What is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)? Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of cancer that comes from the liver. It occurs when the liver cells (called hepatocytes) grow uncontrollably and create a tumor. HCC is a serious condition that often develops in people with chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis, hepatitis B or C […]

Does smoking cause high blood pressure?  In the short term, yes. Every time you smoke, it causes a temporary increase in blood pressure (1). Blood pressure increases when blood has difficulty traveling through the blood vessels. In simple terms, it’s like you’re in a tunnel with a lot of people, and you need to make […]

Back hurts after sleeping: Common causes Poor sleep habits and an unsupportive sleep environment are common culprits behind back pain after sleep (5, 6). However, underlying medical conditions like arthritis, disc herniation, and fibromyalgia can contribute to the condition.  Here’s a look at the common causes.  Poor sleeping position Sleeping on your stomach can force […]

What are healthy fats? Healthy fats are essential fatty acids that are vital to many bodily functions. Essential fatty acids fall into two categories: monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.  Monounsaturated fats (MUFAs): MUFAs help lower bad cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke (6). These fats also provide essential building blocks for your body’s […]

Type 1 diabetes average life expectancy Before the introduction of insulin therapy in 1922, T1D was a fatal diagnosis. Still today, experts say that without insulin therapy, individuals with T1D have a lifespan of days to weeks, depending on the severity of complications (3).  With insulin, however, people are living longer with T1D now than […]

Tight neck symptoms Symptoms of neck tension may appear suddenly or slowly, depending on the cause. They include:  Symptoms such as muscle cramps, pain, and weakness in one or both arms may be added. What causes neck pain and tight neck muscles? Neck pain, also called cervical pain, can result from injuries to soft tissues, […]

Symptoms of bloated stomach The symptoms that usually appear in patients with bloated stomachs are: These symptoms may occur in isolation or together, depending on the cause of the bloated stomach.  Why is my stomach bloated? The sensation of a bloated stomach can have various causes. Generally, abdominal bloating occurs when there is an excessive […]

What is heart cancer? Is there heart cancer? Yes, heart cancer does exist, but it’s an extremely rare form of cancer. Heart cancer, or cardiac sarcoma, is a primary malignant tumor that starts within heart tissues.  But what is a heart tumor? Is it different from heart cancer? A heart tumor, also known as a […]

Different types of pain Pain can be classified in multiple ways to find and treat its cause. Therefore, doctors obtain a detailed medical history to determine the cause of your discomfort.  Pain is classified according to duration and physiopathology. Here’s how: Acute pain Acute pain is the body’s natural and expected response to injury or […]

What is arthritis? Arthritis refers to inflammation and stiffness of a joint. It is not a disease in itself. Arthritis is often divided into inflammatory and non-inflammatory types. It is a condition present in different diseases, including: Osteoarthritis  Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the cartilage, the tissue that covers the ends […]

What is spondyloarthritis? Spondyloarthritis is a mouthful, but dissecting the word can help us understand it more easily. The ending “-itis” means inflammation. “Spondylo-” means related to the spine, and “arthritis” refers to inflammation of the joints. Putting it all together, “spondyloarthritis” means inflammation of the spine and joints.  Doctors use the term “axial SpA” […]

Where is the pelvis? What is the anatomy of the pelvis? To start off, we can answer the initial question, ”Where is the pelvis and what does its anatomy look like?” The pelvis is formed by a set of intrinsically connected bones, joints, and muscles located in the lower part of the trunk, between the […]

How does alcohol affect kidneys? The kidneys are vital in maintaining the body’s internal balance and overall health. These bean-shaped organs filter waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood to form urine.  Additionally, the kidneys help regulate blood pressure, stimulate red blood cell production, and contribute to bone health. Various factors affect their […]

All-nighters and fatal risks: Who needs to be extra careful? People with existing health conditions and shift workers are at a higher risk of experiencing severe complications because of sleep deprivation.  Sleep deprivation disrupts the body’s emotional, physical, and psychological balance, increasing the risk of serious health events. Here’s a closer look at the risks […]

Where are the sinuses in the face?  Sinuses of the face are also known as paranasal sinuses (1). Paranasal sinuses are hollow cavities in the bones of the face and skull, connected to the nose.  These hollow spaces inside the bones increase bone volume without increasing their weight or mass. The surfaces of these sinuses […]

