Ordinarily, the immune system protects the body from foreign, illness-causing cells. However, autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s defense system begins mistakenly attacking healthy cells instead. There are over 80 types of known autoimmune diseases, and they can appear in almost every part of the body. Therefore, each disease comes with its own unique symptoms,...

Sinusitis, or sinus infection, occurs when the tissue lining the sinuses becomes inflamed or swollen. Most common sinus infections are caused by viruses or bacteria, whereas fungal infections are often overlooked as a cause. When the sinuses become infected, aggravated by allergies or blocked due to structural issues, mucus builds up. This creates an environment...

Cancer is a leading cause of death around the world, with almost 10 million deaths recorded in 2020 alone. In 2022, there were almost 20 million new cases of the disease. It’s, therefore, no surprise that scientists and researchers are constantly looking for new and effective treatments to deal with cancer. Thankfully, there have been...

The debate over when the best (or correct) time to shower, either morning or evening, is more controversial than one would assume. For some, a morning shower is an essential wake-up ritual, acting as a regulator of the individual’s circadian rhythm. Others, who shower at night swear by the relaxation of an evening cleanse to...

Dementia, a progressive neurological condition which causes cognitive decline is one of the major causes of death around the world. As individuals age, the risk of developing dementia increases. Researchers estimate that dementia rates will increase drastically, doubling by 2060. Dementia rates rising are driven by demographic trends and lack of access to dementia-preventative resources....

Unless you are a flamingo, chances are you don’t spend much time standing around on one leg. Yet, according to new research, your ability to do so for an extended period can potentially reveal how healthy you are. The study examined a group of people 50 years and older to assess their ability to stand...

We all know that sugar is delicious. It has been prized by humans for centuries. Children even have a preference for sweet foods over sour because, historically, sour indicated potential poison whereas sweet did not. Sugar has even been used as currency in some parts of the world. The thing is, sugar is not all...

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, meaning your body cannot produce it and must be sourced from your diet. It is needed for the production and maintenance of your body’s enzymes, proteins, and neurotransmitters. Your body also uses tryptophan to produce serotonin and melatonin, which help with sleep regulation, mood, appetite, and pain. The liver...

Chronic kidney disease is characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function. The kidneys are vital for filtering excess fluids and wastes from the blood. With advanced kidney disease, there is a dangerous build-up of wastes, fluids, and electrolytes in the body. In many cases, people aren’t aware that they have the disease until they...

Tooth discoloration is common but widely unwanted. Sparkling white teeth are the current beauty standard, and they are indicators of good oral health — but not always. Sometimes teeth are discolored but still healthy. For example, people’s teeth can look naturally yellow, or turn darker as they age. However, certain brushing techniques can also cause...

Everyone experiences tiredness on occasion, but fatigue is the persistent feeling of physical or mental exhaustion that can significantly impact daily life. Unlike occasional tiredness, fatigue often feels overwhelming and may not improve even with rest or sleep. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including lifestyle habits, medical conditions, and psychological issues....

High cholesterol, especially “bad” cholesterol, poses a significant threat to heart health, increasing the risk of heart diseases and heart attacks. “Bad” cholesterol specifically refers to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. LDL contributes to plaque buildup in the walls of the heart’s arteries, leading to conditions like atherosclerosis (artery hardening). Atherosclerosis increases the risk of heart...