Atrial fibrillation (AFIB) is an arrhythmia that affects the heart’s upper chambers. It happens when the electrical impulses controlling these chambers go haywire, resulting in an irregular heartbeat. AFIB is not life-threatening but can aggravate the risk of blood clots, stroke, and congestive heart failure. Though there is no cure, several treatment options and healthy eating habits can help manage the condition.  Here are a few heart-healthy foods to keep atrial fibrillation at bay. Black beans Black beans have several heart-healthy compounds like magnesium, antioxidants, and folate that help reduce blood pressure, a prevalent AFIB trigger. It helps manage your blood sugar levels and keep cholesterol in check. One can add black beans to salads and soups, but rinse the canned beans to eliminate all the extra salt sticking to them.  Fruits and vegetables Veggies and fruits are excellent vitamin and mineral sources. They are rich in nutritional fiber and low in calories. Fruits and vegetables contain ingredients that help keep heart diseases at bay. Moreover, one can easily cut back on high-calorie foods like snack foods, cheese, and meat by eating vegetables and fruits. Adding fruits and vegetables to your routine is easy. Keep them handy as washed and cut, and put them in your refrigerator to enjoy as a quick snack.

Breast cancer is a cancer that occurs in the cells of the breast. There are several types of breast cancer, and the kind depends on which cells in the breast turn malignant. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in women in the country. However, breast cancer can occur in women as well as men, but is more common in women. Read on to learn more about breast cancer. Symptoms A lump or mass that feels as small as a pea Change in the contour, shape, or size of the breast Marble-like hardened area underneath the skin Redness of the skin on the nipple or breast Change in the feel or look of the skin on the nipple or breast A thickening or lump in or near the breast or in the underarm, which persists through the menstrual cycle Clear fluid discharge or blood-stain from the nipple The area looks distinctly different from other areas on the breast Newly inverted nipple Some people might not notice any breast cancer signs, so it is vital to undergo routine mammograms. Causes The precise cause for breast cancer is unknown. However, sometimes it is inherited. It is known as hereditary breast cancer.

Also known as chronic kidney failure, chronic kidney disease involves gradually losing kidney function. Kidneys filter excess fluids and waste from the blood through urine. When affected by kidney disease, the organs fail to eliminate the waste, resulting in the accumulation of toxins in the body. One may not experience any symptoms in the early stages. However, if detected, the treatment focuses on slowing the disease progression by addressing the cause. Causes Some of the primary causes of chronic kidney disease are: High blood pressure: Also known as hypertension, this develops when the pressure of the blood against the vessel walls increases. If left unchecked, it might result in kidney disease, strokes, and heart attacks. Conversely, even chronic kidney disease can result in high blood pressure. Diabetes: One is affected by diabetes when their blood sugar levels are too high. If left unchecked, diabetes might cause damage to various parts of the body, like blood vessels, the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Hypertension and diabetes are the primary conditions responsible for approximately two-thirds of all chronic kidney disease cases. Additionally, the following factors also contribute to the risk of developing kidney problems: Inherited diseases: Conditions like polycystic kidney disease are prevalent causes of kidney failure.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative condition that affects the macula—the small central area of the retina responsible for central vision. The condition is the leading cause of vision loss in those over 50 and is a significant public health issue. Despite its prevalence, there are still many myths and misconceptions about the condition that prevent others from understanding the risks, symptoms, prevention, and management of age-related macular degeneration. Symptoms Early signs of AMD include a sudden change in vision, such as more blurriness or distortion than usual. One may also experience difficulty reading fine print or recognizing faces at a close distance. As the disease progresses, one may lose peripheral vision and eventually be unable to see anything beyond 20 feet (6 meters). Other symptoms include loss of eyesight in one or both eyes, change in color perception, and trouble driving or walking at night due to poor visibility at dusk and dawn. Common myths about AMD The condition is rare There are many myths about the disease, but one of the most prevalent one is that the condition is rare. However, millions of people experience some form of age-related macular degeneration, i.e., it affects nearly 1 in 10 people over the age of 50.