What is liver fibrosis? Causes and symptoms Liver fibrosis occurs when the liver becomes scarred and cannot function well. Before, it was thought that liver fibrosis was not reversible. However, some fibrosis can be reversed.  The main cause of liver fibrosis is repeated injury to the liver. This can occur due to toxins and infections […]

How can dehydration cause low blood pressure (hypotension)? What is blood pressure?  The American Heart Association (AHA) defines blood pressure as the pressure generated within vessels by the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries (1).  Two pressure (in mmHg) readings are noted during an assessment: the first is the pressure as the heart […]

What is a coccyx bone? The spine is a posterior bony structure extending from the skull’s base to the pelvis. Vertebrae, separated by intervertebral discs, form the spine. It is divided into five main regions: This structure stabilizes and aligns the body, aiding in walking and supporting the pelvic floor by connecting multiple muscles and […]

Types of leg pain Depending on the cause, there are many different types of leg pain. Doctors usually classify leg pain into neurological, musculoskeletal, and vascular types.  Neurological pain Problems with the nerves lead to a neurological type of leg pain. This type of leg pain occurs at rest. Typical examples include restless leg syndrome […]

Understanding cancer  To discuss artificial sweeteners and their potential to cause cancer, we must first clarify the concept of cancer. Different kinds of cancers can affect the human body, but they all have one thing in common: uncontrollable growth of cells.  In our bodies, cells divide constantly to form new tissues and keep our bodies […]

Common reasons for forehead headache It is common to experience a headache occasionally (1). Headaches have different patterns and associated features. What are the common forehead headaches causes, then? Some headaches involve the forehead predominantly, while others target the back of the head (occipital region) or sides of the head (temples) (2). Headaches are of […]

Causes of high potassium in adults  There are many reasons why potassium levels might be elevated. Below, we address some common causes (5).  Pseudohyperkalemia The most common reason for high potassium levels is pseudohyperkalemia. Pseudo means fake, and this describes a scenario when your laboratory tests indicate a high potassium level, while it is, in […]

What causes sugar cravings? Why do you crave sweets? Is it simply because you have a sweet tooth, or are there underlying causes? How to stop sugar cravings instantly? Read on to find out! Low Magnesium  Magnesium plays a vital role in the human body. It helps synthesize serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Besides […]

The importance of gut health  The role of the gut in our overall health has been underestimated for a long time. The homeostasis of the trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that inhabit our gut is essential for our health. However, our diet, lifestyle, and physiology can all affect the health of our gut microbiota. […]

16 foods that can cause cancer In cancer prevention, understanding the types of cancer-causing foods is essential. These are the foods that are known to contain carcinogenic substances or create conditions that help cancer development.  So, what foods cause cancer? From red meats to sugary drinks, the list of cancer-causing foods encompasses a wide range […]

Why it matters Digestion is a complex process involving multiple organs and hormones. When you eat, food travels from your mouth through the esophagus and into your stomach, where stomach acids break it down.  It then moves into the small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed. And finally, it reaches the large intestine, where water is […]

Can alcohol make you depressed? Find out the connection Why does alcohol exacerbate depression? After all, on most occasions, we drink alcoholic beverages just for temporary comfort. But it can instead lead to heightened feelings of melancholy. So, how exactly does alcohol affect us physically and psychologically? Alcohol’s effects on your brain and depression How […]

How can prolonged stress affect you? Understanding how stress reshapes your existence is the first step toward reclaiming control. It influences everything from the feelings that define your daily experiences to the physical symptoms that can endanger your overall well-being.  Emotionally When stress becomes a constant companion, it significantly influences your daily emotions. Understanding these […]

Calcium deposits in breasts: Should you be concerned? Calcium deposition in the breast is also known as breast calcification. It is not uncommon to find white spots on breasts in mammography (radiological investigation). These white spots indicate tiny calcium deposits (1). Calcium deposits can be of great concern as sometimes they signal serious underlying diseases. […]

