Cold sores or fever blisters are common skin conditions wherein people develop small, liquid-filled blisters on and around their lips or other areas. These blisters are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Usually, cold sores are contagious and can be controlled through treatment. However, certain foods can worsen symptoms in individuals. Here are some foods that are best avoided while managing cold sores. Peanuts Nuts are among the biggest triggers of cold sores as they contain a large amount of arginine. This chemical causes flare-ups and worsens cold sores in people with the condition. Among nuts, peanuts and hazelnuts contain the largest reserves of this chemical, and, therefore, they must not be eaten when dealing with cold sores. Additionally, peanut butter must be avoided entirely for two to three weeks, the normal lasting period for cold sores. Oranges Citrus fruits are another big no-no when it comes to foods to eat when one is coping with cold sores. Oranges and grapefruits are known for their citrus-filled refreshing flavor; therefore, one must avoid them at all costs. Such fruits contain an acidic element that will cause pain and a burning sensation when they get into contact with a cold sore blister.

The prostate gland is a part of men’s urinary and reproductive systems. It is responsible for making and releasing fluids that provide nutrients and lubrication for the sperm. When these cells that make these fluids develop cancer, they lose out on the normal control processes that the regular cells in the body have. If caught at an early stage, prostate cancer is curable. In rare cases, prostate cancer may have silent signs and symptoms, such as: Bladder or urinary troubles A prostate tumor that has enlarged significantly may begin to press on the bladder and the urethra, causing trouble in passing urine. This may include urinating more frequently, spotting blood in semen or urine, or incontinence. However, urinary symptoms alone may not signal cancer. They could result from benign diseases such as prostatitis or Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH), which cause similar symptoms. Losing bowel control Prostate cancer may also spread to the bowel, leading to stomach pain, constipation, or passing blood in the stool. Soreness in the groin The spread of cancer in the body impacts the functioning of lymph nodes. With the advancement of prostate cancer in the body, the nodes around the groin are often the first to be affected, causing pain or soreness.

Hemophilia is a rare, inherited condition in which a person lacks certain blood clotting proteins. The absence or low levels of these clotting factors means their blood won’t clot after sustaining any injury. Several symptoms of hemophilia may seem harmless and quite common on the surface; however, these are some underrated indications of this disorder in individuals. Here are a few silent symptoms of hemophilia that one must not ignore. Frequent nose bleeds Nosebleeds are common among many people during the winter months. During this period, people get nosebleeds as they spend time indoors often. The heated indoor air dries out one’s nasal passageways, making blood vessels weak. Eventually, the blood vessels rupture and cause nosebleeds. Sudden nosebleeds are a critical indicator of hemophilia. So, one must consult their local healthcare expert when they experience this symptom. Joint pains Frequent instances of internal bleeding can indicate hemophilia. This bleeding is caused by internal cellular and tissue fragility that causes frequent internal bruising and blood loss. These factors lead to joint pains in a person’s knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, elbows, or other areas. Most people may ignore joint pains as just another injury or sprain; however, one must consult a healthcare expert if one experiences prolonged joint pain.

Food is fuel for the body, but it is necessary to have foods with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that improve organ health and function. The skin is the biggest organ in the human body, serving as an external barrier that needs nutrition to fight skin damage. Naturally, this large organ needs a ton of nutrients. So here are some of the best foods that can help boost skin health and restore glow. Oranges Oranges are rich in vitamin C, one of the vital immunity-boosting foods one should regularly have. Vitamin C has powerful antioxidant properties to help protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by UV rays. Oranges also help improve skin hydration and promote better skin healing. One can add lemons, lime, and grapefruits to their daily meal plan. Further, tomatoes are also good sources of citric acid and provide lycopene, one of the essential nutrients for blocking oxidative damage and improving collagen strength. Citrus-rich fruits can be added to salads and daily meals. Cruciferous vegetables Broccoli is an antioxidant-rich vegetable that protects the skin cells from oxidative damage. It is also rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which help the skin regain the collagen and elastin lost due to sun exposure.

