to help with epilepsy, some people may also benefit from changes in food habits. There are a number of nutrient-rich foods that can help manage the symptoms of the condition and reduce seizure frequency. Foods to manage seizures Leafy greens Leafy greens, like spinach, swiss chard, and kale, are rich sources of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium. This essential mineral can help calm the nervous system and reduce seizure activity. These foods are also low in carbohydrates and can help reduce inflammation in the brain. Berries Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries have low carbs and are rich in antioxidants that can help protect the brain from damage and maintain glucose levels in the body. Eggs Eggs are a great source of protein and contain important nutrients essential for brain health. They are also low in carbohydrates and can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Seafood Seafood like shrimp, scallops, and lobster are rich in lean proteins, amino acids, and omega-3 fatty acids.

The secret to maintaining good health may be eating healthy and staying active. However, the importance of water cannot be overlooked, as every organ in the body needs sufficient water to function properly. Water also aids in lubricating the joints and maintaining body temperature. In fact, drinking insufficient water throughout the day can lead to various side effects, such as urinary problems and dizziness. In severe cases, it can even lead to kidney stones. 4 common side effects of insufficient water intake Persistent headaches One of the first side effects of insufficient water intake is the presence of persistent headaches, which can result in throbbing pain and hinder daily activities. Hence, when suffering from persistent headaches, it’s suggested that an individual consume a large glass of water and rest until the headache disappears. In most cases, dehydration-related headaches should disappear in a couple of hours after consuming water. Low energy or fatigue When an individual is dehydrated, they may notice a drop in their energy levels. They may face symptoms such as decreased focus, lightheadedness, and dizziness. The dehydration can worsen during the afternoons due to continued inadequate water intake, worsening the fatigue, and they may be unable to go about their day as usual.

In most asthma cases, food allergies and intolerances will trigger inflammation or result in the narrowing of the lung airways. An estimated 19 million individuals in the country have mild to moderate asthma, and it is vital for them to monitor their food intake. Drastic changes in daily eating habits will not necessarily help; however, moderation lowers the risk of flareups. Here are 4 such foods that trigger breathing difficulties for those with asthma. 4 foods that worsen breathing issues in asthma Foods high in fat content Red meats are heavily processed and contain saturated fats, which leads to an increase in LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels in the body. Most saturated and processed fats tend to worsen symptoms like inflammation, causing difficulty breathing. The risk is especially high among people who suffer from conditions like asthma or COPD. Dairy foods and beverages Whole milk (the full fat variant) can trigger excess mucous production when the body breaks down the dairy product during digestion. Mucous buildup in the lungs increases the risk of infection and worsens the inflammation linked to asthma flareups. Preservatives and artificial sweeteners Most foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket are laced with preservatives and additives to increase their shelf life.

Migraines can cause a throbbing sensation on one side of the head. It may even lead to symptoms like nausea and vomiting. But most of all, migraines can affect our daily life and force us to call in sick after a day at work. They are triggered by many factors, the most common one being osmophobia, a sensitivity to smell. Here are five smells that are toxic for those who suffer from migraines. Perfumes Most of us love wearing perfumes, but those sensitive to smell dread such fragrances. Perfumes contain odorants, substances that give off a unique scent, which, when inhaled, lead to symptoms of migraines like headaches and nausea. The effects of perfume odorants on people with osmophobia are noticed within a few minutes. Pesticide fumes Pesticides contain several chemicals intended to eliminate pests. However, people who work with such chemicals often inhale the fumes, which leads to adverse effects on their health. The side effects of inhaling such fumes include headaches, nausea, and vomiting. These are also common symptoms of migraines. Car exhaust gas Those susceptible to migraines may notice that even mild exposure to car exhaust may trigger the condition. Car exhaust emissions contain carbon monoxide, a toxic gas.

Diabetes is an autoimmune disease, and food plays an important role in managing its symptoms and related complications. Most severe cases of diabetes are a result of long-term consumption of foods that heighten insulin resistance, increasing blood sugar levels. While we may be aware of obviously sugary foods that aggravate diabetes, there are some seemingly healthy options that can actually cause a lot of harm. Given below are five such foods diabetes patients should avoid. 5 foods that are surprisingly sugar-rich Flavored yogurt The next time you are out buying a healthy snack like flavored yogurt, take a peek at the ingredients and nutrition label. Store-bought flavored yogurt may contain sweeteners in the form of artificial flavors. Switch to plain yogurt and add your favorite fruits to enhance the taste. Breakfast cereals While your preferred breakfast cereals may contain whole grains and be fortified with vitamins, they do contain some amount of sugar that can cause an imbalance in the blood sugar levels. Hence check the label before picking a brand and choose from the ones that have the least amount of sugar. Granola bars Granola bars have gained popularity due to their healthy ingredients like cereals, nuts, and seeds.