What does muscle pain in the chest feel like? You usually feel a pain in the upper chest muscles, which may be either sharp and well-localized, indicating an acute injury, or dull aching involving the whole chest in chronic conditions. This pain may occur during your exercise session due to muscle spasms or tightness, followed […]

Can you survive skin cancer: Is skin cancer fatal?  Skin cancer survival depends upon the type and the stage of cancer. Basal cell carcinoma has the most positive outcomes among all skin cancers, while melanoma is the most serious (3, 8). Survival is determined as a five-year survival rate after diagnosis. It is an estimated […]

How to check blood pressure manually with a cuff? Step by step Hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults worldwide (1). Known as “the silent killer,” this condition can slowly and continuously cause organ damage. This common disease can trigger complications such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage, peripheral vessel disease, and other health […]

7 causes of pain in the lower leg when walking  Leg pain can be a signal of many different underlying issues. Understanding the potential reasons for your pain makes it easier to get the right kind of help when you need it. Here’s a look at the common causes of lower leg pain when walking. […]

Stress-induced chest pain: How does it feel like? We usually have baseline anxiety that allows us to carry out daily activities without problems, but the question remains: can stress cause chest pain? When this anxiety caused by stress becomes uncontrollable, various symptoms may appear, such as chest pain. This is a common reason for emergency […]

How to stop bad thoughts: 5 ways to handle them No one can live without negative thoughts. It’s the natural mechanism of our brain aiming to keep us safe that we can’t control (4).  Therefore, instead of asking, “How to block out negative thoughts?” let’s shift our focus to “How to stop focusing on the […]

10 best foods for brain recovery A healthy diet filled with whole foods will contribute to your best health. When it comes to healing from a brain injury, there are certain foods that you should add to your daily routine. Turmeric  Curcumin, a polyphenol that is the active ingredient of turmeric, has a range of […]

What causes stomach pain radiating to the back? Pain can present in many ways. Tracking its onset (sudden or gradual), location, radiation, character (sharp or dull), severity, progression, associated symptoms, and factors that worsen or alleviate it can help you and your healthcare provider manage the underlying cause. Below are some typical features of common […]

What are digestive enzymes? Digestive enzymes for protein are produced by your body. They are found throughout your digestive system, from your mouth to your small intestines (1). These catalysts break down food proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into smaller, more absorbable nutrients. When large components are broken down, it’s easier for your body to use […]

The role of probiotics for skin Probiotics are popular for their digestive health. But they can also balance your skin’s ecosystem, strengthen its defenses, and promote a healthy, radiant complexion. The best probiotic for skin health to look out for is Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Here’s how they achieve this.  Balance the skin microbiome Probiotics and […]

How to reset your gut naturally? Understanding and responding to the physical messages your gut sends is the key to maintaining its health. This knowledge empowers you to take control of your overall well-being.  The good news? There are actions you can start today to keep your gut in good shape. 1. Improve your sleeping […]

What are 3 P’s of Diabetes?  Polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia—increased urination, thirst, and hunger, respectively—are the tell-tale signs of diabetes mellitus (DM).  Diabetes mellitus is characterized by elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels. Insulin, a hormone produced by your pancreas, typically assists the body in regulating blood sugar levels following meals. Any impairment in the formation […]

What is considered bad sleep? So, what does bad sleep look like? Here are some clear signs that your sleep could be better (1): Why is my sleep so bad? Wondering “why am I losing sleep” or “why am I not getting quality sleep”? From what you sip to hitting the gym—we’ll explore how your […]

What to do for upset stomach and diarrhea? Dealing with an upset stomach and diarrhea can seem daunting. But you can take steps to help ease symptoms and feel better. Let’s look at some practical ways on how to treat upset stomach and diarrhea below: Frequent fluid intake, such as water, clear broth, or electrolyte […]

Basics of how to detox sugar from your body In your sugar detox, you want to avoid as many added sugars (refined sugars) as possible. Refined sugars are those that do not occur naturally in whole foods but have been extracted and processed by humans before being added to drinks and foods. For instance, added […]

How should people with diabetes eat? Several key principles can help manage the condition when it comes to eating habits for individuals with diabetes, as discussed below (2). By following these principles, people with diabetes can create a healthy eating pattern to support their well-being and diabetes management.  Is the keto diet good for people […]

