Esophagus is the muscular tube that connects the throat and the stomach. Esophageal cancer is a form of cancer that affects this muscular tube. It is rare cancer that can also lead to life-threatening complications. Most patients are diagnosed with this condition in its advanced stages as this type of cancer does not show symptoms in the initial stage. Keep reading to learn more about some common alarming signs of esophageal cancer. Warning signs of esophageal cancer Difficulty swallowing Also known as dysphagia, facing trouble swallowing is one of the most common signs of esophageal cancer. Dysphagia can occur because of a tumor that makes it difficult for food to pass through by obstructing the esophagus. The pain and difficulty in swallowing may be because of damage to the nerves that control the movement of esophageal muscles. Alternatively, it can also happen because of physical obstruction. As the tumor grows, the patient might experience increasing pain and difficulty swallowing solid food and eventually face problems with liquids. However, this symptom can also be attributed to several other health conditions. Acid reflux Acid reflux is considered one of the common indicators of esophageal cancer. It occurs when the contents of the stomach or the hydrochloric acid in the stomach go back up into the esophagus.

Constipation is a common condition that develops when one has fewer than three bowel movements a week. The stool that remains in the digestive tract hardens over time, making it difficult to pass. Constipation can be a result of health conditions or lifestyle factors. Although it can cause discomfort, it should not be a source of embarrassment. Further, to ease abdominal pain and reduce constipation, one should try the following drinks: Prune juice Prunes or dried plums are known for their laxative properties and for improving gastrointestinal health due to their fiber, sorbitol, magnesium, and potassium content. Certain studies have found that an intake of 80 grams of prunes per day can increase the load and frequency of bowel movements. Prune juice can relieve constipation by easing the movement of food through the digestive system. Lemon juice Lemon juice is a great source of vitamin C that pulls water into the gut. The increased water content helps soften the stool and facilitates digestion to relieve constipation. One can squeeze half a lemon into a glass of warm water and have it twice a day. Apple juice Apples are a great source of water-soluble fiber (pectin) and sorbitol, which can add bulk to the stool and help it move faster through the digestive tract.

Typically, people prefer to avoid visiting a healthcare expert since it is a stressful experience. However, a person’s skin, more often than not, provides an adequate picture of their health, so if the skin is showing signs of excess dullness, redness, changes color rapidly, or displays other symptoms, it is advisable to see a skincare expert at the earliest. Here are some of the signs that mean that one has to visit a dermatologist: Having dry, flaky skin patches Dryness and flaky skin patches are indicative of health conditions like psoriasis or eczema. In fact, these tend to be some of the early symptoms of such a condition, making it imperative for people to visit a dermatologist immediately. A dermatologist can correctly detect such conditions and provide the necessary treatment or prescription-based solutions to reduce the severity of the symptoms and improve one’s quality of life. One especially needs to consult a dermatologist if they experience flaky or overly dry skin on their scalp, chest, knees, elbows, or lower back. Having nail or skin infections Skin and nail infections mean that things like fungus, bacteria, viruses, or yeast have come into contact with a person’s skin. The most common indicator of this is swelling, inflammation, pus, warts, itching, or nail/skin discoloration.

Constipation is a common condition that develops when one has fewer than three bowel movements a week. The stool that remains in the digestive tract hardens over time, making it difficult to pass. Constipation can be a result of health conditions or lifestyle factors. Although it can cause discomfort, it should not be a source of embarrassment. Further, to ease abdominal pain and reduce constipation, one should try the following drinks: Prune juice Prunes or dried plums are known for their laxative properties and for improving gastrointestinal health due to their fiber, sorbitol, magnesium, and potassium content. Certain studies have found that an intake of 80 grams of prunes per day can increase the load and frequency of bowel movements. Prune juice can relieve constipation by easing the movement of food through the digestive system. Lemon juice Lemon juice is a great source of vitamin C that pulls water into the gut. The increased water content helps soften the stool and facilitates digestion to relieve constipation. One can squeeze half a lemon into a glass of warm water and have it twice a day. Apple juice Apples are a great source of water-soluble fiber (pectin) and sorbitol, which can add bulk to the stool and help it move faster through the digestive tract.

