Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer affecting the plasma cells in the bone marrow, which form an essential part of the immune system. While there is no cure for the disorder, many treatments help control and manage the symptoms so patients can maintain their quality of life. Read on to learn about a few early signs of multiple myeloma that can help diagnose the condition and seek appropriate treatment. Multiple myeloma – Signs to look out for Multiple myeloma is difficult to diagnose in the early stages. It is usually identified much later because patients do not show signs initially. Some may report vague symptoms that appear to have been caused by other conditions. Still, it is crucial to know the signs that could indicate a possibility of multiple myeloma. Those who experience the following should visit a doctor as soon as possible and undergo the necessary tests to rule out the condition: Bone pain One of the most common signs of multiple myeloma is bone pain. Those with this disorder may notice pain in the back, ribs, and hips. It can be consistent and dull and worsen with movement. The pain is usually a result of the multiplication of cancerous plasma cells in the bone marrow.

Exercising is an essential part of staying healthy. Regular movement allows us to strengthen the muscles, improve balance, regulate sleep cycles, and maintain the overall health of the mind and body. But, making time to go to the gym or taking a workout class is not always a feasible option for everyone. But, no need to fret. Here are seven easy-to-do exercises that will keep you fit and can be done every day at your convenient time. Squats Squats are one of the simplest and most productive exercises you can do anywhere. All you need to do is stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. You then engage your core and bend the knees while drawing your hips back. Keep going until your thighs are parallel to the floor, and return to the starting position. You can repeat this exercise or hold it for a period of time. Planks Planks help to strengthen the core and stabilize the abdominal muscles. It is super easy to do. Start by planting your hands and toes on the floor. Keep your back straight and your abdominal muscles tight. Hold this position and ensure that your gaze lies in front of your hands. Keep your chin tucked, and do not look at your feet.

Aging brings its own set of health concerns. For women, menopause is one of them and cannot be avoided. A natural process of the body, menopause commonly occurs in women aged 40 years or older. It also brings along a slew of symptoms like night sweats, hot flashes, headaches, cognitive decline, and depression. Therefore, it is important to be armed with knowledge, resources, and tools for the proper management of this condition. Broccoli Cruciferous vegetables are considered beneficial for women approaching the age of menopause. Broccoli is often top of that list. It has been linked to decreased risk of breast cancer which is a trigger for menopause. Its high antioxidant content protects the body against oxidative damage and a possible cancer scare. Broccoli also reduces the amount of inflammation in the body. Edamame Satiating, healthy, and nutritious, edamame is a great choice for any meal. It is also regarded as a healthier alternative to soy. It packs a lot of phytoestrogens that help the body cope with its depleting levels of estrogen. Oatmeal Oats are rich in fiber and can prevent constipation on regular use. They may also help improve digestion, and lower blood glucose levels, and cholesterol levels in the body.

Menopause refers to the 12-month gap after a woman’s last menstrual cycle, which tends to start during a girl’s adolescence or earlier. Typically, women between the ages of 45 and 55 experience menopause at some stage with varying discomforts. Most symptoms can be managed via prescriptions and home remedies. Alternatively, doctors suggest simple changes in daily nutrition to manage the symptoms better. Here are seven foods one can consider to tackle the symptoms. 7 foods to help manage menopause symptoms Dairy Menopause can have a deteriorating effect on healthy bones due to sudden metabolic and hormonal changes. If left unchecked, it could lead to rapid bone loss and increase the risk of osteoporosis among older women. Experts suggest at least 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium intake regularly to support bone health. Natural skim milk, cow milk, soy milk, low-fat cheese, and yogurt are excellent foods to boost calcium intake. Cruciferous vegetables Leafy greens and healthy cruciferous vegetables should also be eaten daily to boost natural fibers, proteins, iron, and antioxidants in the body. Spinach, turnip, and collard greens are veggies rich in calcium to help improve bone health. Also, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts are nutrient-dense veggies linked to reducing the severity of hot flashes, one of the persistent symptoms of menopause.

Colon cancer develops when there’s uncontrollable and abnormal cell growth in one’s colon or rectum, which invades and damages other healthy tissues. Since it originates in one’s intestines, colon cancer severely affects one’s ability to digest food and eliminate waste. According to the American Cancer Society, bad eating habits and an unhealthy lifestyle increase one’s chance of developing it. But some superfoods can help improve gut health and manage the disease better. Berries, black plums, grapes, and pomegranates Black plums, red and black grapes, and pomegranates contain anthocyanins. Similarly, berries, including black elderberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, chokeberries, and strawberries, are excellent sources of anthocyanins and antioxidants. Anthocyanins help in slowing cancer cell growth and increasing tumor sensitivity to chemotherapy. They are also highly nutritious and fibrous, which boosts digestion. Apples and bananas Constipation and diarrhea are two of the early signs of colon cancer. Fruits like apples, oranges, pears, and bananas are rich sources of fiber that can help regularize one’s bowel movements and improve gut health. Cancer also causes chronic weakness in patients since the cancer cells consume abnormal amounts of energy and stress out the digestive system. So, fruits can help since they give an instant energy boost and are easier to digest.

