Food is fuel for the body. However, not all daily foods and beverages are considered good for health. Also, there has to be a balance between fresh and packaged foods that form part of daily nutrition. Overconsumption only increases the risk of diseases and immune responses that affect one’s overall health. Here are 10 types of foods, beverages, and condiments nutritionists suggest avoiding or consuming in moderation to prevent flare-ups linked to MAC lung disease. Excessively salty foods Salt contains sodium, which causes the excess retention of fluids in the lungs and worsens inflammation or bloating symptoms. The extra pressure on the organ can cause breathing difficulties. Most packaged food items bought off the shelves in the supermarket contain excess sodium and should be avoided. Sugary foods and beverages Artificial sugar is empty calories and does not add any nutritional value. Adding too much sugar to daily nutrition increases the risk of diabetes complications associated with MAC lung disease. One must avoid sodas, fruit juices, and sugary confectionery. Processed meats Processed meats are laced with preservatives and additives. Further, cooking these meats on high heat releases nitrates that are bad for lung health and can worsen symptoms. Seafood Some types of seafood, like crab, shrimp, and lobster, contain high amounts of purine that are broken down by the body upon consumption.

Mouth breathing can lead to several issues. While this action can be controlled when awake, it is more challenging to control when sleeping. Many people involuntarily sleep with their mouths open, leading to bad breath, dry mouth, and snoring. Here is where mouth tapes come in. These tapes are designed to tape a person’s mouth shut during sleep to encourage nose breathing. Read on to learn more about the uses and benefits of mouth tapes. What is mouth taping? The idea of mouth-taping slowly grew popular as a home remedy to prevent breathing via the mouth during sleeping. The idea of the step is to tape the mouth shut to encourage nose breathing, which is known to have several positive effects on one’s sleep. Mouth tapes are small tapes that are specifically designed for this purpose. They are easy to apply and safe for the skin. Uses and benefits of mouth tapes Applying mouth tape over both lips right before sleeping helps one keep one’s mouth shut while sleeping. Its benefits include: Reduces snoring Snoring is a major sign that indicates mouth breathing. Snoring can not only disrupt one’s own sleep but can also affect one’s partner’s sleep. Mouth taping can prevent snoring by keeping a person’s mouth closed and encouraging nasal breathing.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition that significantly impacts one’s quality of life, particularly affecting breathing. Individuals often struggle with limited airflow, persistent coughing, and shortness of breath. While many factors may contribute to COPD flares, certain household products are lesser-known contributors. These products can release harmful chemicals, causing airway inflammation in individuals with compromised lung function. Here are seven household products that patients with COPD must avoid. Bleach and ammonia-based cleaners Known for their disinfectant properties, these products release strong and potentially harmful fumes when they come into contact with surfaces and the air. The inhalation of these fumes can lead to immediate respiratory irritation, triggering coughing and exacerbating COPD symptoms. These products can include oven cleaners, rug cleaners, and more. Spray and floor cleaners Many window cleaners and all-purpose sprays may be convenient, but they contain fine mist and chemical disinfectants that can exacerbate COPD or asthma. Similarly, floor cleaning products often contain a mix of chemicals and fragrances that can risk lung health. Individuals with COPD should consider using low-VOC or fragrance-free cleaners and ensure proper drying and ventilation after cleaning. Perfume Perfumes often contain a mixture of chemicals, including VOCs, that create their pleasant scent.