Excessive sugar intake has been linked to several health problems, including high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If one is worried about their sugar intake, this is a common concern, and over time, there has been a growing emphasis on limiting sugar. This is possible by making minor changes to daily meals and lifestyle, helping one lower the risk of developing serious health problems. So, here are some practical ways to cut down on sugar: What is hyperglycemia? Hyperglycemia is a condition in which one’s blood sugar levels are abnormally high. There are two main types of hyperglycemia: fasting hyperglycemia and postprandial hyperglycemia. Fasting hyperglycemia is when the blood sugar level is higher than 125–130mg/dL after not eating for 8 hours or more. Postprandial hyperglycemia develops when the blood sugar level is higher than 180 mg/dL about 1–2 hours after a meal. People with high blood sugar might experience symptoms like headache, blurred vision, thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. Causes High blood sugar is a common problem that can lead to diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its cells, leading to insulin resistance and eventually diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is more commonly the result of lifestyle factors, such as poor eating habits and a lack of exercise.

Kidney disease is a severe health condition that can lead to kidney failure. The organ helps to refine and remove waste products from the blood. When kidney disease occurs, it can damage different organs of the body and lead to serious health problems. This condition causes toxins to accumulate in the blood, causing kidney damage and impairing their function, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. What are the causes of kidney disease? High blood pressure Elevated blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time by causing them to lose their ability to filter toxins and fluids from the bloodstream properly. Diabetes Diabetes increases your risk for kidney disease because it damages the blood vessels in your body, including those that supply blood to the kidneys. Pyelonephritis (a type of urinary tract infection) This can cause inflammation and scarring in the renal tissue, leading to kidney failure. Vesicoureteral reflux This is when urine backs up into the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the bladder to the outside world. It often leads to renal failure if it’s not treated on time. Interstitial nephritis This is an inflammation of the kidney cells that results in decreased function or even loss of kidney function over time.

A healthy kidney function is pivotal for maintaining good health. Every thirty minutes, they filter the blood and remove excess fluids, poisons, and waste from the body. Kidneys also produce vital hormones and control blood pressure. Every one in seven adults in the country suffers from kidney disease, which impairs kidney function. Consequently, excess waste and fluid accumulate in the body. It might cause several health problems like stroke and heart disease. Read on to know more. Causes Acute kidney disease If the kidney suddenly stops functioning, the doctors refer to it as acute renal failure or kidney injury. Its primary causes are: Urine backing up in the kidneys Not enough blood flow to the kidneys Direct kidney damage These things may happen when: A woman experiences pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and eclampsia. One undergoes a traumatic injury involving blood loss, like a car accident. A person inhales toxins that cause damage to the kidney. One has kidney stones or an enlarged prostate that hinders urine flow. One gets into shock because of sepsis. Muscle tissue breaks down, or one is severely dehydrated, which sends excessive kidney-toxic protein into the bloodstream. One has an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a skin disease that causes significant discomfort. The dry and itchy skin can make life difficult for those who suffer from the condition. Hence, this article will discuss everything one needs to know about atopic dermatitis. It will discuss AD’s symptoms, triggers, and management. Therefore, this information is vital to help manage the condition if you or anyone you know has atopic dermatitis. What is atopic dermatitis? Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that can cause intense itching and inflammation. It is most prevalent in children but can arise at any age. It often runs in families and may be aggravated by environmental factors such as stress, cold weather, and harsh chemicals. It can also be debilitating, causing immense physical discomfort and psychological distress. Flares (episodes of intense symptoms) are common with atopic dermatitis. However, remission (when the symptoms are milder than usual) usually lasts for several months but can last for years in some cases. Symptoms If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, you likely have atopic dermatitis (AD). AD is a chronic skin condition that can be highly frustrating, as it often involves recurring episodes of eczema or dermatitis involving both dry and wet phases.