What causes period cramps (Dysmenorrhea)? It is quite normal to feel discomfort, pain, or cramps right before and during the initial days of your period (1). During your period, your uterus contracts to expel the inner lining (2). Prostaglandins are the chemicals responsible for causing the uterus to contract. The crampy pain that most women […]

Why deep sleep is important Getting a good night of deep sleep is important for restoring all bodily functions. Sleep affects every body system: metabolism, gut function, hormones, brain function, and libido (2, 3, 4, 5).  Studies show that deep sleep is linked to managing stress and anxiety and storing and processing fat. It is […]

What is shallow breathing while sleeping? Imagine your breath as the ocean’s tide: it should flow in and out, deep and rhythmic, sustaining you without a second thought. However, for some, this tide ebbs too lightly during sleep, barely whispering against the shore. This is shallow breathing, a reduced breath depth that differs significantly from […]

Causes of oversleeping: 14 Hours – 16 Hours – 18 Hours In a world that often praises the early bird, waking up after sleeping 15 hours might make you wonder, “Is this normal?” If you find yourself routinely sleeping over 12 hours or even hitting the sleep 16 hours mark without understanding why, it’s time […]

What is insulin? Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate sugar levels in the bloodstream (1). When you eat foods that contain carbohydrates, like bread, pasta, or rice, your body breaks them down into glucose. Glucose is a type of sugar that your cells use for energy.  Insulin plays an important role […]

What is coconut sugar? This sweetened extract contains 70 to 79 percent sucrose and 3 to 9 percent glucose and fructose, respectively (1). It has long been routinely used in places like Indonesia and the Philippines. It is prepared by heating the sap of coconut palm flowers for more than 3 to 4 hours until […]

How long can you have cancer without knowing? Hidden cancer symptoms The rate at which cancer develops and becomes noticeable depends solidly on the type of cancer and individual differences. So, there’s no fixed timeframe for tumor growth. Can you have cancer for years and not know it? The answer is a solid yes: cancer […]

Heart pounding after drinking alcohol: Unraveling why Drinking red wine or other alcoholic beverages can help you relax but can also slow down your brain, affecting how you feel, act, and stay in control. Drinking can also make it tough to think clearly and remember things (1). You may notice an irregular or fast heart […]

What causes knee pain? Knee pain is usually caused by inflammation and irritation in the joint. The knee joint comprises bones, tendons, ligaments, menisci, and synovial sacs called bursae. This complex structure creates difficulties in the etiologic diagnosis of knee pain. To differentiate the structures, physicians usually perform maneuvers in the physical examination and request […]

Sharp pain under the breast when breathing in: Possible reasons Sharp pain under the breast or chest pain has various causes, from heart-related serious pathologies to stomach-related benign reasons (1). Following are the different diseases that can cause sharp pain in the breast region: Pain due to the lungs  Lung infection, also known as pneumonia, […]

How does arthritis affect the body? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects more than 18 million people worldwide. About 70 percent of individuals living with rheumatoid arthritis are women, and 55 percent are older than 55 years (3). When a person has rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system, which normally protects the body […]

Understanding arm soreness There are a wide range of causes why you might experience pain in one of your arms, from minor injuries like mild trauma to serious conditions such as heart attacks. Here are some of the possible causes: Shoulder pain The shoulder joint is one of the most mobile joints in the human […]

Strongest essential oils for pain relief According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2021, approximately 20.9 percent of adults in the USA, which equals 51.6 million people, were dealing with chronic pain, and 17.1 million people suffered from chronic pain that impacted daily activities (i.e., high impact chronic […]

Anemia and cancer: What you should know Anemia is when your body runs low on red blood cells. This condition is also called low hemoglobin in red blood cells. Hemoglobin (Hb) is the iron-rich protein that gives blood its red color and helps carry oxygen throughout the body (1, 2, 3). The World Health Organization […]

The best sleep position for breathing: Which position fits you? Adequate rest depends on multiple factors, including habits, age, health status, and previous respiratory conditions. In younger people, sleeping posture may be less relevant than in older individuals or those with certain respiratory conditions. The three common sleeping positions (side, back, and stomach) have advantages […]