Approximately 86 million adults in the country have cholesterol levels over 200 mg/dL. While cholesterol may have many underlying causes, sugary foods, including soft drinks, confectioneries, and other types of desserts, have also been linked as one of the causes of high cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, studies suggest that individuals nationwide consume around 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily, which is 2-3 times the recommended daily sugar intake. Here’s how sugar intake impacts cholesterol levels: Impact of excessive sugar intake on cholesterol Large amounts of sugar convert to liver fat Glucose and fructose are the two molecules found in almost equal proportions in table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. While all the cells in the body can metabolize glucose, fructose is processed single-handedly by the liver. Therefore, sugary foods and beverages can lead to excessive fructose levels in the body, causing fatty liver disease. Studies have found that individuals with fat accumulation in their liver typically have high LDL cholesterol levels. Accumulation of abdominal fat Fructose is linked to a substantial increase in fat accumulation around the abdomen, which, in turn, triggers diseases like cholesterol, type-2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Increased insulin resistance Insulin is responsible for supplying glucose to cells.

Sugary sodas are the go-to drinks for many, especially when they are looking for a cold beverage. Some sodas that contain lots of sugar might also be marketed as energy drinks to help one stay awake or take on a strenuous task. But such sugary drinks can do more harm than good, especially when one has such beverages every day. So, here are seven ways in which sugary beverages affect health: Liver problems Sugary drinks are usually loaded with compounds like glucose and fructose. While glucose can be metabolized by all cells in the body, fructose is only broken down by the liver. When one has too many sugar-rich drinks, the liver may be overwhelmed. As a result, instead of breaking down all of the fructose, some of it gets converted into fat. A portion of such fat stays in the liver, which can trigger certain types of liver diseases. Leptin resistance Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells and regulates the number of calories an individual eats and burns. The levels of this hormone can fluctuate in response to certain factors, and excessive intake of sugary sodas could make the body resistant to the hormone’s effects, which is known as leptin resistance.

The immune system serves as the army of the human body, with various defense mechanisms to combat threats such as bacteria and viruses. The stronger a person’s immunity, the more resilient to illnesses they will be. Unfortunately, there are times when a person’s immune system weakens due to a host of reasons: a lack of sleep, bad lifestyle habits, and consumption of non-nutritious food. Here are the signs of weak immune systems in people: High levels of stress Although short-term acute stressors can be beneficial for the body as they increase alertness and mental clarity during tense, fight-or-flight situations, chronic stress is harmful to one’s health. Unfortunately, a weakened immune system increases the likelihood of chronic stress in people. In turn, chronic stress further debilitates one’s health through immune suppression and dysregulation. Frequent episodes of stress trigger auto-immune issues such as ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis, and also flare-ups of allergic reactions like asthma and eczema. Frequent sickness and longer recovery times As implied earlier, the immune system fights viruses and infections with various components such as b-cells, killer-t cells, dendritic cells, and a host of white blood cells. When these components lose effectiveness, the body becomes more vulnerable to health issues like infections and illnesses.

The lungs are the most integral part of the respiratory system in the human body. They are responsible for facilitating gas exchange from the environment into the bloodstream. Maintaining lung function is pertinent for healthy living. Several factors, including indoor pollution, may impact lung health. This can give rise to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, breathlessness, fatigue, excessive mucus production, and more. Eight common household factors that contribute to lung damage include: Mold Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp environments and reproduces by spreading spores through the air. Those with allergies to mold spores, lung conditions such as COPD, or a weak immune system, may develop lung infections as a result of this. To avoid these, fix leaks around the home and steer clear of compost piles. Carpet Many carpets are made of durable materials that can trap harmful pollutants like cockroach droppings, mold, dust mites, and toxic gases in their fibers. These pollutants can enter the air when someone walks on the carpet or when it is vacuumed and harm lung health. If possible, consider switching to hard flooring that is easy to clean. Alternatively, use throw rugs that can be cleaned outside the home, vacuum the carpet three times a week, and have it steam cleaned at least once a year.

Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a rare neurological disease affecting the part of one’s brain that controls bodily movements. Due to the disease, the affected nerve cells weaken, break down, and die over time. The physical and neuropsychiatric symptoms and their progression may vary from one person to another. HD is diagnosed by closely studying one’s medical history, neurological exams, diagnostic imaging, and genetic tests. Let’s learn more about its symptoms and who it affects primarily. Who does Huntington’s Disease affect? Since HD is an inherited or genetic disorder, it is more likely to affect those whose family members or close relatives have this condition. It is primarily triggered by a mutation in the gene responsible for producing the huntingtin protein. Usually, the HD symptoms start to show in middle-aged individuals after their 30s or 40s, but if one shows signs before 20, it’s termed juvenile Huntington’s disease. Common symptoms of Huntington’s disease Early signs of HD, especially in the case of juveniles, might be more tricky to diagnose, enabling the condition to progress rapidly. If left undetected and untreated, the symptoms may worsen. Involuntary movements The most common symptom is involuntary, jerky movements, and may manifest in ways like: Muscle jerking Muscle rigidity Sudden muscular contractions or tremors Frequent falls, stumbling, and difficulty in walking Seizures, more commonly seen in juvenile cases Uncoordinated eye movements, which can be slow or seem unusual These symptoms may worsen when the person feels a surge of intense emotion, including stress or anxiety, and significantly affect one’s ability to carry out daily tasks or hold conversations.

