Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the esophagus -the muscular tube that allows food to pass from the throat to the stomach- causing discomfort. Various factors contribute to developing the condition or triggering flare-ups, including certain food items. Understanding these trigger factors helps patients explore alternatives that are healthy to eat while managing the condition. Keep reading to learn more about foods that worsen EoE symptoms and how to avoid them. Chocolate Unfortunately, chocolate can be a trigger for EoE. Studies suggest foods that carry a higher probability of causing heartburn or acid reflux can worsen eosinophilic esophagitis in patients. Chocolate is one such food that is counter-indicated for patients with heartburn. To avoid complications, satisfy your sweet tooth with carob-based treats or enjoy desserts with alternative ingredients. Nuts Peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and many other nuts can result in an allergic response. Intake of these nuts can trigger severe EoE symptoms. Allergic reaction in the body leads to increased inflammatory levels and swelling. Replace nuts and peanuts with seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or explore nut-free alternatives. Seafood Seafood is often considered one of the healthiest sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, shellfish and fish are also among the foods people can be allergic to. Intake of seafood can trigger eosinophilic esophagitis symptoms in some individuals. It can increase inflammation in the esophagus and might even trigger acid reflux in some patients. To improve symptom management and the severity of the condition, avoiding these foods from the meal plan is best. Instead, one can opt for other protein sources like chicken, turkey, or legumes. Soy Soy is a common source of food allergy in individuals. Its regular use might even lead to people developing sensitivity or experiencing digestional discomfort. Excessive intake of soy sauce, soy milk, and tofu can lead to complications as all of these products contain a type of protein that elicits an increased immune response in susceptible individuals.

The bladder is responsible for storing urine before it is flushed out of the body. Just like other organs, the bladder is susceptible to a range of complications due to factors like genetics and age. However, one may also unknowingly indulge in certain unhealthy habits that can affect bladder health. This could result in urinary tract infections, urinary retention, or urinary incontinence. So, here are a few habits one should avoid for a healthy bladder: Holding it in for too long One may choose to hold in urine when occupied at work or while watching a movie, attending a concert, or traveling. While these are rare situations, one should not make it a habit. Holding in urine for a long period could result in urinary infections, as the bladder may turn into a breeding ground for algae and bacteria. Further, delaying urination can cause the bladder to stretch. So, it is essential to pee whenever one feels the urge, as this can help maintain a healthy bladder. Not emptying the bladder Not peeing completely could be as bad as holding in urine for a long time. While this could be intentional when one is in a rush, it may also develop due to urinary retention. The bladder can become unable to completely empty itself due to blockages, infections, neurological conditions, swelling, and side effects of prescriptions. So if one finds that they are unable to urinate completely, they must consult a healthcare expert immediately. One should also avoid ignoring this issue and look for signs such as swelling or pain in the lower abdomen, the urge to pee right after urinating, a slow stream, and frequent urination in small amounts. Overlooking excessive urination Sometimes one may urinate more than 8 or 9 times a day. There are many reasons for excessive urination, including age and lifestyle.

Getting a good night’s rest is critical for the mind and body to rejuvenate for the next day. Adults must get a minimum of 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night to maintain a healthy outlook and avoid complications from developing in the future. But there are certain nutrition choices and lifestyle habits that develop inadvertently, whereas others are forced errors that prevent you from getting good sleep. Here are 9 such mistakes to avoid. Drinking coffee or tea before bed Drinking tea or coffee at night is not recommended because they contain caffeine, which is a stimulant that can increase metabolism and prevent the body from resting. Drinking these beverages at night will also keep the mind alert as the caffeine stays in the system for a long time where its effects persist. According to experts, it’s best to avoid consuming beverages that contain stimulants, such as coffee or tea, after 6 pm. Taking a cold shower before bed The body and mind are trained to respond to the daily routine in a fixed manner. So, taking a cold shower signals the brain that it’s time to wake up and be alert, as most people shower first thing in the morning. Showering at night could mix up the signals and confuse the brain into thinking it’s time to stay alert rather than power down to get rest. This can affect sleep, making it hard to get some shut-eye. Instead, experts suggest taking a hot shower, if necessary, a few hours before bed. Hot water mainly helps the muscles relax and provides a soothing effect beneficial for sleep. Following an erratic sleep cycle The body and mind have a set circadian rhythm that controls when we wake up and go to sleep through the release of hormones. At night, the metabolism slows down to allow the organs and vital functions to rest.

