The liver is a vital organ that helps the body store fat-soluble vitamins and regulate cholesterol levels. Some of the other functions it performs are contributing to the synthesis of clotting factors and protein in the body and filtering the blood. Any damage to the organ can disrupt these key functions, resulting in various issues throughout the body that require immediate treatment. So, here are a few signs of liver damage one should not ignore: 1. Yellow skin and eyes The body produces a substance called bilirubin, which gives bile its yellow color. A healthy liver is able to get rid of excess bilirubin and keep its levels in check. However, with liver damage, the build-up of bilirubin in the blood can give the skin and eyes a yellow tint, which is also called jaundice. 2. Blood in vomit When dealing with a condition called liver cirrhosis, one may experience symptoms like vomiting blood. The condition initially causes loss of appetite, nausea, and itchy skin, gradually leading to vomiting of blood when left unchecked. This symptom can indicate a liver problem that requires medical intervention. 3. Dark urine The buildup of bilirubin in the body brought on by liver damage is responsible for another sign, i.e., changes in the color of urine. One may notice dark orange, amber, cola-colored, or brown urine as a possible sign of damage in the liver. This color change indicates that the organ is unable to perform its function and filter out harmful substances from the body. 4. Frequent bruising When dealing with an injury, the body needs proteins to recover in a timely manner. However, an unhealthy or damaged liver can lead to frequent bruising and bleeding in the body, as the organ is unable to produce the proteins needed for clotting blood. So, after an injury, the blood pools under the skin and causes bruises, which can be blue, black, brown, or purple in color.

Blood clots help stop bleeding and facilitate the repair of injured blood vessels. They usually dissolve once the healing process is complete. But sometimes, clots persist or form without visible injuries, potentially leading to health complications. Every year, almost 900,000 people are affected by this problem. Below are a few common early warning signs that can help people detect an abnormal blood clot and seek the guidance of a healthcare professional. Early warning signs of blood clots An intricate network of blood vessels extends throughout the human body, so clots can develop in various locations. The following early warning signs should prompt one to seek immediate expert attention: Swelling A blood clot may affect either veins or arteries. Both types of blood vessels are tasked with supplying blood and oxygen to and from the heart. If a clot appears abnormally in a vein, it can restrict blood flow to one’s heart and cause inflammation. The condition often causes localized swelling in an arm or leg. Pain and tenderness The area around the blood clot may become painful, tender, or sore. The discomfort can range from a dull ache to intense pain or leg cramps. Redness and warmth The skin over the clot may appear reddish or feel warm to the touch because of increased blood flow to the region. Pain, inflammation, and redness are more common in Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a type of blood clot that affects a deep vein (typically in the leg). Skin discoloration One may see bluish or reddish skin discoloration. A change in skin color can indicate poor circulation and clot formation. Unexplained shortness of breath Shortness of breath can result from pulmonary embolism (PE), a condition where a blood clot travels to the lungs and obstructs blood flow, making breathing hard. If someone experiences sudden shortness of breath, they must seek immediate expert attention.

Seizures occur when there is a malfunction in the communication process between the nerve cells in the brain. This interruption can have effects like loss of consciousness or impaired movements of the muscles in the body. While there are different types of seizures, if one has frequent episodes without any known cause, it is diagnosed as epilepsy. One can learn to recognize certain warning signs of seizures to help manage the condition. Stages of seizure There are four different stages of seizure in epilepsy attacks, and understanding each stage will help in better management of the condition. Prodrome stage This is the stage which is a warning sign before the seizure occurs. These symptoms often go unnoticed because they are very mild and can be difficult to recognize if one is not paying attention. Some of the common symptoms of this stage include confusion, irritability, anxiety, a “funny feeling,” headache, difficulty staying focused, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, and even behavioral changes. These signs can present themselves days or even hours before the seizures are about to occur. Aura This is the next stage of the warning sign, which is considered to be the early part of the seizure. There are cases where the aura stage itself is a seizure of sorts; it is also called a simple focal or partial seizure. When someone experiences simple focal seizures, this happens because the impairment is occurring in one part of the brain. When this malfunction spreads to other parts, it transforms into other types of seizures like generalized tonic-clonic seizures or GTC seizures. Most of the people who experience simple focal seizures do not lose consciousness. Here are some of the symptoms to observe: Experiencing intense anxiety or fear Feeling numb or tingly Confusion A feeling of deja vu Experiencing hallucinations in the form of smells, sounds, and even visions Feeling “butterflies” in the stomach and nausea Twitching of the muscles or jerking movements on one side of the body Change in blood pressure and heart rate Loss of bladder or bowel control There are some people who experience the symptoms of aura, and the condition subsides without leading to a prolonged or severe seizure.

