The immune system functions as the body’s gatekeeper, warding off harmful external agents like bacteria and germs and protecting against related health conditions. Hence, a strong immune system is essential to ensuring physical well-being. The immune system’s strength is determined by several factors, including the prevalence of lifestyle diseases and one’s food intake. Several studies have associated excessive sugar intake with a weakened immune system. Here are some ways in which sugar can affect immunity: How sugar affects the immune system This is how excess sugar intake affects the immune system: Diabetes Excessive sugar intake is directly linked to the onset of type-2 diabetes and hyperglycemia, a condition caused by excessive glucose concentrations in the body. Hyperglycemia inhibits the immune response, increasing the risk of developing bacterial and viral infections. Cholesterol Excessive amounts of sugar can lower good cholesterol and increase LDL cholesterol levels. The accumulation of cholesterol in the immune cells can trigger inflammation and weaken the immune system. Tooth decay Excessive sugar consumption has been commonly associated with tooth decay. However, recent research has demonstrated that tooth decay is not restricted to the oral region. The infection can eventually spread to other body parts, weakening the immune system considerably and increasing susceptibility to heart and lung diseases, stroke, etc.

Chronic lung diseases accounted for over 150,000 deaths in the country in 2020. These conditions may affect the airways, lung tissue, or blood circulation in the lungs. The occurrence of lung diseases is exacerbated by the inhalation of chemical irritants and toxins in home and work environments. Although most diseases are caused by repeated, long-term exposure to hazardous substances, even a one-time or indirect exposure may cause lasting damage to the lungs. Household factors that may cause lung damage Mold Mold is a type of fungus. It multiplies by forming spores, which can remain suspended in the air for long periods. These spores may cause serious infections for those with mold allergies, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), or a weak immune system. To avoid mold growth around the house, fix any leaks, avoid compost piles, and get rid of clumps of cut grass promptly. Carpet Carpet fabric has several crevices that can trap mold, cockroach droppings, dust mites, and even toxic gasses. This can have a significant impact on one’s lungs. Instead of carpets, look into wood flooring, as it is easier to clean. Alternatively, invest in rugs that can be washed and cleaned regularly. Ideally, carpets must be vacuumed at least three times a week and steam cleaned once a year.

Cancer develops due to the rapid mutation of cells. The condition is typically progressive in nature, and factors like age, lifestyle, and location of the tumor determine the spread and severity of symptoms. When such abnormal cell growth develops in the colon—a part of the large intestine, it can cause gastrointestinal problems and other health issues. Here, understanding the common signs of colon cancer can help get an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early signs The colon and rectum are two organs connected to the digestive tract. While the colon collects and stores all the foods processed by the small and large intestines, the rectum removes these stored foods through bowel movements. Both parts must function together to enable seamless bowel movement. However, when dealing with cancer, the growth of the tumor affects the key functions of these organs, leading to the following early signs: Nausea and vomiting Most conditions that develop in the digestive tract trigger nausea and vomiting. So, this type of discomfort is one of the early signs of colon cancer as well. As cancer grows, it can result in blockage in the bowels, forcing the solids and liquids to back up into the digestive tract, triggering nausea and vomiting that could last over 24 hours.

With everyone increasingly consuming processed foods, excessive sugar consumption has become a global health concern. The increased intake of packaged foods, snacks, and sugary beverages poses a significant risk for several health problems, including heart disease. In addition, increased sugar consumption can lead to diabetes, hypertension, and other health disorders. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the following early signs of heart disease due to excess sugar to take preventive measures. Insulin resistance Insulin is the hormone that controls the levels of glucose or sugar in the blood. The body’s cells cannot effectively respond to the hormone when insulin resistance develops. As a result, glucose cannot get into cells and starts accumulating in the blood. Excess sugar consumed through meals and snacks increases the possibility of insulin resistance. It directly increases the risk of heart disease as well. High blood pressure One of the first signs that indicate the risk of heart disease due to excess sugar is high blood pressure levels. When consuming high sugar daily, one develops insulin resistance, leading to an elevated blood pressure level. This impacts the arteries and the heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. So it is imperative to check your blood pressure levels.

