We all would have experienced inflammation at some point of time in our lives. Our body has got its own way of saying that something is not right. That is a normal part of our body`s response to infection etc and this is termed as inflammation. For example, after eating certain foods we might get an achy red swollen feeling etc. It is okay to get inflammation once in a while but persistent inflammation must never be ignored. It is noteworthy that chronic inflammation that could last for many months or years is associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease etc. This chronic inflammation in us could be due to foods and dietary habits that would disturb the gut microbes. These are the unhealthy eating habits that can lead to inflammation in us. Intake of too much of processed foods: There are possibilities of developing inflammation if we eat excess processed foods like burgers, candies, potato chips etc. It was brought out by a research study in 2022 that intake of excessive amounts of processed foods could lead to inflammation in us.  It is learnt that regular intake of ultra processed foods having refined ingredients and additives etc would disrupt the functioning of the digestive system. Intake of excess amounts of sugars: One important question would be how much sugar is too much sugar. It has been mentioned in the research study in 2022 that excessive intake of sugars can lead to heart disease, diabetes, IBD, low grade inflammation etc. Point is that triggering the levels of inflammatory messengers or cytokines would occur due to excessive intake of sugary foods etc. So, please take care. Excluding vegetables and fibres from diet: It is true that if a person has more inflammation then his or her body would require more vegetables and fibres etc. It was revealed by a research work in 2018 that higher fruit and vegetable intake would reduce pro-inflammatory mediators. It is possible to fight inflammation if we eat a balanced diet of proteins and fibres etc. Consuming excess amounts of gluten: Wheat and grains etc have gluten in them. There are some people who are gluten sensitive while others can consume gluten without any issue. It must be taken into note that this gluten sensitivity can lead to inflammation or kind of swelling in the body when persons have autoimmune disease and gut problems etc. Please be careful. Consuming excess amounts of alcohol: We could get chronic inflammation if we drink alcohol in excess amounts. It was published in the Journal Alcohol Research that regular intake of alcohol is associated with intestinal inflammation. Not only that, there might be unfavourable changes in the gut microbiome.

Imagine you are in a meeting with your boss and other office colleagues etc. You find it difficult to open your mouth and talk freely due to the bad odour present in your mouth. Embarrassing situation right!! The fact is for 25% of the population bad breath could be a chronic issue. Bad breath can be embarrassing and worrisome for us. Having bad breath is one of the most important reasons for many persons seeking dental care. Bad breath is also known as halitosis. Though in most cases, bad breath could be treated but it could also indicate a more serious issue in us. By knowing the cause for bad breath, we would be able to eliminate this issue. Several important reasons or causes for having bad breath are Poor home care: This is one important cause for the bad breath problem in us. It is true that we all have mouth bacteria and it could result in bad breath in us. By practising good home oral hygiene, we can remove the mouth bacteria. It is worthy to note that brushing and flossing well could help us to eliminate mouth bacteria and help us to avoid bad breath issues. In other words, poor home oral care would lead to tooth decay or infection and this could further result in bad odour in the mouth. Gum disease: Despite brushing our teeth well, we might still have bad breath in the mouth. The reason for that is due to gum disease. It would not be possible for us to just brush and floss the bacteria from the mouth if we have gum disease. The reason for that is because bacteria might be hiding under the gums and it cannot be reached by brush etc. The bad smell in the mouth would be present till gum disease gets treated. Dry mouth: We could get bad breath in the mouth if we have dry mouth or xerostomia. It must be taken into account that saliva is a natural way to wash our mouths throughout the day. When saliva reduces, a bad smell occurs in the mouth. Smoking: Smoking cigarettes can lead to both bad breath as well as periodontal disease. We could get dry mouth by smoking also. Sometimes, smoking continuously would reduce taste and smell etc and due to this we would be able to recognise bad breath. Diet: It is true that consuming certain foods like onions and garlic etc can lead to bad breath issues in us. Intake of low carb didiet or keto diet etc can lead to bad smell in the mouth. Medications: Not many would be aware of the fact that certain medications such as nitrates, phenothiazines etc can result in bad breath. Medical problems: We could get bad breath issues if we have mouth, nose and throat conditions like chronic sinus, allergy etc. Bad breath can also be due to serious problems like cancer, liver failure, GERD etc

