Most medical or health insurance plans do not cover dental services. As a result, many people opt for special dental insurance plans to ensure that their gums and teeth are well cared for. It is important to note that these dental insurance plans are not all-inclusive. Depending on the policy, one may find themselves paying out-of-pocket for several different services. Most commonly, the following things are not covered by dental insurance: 1. Select procedures While this may differ from provider to provider, many insurance companies, such as Orthodontia, do not cover the cost of select procedures. Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that focuses on malpositioned teeth and jaws and misaligned bite patterns (such as braces, aligners, or retainers). The cost of these procedures must then be borne out-of-pocket. In some cases, the cost of orthodontics may be covered for children under 19. 2. Cosmetic dentistry Most dental insurance plans do not cover the cost of esthetic or cosmetic dentistry, as these are not considered “medically necessary.” This includes services such as teeth whitening and veneers. 3. Pre-existing conditions Some dental insurance policies do not cover pre-existing conditions, such as missing teeth. The cost of treatment for such conditions is generally paid out of pocket. 4. Experimental procedures and services All dental insurance plans exclude any experimental procedures and services that are not performed under the expert supervision of a licensed dentist. In addition to these exclusions, one must also be aware of certain limitations that dental insurance plans may have, such as the following: 1. Waiting period Most individual policies have provisions for a waiting period before the policy kicks in in its entirety. Most policies have a six- to twelve-month waiting period for restorative work, such as fillings. The policy does not cover the cost of treatment during this time.

Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure that aims to promote metabolic changes and improve overall health for a better life. A lot of individuals choose to undergo this surgery for their well-being. However, the journey does not end with the surgery. After the surgery, it is essential to intake essential vitamins and minerals, as the surgery may reduce their regular food intake and their body’s ability to absorb these vitamins. Vitamins to take after the bariatric surgery To ensure that one does not experience vitamin deficiencies after the surgery, one must include the following vitamins in their routine. Vitamin B1 Also known as thiamine, vitamin B1 plays a pivotal role in the human body by aiding the conversion of carbohydrates into energy. Besides this, vitamin B1 also contributes significantly to the growth and proper functioning of cells in the body. An adequate supply of vitamin B1 is essential, as its deficiency can have severe consequences on neurological health, potentially resulting in permanent issues. Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 is essential to maintain both blood and nerve cells and keep them healthy. Since the absorption of vitamin B12 may be compromised after surgery, it is crucial for one to effectively manage its intake. A deficiency of vitamin B12 is signaled by symptoms such as tingling and numbness in fingers and toes, fatigue, and cognitive challenges. Vitamin D Vitamin D plays a significant role in the absorption of calcium, which is the mineral that is responsible for maintaining the bone and teeth health. Its deficiency can cause osteoporosis, which is a bone disease characterized by the weakening of bones. It can lead to bones becoming soft and brittle, which then escalates the risk of fractures. Hence, ensuring adequate intake of vitamin D is paramount for skeletal integrity. Vitamin A Vitamin A aids and influences several functions of the body, such as vision, reproduction, immunity, and cellular communication.

The liver is a vital organ that filters impurities from the blood and breaks down toxins. It also produces bile, which aids in fat digestion and eliminates waste from the body. If any of the liver’s functions are compromised, it may exhibit certain signs and symptoms that should not be overlooked. These symptoms could even indicate liver cancer, so it’s essential to be extra vigilant. Here are some liver damage signs one should look out for: Swelling in the abdominal region When the liver cannot function healthily, it exhibits some stressful symptoms. One of these stressful symptoms includes the leaking of fluids from its surface. This leaked fluid starts to collect in the abdominal cavity. Apart from the fluid leak from the liver, the intestines also start to leak fluid, and this symptom is known as ascites, which develops due to liver disease. Doctors believe that this is possibly caused by liver cirrhosis, a blocked hepatic vein, or it could also be a sign of liver cancer. Pale stools This is another warning sign of a damaged liver or liver disease. The liver’s regular function is to release bile salts into the stools, which give them their brown color. When the liver is under stress or not functioning properly, it can’t produce enough bile, and the bile salts can also become blocked, preventing them from draining out of the liver. When this happens, stools become pale, indicating that there may be a problem. It’s important to note that not every pale stool is a sign of an unhealthy liver, but if it happens frequently, it should be noted, and a doctor should be consulted to diagnose the issue thoroughly. Nausea When someone experiences acute liver failure, they may feel fatigued, nauseous, and lose their appetite. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and indicate a serious condition like liver cancer.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an esophagus inflammation caused by specific white blood cells – the eosinophil. Those with this condition often experience acid reflux and its associated symptoms, such as chest pain, heartburn, and trouble swallowing. Experts usually recommend treatment options to manage acid reflux and EoE, but one might need to take additional steps to avoid frequent flares. One such step is to eat healthy foods that will help improve the individual’s lifestyle and condition. Watermelon The melon is one of the highest in water content, making it naturally beneficial to people with acid reflux. The composition of watermelon helps dilute the acid in the stomach and reduce the risk of reflux. Watermelons are also known for other healthy properties like antioxidants and vitamins, which may reduce the inflammatory levels in the esophagus and the stomach. Other fruits rich in water and other essential elements include cantaloupe and honeydew. Bananas The fruit is known for its fiber-rich content and is also low in acid content. Bananas also have high potassium levels. Therefore, its composition is one of the healthiest choices to alleviate symptoms in people affected by acid reflux. The food works as a natural antacid that neutralizes the acidity levels in the stomach. One could eat bananas in place of a mid-meal snack or blend them with other healthy ingredients to create a delicious smoothie. It can also be enjoyed in a fruit bowl or with other breakfast foods. In either case, bananas should help manage the symptoms of acid reflux and eosinophilic esophagitis. Ginger The spice has ancient implementations in various healthcare remedies. One could try ginger to manage the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis or acid reflux. It is a natural anti-inflammatory food that can be used in several forms. Ginger helps lower inflammation in the esophagus and the rest of the body.

