The immune system’s function is to protect the body from harmful substances and germs. It works to prevent different health disorders and infections. However, when the immune system weakens, one may experience several symptoms. This can happen due to poor nutrition, stress, aging, or health conditions. These symptoms are not always indicative of a weak immune system. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a primary care doctor whenever any of these are experienced. Frequent infections One of the primary signs of a weakened immune system is frequent infections. When the immune system loses its strength, it produces fewer white blood cells and antibodies, which are essential in battling pathogens that cause infectious diseases. A person with a deficiency of these substances becomes highly vulnerable to frequent infections, including sinus infections, colds, ear infections, and urinary tract infections. Wounds that heal very slowly Under healthy circumstances, an injury such as a cut, burn, or scrape makes the skin go into damage control mode. The body responds by sending blood that contains essential nutrients, white blood cells, and antibodies to the affected area, which kickstarts the healing process. As a result, new skin starts to regenerate. However, the healing rate depends on the immune cells’ health.

What you eat impacts your hair’s health. Hair loss affects a significant portion of the population, irrespective of age. The numbers increase as we go up the age ladder. Of course, this can be due to aging, underlying health conditions, and other things, along with a lack of nutrition. Nutritionally poor foods can cause loss of hair density, poor growth, and weaker hair strands. So, here is a list of foods to eat for healthy hair. Eggs Eggs are a superfood, and for good reason. They are rich in biotin, protein, vitamins A and E, calcium, and iron. They are also an incredible source of omega-3 fatty acids. These ingredients are excellent if you want to accelerate hair growth and strengthen it. The biotin content enhances their keratin production, leading to better hair health. Spinach Everyone knows how critical spinach and other green vegetables are for anyone who wants a healthy mind and body. Spinach is a rich source of iron and loaded with multiple vitamins, which can assist in growing a healthier mane. Iron improves the quantity and quality of Red Blood Cells (RBCs), aiding in better oxygen supply to every cell in the body. Vitamin C is known to increase the absorption and availability of iron in the body.

Whether one needs to prepare for a busy day ahead or unwind after a hectic one, a warm bath is the way to go. A warm shower can be highly therapeutic, enhancing one’s mood instantly and offering several health benefits, including boosting immunity and ensuring cold and pain relief. However, not bathing right can trigger or worsen skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing or showering: Avoiding exfoliation Although the body naturally gets rid of dry skin cells and develops new ones, exfoliation removes excessive dry skin cells and facilitates glowing skin. Hence, it is advisable to use a scrub or chemical exfoliator at least once in 10 days. This product should be applied in a circular motion throughout the body for 10 seconds and then rinsed off with lukewarm water. Bathing in extremely hot water If the water temperature is too high, it can cause damage to the keratin cells located on the skin’s outer layer. Hence, it is important to regulate water temperature before stepping into the shower. Lukewarm water typically works best for one’s skin. Showering for a long time Although showering can help relax one’s body and mind, especially after a long day, bathing for too long can de-moisturize the skin and increase one’s risk of developing skin conditions.

Those who menstruate often deal with a heavy period flow. Heavy menstrual bleeding that lasts over 7 days is called menorrhagia—a common concern that causes blood loss and cramping. If left unattended, it can lead to complications like anemia and pain in the abdomen and pelvic region. Excessive bleeding can disrupt daily activities due to low energy levels and discomfort. However, one can manage heavy periods by making certain lifestyle changes and better food choices. Key tips Women may experience a heavy period flow once in a while; however, persistently heavy periods can interfere with daily activities and lower energy levels. One should consult a healthcare professional to understand the causes and treatment for menorrhagia. Additionally, one can try the following easy hacks to cope with heavy period flow: Make a period care kit The length of a period cycle can differ slightly for everyone. But on average, a cycle is anywhere between 28 and 35 days. So, by keeping track of the cycle, one can plan ahead to minimize discomfort during periods. One of the easiest ways to reduce the discomfort is preparing a period care kit, especially if one is away from home on their period. To the kit, one can add necessities such as tampons, pads, a change of clothes, hot water bottles, and, if needed, some comfort food.

Monthly periods can last from two to seven days and can cause some manageable discomfort. However, an increasing number of people are being diagnosed with conditions that make their menstrual cycles painful and unmanageable. Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common experience for most people, which includes pain, lack of focus, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, nausea, and more before their period. Certain habits could be contributing to this discomfort on a regular basis. Not taking pain relievers proactively The time to reach for a pain relief remedy is when one feels the first twinge of pain when the period is due. However, most people tend to wait until the pain is on the verge of governing the rest of the day. Reaching for the prescribed painkiller when the lower stomach or pelvis area is on the initial hint of discomfort is far more effective than losing the energy and draining oneself with pain before considering taking something for it. Remedies and treatment are far more likely to be effective when the pain is mild rather than when it has intensified, curving one into the fetal position. This is especially important if one has conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, adenomyosis, or other complications that worsen the periods.

Cholesterol is a wax-like substance that is naturally present in every body cell. It supports cell-building function, is necessary to produce certain vitamins, and regulates hormones linked to various body functions. However, excess blood cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Changing one’s daily nutritional intake is one of the ways to control high cholesterol; this can be done by introducing the following foods and snacks to the meal plan. Whole grains Oatmeal is a rich and nourishing breakfast choice that can help lower cholesterol levels with regular consumption. The grain is rich in soluble fibers that naturally help reduce the absorption of bad cholesterol into the blood circulation. This lowers the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the bloodstream and prevents the arteries from clogging. It helps lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and stroke. Oatmeal is also one of the simplest snacks to make, and it can be topped off with fresh fruits and your favorite condiments. Apples Daily eating a few apple slices can considerably decrease low-density lipoprotein. Apples contain a soluble fiber called pectin that helps foods bind and increase stool density to improve bowel movement. This type of soluble fiber also lowers and controls the amount of fat released into the bloodstream.

According to statistical data, over two million women in the country go through menopause annually. Menopause is a significant biological phase in the lives of menstruating individuals, impacting their physical, mental, and emotional health. This phase typically occurs between 45 and 55, with the average age being 51 years nationwide. Consulting a gynecologist can help one understand menopausal symptoms and seek timely treatment if required. Here are the stages and early signs of menopause: Stages of menopause Menopause is often classified into three major stages: Perimenopause Perimenopause is the phase in which the body naturally transitions to menopause. The perimenopausal phase typically lasts from 40 to 44 years of age. However, the duration of perimenopause differs between individuals. While some people may experience perimenopause only for a few months, others may have a perimenopausal phase over the years. Menopause Menopause typically starts a year after one’s last period. Sometimes, it may also begin after a clinical procedure to terminate one’s period, such as a hysterectomy or removal of the ovaries. Postmenopause Postmenopause refers to the years following menopause. In this phase, women may continue to experience menopausal symptoms briefly, even while not menstruating. Early signs and symptoms of menopause Here are a few early signs of menopause, of which one should be aware: