Breathing is such an involuntary and automatic process that one forgets that, unlike heartbeats, they can control and manage their breathing. One should usually breathe 12 to 20 times per minute. In addition to this, there are other essential things that one needs to be mindful of while breathing. Most people do not think twice about how they breathe, but the following mistakes can affect overall health in the long run: Breathing through the mouth One is supposed to breathe in oxygen through the nose and breathe out carbon dioxide using the mouth. However, breathing through the mouth can affect respiratory health as this does not allow the nose to carry out its functions. The nose is an incredibly complex organ with about 20 functions that actively aid breathing. Some of these are trapping dust particles and pollen grains, steadying the airflow, humidifying the air as it moves toward the lungs, assisting the diaphragm, and producing nitric oxide. By breathing through the mouth, one does not let the nose filter dust and other allergens. Additionally, one tends to breathe in about 2 to 3 times more oxygen than the required amount when breathing with their mouth. Breathing too fast Rapid breathing may seem harmless, but it is one of the common breathing mistakes that can wear out the lungs.

Arthritis is an inflammatory health condition that results in swelling across multiple joints in the body. It is a common problem that may cause stiffness and pain in the affected regions. Healthcare experts may indicate a range of treatment plans and therapies to improve symptoms of arthritis. But they may also recommend making lifestyle changes to curb symptoms of arthritis. Here are some of the best foods that help manage the condition and its symptoms. Pineapple The flavorful fruit contains a class of enzymes such as bromelain and is considered healthy for people with arthritis. Bromelain works as an effective enzyme that releases anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. The property is especially known to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis but may also help tackle the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. One could either eat pineapple fresh or drink its juice. Other ways to enjoy the fruit include blending it with other anti-inflammatory foods like romaine lettuce, ginger, and cilantro. One should also add water to the concoction until it reaches a preferred consistency. Salmon Fatty fish like salmon are one of the healthiest food sources for multiple reasons. The fish contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids known for their anti-inflammatory effects.

Osteoporosis is a bone condition that develops when bone mass and density decrease or when the structure and strength of the bone change. Although it can occur at any age, osteoporosis is a major cause of fractures in postmenopausal women and older men. These fractures most commonly occur in the hips, vertebrae, and the wrist. It is considered a “silent” disease because there are generally no signs or symptoms until a bone breaks. Signs of early-stage osteoporosis In the early stages of osteoporosis, one may notice the following signs: Receding gums If the jaw begins to lose bone density, it can cause the gums to recede. Bone density loss can also make the gums more susceptible to bacteria, increasing the risk for gum disease. Speak to a dentist about screening for bone loss in the jaw. Weaker grip strength Research conducted on postmenopausal women shows a clear link between low bone density and low hand grip strength. Lower grip strength also puts one at a higher risk for falls. Weak and brittle fingernails Nail strength is also a reflection of one’s bone health. Weak and brittle fingernails could signal low bone density or mass. However, nail strength is also influenced by a host of other factors, such as exposure to extremely hot or cold weather, regular use of nail polish or acrylic nails, and submersion in water for long periods.

There are many alternatives when it comes to managing diabetes. Certain lifestyle changes can help in alleviating the symptoms. Exercise is known to have a significant impact, and has been a constant solution to manage several health conditions. Exercise or even regular physical activity helps burn calories efficiently while significantly increasing one’s endurance and stamina. There are multiple physical activities one can try in order to manage diabetes. Some of these are listed below. Yoga Yoga includes meditative exercises that can calm one’s mind, soothe anxiety, and boost focus and concentration. People with diabetes spend most of their time worrying about their health condition, which can lead to increased stress levels. Therefore, doing yoga makes perfect sense. Additionally, the various exercises and stretches involved in yoga enhance a person’s balance, strength, and flexibility. Multiple studies have found a link between doing yoga and a marked decrease in one’s blood glucose levels. For elderly people who may find it difficult to do some of the more complex yoga exercises, the option of chair yoga is a useful avenue. Walking and running This is the most basic activity to combat diabetes and the likeliest to become a daily habit. Walking may be relatively low-impact in nature, but it is an ideal solution to improve one’s glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels.