Cancer is a health complication that triggers cell mutations in various parts of the body, including the prostate – a gland that is part of the male reproductive system. There are several signs of prostate cancer, and each could differ from one individual to the next. However, people often misidentify the symptoms as those of other health complications. Therefore, here are ten subtle warning signs of prostate cancer to help diagnose the disease and seek treatment at the earliest. Poor and weak urine flow The bladder may suffer from the poor and weak flow of urine for several reasons, including aging. However, the sign isn’t always linked to prostate cancer. If the symptom starts to show itself when one is younger or without any underlying conditions, one should speak to an expert and receive a diagnosis. The slow and weak flow of urine is a silent warning sign of prostate cancer that requires healthcare attention. Leaving the condition unchecked and untreated may result in the spread of the cancer-causing cells to other parts of the body, which may permanently affect an individual’s well-being. Pain in the prostate Pain in the prostate may occur when one suffers from infections, injuries, or other diseases.

The uterus, the female body’s life-bearing organ, is an indispensable part of the female reproductive system. This organ performs several activities, from menstruation and implantation to pregnancy and labor. Some of the common uterine health diseases include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and uterine prolapse. It is important to promptly address menstrual or reproductive health issues to prevent and manage such health conditions. Here are some signs that should not be overlooked: Unusually heavy bleeding Menorrhagia refers to extremely heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding and may indicate underlying health issues like hormonal imbalance, uterine fibroids, and ovarian dysfunction. Thus, it is essential to consult a gynecologist immediately to prevent such symptoms from aggravating. Irregular periods While irregular menstrual cycles are common during puberty and perimenopause, chronically irregular menstruation experienced over a period of time is a cause of concern. Elevated stress levels, hormonal imbalance, thyroid dysfunction, and PCOS may be some causes of irregular menstrual cycles. A gynecologist can conduct a uterine examination and determine the underlying cause of this health issue. Vaginal bleeding between periods or during pregnancy Vaginal bleeding or spotting between periods may indicate a vaginal, uterine, or cervix infection. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like gonorrhea and chlamydia may also lead to irregular bleeding.

Experiencing muscle pain once in a while is quite normal for many. This kind of pain can arise due to heavy lifting or high-intensity workouts. This pain can subside in a few days by resting or using specific home remedies. However, if the muscle pain is persistent and chronic, the cause can be an underlying health disorder or infection. In such cases, it is important to consult a doctor and get a correct diagnosis immediately.  Common causes of muscle pain Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is caused by repeated nerve stimulation. This changes the pain receptors of the brain and the spinal cord. As a result, there is an increase in the level of chemicals that respond to pain. This also results in widespread musculoskeletal pain. Many people who have fibromyalgia end up having chronic muscle pain, tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues. Chronic fatigue syndrome Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, causes extreme tiredness, which doesn’t go away even after rest. One of its most notable symptoms is muscle and joint pain. There is no swelling or inflammation in the pain points. The pain worsens with any physical or mental activity. Other symptoms include sensitivity to light, headache, tender lymph nodes, fatigue and weakness, inability to concentrate, insomnia, forgetfulness, mood swings, confusion, and occasional low-grade fever.

Huntington’s disease is a rare illness that can be passed down from generation to generation. Furthermore, it can bring about degeneration of the nerve cells in the brain, causing patients to experience a decline in their functioning abilities. This means it can lead to disorders associated with cognitive ( thinking), body movements, and psychiatry. Besides this, the symptoms can develop at any age. Therefore, here are some hidden signs and symptoms of Huntington’s disease. Hidden signs of Huntington’s disease Typically, this condition affects the patient’s functioning abilities. Moreover, it has been noticed that the symptoms of the illness fall under a wide spectrum, making them difficult to observe. So, patients can experience different first signs signifying the development of Huntington’s disease. Thus, written below are some hidden signs to keep an eye out for. Physical symptoms Generally, the symptoms of Huntington’s disease, also known as HD, can be noticed in the form of changes to gait and body structure. Additionally, it can lead to impairments in voluntary movements and involuntary movement issues. Here, some signs that can be noticed are unusual or slow eye movements, muscle-related issues like rigidity or contractions, speech and swallowing difficulties, and involuntary movements like writhing or jerking.