Autism is a condition associated with the development of the brain. This condition often exists in a spectrum, implying a range of symptoms and severity of autism. Depending on where a child is in the autism spectrum, it changes how they socialize with others and perceive everything around them. This may cause hindrances in communication and social interactions. To understand this condition better, here are a few causes and early signs of autism in children. Causes of autism The exact causes of autism are not yet known. However, based on ongoing research, experts have concluded that certain genetic or chromosomal conditions can potentially affect infant brain development. In addition, several risk factors increase the probability of autism, such as: A child has the possibility of having autism if a close family member, such as a parent or a sibling is on the spectrum. A child has a 10 percent chance of being autistic if they have another genetic syndrome such as Fragile X or Down syndrome. Some research suggests that children may have autism if parents have conceived them at an advanced age. Certain prescriptions before pregnancy may increase the likelihood of autism in infants. The above risk factors do not necessarily mean a child will have autism. However, if any of the above risk factors are present, watching out for a few common signs is recommended. In many cases, children on the spectrum will begin to show autistic signs at a few months old. In other cases, a child may develop normally in the initial few months or years and show the symptoms later. However, in several cases, the early signs of autism in children become apparent before they are 12 months old. Also, in most cases, the signs of autism are noticeable before the child is two years old.

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the third most prevalent cancer in the country. The American Cancer Society reports that about 1 in 25 women and 1 in 23 men may develop colon cancer during their lifetime. It starts in the large intestines and colon, with some instances beginning in the rectum. These organs are part of the digestive system. Read on to learn more about colon cancer, including its symptoms, causes, stages, and treatment. Signs and symptoms of colon cancer Issues with bowel movement Changes in bowel movements can be a sign of colon cancer. Watery stools caused by diarrhea, sudden changes in stool consistency, constipation, or hard, dry stool with fluid leakage are potential indications. Although these symptoms may indicate digestive system problems, it is crucial to seek medical attention if they persist for an extended period. A doctor may recommend undergoing tests to detect cancerous cells in the colon. Bleeding from the rectal area Another common sign of colon cancer is rectal bleeding. The bleeding may occur in the digestive tract. As a result, the stool may appear maroon, crimson red, dark brown, or even tar-like black. But in some cases, the bleeding is not very clear. It can be seen only under a microscope. Since this symptom is similar to hemorrhoids, getting a diagnosis as soon as possible is recommended. Feeling discomfort in the abdomen Colon cancer can lead to abdominal discomfort due to the growth of cancerous cells in the colon, which disrupt the digestive process. This can result in the formation of excessive gas in the stomach, severe abdominal pain, and bloating. Even without eating full meals, there may be a feeling of fullness in the stomach. Occasionally, one may also feel nauseous. Incomplete bowel movements Since colon cancer begins in the colon located in the lower part of the digestive system, it can affect the excretion process of the body.

To maintain good health, it is important to create a healthy sleep and wake-up schedule. Poor sleep can negatively impact hormonal balance, exercise performance, and even brain function. While many factors can interfere with the quality of your sleep — from responsibilities and stress to illnesses — there are several things you can do before bed for a good night’s sleep. Here are nine secrets and tips to help you sleep better at night. Reduce your blue light exposure in the evening The body has a natural circadian rhythm or a time-keeping clock, which governs the best time to sleep and wake up. Working according to this clock can help improve your productivity and energy levels during the day, as well as sleep quality and duration during the night. Exposure to bright lights in the evening or night can upset this rhythm and affect melatonin levels in the body. Blue light is emitted by several electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and TVs. While avoiding them entirely during the evening may be difficult, the following tips may help: Wear glasses that block blue light Download an app on your phone or laptop that can block blue light Stop watching TV and turn off any bright lights at least two hours before bed Don’t drink any liquids before bed Drinking water or any liquids before bed is likely to increase your chances of waking up in the night to pass urine, thus disturbing your sleep. While it is important to stay hydrated, try to avoid drinking large amounts of fluids 1-2 hours before bedtime. Set your bedroom temperature The temperature of your room plays a major role in affecting the quality of your sleep. You may not be able to fall asleep comfortably when it’s too warm or too cold. For most people, 60-70℉ is the most comfortable temperature to induce quality sleep.