GERD, or Gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic acid reflux condition that affects around twenty percent of the population. This condition causes burning discomfort, bloating, or even belching after almost every meal. One of the reasons this acid reflux happens is if the lower esophageal sphincter is weakened or damaged. The best way to manage this disease is to structure a good meal plan to avoid reactions. Here are some best foods to manage GERD. Ginger This has been used as a remedy root for many centuries for various chronic ailments. It has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which help treat complications like heartburn and other gastrointestinal problems. This root is said to have phenolic compounds, known for their ability to relieve gastrointestinal irritation and help reduce gastric contractions that can cause pain. Since it is also an anti-inflammatory herb, it helps reduce inflammation of the esophagus, which causes this acid reflux. You can consume this herb in several ways by adding it to food recipes or tea. Also, be careful not to overuse this ingredient and eat in moderation. Oatmeal A whole-grain breakfast option, oatmeal, is considered excellent for gut health. It is full of fiber which is known for its digestive properties that are essential when dealing with issues related to the gastro.

Exercising has a lot of benefits, some we are already aware of, some most of us overlook. Either way, its importance in our lives is not a secret. Why, then, do we choose to scroll through our phones or mindlessly jump between shows instead of using that time to build a healthier mind and body? Regular exercise not only helps you build muscles, it also helps you build resistance to various issues, such as migraines. So, here are seven exercises to sweat the migraine attack away. Stretching Stretching for as little as 10 minutes daily can significantly improve your headache. Migraines can be a pain to deal with, and exercising might be the last thing you want to do when in pain. When you don’t want to take time and exercise, try some simple stretches to help relieve your migraine. It will help improve blood circulation and, in turn, ease the tension. Some simple and effective stretches include: Chin tucks This is most effective in people that work at a desk and have poor posture as their constant companion. Chin tucks help realign the neck, head, and shoulders, improving your posture. Sit with your back against the back of the chair or the wall with your spine long while performing this exercise.

The lungs are one of the most vital organs in the human body. Thus, they must remain in good shape to live a healthy life. However, many foods can unknowingly cause them harm and worsen breathing difficulties, whereas adding the proper nutrients to the food regime can help one breathe easier and minimize symptoms of conditions like asthma and COPD. Here are some of the worst foods for lung health that may worsen breathing difficulties: Processed meat Processed meats such as bacon, ham, hot dogs, sausages, and other lunch meats are often treated with additives and preservatives to add flavor and extend their shelf life. This can harm lung health and function. According to certain research, processed meats have been linked with an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which may cause breathing difficulties. Additionally, processed meats also contain sodium nitrite, a known carcinogen that can increase one’s susceptibility to lung cancer. Vegetable oil Vegetable oils are used in most households to cook food. However, certain oils, such as canola oil, soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, and safflower oil, can be dangerous for the lungs. This is because they contain unhealthy fats that can lead to heart disease, increased inflammation, and excessive mucus production, which may impact one’s breathing.

Esophageal cancer affects the esophagus. It is the long tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. In this tube, cancerous cells grow for various reasons leading to tumors. As the tumor grows, esophageal cancer signs start to become evident. As soon as the symptoms show up, it is recommended to start treatment to prevent the cancer cells from metastasis. Here are a few esophageal cancer signs, causes, and treatments to make note of. Esophageal cancer signs Starting in the inner layers of the esophagus, the cancer cells grow outward, spreading to the esophageal wall. In the early stages, no symptoms are noticeable or detectable. However, as the cancer cells grow to the lymph nodes, the blood vessels in the chest, and other organs, some of these esophageal cancer signs start to manifest. Chest pain This is one of the most common symptoms of esophageal cancer. A person will start to feel pain, specifically in the middle area of the chest. The pain is similar to feeling pressure build up in the chest or like a burning sensation. After some time, the pain radiates to other areas, such as below the throat, between the shoulders, and behind the breastbone.