The colon is the largest part of the large intestine that is connected to the anus through the rectum. Colorectal (colon) cancer is a health condition where the cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably. Colon cancer starts as polyp growths that are removable in the early stages. However, without proper diagnoses, the symptoms of this disease may often be misidentified and left untreated. So here are four early signs of colorectal cancer: Anemia Anemia is a deficiency of red blood cells that can cause tiredness, weakness, and shortness of breath. Anemia can be brought on by gastrointestinal complications, heavy menstruation, or trauma/surgery. However, someone who loses blood because of colon cancer is also susceptible to developing this condition. Blood in stool People with colon cancer may notice blood in their stools or rectal bleeding as an early sign of the disease. The stools may also appear black or dark, indicating dried blood. The intensity of the symptom will differ based on how far colorectal cancer has progressed. Fatigue In most instances, one mistakes fatigue as a symptom of being tired. But if one’s energy levels are low even after adequate rest, it might be a sign of colorectal cancer.

Immune thrombocytopenia, commonly referred to as ITP, is a health condition where a person bleeds excessively and easily, even during minor injuries. This bleeding is because of a low platelet count, which prevents the blood from clotting as it usually does. Many patients also experience purplish bruises or tiny dots on the skin that look like a rash. Read on to learn about the foods for managing immune thrombocytopenia and those best avoided. Foods that help Fresh fruits and veggies Fruits and vegetables are filled with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, folate, and other nutrients. Folate, in particular, has been linked to improved production of platelets. It also supports the function of the platelets in the blood. The best folate-rich leafy greens are spinach, kale, cabbage, and collard greens. Among fruits, one can choose oranges, papaya, and bananas. Healthy fats Not all fats are bad for overall health. A few types, known as healthy fats, are found in nuts, nut butter, avocados, and seeds. They are mainly unsaturated and contain tons of other nutrients essential for the body. Individuals with immune thrombocytopenia often feel fatigued, and these healthy fats help fight this symptom without compromising overall health. Lean proteins Proteins are considered the building blocks of the body.

Traditional Medicare covers a lot of medical expenses after you turn 65. Hospital insurance (or Part A) helps people pay for inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice, surgery, and home care. Medical insurance (or Part B) covers doctor’s visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment and supplies. Despite these provisions, there are some significant gaps in Medicare coverage. Here’s a brief look at what is not covered by traditional Medicare: Dental care Routine dental services such as fillings, cleanings, and X-rays are not covered by Medicare. It only covers some dental services that people may get as a part of their hospital stay. The Medicare Advantage plan covers some extra services, but those looking for holistic dental insurance may need a separate coverage policy. Eye exams Eye exams for glasses or contact lenses are not covered under Medicare. The glasses and lenses themselves are not covered either. Medicare Part B partially covers one pair of glasses or contacts for people undergoing cataract surgery. Hearing aids The cost of hearing aids and the exam required for getting hearing aids are also not covered by Medicare. However, diagnostic hearing exams may be covered if prescribed by a doctor. Opting for the Medicare Advantage plan may be better for people seeking additional hearing benefits.

The immune system is responsible for saving the body from harmful pathogens. A well-developed immune system protects us from most health conditions. However, there are times when the immune system may act strangely and begin to attack the body’s healthy cells, which leads to autoimmune disorders. Multiple sclerosis is a severe and dangerous autoimmune condition that impacts the brain and the spinal cord. It can lead to many early symptoms, such as those listed below. Vision Due to the condition’s connection to the optic nerve, MS patients often experience vision loss or double vision. Mobility The deterioration of myelin sheath causes miscommunication within the nervous system, which is often seen in the form of loss of balance, vertigo, and dizziness. Numbness One of the most common symptoms of MS is numbness caused by the damage to the nerves that carry signals to the brain. Fatigue Persistent fatigue and weakness are among the most common early signs of MS. Most often, what we eat can impact our overall well-being. It is therefore vital to choose our meals and beverages wisely. Here are some of the foods that are better to be avoided, as they can contribute to the progression of MS:

Having strong and shiny hair is a big part of everyone’s dream. Not only does taking care of hair require scalp protection and using the right products, but it also needs nutrition. Each hair strand contains a tough protein called keratin that needs to be nourished and fortified with vitamins and minerals, making hair a great giveaway for one’s inside health. Some foods that can help one achieve fuller, healthier-looking hair include: Salmon:  Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, which protect the body from disease and impart shine to the hair. Greek yogurt:  Greek yogurt is enriched with Vitamin B5 (or pantothenic acid), which can help prevent hair thinning and loss. Spinach:  Spinach is packed with nutrients like Vitamin A, iron, beta carotene, folate, and Vitamin C. These nutrients work together to improve scalp and hair health. Guava:  Guavas are filled with Vitamin C, which helps protect hair from breakage. Sweet potatoes:  Sweet potatoes contain high amounts of an antioxidant called beta-carotene, which turns into vitamin A in the body and protects against dull, dry hair. Beta-carotene can also be found naturally in other foods like carrots, pumpkins, cantaloupes, and mangoes. Cinnamon:  Cinnamon can help improve blood flow in the body, which brings nutrients to the hair follicles, helping one maintain healthy hair.