Maintaining good oral hygiene does not simply refer to brushing, flossing, and home remedies. Periodic planned visits to the dentist’s office also determine the scope of oral care in the long run. But one must also be aware of the possibility of dental negligence from the professional and unsafe practices that con unsuspecting patients. It’s necessary to assert extra vigilance and identify these common red flags that question the authenticity of dental care treatments. Providing inflated bills Often, people get overwhelmed with technical jargon used for explaining treatment packages. Some professionals take advantage of this situation to bill charges explicitly without one’s knowledge. Not paying attention to detail A comprehensive exam and a thorough review of past health complications can provide valuable insights for the dentist to plan a good treatment. However, if he or she is taking this step lightly, then it’s better to avoid fixing another appointment and find a better practitioner in the neighborhood. Lack of ethics Speaking rudely, not paying attention, or unnecessarily losing one’s calm because their patients are asking questions are all warning signs that should not be ignored or tolerated. Too many promotions and ads A dental clinic that spends too much time and money advertising on billboards and online may not be good enough, as there is such a thing called as overselling.

The nails, hair, and skin perform more vital functions than we can imagine. While the nails contribute to sensations and protect the digits, the hair helps regulate the body’s temperature. The skin forms the body’s outermost layer and protects it against harmful substances and injuries. Thus, healthy hair, skin, and nails are essential for overall physical well-being. Here are some foods one should incorporate into one’s meal plan for hair, skin, and nail health: Fatty fish Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, significantly boosting skin, hair, and nail health. They protect the body from sun damage and ensure good scalp health. Eggs Besides being excellent protein sources, eggs are rich in essential nutrients like vitamins A, E, and B7, zinc, and biotin. Consequently, they are highly recommended for hair, skin, and nail growth and strength. For example, one can have eggs for breakfast in the form of popular breakfast meals like scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, and omelets. Oatmeal Oatmeal is packed with fiber, zinc, copper, and essential vitamins. Zinc is particularly effective in reducing acne and facilitating strong nails. When eaten with milk, oatmeal can act as a complete breakfast meal and replenish the body with the required protein intake.

Although made from skin cells, fingernails and toenails are hard due to the laminated layers of a protein called keratin. Regardless of their texture, nails are an essential body part as they help us pick up things and protect our toes and fingers. Hence it’s crucial to care for them and maintain their health and appearance. What follows are a few dos and don’ts when practicing a nail care routine. Dos for healthy nails Keep them dry and clean Fingernails and toenails shouldn’t be kept wet for too long as moisture is a hotbed of bacteria production. Soaking the nails in water for an extended period can also lead to a split in the fingernails, which can become painful and lead to infections. Always wear rubber gloves with a cotton inner lining when washing dishes and cleaning the house or bathroom. They will keep your hands and nails from getting wet and coming into contact with harsh chemicals. Cut them regularly An essential component of good personal hygiene is cutting the nails regularly. While you can get a manicure from a professional, using clean clippers at home will also do the job. Cut the tips across and then shape them from the sides for a gentle curve that doesn’t hurt or get stuck in clothes.

Gastroenterologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating digestive tract disorders. This can include problems ranging from the passage of gas, celiac disease, and irritable bowel syndrome to even colon cancer, and more. While asking them certain questions can be embarrassing, one must not shy away from them. Instead, one must enquire about the issues to receive more information. Keep reading to know more about these questions and why they must be asked. Is passing a lot of gas an issue? Usually, one may release gas in the form of burps or even farts, but most people do not know that this gas forms due to many reasons. While the passage of gas is completely natural, sometimes when it builds up, it can lead to bloating and abdominal pain. This often occurs when the patient regularly eats fatty foods, has an increased level of stress, eats too quickly, or has irritable bowel syndrome. In such cases, gastroenterologists may provide a diagnosis of the underlying issue and develop a treatment plan. How do I know if my stool is normal? Typically, stool can be of different colors, shapes, and sizes. It must be log-like and have cracks on its surface.