The secret to maintaining good health may be eating healthy and staying active. However, the importance of water cannot be overlooked, as every organ in the body needs sufficient water to function properly. Water also aids in lubricating the joints and maintaining body temperature. In fact, drinking insufficient water throughout the day can lead to various side effects, such as urinary problems and dizziness. In severe cases, it can even lead to kidney stones. 4 common side effects of insufficient water intake Persistent headaches One of the first side effects of insufficient water intake is the presence of persistent headaches, which can result in throbbing pain and hinder daily activities. Hence, when suffering from persistent headaches, it’s suggested that an individual consume a large glass of water and rest until the headache disappears. In most cases, dehydration-related headaches should disappear in a couple of hours after consuming water. Low energy or fatigue When an individual is dehydrated, they may notice a drop in their energy levels. They may face symptoms such as decreased focus, lightheadedness, and dizziness. The dehydration can worsen during the afternoons due to continued inadequate water intake, worsening the fatigue, and they may be unable to go about their day as usual.

Lung diseases might be difficult to manage if not diagnosed early. One such condition is MAC lung disease—an infection causing cough and fever, among other symptoms. On the other hand, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are both lung issues associated with swelling in the airways. Recognizing the warning signs of such respiratory issues can help one get an early diagnosis. So, here are some symptoms of lung diseases that require immediate attention: Chronic cough A chronic cough refers to a cough which has been prevalent for eight weeks or longer. This persistent coughing could be a sign that there is some underlying respiratory issue that needs immediate attention and treatment. Shortness of breath This is common if one is involved in some strenuous activity like exercising, which increases the heart rate. If one is experiencing labored breathing even in everyday normal activities, it is not a healthy sign. There could indicate other things like diaphragm not having enough space to contract and expand or an infection. It is better to not ignore this sign as just something temporary. Chronic mucus production Phlegm or sputum is the body’s way of dealing with an infection or an allergic reaction. It is known to be produced by the airways to help prevent allergens from entering or other environmental pollutants, which could be harmful to the lungs.

More than half of the human body is made up of water. This fluid is indispensable in helping different organs carry out their functions correctly. Drinking less water can cause dehydration and contribute to several health conditions. To avoid complications, smartwatches and mobile apps have been developed to remind people to drink water regularly and stay hydrated. The following are a few common repercussions one may face due to less water intake. Constipation Water helps food move through the gastrointestinal tract. When the body does not have sufficient water, it cannot perform this function effectively. As a result, individuals may experience hard stools or constipation. Bad breath Water helps produce saliva and destroy the bacteria inside the mouth, resulting in optimal oral hygiene. Dehydration hampers this process, leading to bad breath. The foul smell may not recede despite brushing regularly and practicing other oral care activities. Skin problems Although moisturizing and cleansing are essential skincare practices, they are typically ineffective if one does not drink enough water. Dry skin is among the most common symptoms of dehydration. The skin may appear sunken and dull, with dark circles underneath the eyes and chapped lips. Dark-yellow urine When a person is dehydrated, the kidneys try to conserve water in the body, which causes the urine to become darker in color.

Heart health is important for living a long, fulfilling life. With so many options of processed foods available in the market, it is crucial to make wise choices and add fresh and preservative-free produce to one’s daily meal plans. Moreover, there are some foods that should especially be added to one’s meals every week to keep their heart healthy. Here are the top four foods that could save one’s heart. Black beans These are not only protein-rich foods but also packed with folate, antioxidants, and magnesium. These are all heart-healthy nutrients that help keep blood pressure in check. Other nutrients to look for include fiber, which is not just great for the gut but also helps control cholesterol and blood sugar levels in the body. This can be an easy addition to curries or salads. However, it is important to wash the beans if one is using a canned product, as it has too much salt as a preservative. Moreover, one can always make their own black beans by soaking them overnight and boiling them the morning after. Salmon A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, this fish is known to be a superfood when it comes to heart-healthy meals.