Dental procedures can be painful and time-consuming, not to mention quite uncomfortable for the patients if they have to keep their mouth open without any support. Therefore, dentists use a molded mouthpiece that helps improve access and provides a more sterile environment to perform complicated dental procedures safely. Here are some key benefits of autoclavable mouthpieces that explain why this is a value-added purchase for dental professionals to buy and incorporate into their daily consultations. Benefits of using autoclavable mouthpieces There are many advantages of using this technology for getting dental procedures done. Better visibility The autoclavable mouthpiece is simple to use and easy to install. It has a special cheek retractor that allows the patient’s cheeks to stay retracted and improve visibility while performing micro dental procedures. Better airway protection The design and shape of the mouthpiece also protect the airway from particulate matter that can get dislodged during a dental procedure and go down the airway. Also, a dedicated tongue shield prevents any injury or trauma to the oral pathway when using sharp instruments. Bite block guard One of the highlight features of an autoclavable mouthpiece is the bite block that comes with adjustable sizes. So, patients can comfortably use the device with adjustable settings that allow maximum room and comfort.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is characterized by itchy, dry, bumpy skin and redness, rashes, and crusts on the skin’s surface. Up to 25% of children are affected by it within the initial years of their lives. The condition has no cure; however, its symptoms may be controlled with a skincare routine and lifestyle changes, even among children and infants. Here are the signs and management tips for atopic dermatitis in infants. Signs of atopic dermatitis in infants Pigmented rashes Infants with atopic dermatitis may develop pigmented rashes all over their bodies, especially on the forehead, cheeks, scalp, and sometimes around the groin area. These rashes are usually red among infants with light skin and grayish, purplish, or brownish in babies with darker complexions. Thickened and scaly skin Eczema may be thicker and scalier among infants than adults. This condition, called lichenification, may appear on the hands, wrists, knees, or elbows, particularly when the baby begins crawling. Inflamed skin Atopic dermatitis may additionally cause inflammation, scaly skin, and rashes around the ears, eyelids, and mouth in children. Pus-filled blisters Infants with eczema may experience dry, itchy scales that may convert to blisters. Itchy bumps Itchy bumps or papules on the skin also point toward eczema in babies.

Discomforts that develop on the surface of the skin can be frustrating to deal with, especially when these are caused by conditions that may be chronic in nature. Something as basic as itchy skin can seriously affect one’s routine if the symptom is left unchecked. Many underlying triggers of a skin itch might develop as mild symptoms but can eventually progress into something more severe. Here are 5 common causes of itchy skin: Skin diseases and disorders One of the most common causes of itchy skin is linked to several known and common skin disorders like eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis, and even dry skin or xerosis. Apart from this, skin irritation can also be caused by scabies, burns, scars, hives, and insect bites, which can lead to mild to moderate itching. Allergic reactions Apart from internal triggers of itching skin, several types of materials and exposure to environmental pollutants can also cause skin rashes that cause itching to develop suddenly. For example, soaps contain compounds that can trigger a dermatitis reaction when the lather comes in contact with the skin. The same goes for lotions, perfumes, deodorants, antiperspirants, and fragrances used for the skin. Even many common types of fabrics, like wool or synthetic blends, can trigger a topical allergic reaction.

Eating a good breakfast activates the metabolism and gives the body the energy to break its overnight fast. It is the first and most important meal of the day that provides essential nutrition to support all organ and body functions. For individuals who don’t have the time to prepare breakfast from scratch, here are a few simple recipes that are excellent for supporting cardiovascular function and overall metabolism and can be easily prepared. Oatmeal with berries It is one of the simplest breakfast recipes to try out, made with very few ingredients and using minimal effort. Oats contain healthy beta-glucans that manage cholesterol, and assorted berries provide the antioxidant effect to prevent free radical damage. Avocado with toast Avocado is a natural source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids that promote excellent cardiovascular health and lower the risk of heart attacks. It also helps lower bad cholesterol and prevents fat buildup in the arteries that could lead to a stroke. Vegetable omelet Eggs contain high-quality proteins, and fresh vegetables like onions, tomatoes, diced bell peppers, and spinach provide the essential nutrients to promote a healthy outlook. Greek yogurt parfait This simple and creative recipe can easily be made for breakfast. Ingredients include some Greek yogurt full of probiotics and protein, topped off with various nutrient-rich fresh fruits.

Sepsis is an inflammatory health condition caused by an adverse reaction to the chemicals released in the blood to fight an infection. Any wound that is left uncovered and untreated can become a breeding point for fungi and bacteria, increasing the risk of sepsis. It is estimated that about 1.7 million adults nationwide develop this condition, requiring immediate medical attention. So, here are some warning signs of sepsis one should not ignore: Dizziness A sepsis episode or septic shock involves a significant drop in blood pressure levels, which can cause extreme dizziness and disorientation. Slurred speech and confusion Reduced blood flow to the brain here can lead to slurred and incomprehensible speech. The effects of sepsis on the brain include intense chaos and confusion, which can worsen if the condition is left untreated. Shortness of breath Sepsis may result in the inability to take in enough oxygen, causing shortness of breath. Some may also experience hyperventilation or rapid breathing. Low urine output Those with sepsis may experience multiple organ failure at advanced stages. Kidney failure may cause low urine output; in some cases, one may be unable to pass urine for a whole day. Urinary tract infections The infection associated with sepsis can start in the urinary tract.