Maintaining healthy blood count levels and circulation is vital for all organs to function optimally. A drop in blood count reduces oxygen supply to the tissues and may lead to anemia, fatigue, concentration issues, and other serious health concerns. Similarly, poor blood circulation causes cognitive dysfunctions, digestive problems, and muscle cramping. Studies show that certain foods help to maintain healthy hemoglobin levels. Women, especially during pregnancy and menstruation, can benefit from consuming them. What improves blood count and circulation? Foods rich in iron and vitamins A, B12, B9, and C, help maintain hemoglobin levels. Vitamin C aids in iron absorption. Additionally, vitamins B, K, C, and E and omega-3 fatty acids have shown to improve blood circulation. Potassium or vitamin K, in particular, keeps the walls of the blood vessels strong and prevents bulging veins. Apart from food, an effective way of instantly improving blood flow and oxygen levels is to indulge in physical activity daily, like running, biking, walking, or stretching. Top foods that improve blood count and circulation Here are some superfoods that support heart health, boost blood count, and improve blood flow: Beetroot Beetroot is a powerhouse of nutrients with iron, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, and several vitamins.

It is no exaggeration to say that, at least biologically, people are what they eat. Bone health, especially, depends heavily on what one consumes. Certain foods, such as milk, soya beans, walnuts, salmon, broccoli, and spinach, strengthen one’s bones and joints. On the flip side, certain foods are terrible for the bones, making them brittle, porous, and vulnerable to damage. Some of the worst foods for the bones are listed here. Salt As much as salt benefits one’s health as a stabilizer and an antibacterial agent, excessive salt consumption saps the calcium from one’s bones over time. For instance, nutritionists believe that one loses approximately 40 milligrams of calcium for every 2,300 milligrams of sodium consumed. Sodium is one of the worst elements possible in this regard. Hence any foods containing it will be detrimental to one’s bone health. Excessive salt is usually found in canned vegetables, frozen meals, canned soup, store-bought baked goods, and other processed and over-packaged edibles. To counter such an excessive intake of salt, one can avoid processed food entirely, consume home-cooked meals, and control their salt content. Coffee Like sodium, caffeine also takes out calcium from all the bones in the body, making them brittle.

Acid reflux also called indigestion or heartburn, is a common digestive discomfit experienced by children and adults. The stomach is full of digestive juices that break down what one consumes daily. However, certain foods and beverages can trigger an imbalance in the delicate pH levels causing digestive juices splash up the esophagus. This action causes a burning and irritating sensation in the throat. It’s better to avoid the following foods and prevent indigestion by monitoring intake daily. Spicy foods Chilies, peppers, and spices contain capsaicin, a compound that can worsen the symptoms of acid reflux. Spicy foods take time to digest and irritate the esophagus during consumption due to their high potency. It is better to avoid any spicy foods when the stomach acids are already being thrown back into the esophageal cavity triggering unwanted episodes of heartburn. Citrus rich fruits Limes, lemons, oranges, and even tomatoes (yes, it is a fruit) are foods to avoid if one is already suffering from heartburn. All these fruits contain natural acids that can rumble up the stomach fluids and trigger a pH imbalance. However, this will only worsen the existing symptoms of acid reflux. Processed foods Fatty foods, fried foods, and ready-to-eat foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket are all loaded with additives, preservatives, and unhealthy trans or saturated fats.

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks itself. This autoimmune condition causes one’s joints and ligaments to swell, leading to pain and stiffness. A recent study found that over 25 percent of psoriatic arthritis patients who displayed fibromyalgia-like symptoms also experienced chronic fatigue. If left untreated, the condition may hamper one’s daily activities. Here are some ways to manage flare-ups and reduce the impact of psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis Psoriatic arthritis causes episodic flare-ups that may fluctuate between mild to severe. Apart from inflammation throughout the body, including the fingertips and spine, one may also find red scaly patches on one’s skin. Individuals may experience foot pain, lower back pain, loss of energy, sleeplessness, or weight-related issues and have trouble concentrating. In some cases, the condition may form tiny dents on one’s nails or lead to blurry vision. Psoriatic arthritis has no known cure. The goal of the treatment is to manage its symptoms and stop further deterioration of the joints and ligaments. 7 ways to deal with psoriasis arthritis Exercise regularly Physical activity can help to lessen pain and stiffness. Yoga, stretching, swimming, walking, or any low-impact guided workouts can help one to manage the disease symptoms without causing joint damage.