The increasing number of people falling prey to cancer is rising, and ensuring that every home remains safe has become more important. Unbeknownst to many of us, numerous products we bring into our homes repeatedly contribute to the increased cancer risk. From everyday products found in kitchens to unsuspecting items in bathrooms and beyond, we can make changes that can create healthier environments and help prioritize our well-being. Let’s learn which household items to avoid. Cleaning products Most conventional cleaning products are being flagged for being harmful to health. They contain chemicals that make these products endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and in some cases, respiratory irritants. Various ingredients, including ammonia, formaldehyde, and phthalates, have been researched to be associated with different types of cancer. To avoid the risk of the disease, adopting eco-friendly alternatives with natural compounds is suggested. You can also use kitchen ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon to make your cleaners at home. Personal care products We are constantly bombarded with a range of personal care products that pop up in the market every day. And this drives our curiosity to try and test various products that claim to have so many benefits. However, some personal care products like soaps, shampoos, deodorants, and others can contain harmful ingredients.

Atrial fibrillation is a condition characterized by rapid, irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia, which begins in the heart’s upper chambers or atria. As less blood is pumped out of the atria, it can accumulate in this region, causing blood clots and increasing the chances of developing a stroke. In addition to timely treatment, a healthy lifestyle and meal plan can help one recover from atrial fibrillation. Here are some foods people with the condition should avoid: Processed foods Processed foods contain salt in large amounts, so they can increase sodium levels in the body. High blood pressure and heart disease are common consequences of a high-sodium meal plan. So, those with atrial fibrillation should avoid processed foods like frozen pizza and extremely salty foods like fries, chips, and burgers and replace them with healthy carb and fat sources. Red meat Although red meat is an excellent source of iron and protein, it is rich in saturated fats, which can increase the risk of developing heart diseases and aggravate atrial fibrillation symptoms. So, when dealing with atrial fibrillation, one should limit their red meat intake, replacing it with lean meat sources like poultry and venison. Sugary foods Studies have demonstrated that those with type-2 diabetes are more susceptible to developing atrial fibrillation than those with normal blood sugar levels.

Red blood cells (RBCs) are essential to ensure the proper functioning of vital organs in the body. The transportation of nutrients and oxygen to these organs depends heavily on RBCs. It’s important to note that insufficient RBCs can lead to organ dysfunction, which is why maintaining a healthy RBC count is crucial. Fortunately, one way to achieve this is through proper nutrition. Several foods can help increase RBC count, ensuring the body functions at its best. Pumpkin seeds These seeds are well-known for their cardiovascular health benefits and can also help increase a person’s red blood cell count. Pumpkin seeds have a characteristic crunchy feel, making them a handy snack option for people to munch on every now and again. More importantly, these seeds contain almost eight milligrams of iron along with nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and manganese. All these elements are essential to boost red blood cell production in a person’s body. Moreover, pumpkin seeds also contain loads of copper, another mineral associated with increasing the red blood cells in the body and enhancing one’s immune system. As stated, pumpkin seeds can be eaten alone or sprinkled over smoothies or salads. Regardless of how one consumes them, pumpkin seeds are a great way to increase hemoglobin levels.

This may not be widely known, but diabetes can also affect eye health when the blood sugar levels are very high in the body. The condition typically has many signs and symptoms that point toward deteriorating eye health; for example, high sugar levels can change the fluid levels in the eyes, cause swelling, or even damage tiny blood vessels. So, let’s look at some of the signs of poor eye health due to high sugar. Blurry vision If you are suddenly experiencing blurry vision, this may be likely due to the high sugar level in the blood. Blurry vision is usually a temporary problem and can be resolved by getting the glucose back to normal. The normal blood sugar should be between 70-130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL post meals. Once these numbers are under control, you can notice your blurry vision improving. It is said that it usually takes around 3 months of constant care and observation to fix the problem, so be consistent in your efforts, and you will see the results. Of course, always speak to your doctor to rule out any other causes for the blurry vision and ensure you are taking the right treatment.

Most people consume sugar on a daily basis. However, one may not know the dental problems associated with excessive sugar. These often include common issues such as cavities/tooth decay, tooth enamel erosion, gingivitis, and other diseases that can hamper oral health. If you are partial to fizzy drinks and sweets, you may want to learn about dental problems caused by excessive sugar and the signs to keep an eye out for. What are the common dental problems caused by excessive sugar? Tooth enamel erosion The shiny enamel layer on the teeth protects the body part against the effects of crunching, grinding, chewing, and biting. But it is susceptible to damage. So, when one drinks sodas and other sugary foods and beverages constantly, it can cause the bad bacteria in the mouth to eat away at the enamel, leading to its erosion. This can be further aggravated by the failure to clean the teeth regularly. Cavities/ Tooth decay Due to excessive consumption of sugar, one can have damaged areas in their teeth. These are commonly known as cavities and can develop into small holes or openings on the surface of the teeth. The main cause behind the formation of cavities is the bad bacteria in the mouth, namely Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sorbinus.