Getting cured completely of a serious disease is really sensational but what if the disease comes back again after a few years? In the last few decades, cancer survival rates have improved and that has brought great joy on the faces of many cancer patients but relapse or recurrence of cancer has been causing a huge amount of distress in them. Bitter fact is that cancer relapse could come back more aggressively also. Over the years, medical science has developed to a huge extent and diagnosis of cancer and treatment has undergone many changes. The presence of advanced treatment options has improved the quality of lives.  It is worthy to mention here that advancement in medical technology has helped the doctors to detect cancer relapse at an earlier stage itself. There are several signs of cancer relapse that patients must keep an eye on. Various cancer relapse signs are Excess fatigue: Sometimes, we might feel fully tired even after getting adequate rest. This is not normal and it could be due to relapse of cancer also. So, please take care, Unexplained bleeding: It must be taken into account that easy bleeding, unexplained bleeding and bleeding from unusual places could be due to cancer relapse also. Continuous pain: In some persons, certain specific pain would return back. In such a situation, they must not treat themselves without consulting the doctor. Checking for new lumps: Any unusual growth or lumps present in the body must be reported to the doctor without fail. It is important that we must not ignore it as just another growth. Changes in digestion: Bitter truth is that early signs of gastrointestinal cancer would be shown by nausea, bloating and bowel movement changes etc. Please take care. Breathing difficulty; When a person experiences shortness of breath and if it worsens over time then it might be due to cancer recurrence. Persistent coughgh: Sometimes, the cough would not go away and it might worsen also. This might be due to cancer relapse. Unexplained weight loss: Relapse of cancer would also be revealed by unexplained weight loss or weight loss without any effort. Please be careful.

What are blocked arteries? In some persons, plaque would build up along the arterial walls and this could lead to restricted flow of blood. It is also termed as atherosclerosis. Build up of fats, cholesterol etc is plaque. It must be noted that when plaque gets hardened and narrows the arteries then persons could get angina/chest pain, shortness of breath, heart attack etc. In severe cases, death could also take place. Following these Ayurvedic remedies could clear blockage in the heart By Eating according to the digestive fire or agni: Our body would digest all the fats and calories we consume if we eat according to the digestive fire. Intake of wholesome food would prevent the formation of plaques on the arterial walls. It is worthy to note that when we eat as per the digestive health and body then no necessary fat would be formed and arteries won`t become clogged. By controlling blood sugar by managing diabetes: The arteries would face issues if we have high blood sugar levels in us. Not many would know that eating potatoes would raise our blood sugar levels more than consuming sugars. Point is that high glucose levels would ham the innermost part of arteries and extra fat is promoted on the walls of the arteries. By lowering BP by means of Ayurvedic herbs: There would be artery changes due to increase in BP. We would be able to maintain BP by cutting down on beverages like coffee and tea etc. Moreover, incorporating herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi etc would bring body and mind in equilibrium with relieving strain and maintaining good BP. The arteries would be kept intact. By supporting detox with regular bowel movements: Regular bowel movements would be responsible for removal of regular fats.  It would be possible to clean the liver by using Virechana or medicated purgation. Toxins would get reduced. Fat deposition on the arteries would be avoided by chewing papaya leaves or by drinking 20 ml of castor oil once in a week. By practising vyayama: It is superb to note that when the arteries get stretched then we would not get heart bocks in us. It must be noted that when we exercise our heart would steadily contract and dilate and there would not be any accumulation of fats. Various exercises that could be done are cardio, weight training, stretching etc. It is believed that Vyama in Ayurveda cocould result in good arterial health. By managing stress with herbs, yoga and meditation etc: When there is repetitive stress, then our body`s metabolism and immunity would get less efficient. This can lead to more damage to arteries. We can get calm and relief from stress with the help of Ayurvedic herbs like Brahmi, Jatamansi etc. With yoga and meditation methods etc, there would be additional benefits to heart health. Please take care. By following dinacharya or daily routine: Our well being would get benefitted by routines that resemble day and night. It is important to note that when circadian rhythm gets affected then it would affect the blood vessels health. In Ayurveda Dinacharya means regular routine like sticking to regular wake up, meals and sleep time etc. It is believed following dinacharya would clean the arteries.

If you think that face puffiness is just a cosmetic concern then you might be wrong!! It is true that puffiness on our face could make us upset or sad when we see our face in the mirror in the morning after waking up. It is okay if the puffiness appears on the face occasionally but it is a concern if it persists.  We could get face puffiness due to several reasons like allergies, dietary habits, fluid retention etc. These are the important reasons for puffiness on the face Excess salt intake: Our body would retain water if we consume excess salt or sodium. As a result, we could get swelling around our eyes, cheeks etc. Allergies: We could get inflammation in our face due to allergies. Our eyes and lips might become swollen. There are various triggers for allergies such as pollen, pet dander, certain foods etc. Poor sleep quality: There are chances of face puffiness and dark circles etc if we don`t get sound sleep or due to lack of restful sleep.  It must be noted that fluid tends to pool under the eyes when lying down too long. Intake of alcohol: Not many would be aware that intake of alcohol could lead to dehydration in us. There are high chances of getting inflammation. We could get water retention and face swelling etc. Hormonal fluctuations: There are chances of water retention due to changes in hormones during menstruation, pregnancy etc. By this we could get puffiness on the face. Sinus congestion: Our cheeks and under eye areas could swell if we have sinus congestion issues. This is due to the inflammation and fluid build up. Dehydration: Our body could hold onto fluids if we don`t consume sufficient quantities of water. This could cause swollen appearance especially around eyes and mouth etc. Medical conditions etc: Sometimes, the face puffiness m might not be an ordinary issue. Bitter fact is that hypothyroidism, Cushing syndrome and kidney disease etc can also result in face puffiness. Facial infections etc: Sometimes, our one side of the face would become swollen and this could be due to cellulitis or dental abscesses.