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a type of arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat because of irregular beats from the heart’s upper chambers. The heart may abnormally beat up to 400 beats per minute. The condition results from electrical impulses firing from multiple sites in both atria. However, there are treatments to help manage the condition. There are also trigger factors, such as these six foods, which one must avoid to reduce the risk of worsening the condition. Salt We add salt to food, usually while preparing meals, to help enhance flavor. However, the ingredient contains sodium, a potential trigger that may worsen Afib episodes. Consuming excessive salt may elevate blood pressure levels and consequently trigger the symptoms of Afib. It is better to exclude the sodium-rich property from meal regimes or significantly reduce intake. Candy bars Many people enjoy eating candy bars, but knowing their high sugar content is important. For those with Afib, consuming too many candy bars can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels and increase the risk of developing heart disease. Additionally, candy bars can cause digestive issues such as constipation, leading to bloating and gas buildup. This, in turn, may stimulate the heart muscles and potentially trigger AFib.

Cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled mutation of cells that can develop in any body part. Bone cancer or osteosarcoma is one such cancer type triggered when unhealthy cells invade the bone marrow or develop over the surface of any bone. While most bones are vulnerable to this cancer, it commonly affects the pelvic or long bones that make up the arms and legs. Here are five common early signs of bone cancer explained. Pain and swelling Bone cancer will cause pain to develop gradually over time and spread around the affected area. This pain is different from the type that is caused due to injury. Along with pain, spreading cancer will trigger inflammation and cause swelling to affect the bone minerals. If pain and swelling develop around the joints, it will be evident from the discomfort caused during simple movement. Pain is worse during the day but can persist overnight. Tenderness over the bones If a bone is painfully tender to touch and triggers sharp shooting discomfort upon contact, it could indicate the spread of underlying cancer. This happens mainly due to the increased sensitivity of nerves that come in contact with the swelling and inflammation on the surface or inside the bone marrow.

Esophageal esophagitis (EoE) is a health condition characterized by the accumulation of eosinophil, a type of white blood cell, in the esophagus. It commonly involves symptoms like regurgitation, abdominal pain, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. An allergic reaction to food groups or certain environmental factors causes this health condition. Determining food triggers of this condition involves eliminating certain food groups from one’s meal plan. Some foods that may likely cause EoE are listed below. Eggs In some cases, egg allergies may cause or aggravate EoE symptoms. Specifically, the body produces antibodies to fight against the proteins in eggs, causing an allergic reaction. So, individuals with EoE should avoid eggs in all forms, as well as baked foods and other preparations containing eggs, for a few days to determine whether eggs are causing the condition. Soy Soy may also trigger EoE in some individuals. Hence, people with this condition should avoid all foods containing soy, such as tofu, soybean, soybean oil, soy milk, and soy sauce, adding these back gradually to detect an allergic reaction to this ingredient. One should also carefully check the ingredients of ready-to-eat and packaged foods, as some may contain soy or soy products. Wheat Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat and wheat products and can trigger an accumulation of eosinophils in the esophagus for some individuals.

A person experiences a heart attack when there is a severe reduction or blockage of the normal flow of blood to the heart. The blockage occurs because of the accumulation of cholesterol, fat, plaque, or other substances in the arteries of the heart. Also known as myocardial infarction, a heart attack requires immediate expert attention. So, it is important to determine the cause and monitor symptoms if one is at risk.  Pain and discomfort in the chest This is one of the most common early warning signs of heart attack. A person who is having a heart attack experiences pressure, tightness, and pain in the chest. It may feel like a heavy object has been placed over the chest. Some people also experience a burning or pinching sensation in the chest. These sensations last for more than a few minutes. Pain radiating from the arms Another common early sign of heart attack is pain that starts from the left side of the body. This pain radiates from the chest. It gradually moves outwards. In some cases, the pain is restricted only to the left arm. It does not spread to the entire left part of the body. Feeling light-headed The onset of a heart attack can make one feel faint.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, is a lung condition that affects millions of people in the country. It’s a progressive disorder that often starts subtly and worsens over time, making early detection crucial for effective management. If an individual is at risk for COPD, understanding the early warning signs can make all the difference in maintaining a high quality of life. Ten such early symptoms of COPD are listed below. Persistent Cough One of the common early signs of COPD is a persistent cough that lingers for weeks or even months. This cough may produce mucus. If someone has a chronic cough, they should consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation. Shortness of Breath Feeling breathless during everyday activities like climbing stairs, walking, or even while at rest is a common early sign of COPD. The person may also notice a gradual decrease in lung capacity, making it harder to catch their breath. Increased Mucus Production People with COPD often experience an increase in mucus production in their airways. It can lead to frequent throat clearing and coughing. If one notices a persistent change in mucus production, it is time to seek a health expert’s advice.