People start developing cancer because of a combination of factors. Some of these factors are a lack of physical activity, ignoring visible symptoms when they first appear, other illnesses, being unknowingly exposed to carcinogens, certain lifestyle habits, and eating the wrong foods. That last factor is more of a contributing element to cancer than what many people may know about. To help readers know better, here are some of the biggest cancer-causing foods out there: Salted fish Salt can cause several health issues, especially for a person’s cardiovascular and circulatory health. Salt tends to absorb water from the body. So, excessive consumption of salty foods can lead to loss of fluidity in a person’s blood, causing circulation to become much more labored. Salted fish comes with nitrates that are used as preservative agents. These preservatives are used to boost the shelf life of fish. Nitrates are one of the prime carcinogens. They can cause several different kinds of cancer. While a small concentration of nitrates tends to be mostly harmless, regular consumption causes a cumulative effect and can eventually result in malignancy. Sugary drinks Sugar has several inflammatory properties. Consuming sugar-heavy foods can cause inflammation in various areas of the body.

An individual may face multiple emotional barriers in life, one of which includes feeling lonely. Loneliness can be defined as “discomfort or uneasiness from being or perceiving oneself to be alone.” It can impact one’s physical and mental health. So, how does one deal with it? Some experts recommend various steps to help one cope with loneliness. These could help individuals connect with others and heal. Here are a few ways to overcome feelings of loneliness: 1. Praying People choose different avenues for coping with loneliness, and prayer is one such mechanism that could help. Praying during times of solitude can help one find comfort and solace. Confiding in an entity much larger and more powerful than oneself can give an individual much-needed emotional support. The process of prayer, which can include meditation, can help one feel more at peace with themselves, as an individual reassures themselves that there might be a higher entity that can understand their needs. Ultimately, it could be one of the factors that helps one filter out lonely thoughts. One could pray in various ways—by themselves or by listening to those who preach through mediums, including television, the Internet, or a dedicated place for prayer.

MAC lung disease is caused by MAC bacteria (Mycobacterium avium complex) living in the soil and water. They generally affect people with compromised immunity and respiratory ailments, causing symptoms like chronic cough, hemoptysis, fatigue, low-grade fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, and anxiety, which may impede daily activities. Eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones is crucial to maintaining one’s quality of life. Here are 13 foods to avoid for MAC lung disease. Dairy People with MAC lung disease must avoid dairy products despite their rich calcium content. This is because dairy has been known to impact respiratory health. According to some studies, drinking milk may increase mucus production, leading to congestion. Consuming cheese may also lead to the release of histamines, which can cause airway inflammation. Salty foods Foods rich in sodium chloride (or salt) can lead to water retention in the body. This can lead to shortness of breath among those who live with lung disease. Apart from cutting back on table salt, one must also check the ingredients in packed foods, seasonings, and dressings. Confirm that these do not contain more than 300 milligrams of salt per serving. Alternatively, opt for herbs and spices to season food.

Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed skin patches. The condition can be exacerbated by various factors, including the use of certain products that are meant to clean the skin and get rid of oil and dirt. Here, certain soaps have been known to trigger eczema symptoms, especially in those with sensitive skin. Recognizing common irritants in these products and avoiding them is crucial for managing eczema. Soaps with fragrances Artificial fragrances, commonly found in soaps and skincare products, can be a significant trigger for those with eczema. These synthetic ingredients are designed to add a pleasant scent, but they often contain compounds that can cause skin irritation, redness, itching, and, in severe cases, allergic contact dermatitis. For those with eczema, choosing fragrance-free products significantly reduces the risk of adverse reactions. Soaps with parabens Parabens are synthetic preservatives widely used in personal care products and cosmetics to extend their shelf life. While effective at preventing bacterial growth, paraben can trigger irritation in sensitive skin. Those with eczema might experience redness upon using such soaps. Here, one should check the ingredient label and skip soaps with ethylparaben, methylparaben, or butylparaben, as opting for paraben-free products reduces the risk of allergic reactions when dealing with eczema.