Several conditions can cause poor circulation in the body, including stress, diabetes, and peripheral artery disease. Poor circulation may also result from low blood count, wherein the body fails to produce the necessary red blood cells (RBCs) in a day. Furthermore, a low blood count can lead to symptoms like numbness, digestive problems, and cramps. So, here are a few healthy foods that help increase blood count and improve circulation. Foods to increase blood count Eating healthy results in several health benefits. Here are some foods that can help raise the red blood cell count in the body: Cherries Cherries are rich in vitamin C, which compliments iron absorption by the body. Eating cherries can result in an increase in red blood cells in the body. Egg yolk Yolks contain folic acid, which is essential as it helps maintain hemoglobin levels in the body. Red meat Red meat, like beef, lamb, and pork, promotes healthy blood levels. These foods contain iron that is easily absorbed by the blood. The process helps improve hemoglobin levels, which improves the production of red blood cells. Dairy products Moderately having cheese and milk benefits the heart and regulates blood levels. Milk alternatives like soy and almond milk also help improve blood count.

With flu season just around the corner, there are many precautions one can take to ensure one remains healthy and fit throughout. While the best course of action is to distance oneself from people who are sick, get vaccinated against the flu, and get adequate sleep (6-8 hours) every night, a very important part of staying healthy is to check one’s daily food habits. Six foods that can help boost immunity are: Citrus fruits Citrus fruits such as grapefruit, oranges, clementines, tangerines, lemons, and limes are rich in vitamin C, which is thought to improve the production of white blood cells (WBCs). These WBCs are imperative to fighting infections in the body. However, the body does not produce or store Vitamin C, so a daily intake is required to maintain healthy levels of it in the body. Red bell peppers Citrus fruits are not the only source of vitamin C. An ounce of red bell peppers contains almost three times as much vitamin C (127 mg), as compared to a Florida orange (45 mg). Bell peppers are also rich in beta-carotene, which converts into Vitamin A in the body, and is essential for maintaining skin and eye health. Broccoli Broccoli is rich in vitamins and minerals.

If your body recovered within a week from a common cold or fever the last time you fell ill, you have your immune system to thank. The immune system comprises cells, organs, and tissues, which together protect the body from microorganisms that can cause diseases. These components are inseparably linked to ensure physical well-being and strength. Further, certain foods can significantly boost the immune system function, increasing the body’s resilience to health conditions. Spinach Spinach is a powerhouse of essential nutrients, including beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, magnesium, iron, and vitamins C and E. The nutrients protect the body against diseases like anemia, macular degeneration, heart problems, and certain types of cancer. Blueberries Blueberries are rich in flavonoids, an antioxidant that boosts the immune system and reduces cell damage. The berries are also packed with vitamins A and C, manganese, potassium, and fiber, which are essential for overall physical health. Garlic Garlic contains high levels of sulfur, helping fight colds and flu. It is also known to lower blood pressure levels and prevent cholesterol and certain types of cancer. Its antibiotic properties protect the body against disease-causing fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Greek yogurt Greek yogurt contains iodine, vitamin A, vitamin B12, calcium, and probiotics, which aid digestion and work wonders for the immune system.

Cancer is an umbrella term used to describe conditions caused due to the multiplication of abnormal cells in the body. This growth can start in one organ and then spread or invade the surrounding tissues and travel to other body parts. Some of the most common types include breast, cervix, colon, and mouth cancers. Here are some early warning signs of cancer to look out for. Changes in the menstrual cycle One of the typical early warning signs of cancer is changes in the menstrual cycle. Many individuals will experience irregular or changes in their menstrual cycles over time. But, if there is persistent pain in the pelvic region and sudden changes in the cycle, it is essential to check it out. This issue could be an early cervical, uterine, or ovarian cancer symptom. Coughing Coughing is mainly a symptom of a cold or a flu infection but is also typically seen as an early sign of certain types of cancer. If the cough is persistent even after two weeks, especially a dry cough, it could be a sign of lung cancer. Such a sign, accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, hoarseness, and shortness of breath, could indicate that it’s time to get checked by a healthcare professional.

Acid reflux is a stomach abnormality caused by eating spicy foods, caffeine, heavy meals, and high-fatty foods. It irritates the esophagus lining when the muscles relax at the wrong time and send the stomach acid upwards. While this is a curable disease, frequent acid refluxes can lead to Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Among its many home remedies, apple cider vinegar is believed to relieve its symptoms, but related research is conflicted. What is apple cider vinegar made of? Apple cider vinegar is made from mashed apple juice, which is then fermented using bacteria and yeast. The added bacteria is referred to as the “mother” since it acts as a catalyst to create vinegar. The unfiltered and organic apple cider vinegar contains the “mother,” which gives it a hazy, dark brownish appearance. It is thought to be high in enzymes, pectin, and proteins. Non-organic variety is pasteurized to remove the bacteria and improve the consistency, making it less healthy. Does apple cider vinegar help with acid reflux? To answer simply, there aren’t enough studies to suggest a direct correlation between the two. Acid reflux brings a sour taste to one’s mouth and creates a burning sensation in the chest. For those who have poor stomach acid production, vinegar can boost stomach acidity and help with digestion.