Generally, eight hours of sound sleep is all one needs to ensure a productive and energetic day. Unfortunately, several people are observed to be suffering from some kind of sleep disorder. Sleep problems are linked to various health conditions, including type-2 diabetes, cholesterol, and cardiovascular diseases. Following a healthy sleep cycle is essential to enhance one’s overall well-being. So, here are 13 tips to follow for a healthy sleep cycle. Set the environment for sleep A conducive sleep environment is a prerequisite for undisturbed sleep throughout the night. For example, studies have shown that the pineal gland present in the brain secretes melatonin when exposed to the dark. Melatonin is the sleep hormone that facilitates drowsiness and sound sleep. So, it is advisable to sleep in a dark, cozy room with dim lights and thick curtains. Avoid sleeping for long hours during the day While taking a quick nap in the afternoon helps one feel refreshed to continue with work, sleeping for long hours during the day can reduce one’s sleep duration at night, affecting one’s sleep cycle. Therefore, it is important to limit one’s siestas by setting an alarm before napping and avoiding snoozing it. Limit caffeine intake Studies have demonstrated that 400 grams of caffeine taken even six hours before bedtime can disrupt one’s sleep considerably. Caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee have been shown to hamper sleep quality and duration, particularly when one has these beverages after sunset. It is important to limit or avoid caffeine, particularly before bedtime. Rise early While most people are familiar with the adage “Early to bed, early to rise…,” not many follow it meticulously. “Night owls” account for over 10% of the population in the country. Nightlife and a hectic work schedule aggravate one’s tendency to fall asleep during the wee hours of the morning and stay in bed till midday.

Strong and healthy bones are essential for mobility, protecting vital organs, and maintaining a strong skeletal framework. While many factors can influence bone health, such as genetics, physical activity, and hormonal balance, food also plays a crucial role. Essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, and others, help in maintaining bone health, while certain foods, if consumed excessively, may weaken bones. Here are some of the best and worst foods for bone health. Foods that weaken bone health High-sodium foods Excessive sodium intake can lead to calcium loss and ultimately weaken the bones. Consuming about 2,300 milligrams of salt leads to a loss of about 40 milligrams of calcium from the bones. On average, however, an average adult person in the country consumes about 5,000 milligrams of salt each day. Some obvious salt-rich snacks include pretzels, potato chips, canned soups, and processed meats like bacon, sausages, and hot dogs. While one can control the amount of salt added to one’s cooking, several products contain hidden sodium. For example, pre-packaged and ready-to-cook frozen meals are usually high in sodium to extend their shelf life and improve taste. Even some condiments and sauces like soy sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, and salad dressings can have hidden sodium. So, it is important to read food labels and make better lifestyle choices to reduce sodium intake. Soft drinks Carbonated soft drinks, including soda and energy drinks, contain phosphoric acid and caffeine, which may lead to decreased calcium absorption and increased calcium excretion. In addition, these drinks are high in caffeine and phosphorus, which have been associated with bone loss. High consumption of these beverages, especially in place of milk or other calcium-rich options, can negatively affect bone density over time. Excessive caffeine While caffeine is not inherently harmful to bone health, excessive caffeine intake can interfere with calcium absorption.

Liver cancer is a result of the development of a cancerous tumor in the liver. The condition has been classified as a leading cause of cancer deaths nationwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma being the most common type of liver cancer. Although the symptoms do not show up initially, diagnosing the condition as early as possible can help with timely treatment. So, here are some silent signs of liver cancer one shouldn’t ignore: Silent signs of liver cancer Unexplained loss of appetite Liver cancer may trigger the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, which can cause one to feel extremely full, even in the case of normal or lower food intake. Such a sensation of fullness can lead to loss of appetite, a possible sign of liver cancer. Yellowing of the eyes and skin Yellowing of the eyes and skin indicates the liver’s inability to digest a substance known as bilirubin and may be a sign of liver cancer or liver disease. Pale-colored stools The liver releases a substance called bile into the small intestine; this substance is responsible for the typical brownish color of stools. However, in case of liver cancer or damage, the liver is unable to produce or release bile, causing stools to turn light or white in color. Pale-colored stools are a common sign of liver cancer, although it may also be indicative of some other liver disease. Hard lump under the rib A hard lump forming under the right rib or on the upper part of the right abdomen may indicate the growth of the malignant liver tumor or swelling of the organ. Chronic pain Pain among patients with liver cancer typically occurs in the upper right abdomen, the right shoulder, or the back. This pain is usually dull and chronic and may be accompanied by abdominal swelling.