Crohn’s is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects a person’s digestive tract, primarily the intestines. If mismanaged, it can lead to complications, including specific cancers. Since the disorder affects each person differently, there is no standard list of healthy foods for all patients. However, studies show that some food items tend to soothe Crohn’s flare-ups and provide relief, which doctors may recommend after considering the patient’s symptoms and other factors. Yogurt Unsweetened, natural yogurt is rich in probiotics. It contains digestion-friendly bacteria that help reduce stomach inflammation. However, yogurt is not recommended for those who are lactose intolerant. Overnight oatmeal Diarrhea is a common sign of Crohn’s disease. Overnight oatmeal can help tackle this problem by absorbing water from the gut. Since oats contain high levels of soluble fiber, soaking them overnight makes them easier to digest. Berries Strawberries and blueberries digest quickly and have antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage. Other low-fiber, fast-digestible fruits like ripened bananas and watermelon can also help soothe the gut and provide instant energy. Salmon Salmon is a versatile food that can be grilled, broiled, or baked. Its high content of omega-3 fatty acid reduces inflammation, while its high potassium content maintains the body’s fluid balance during flare-ups.

For most holiday travelers, going on a cruise is a great way to unwind from life’s daily hustle and bustle. Once aboard, they can simply take a nap whenever they feel like it, enjoy sunrise and sunset without worrying about deadlines, or spend hours playing cards with their friends. But, amidst all the fun, travelers must be careful about what they eat on a cruise. Here are five foods to avoid when on a cruise: Scrambled eggs Scrambled eggs (especially when it is made and served on a cruise) often contain harmful bacteria such as listeria and salmonella that can give anybody a bad tummy for days, or might lead to other diseases. This makes scrambled eggs one of the top five foods to avoid when on a cruise. To avoid stomach sickness, travelers can instead opt for fresh or hard-boiled eggs instead of scrambled eggs. Old pizza Unfortunately, most pizzas served on cruises may come with a congealed-cheese look, indicating that they have been kept in the open for a while. Such pizzas are old and, most possibly, stale, making them unfit for a meal. In fact, any dishes containing old cheese, if served aboard, automatically classify into the top five foods to avoid when on a cruise.

In the country, around 1% of all new cancer diagnoses yearly are that of the thyroid. This butterfly-shaped gland near the base of one’s neck regulates hormones, blood pressure, heart rate, weight, and body temperature. Any abnormal cell growth in this gland leads to cancer. While such a condition can strike at any age, those more vulnerable are between 25 and 65. Herein, we discuss the subtle warning signs of thyroid cancer and its causes. Silent warning signs of thyroid cancer Thyroid cancer does not exhibit any symptoms or indicators in its early stages. More often than not, it is found during a routine neck exam or during a scan used to identify other conditions. But if left untreated, it may form a lump that develops as a tumor. Below are some of the silent warning signs of thyroid cancer that should prompt one to seek medical help: Neck pain that begins at the front and seems to extend to the ears An unusual lump or nodule that one can feel through the skin of one’s neck A sudden change in one’s voice, including hoarseness Trouble breathing normally; one may feel like one’s breathing through a straw Inability to swallow with ease due to a nodule growing on the thyroid gland A feeling that tight-fitting shirt collars are becoming increasingly restrictive A persistent cough not caused due to cold Inexplicable throat pain Swollen lymph nodes Causes of thyroid cancer According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of thyroid cancer in women is three times higher than in men.

Cancer is a term used to describe diseases where there is a rapid multiplication of abnormal cells in the body. Thyroid cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the thyroid gland. The exact cause of thyroid cancer is unknown. But, there are various treatments that can help prevent the spread of this disease to other organs and manage the condition’s symptoms. Here are three foods that are safe to eat when undergoing thyroid cancer treatment. Fruits Fruits are an essential part of our meals. They are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and a whole lot more. They provide us with fibers and natural sugars and make for a perfect snack. Many do not know that these foods are also recommended for those undergoing thyroid cancer treatment. This is because essential nutrients such as vitamin C and lycopene support the treatments. They enhance the biochemical pathways through which chemotherapy works. Not to mention, many of them are also filled with pectins that help detoxify the body from harmful chemicals such as mercury that are linked to thyroid troubles. Those who have thyroid problems can try adding food such as apples, pears, oranges, and more to their daily meals. Nuts and legumes Beans, nuts, seeds, and even legumes are also recommended for those who are undergoing thyroid cancer treatment.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune system condition. Here, the body’s immune system starts producing a large number of eosinophils—a type of white blood cell. These cells begin to grow in the lining of the esophagus, which connects the mouth to the stomach. Over time, the buildup can lead to inflammation, allergies, and acid reflux, among other symptoms. Here is a look at certain foods that can trigger this condition : Wheat products Studies have found a strong correlation between eosinophilic esophagitis and food allergies. This is why doctors recommend that one should avoid foods that are likely to cause allergic reactions. Wheat is a common food allergen, which induces a reaction as the body produces antibodies to certain proteins found in wheat. Some people may be allergic to a specific protein called gluten. Milk Milk and milk products are other common food allergens that should be avoided by those with eosinophilic esophagitis. Here, the immune system identifies some of the milk proteins as harmful, leading to inflammation and flare-ups. With eosinophilic esophagitis, the body starts to produce more eosinophils over time which leads to a buildup in the lining of the esophagus. This is why it is best to avoid dairy products such as milk, cheese, buttermilk, ice cream, ghee, margarine, sour cream, mayonnaise, and condensed milk.