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that impacts millions of people worldwide. It’s characterized by signs of arthritis (like joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation) as well as psoriasis (a skin condition leading to scales and plaques). While there’s no cure for psoriatic arthritis, it can be managed with healthy nutrition. Certain foods can worsen the symptoms, while others may soothe them. Here’s a closer look at psoriatic arthritis and the foods to eat and avoid. What is psoriatic arthritis? People with a chronic skin disease called psoriasis have red patches, especially on the elbows, knees, and scalp, with layers of silvery scales on top. These patches are often itchy and painful. In many cases, psoriasis leads to the development of a severe condition called arthritis, which primarily affects one’s joints. Psoriatic arthritis can cause symptoms like swollen toes and fingers, lower back pain, nail pits, and eye inflammation. It can be mild or severe, with flare-ups and remission phases. Foods to eat with psoriatic arthritis The following foods may help improve the symptoms of this condition: Fatty fish Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce joint pain and inflammation.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare, life-threatening blood disorder. People with TTP develop blood clots in small blood vessels throughout the body. The complication could limit or block blood flow to the organs, such as the kidneys, brain, and heart. The phenomenon may further prevent the organs from functioning appropriately and lead to permanent damage. This makes it essential to identify the warning signs of TTP and seek treatment at the earliest. Signs and symptoms of TTP Bleeding into the skin or mucous membranes Since TTP causes increased clotting, more blood platelets might get used up. As a result, it could lead to bleeding underneath the skin or mucous membranes. Those who develop this sign may notice tiny red or purple dots called petechiae on their skin. The dots on the skin may resemble a rash and be misidentified for other health conditions. This is why one must consult with an expert immediately if they have no underlying health complications. Poor blood circulation An individual might develop poor blood circulation when there are insufficient healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen to other parts of the body’s organs. It may develop due to a poor meal regime that lacks iron, which causes anemia.

Maintaining overall well-being requires eating nutritious meals, following a healthy lifestyle, and getting frequent health checkups. But these days, people also consider taking health supplements to improve their immune system, stay safe from diseases, and live a wholesome life. There are various types of supplements that one could take in this regard, with each boasting its benefits. However, speaking to an expert before including these in their daily consumption routines is essential. Mineral supplements Some individuals might require mineral supplements to manage and improve a deficiency. Calcium Calcium is one of the body’s most essential minerals for bone growth. The RDA of calcium is 1,000 milligrams for men and women between 19 and 51. Women aged 51 and older and men older than 70 may require about 1,200 milligrams of calcium supplementation daily. Apart from bone growth, calcium plays vital roles in muscle function and is essential for the nerves to carry messages from the brain to other body parts. It also helps maintain healthy blood pressure, complements hormone secretion, and contributes to maintaining stronger teeth. An example of where an expert may recommend calcium supplements is for people at risk of osteoporosis, a disease that may cause the bones to turn brittle and break.

Prurigo nodularis is a relatively rare but highly distressing skin condition that can severely impact one’s quality of life. Characterized by the development of itchy nodules on the skin, it can cause significant discomfort and affect one’s mental health. The condition can also worsen due to existing health issues. Understanding the causes, signs and symptoms, available treatments, and preventive measures of Prurigo Nodularis (PN) is crucial for timely intervention and better management. What is prurigo nodularis and which parts of the body does it affect? PN is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by the development of itchy nodules on the skin. It occurs when one engages in persistent scratching over an extended period. The nodules can vary in size, from a few millimeters to centimeters. They may be firm to touch, look like domes, and may be reddish-brown or brownish-black in color. PN can appear anywhere on the skin that one repeatedly scratches or rubs, but the most commonly affected areas include the legs, arms, lower and upper back, abdomen, and buttocks. 8 common signs and symptoms of prurigo nodularis While the symptoms can vary from person to person, the following are common signs and symptoms associated with PN: