Kidneys are a significant part of the body that works toward eliminating waste and other toxins from the body so that bones remain strong and problems like high blood pressure and anemia remain at bay. However, when it doesn’t work optimally, it leads to improper blood purification, causing the deposition of waste material in the body and consequent health issues. Here are a few causes of kidney disease: 1. Diabetes Diabetes is known to be a major reason behind kidney problems and end-stage renal disease. This is because diabetes leads to elevated blood glucose levels, which may cause problems in other body parts. Additionally, in kidneys, it increases the formation of chemicals recognized as reactive oxygen species, or ROS. 2. Hepatitis The virus is known to cause damage to kidneys both directly and indirectly, as it is linked with renal vascular swelling and a condition known as glomerulonephritis, wherein the virus causes damage to the filtering units present along the kidney. 3. Membranous nephropathy The kidney’s main function is to flush out toxins from the blood. When a patient has membranous nephropathy, the person’s immune system is known to damage the tiny filters in the kidney. 4. Polycystic kidney disease This is a hereditary disorder that leads to the formation of cysts along the kidneys.

Dental implants can be great for people with missing teeth. They can make individuals who are insecure about smiling because of a missing tooth feel confident. However, the price of dental implant treatments can usually be a big worry. Fortunately, there are some ways to get a dental implant that won’t cost an arm and a leg. This article lists a few ways that can help one save money and pay for dental implants. 1. Do thorough research The first step to getting dental implants is understanding the pricing. One must look up dental offices in their areas, the services they offer, and their pricing for tooth implants. Some clinics might have cheaper plans or reductions. 2. Look into dental insurance coverage Even though dental insurance may not cover the whole cost of dental implants, some policies cover partial costs. One must go through their dental insurance policy to determine how much it will cover for getting implants. 3. Check out FSA and HSA One can use tax-favored accounts like FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSAs (Health Savings Accounts) to set aside money for dental implants. One should talk to their bank relationship manager about the choices and choose a plan to help save money on dental implants.

Everyone wants sparkling white teeth. As per studies, a smile is the most memorable feature that one notices in a person. But what is the secret behind getting the perfect pearly whites? Some may think that white teeth and pink gums indicate optimal oral health. If one needs a set of perfectly white teeth, treatments are available. So, below are the instant teeth whitening treatments that one can adopt to get a beaming smile: How to whiten teeth? Below are some of the ways to whiten teeth at home: 1. Using hydrogen peroxide A mild bleach that may be used to whiten discolored teeth is hydrogen peroxide. One can try brushing with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda for just two minutes twice a day for one week to achieve the best whitening results. Hydrogen peroxide should not be used over a long time or by those with sensitive teeth since it may worsen the sensitivity. 2. Whitening toothpaste Whitening toothpaste can be a safe and effective option to brighten teeth at home. This toothpaste contains unique ingredients, such as high-cleaning silica that can help remove surface-level stains or active oxygen technology that can whiten teeth over time.

Depression is a mental health concern that can affect anyone. It drains a person’s energy and leaves them feeling tired and empty. Those battling depression find it hard to focus on their daily tasks and often withdraw from society. Thankfully, the proper guidance from a professional can help one manage the problem. Below are a few valuable tips and strategies that can help people cope with depression better and improve their quality of life. 1. Accept the situation The first step toward tending to any illness, whether mental or physical, is to accept its presence and know the current situation is perhaps not permanent. Being open to the situation can help one navigate depression in the long run. 2. Focus on the positives Depression causes patients to focus on the problematic and unhelpful negatives of life. One should avoid this and instead focus on the good. Appreciating the small things in life can help immensely. One can maintain a diary and write down the meaningful or happy events occurring every day. 3. Set realistic goals Depression makes it difficult to carry out even the most basic tasks. So, instead of making a long list, patients should begin with a couple of tasks that can be completed throughout the day.

Atrial fibrillation is a health problem that affects a person’s heart. When someone develops it, their heart’s upper chambers do not beat in sync with the lower ones. If patients ignore the issue, it can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other complications. When doctors treat the illness, they try to control the individual’s heartbeat and restore the organ’s normal rhythm. They may use multiple approaches for the treatment process. Medicines 1. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers slow a person’s heartbeat rate when it is beating too fast. They lessen the organ’s muscle strain and give the ventricles enough time to fill blood completely. Atenolol, bisoprolol, and carvedilol are common names of beta-blockers 2. Blood thinners Doctors also call these medicines anticoagulants. Many people use them to lower the risk of blood clots and stroke. Experts may suggest warfarin for atrial fibrillation. It is the most commonly used blood thinner for this problem. 3. Calcium channel blockers Diltiazem and verapamil are the most common options in this category. Calcium channel blockers control a person’s heart rate and reduce the pumping action of the organ. People with low blood pressure, however, may need to avoid this medication. 4. Heart rhythm medicines These can also be called antiarrhythmics.

Angioedema refers to swelling within the skin, typically around the eyes and lips. The condition can develop as an allergic reaction or in response to certain treatments. Certain prescription options can help one manage the condition. One may also have to identify and avoid triggers to limit the episodes of swelling. Some foods can trigger an episode. So, here are some of the foods to avoid when dealing with angioedema: 1. Shellfish Shrimp, crab, and lobster are common food allergens. They can induce a flare-up in those with angioedema and so they should be avoided. One can opt for other sources of protein and omega-3s. 2. Nuts and seeds Tree nuts, like almonds, walnuts, and cashews, and seeds are known to cause strong allergic reactions. So, one should avoid nuts, nut butter, and foods with seeds. Additionally, one should check the food label before buying the product to avoid an allergic reaction. 3. Dairy products Dairy products such as cheese and yogurt contain histamine—a chemical involved in allergic reactions as part of the body’s immune response. One may also have trouble digesting lactose. So, one should opt for milk alternatives and limit dairy products. 4. Eggs Eggs can also cause or worsen allergic reactions.

Getting diagnosed with lung cancer can be hard to come to terms with. The treatment plan that follows can take a toll on the body; fortunately, eating certain foods can help alleviate the side effects of the treatments. As with foods that can help patients get better and give their bodies essential nutrients, they are foods that patients should avoid. This article lists certain foods that lung cancer patients should avoid: 1. Processed meats like bacon Processed meats like bacon, sausages, and lunch meats usually have extra nitrates and chemicals to keep them fresh. These things can be harmful during lung cancer treatment, as they might cause swelling and possibly stop the body from getting better. 2. High-fat dairy products like whole milk Dairy is a great source of calcium and vitamin D, but products like whole milk with lots of fat can be tough on the body, especially for those undergoing treatment for lung cancer. These foods can cause inflammation and trigger mucus production. 3. Desserts like cakes Eating too much sugar is usually not advised during cancer treatment because it might affect the immune system and cause inflammation. Also, sweet snacks and treats can lead to the intake of excess empty calories.

Food plays a vital role when it comes to allergies and intolerances. Studies state that the regular consumption of more processed foods compared to fresh foods can be linked to adverse immune system reactions and higher cases of asthma. However, some foods, such as almonds, apples, broccoli, and salmon, can also help relieve asthma symptoms. Here are eight such foods that individuals going through asthma may add to their food regime. 1. Vitamin E-rich foods Vitamin E-rich sources like almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds and oil, hazelnuts, avocados and spinach contain tocopherol, a potent antioxidant. This chemical compound helps decrease the risk of asthma symptoms like coughing and wheezing along with supporting lung health. 2. Fruits with vitamin C and flavonoids Brightly colored fruits like cherries, apples, oranges, grapes, and strawberries contain flavonoids and vitamin C and are rich in antioxidants, presenting as the best sources for asthma patients. Further, their anti-inflammatory benefits help overall lung health and respiratory function. 3. High beta-carotene foods Converted into vitamin A once ingested into the body, beta carotene has immune-modulatory properties, anti-inflammatory properties and also supports lung function. So, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes, apricots and broccoli are better suited for asthma patients due to their ability in helping reduce asthma symptoms.

Water plays a crucial role in our well-being as it helps in blood circulation, maintaining electrolyte balance and BMI levels, and regulating body temperature. Therefore, it is critical to consume an adequate amount of water based on our body’s needs. Generally, an individual should drink around 3-4 liters of water daily. However, it can be challenging to drink more water regularly. Nonetheless, incorporating a few tips and tricks into your daily routine can help you increase your water intake easily. 1. Experiment with different flavors If you’re looking for a change in the taste of water, you can mix or add different flavors to it. You can also add cucumber, strawberry, kiwi, lemon, chia seeds, or try other combinations. This will not only help you experiment with different flavors, but it will also provide you with several health benefits. 2. Buy a water bottle Water bottles have come a long way and now come in a variety of cool prints. They offer several benefits, such as keeping your water cold or hot for up to 12 hours, being condensation-free, leak-proof, and BPA-free. Some also come with different water levels marked to help you keep track of how much water you’re drinking.

Conditions like eczema can flare-up due to various triggers, like stress or contact with an allergen. Thus, people with eczema need to avoid things that cause a flare-up, including certain soaps, as they may have harmful ingredients. One needs to be very careful when choosing a soap, as the wrong option can make the skin drier and itchier than before. When purchasing a soap, it is important to pay attention to these 8 eczema-triggering ingredients. 1. Sodium lauryl sulfate One of the common ingredients found in soaps is sodium lauryl sulfate, which can be a major trigger for eczema-prone skin. Though this chemical helps remove oils and dirt from the skin and helps create lather, it can cause severe skin irritation and worsen the condition. 2. Fragrance Most people with eczema are sensitive to fragrances. Soaps with fragrances can make skin smell great but can also cause an allergic reaction. Cinnamic alcohol, cinnamic aldehyde, eugenol, isoeugenol, and geraniol are some ingredients to watch out for while buying a soap. People with eczema opt for fragrance-free products made for sensitive skin. 3. Cocomipropyl betaine Derived from coconut oil, cocomidopropyl betaine is a surfactant found in cleaning products, including soaps. This ingredient produces a lather and removes oils from the body, but it may cause allergic reactions in some people, leading to skin redness and irritation.