Constipation, characterized by irregular bowel movements or difficulty passing stools, is a common condition that affects many people. It may be accompanied by symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite, which add to the discomfort. Various factors, including a lack of fiber in the food, dehydration, specific treatments, and a sedentary lifestyle, can cause constipation. Following are a few mistakes people make when constipated, which worsens their symptoms. Not drinking enough water This is one of the most common mistakes people make when trying to relieve constipation. The stool becomes hard and difficult to pass when the body does not get sufficient water. Experts recommend that individuals drink at least eight glasses of water daily to keep the body hydrated. However, the exact amount of water one needs can vary depending on age and activity levels. Eating fried foods Fried foods like French fries, fried chicken, and onion rings are high in fat and low in fiber. As a result, they can slow down the digestive process, contributing to constipation. Moreover, fried foods are often cooked in oil, which can cause inflammation, increasing the risk of other digestive problems. Therefore, one should limit the intake of fried foods and use healthier cooking methods like grilling, roasting, or baking.

Sleep is an essential component of a healthy life and overall well-being, but many overlook its importance. Getting adequate sleep ensures that the mind and body are relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle all the challenges of the day. However, getting the recommended hours of sleep at a stretch can require more than just sticking to a strict sleep schedule. Common reasons for inadequate sleep could be poor lifestyle choices. Choosing heavy meals Digestion can be an energy-consuming activity. Eating heavy meals close to bedtime can lead to acid reflux and indigestion and potentially wreck your sleep quality. It is best to have dinner at least three hours before bed and ensure that it is a light meal. Additionally, avoid caffeine and other stimulating drinks for a minimum of 5 hours before bedtime to ensure uninterrupted sleep. Engaging in stimulating activities Playing video games, watching television, and scrolling through endless social media feeds can disrupt sleep quality. These activities make it difficult for the brain to wind down and relax. So, you end up with an overactive mind when you would rather be sound asleep. So, consider avoiding screen time and extremely stimulating activities at bedtime if you are trying to improve your sleep quality and the amount of rest you get.

Seizures are sudden and uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. These disturbances can cause unusual sensations and behavior and loss of consciousness. The condition can affect people of all ages, but the symptoms may vary depending on the type of seizure the person is experiencing. While some seizures are harmless, others might end up being fatal. So, individuals must be aware of the disorder’s warning signs and visit a health expert if they occur. Convulsions Convulsions or uncontrolled, jerky movements are the most common symptom. These movements are usually seen in the arms and legs but can also affect the face, neck, and other body parts. The movements can be irregular or in rhythm and may last from a few seconds to a few minutes. Loss of consciousness During a seizure, the patient might become unresponsive to visual stimuli, appear dazed or confused, and stare blankly. In some cases, one might also fall to the ground unresponsive. Muscle stiffness Seizures can, at times, lead to muscle stiffness or soreness. This symptom is more common in people experiencing grand mal seizures, also known as tonic-clonic seizures. Muscle stiffness might cause the person to fall to the ground. Sensory disturbances Seizures may also lead to sensory disturbances, such as numbness and tingling in the upper and lower limbs and the face.

Actively asking your doctor questions is one way through which you can know more about your health. It gives patients a safe space to discuss potential problems or special care needs they may have, so that a more comfortable healthcare experience can be curated. If one is too stressed to visit the physician on their own, they can take a trusted person along, and prepare a list of questions to ask the doctor. Am I at risk for any health issues? Discussing one’s lifestyle habits with the doctor (along with factors such as age and gender) can help set realistic expectations for health in the future. Doing so can also help recognize any risks or complications. Are there any additional screenings I need to undergo? Depending on one’s age and other factors, doctors may recommend additional tests or screenings such as lipid testing for cholesterol levels, hemoglobin A1c screening for diabetes, a colonoscopy, a PAP smear for cervical cancer, etc. When should I schedule my next appointment? Depending on one’s general health and lab test results, a person may be asked to return on a date sooner than their scheduled annual or bi-annual checkups. Are my physical tests (BMI, Blood pressure, heart rate/breathing signs) normal?