When eaten in moderation, sugar may have some benefits, such as improving one’s energy levels. However, excess consumption can have damaging effects on one’s immune system. It could result in the growth of unhealthy bacteria and yeast, which could compromise one’s immunity and lead to adverse effects on one’s overall well-being. So if the immune system is affected due to excessive sugar intake, here are seven signs one might experience. Regular cold Generally, adults may experience about two or three colds each year. People also usually recover in seven to ten days after falling ill. Recovery is possible because the immune system develops antibodies in about three to four days to fight the cold-causing germs. However, when immunity is weakened due to factors like too much sugar intake, it could affect the ways in which one’s immune system develops antibodies to tackle these invaders. So if one experiences regular colds, or develops one that does not run its usual course, it could indicate a problem with their immune system that requires an expert’s opinion. Stress Stress might be triggered by several factors, including significant life changes, constant worrying, and possibly work. However, if one finds themselves feeling high levels of stress for prolonged periods of time, it could indicate a weak immune system.

The term ‘heart disease’ is used to refer to a variety of conditions, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral heart disease, aortic disease, and others. These cardiovascular conditions are serious and put one’s life in grave danger. Learning their signs and symptoms can help recognize these conditions in their nascent stages and seek early treatment for a better chance of recovery. Thus, some early signs of heart disease to watch out for include: Chest pain Any discomfort or pain felt in the front of the body, in the region between the neck and the upper abdomen, is classified as chest pain. It is one of the most common symptoms that occurs due to poor blood flow to the heart or due to a heart attack. The severity of this pain may differ from person to person. During a heart attack, this pain may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, general weakness, change in skin color, extreme anxiety, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, or sweating. Shortness of breath A weakened heart can disrupt blood flow and cause blood to back up in the veins that go from the lungs to the heart. This fluid can enter the lungs and cause shortness of breath or even a choking sensation and may lead to heart failure.

Maintaining a youthful appearance is a common goal for many, but certain lifestyle-related factors, like excessive sugar intake, can accelerate the aging process. The impact of sugar on our overall health is well-known, but its effects on the skin are often underestimated. Extreme indulgence in sugary foods and beverages can affect skin health. By understanding the signs and consequences of excessive sugar intake, one can make informed choices about food intake and skincare routine. Puffiness and under-eye bags Excessive sugar intake stimulates the release of inflammatory compounds called cytokines, which are responsible for promoting inflammation, swelling, and discomfort. The inflammatory response can contribute to the development of puffiness and under-eye bags, making the skin look tired and dull. By reducing sugar intake, one can help mitigate the release of cytokines and minimize inflammation, ultimately encouraging a more rejuvenated and youthful appearance. Acne and breakouts Elevated blood sugar levels can trigger inflammation, affecting various bodily systems. The body produces an oily substance in the skin called sebum, which lubricates the hair follicles and moisturizes and protects the skin. Sebum production is greatly influenced by hormonal imbalances and lifestyle changes, including food choices. Excessive intake of sugar and carbohydrate-rich foods can lead to increased sebum production, which in turn causes acne and breakouts.

The liver excretes bile and regulates several hormone levels in the body. It stores fat-soluble vitamins and handles cholesterol homeostasis in the body. The food and beverages one consumes have a major impact on determining the liver’s functioning. Consuming excessive amounts of sugar, especially fructose, can lead to fat buildup, making one more susceptible to liver disease. Although this is a benign condition, it may progress to steatohepatitis or liver failure (cirrhosis). How does sugar consumption impact liver function? There are three simple sugars in the body: glucose, galactose, and fructose. Some of this is utilized immediately as energy, while the rest is stored for future use. The liver is responsible for metabolizing fructose. Naturally occurring fructose comes from fruits, vegetables, and honey. High-fructose corn syrup is also a common additive in processed foods like candy, bread, and condiments. Since the liver’s ability to metabolize fructose is limited, any excess fructose converts to fat. This process is known as lipogenesis. Fat is stored in various parts of the body, including the liver. Over time, excessive fat buildup in the body can lead to the replacement of healthy liver cells by fat cells, giving rise to fatty liver disease. Sugar also causes inflammation.

Excessive sugar levels can lead to several health complications. One of these significant disorders is diabetic nephropathy, which is a kidney disease. It is a debilitating condition that slowly affects the kidney’s function over time. According to the CDC, it is estimated that nearly 1 in 3 people with diabetes develop poor signs of kidney disease due to excessive sugar. Here are a few things one needs to know about the various diabetic nephropathy symptoms. Signs of kidney disease due to excessive sugar Diabetic nephropathy advances in stages according to a person’s estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which evaluates the kidney’s efficiency in filtering substances in the body. The normal eGFR value is approximately 100, and it decreases as kidney function declines. During the early phase of diabetic nephropathy, the eGFR level typically falls between 60 and 90. There are no observable symptoms at this point, and the kidney continues to function adequately, even if it is slightly damaged. However, if the eGFR level drops below 60, it may indicate poor kidney health due to high blood sugar levels. Changes in the frequency and amount of urination Normally, the kidneys filter blood and produce urine. However, high blood sugar levels can cause a loss of kidney function over time.