Shortness of breath occurs when the lungs are not able to absorb oxygen to support vital organs and functions that rely on fresh air. It is one of the most commonly observed discomforts of known health complications that affect respiration. The intensity of breathlessness varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of the triggers. Here are the most common causes of shortness of breath that can affect young children, men, and women. Existing diseases and disorders Shortness of breath is one of the primary noticeable discomforts triggered by health complications that affect respiration. These could range from a panic attack to pneumonia, and even serious asthma flareups. In addition, seasonal allergies causing inflammation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and even chronic respiratory failure can worsen breathlessness. The severity of the symptom will vary depending on the underlying disease. Pollution Exposure to polluted air can also trigger shortness of breath due to the particulate matter irritating the respiratory tract. Carbon monoxide is one of the more dangerous gases that affects breathing and impairs respiratory function. It’s a common pollutant in the atmosphere released during forest fires, volcanic eruptions, and even lightning strikes. Carbon monoxide is also an industrial pollutant that is released due to burning of fossil fuels for powering vehicles and machinery.

A recent study suggests that people exposed to spray cleaning chemicals, like industry workers or cleaning personnel, were more likely to see a decline in lung function over time than those who weren’t. Besides causing health concerns in humans, some of the cleaning products’ ingredients can alter the water’s PH balance and affect aquatic animals. Keep reading to learn about chemicals commonly found in cleaning products that are best avoided for optimal lung function. Impact of chemicals in cleaning products on the body Some disinfectants, degreasers, and other cleaning products containing bleach and other harmful chemicals get absorbed through the skin or enter the body through inhalation. These chemicals may trigger allergic reactions in people who are continually exposed to them. They may also lead to lung injuries, asthma, and reactive airway symptoms. Patients with rhinitis, sinusitis, COPD, asthma, and other chronic lung disorders should exercise caution while handling these products. Harmful chemicals in cleaning products to avoid Sodium hydroxide Also known as caustic soda or lye, sodium hydroxide dissolves in water and produces a strongly alkaline solution. The ingredient is used in drains, toilet cleaners, oven cleaners, dyes, and bleach. Long-term exposure to sodium hydroxide can cause severe burns in one’s eyes, skin, or lungs.

Between the ages of 13 and 50, most people with a uterus experience a monthly menstrual cycle, which causes 3-7 days of bleeding. This totals approximately 450 periods over their lifetime. One can end up spending upwards of $1000 on period products over time. With the high costs involved, it is best to learn about the various products available for one to manage their periods and make an informed choice. Read this article to learn more about it. Sanitary pads These are the most popularly used sanitary products worldwide and have evolved in the past few decades to become more comfortable and absorbent. Generally made of cotton, rayon, and plastic, pads are stuck to the inner side of one’s underwear to collect blood flow. However, they are disposable and need to be changed every four to six hours, which can make them an environmental burden. Reusable cloth pads These products work like sanitary pads but are washable and reusable, making them cost-effective and eco-friendly. The only drawback with purchasing reusable pads is their initial cost, which may vary between $20 to $30. Tampons Another top-rated sanitary product, tampons are made of cotton, rayon, or a blend of the two. They are inserted using an applicator or one’s fingers and can absorb blood flow for 4-8 hours.

Everyone wants a set of bright, healthy teeth, but maintaining them requires more than cleaning and flossing. It’s important to avoid activities that are bad for your teeth’s overall health and condition. Proper oral hygiene is more than avoiding cavities and brushing your teeth twice. Additionally, it’s about guarding your enamel, taking good care of your gums, and lessening bacterial buildup. Below are the top four habits that can damage your teeth profusely. Four bad habits that can damage teeth Brushing excessively Most people need to be made aware they have the undesirable habit of brushing their teeth excessively hard. Since it erodes your enamel, using a lot of pressure while brushing will harm them. Instead, use moderate circular strokes and clean your teeth with a tiny touch using the bristles. Avoid brushing with an old toothbrush, as doing so will only worsen your teeth’s condition. Consuming excess sugar It’s a universal fact that sugar is terrible for the teeth. It turns into acids by the microorganisms in your mouth. Over time, this acid starts eroding and eventually lead to tooth decay. This is why sugary and sticky meals are the worst food items since they cling to your teeth for a long time.