Being thirsty is one of the most common indicators of dehydration. It happens when the body does not have enough fluid and electrolytes (such as salt and potassium) to function correctly. Dehydration, when untreated, can cause an increase in heart rate, which can strain the organ. Extreme dehydration can also lead to severe complications such as seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, or hypovolemic shock. To avoid these, understanding the warning signs of dehydration is important. Unusual signs of dehydration The most common signs of dehydration include feeling thirsty, passing dark yellow and strong-smelling urine, peeing less often than usual, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, tired, and suffering from a dry mouth. However, many unusual warning signs could also indicate the condition, some of which are listed below. Bad breath Saliva has important antibacterial properties that keep bad breath at bay. Dehydration decreases the saliva in the mouth, making it an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and cause bad breath. Drinking water can help avoid the sensation of dry mouth and prevent bad breath. Dry/flushed skin The skin may undergo various changes due to dehydration, including dry or flushed skin and sweaty skin. It may also remain “tented” when pinched and take longer to return to its usual appearance.

Breathing is a vital function that supplies oxygen to the human body and gets rid of carbon dioxide. Breathing correctly promotes relaxation, reduces stress, strengthens the immune system, lowers heart rate, improves mental clarity, and provides several other benefits. Unfortunately, most people do not pay attention to how they breathe, which leads to respiratory problems and lung diseases. This post discusses the common breathing mistakes one should avoid for optimal lung health. Shallow breathing Shallow breathing, also known as chest breathing, is a common mistake. In this type of breathing, the air only reaches the upper part of the lungs, which means the lower part does not receive sufficient oxygen. This can lead to shortness of breath and other lung problems. To avoid complications, one can practice deep breathing exercises that involve filling the lungs with air from the bottom to the top. Mouth breathing Mouth breathing is another common mistake, especially during physical activities like running or exercising. When one breathes through their mouth, the air does not get filtered or humidified, which can cause lung irritation and inflammation. Experts recommended breathing through the nose as much as possible, as it helps filter and humidify the air before it reaches the lungs.

Many general-use items and household products can have side effects, especially for those with sensitive skin. These side effects may show up in the form of red, swollen, itchy rashes, also known as contact dermatitis. Patches of leathery skin, which may appear purple, brown, or gray are some signs of contact dermatitis. Knowing the common irritants around the house and ways to avoid them can help one avoid skin rashes. Soap Soap is one of the most common skin irritants. While washing hands helps keep germs away, washing them obsessively can strip the skin of natural oils and moisture. Those who are keen on washing their hands repeatedly may consider replacing household soaps with mild hydrating cleansers that can help them clean their hands effectively while being delicate on their skin. Household cleansers Household cleansers are also made up of harsh chemicals, which can irritate the skin. While these are extremely effective in cleaning up messes around the house, they may cause severe rashes. To prevent these, wear cleaning gloves, especially when using products like dish detergents, laundry detergents, furniture polish, drain cleaners, and toilet disinfectants. Products made of latex Latex is a natural rubber that is found in daily household items such as gloves, elastic waistbands, and even bra straps.

Eczema is a chronic skin disease that causes the skin to develop lesions. Here, skin irritation and itching are usually the first two symptoms. The skin condition is fairly common, with about 31.6 million people in the country affected by one of the forms of eczema. There are several known triggers of the condition, such as allergic reactions, cold and dry weather, and pollen. Here are some lesser-known eczema triggers: Perfumes The skin can absorb and react to different skincare products. However, unlike many cosmetics, the ingredients in perfumes can trigger flare-ups in those living with one or the other form of eczema. Most perfumes contain synthetic preservatives, chemicals, specific oils, and artificial fragrances, all of which are well-known skin irritants, making perfumes one of the most surprising triggers of eczema flare-ups. Creams Certain cosmetic or skincare creams contain chemicals such as salicylic acid, retinol, and glycolic acid. Each of these three ingredients can trigger itchiness and irritation when one uses such creams for a long time. People with eczema tend to have a relatively weaker skin barrier, which causes such chemicals to seep into the topmost layer of the epidermis, leading to moisture evaporation, dryness, and itching. Clothes Harsh fabrics like wool or synthetic materials such as nylon, rayon, or polyester cause overheating, making one sweat excessively if clothes with such materials are worn for longer periods.