To understand eosinophilic esophagitis, one must first comprehend the meaning of two important terms: esophagus and eosinophils. The esophagus is the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. Eosinophils are the white blood cells in the digestive system that defend the body against allergies and parasites. Eosinophilic esophagitis (also called EoE) results from an atypical immune response within the digestive tract, which increases the number of eosinophils in the esophagus’ inner lining. Warning signs in adults Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is a hallmark symptom of the condition. Patients, both children and adults, may feel like food is stuck in their esophagus, making swallowing uncomfortable and challenging. This symptom often leads to delayed or impaired passage of food through the esophagus. Food impaction Eosinophilic esophagitis can sometimes lead to food impaction. This symptom is characterized by difficulty and discomfort as food gets lodged in the esophagus after swallowing. Food impaction can result in fullness, chest discomfort, and the need for expert intervention to remove the impacted food. Centrally located chest pain Centrally located chest pain that does not respond to home remedies is another distinctive symptom in adults. This pain is usually intense and can be attributed to inflammation and structural changes in the esophagus. Immediate attention is essential when individuals encounter chest pain, particularly if the pain is accompanied by shortness of breath or pain in the jaw or arm. A combination of these symptoms may indicate a heart attack. Regurgitation or reflux Regurgitation, characterized by the backflow of undigested food, is another common symptom in adults. When the esophagus does not function properly, the food from the stomach travels upward into the esophagus. This causes discomfort and sometimes a sour taste in the mouth. Regurgitation usually does not improve, even with general treatments or home remedies.

Narcolepsy refers to a chronic neurological disorder in which the brain is unable to control the body’s sleep-wake cycles. Consequently, individuals with this condition typically feel energized immediately after waking up but feel lethargic throughout the day. Although narcolepsy does not lead to serious health conditions in the long run, it can impact one’s daily functioning significantly. So, here are some signs of narcolepsy one shouldn’t ignore: Warning signs of narcolepsy 1. Excessive sleepiness throughout the day A brain chemical known as hypocretin or orexin typically controls one’s sense of wakefulness. However, patients with narcolepsy are deficient in hypocretin. This deficiency is believed to be caused by the immune system’s attack on the cells that produce this brain chemical or the receptors that enable its functioning in the body. Consequently, the onset of narcolepsy leads to excessive sleepiness throughout the day despite a good night’s sleep. 2. Sleep paralysis Sleep paralysis is when one experiences loss of speech and movement while falling asleep or upon waking up. Although it lasts for a few seconds or minutes, sleep paralysis can be debilitating. This symptom is not experienced by all individuals with narcolepsy but may be a sign of the disorder and should not be ignored. 3. Fluctuations in REM sleep Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep is the initial stage of sleep, wherein one’s eyes move rapidly in different directions while the individual is asleep. This sleep stage is indispensable to ensure the brain’s optimal consolidation of memories during sleep and the development of the central nervous system. It is also the stage in which most individuals experience dreams. Although most individuals enter the REM stage 60-90 minutes after falling asleep, patients with narcolepsy enter REM prematurely, typically within 15 minutes. Such fluctuations in REM sleep result from changes in brain activity.