Nutrition plays a crucial role in boosting immunity and maintaining overall health and well-being. Food is fuel for the body and an organic source of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that keep essential bodily functions up and running. Unfortunately, many people overlook the benefits of healthy meals, increasing their risk of developing diseases and infections. Here are ten popular superfoods for the immune system experts recommend including in the nutrition regimen. Blueberries Blueberries are the richest sources of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that boost immunity. A handful of blueberries pack essential polyphenols and anthocyanins that prevent free radicals from causing oxidative stress to healthy cells. This lowers the risk of chronic diseases that impact cell regeneration. In addition, blueberries are low in calories and high in nutrients like fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K. These compounds significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, boost cognitive function, lower blood pressure, fight common urinary tract infections, and even boast anti-diabetic effects. So, one can add blueberries to their food plan and enjoy these health benefits in the long term. Broccoli Nutritionists recommend including as many cruciferous vegetables and dark leafy greens in the food plan as possible to boost immunity. Broccoli is a rich source of soluble fiber, iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamins C and K.

Medicare is a federal health insurance initiative that covers treatment expenses for eligible U.S. citizens. The program provides healthcare benefits to senior citizens aged 65 and above. However, younger people with disability and those approved for Social Security disability insurance can also benefit from the program. As part of this initiative, most people in the country earn the right to enroll as taxpayers contributing to the system. Keep reading to learn more about Medicare. 11 facts about Medicare Medicare is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Usually, Medicare benefits can vary depending on the enrollment plan chosen by the beneficiary. It includes four enrollment plan options – Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. But there are many important facts one must know about the initiative before enrolling. Some key facts regarding the program are listed below. Employees and employers contribute money toward Medicare benefits In most cases, the bulk of the money to provide Medicare benefits comes from employees and employers. It includes 1.45% of a worker’s wages, which adds up to 2.9% of the total amount. In the case of self-employment, the workers contribute 2.9% of their income towards the Medicare program.

Leukemia is cancer that affects the blood cells and bone marrow. It is a condition that requires prompt medical attention. While some forms of leukemia can be cured, others may require lifelong treatment to manage symptoms and prolong survival. Some symptoms of leukemia are obvious, such as fatigue and frequent infections, but there are also silent signs that may go unnoticed. Here are some common symptoms, causes, and treatment options for leukemia. What is leukemia? Leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells that affects the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside the bones that produces blood cells. Leukemia occurs when the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells, which are known as leukemia cells. These leukemia cells do not function properly and can crowd out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow. This can lead to various health problems, including anemia, infections, and bleeding disorders. There are four main types of leukemia: chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Silent signs of leukemia Bruising and bleeding Leukemia cells can interfere with the body’s ability to produce platelets responsible for clotting the blood. As a result, people with leukemia may experience bruising and bleeding, even from minor injuries.

Cold sores appear in the form of blisters on the lips or the area around the mouth and are often a symptom of the herpes simplex virus. The blisters are filled with fluid and can break open and ooze. These usually crust over and go away in seven to ten days; however, the healing process may be painful. In such cases, the pain and discomfort can be alleviated using certain simple remedies for cold sores. Use aloe vera gel Aloe vera is known to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, it has inhibitory characteristics. This is why applying aloe vera gel can give temporary relief from the pain and discomfort caused by cold sores. A little bit of pure aloe vera gel can be dabbed over the areas where cold sores have formed. This can be done three to four times a day until the cold sores heal. Wear sunscreen One of the main triggers of cold sores is sunburn. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause cold sores to flare up. To avoid this, the application of sunscreen is often recommended. A broad-spectrum sunscreen preferably with minimum SPF 30 should be applied daily. This should be done at least 20 minutes before heading into the sun.

Over 75% of the human body is made up of water. And every day, the body loses fluids that must be replenished by simply drinking water or fluids. Water is critical for maintaining electrolyte balance, promoting blood circulation, and even helping the body flush out toxins through urination. If the fluids are not replenished as and when required, it increases the risk of dehydration. Here are unusual signs of dehydration one must be aware of.  Dark urine Water helps flush out toxins from the body, where the kidneys purify the blood and evacuate fluids via the bladder. Regular urine is usually pale yellow or a lighter shade in color. But if one notices a darker shade of urine, it is indicative that the body requires more water to enable this process. Similarly, the frequency of urination can also indicate severe dehydration. If the person is not passing urine at all, it is a worrying sign of dehydration that should not be ignored. Dryness of the skin Drinking water helps the skin remain more supple. However, reduced water intake can affect this elasticity causing the skin to become dry and extremely rippled. Doctors advise taking a pinch test to see if the skin bounces back into its original texture after a quick pinch.

Pain is the brain’s signaling that something is wrong with an organ or function in the body. Everybody experiences some form of pain that can be mild or severe, depending on the underlying cause. No two people experience pain the same way as it develops, varying in intensity and frequency. However, certain types of pain develop as a precursor to known health complications. Here are the ones to never ignore. Intense headache pain Headaches may come and go, but if it persists longer than usual with sharp bouts of pain, check it. Any injury, stroke, or brain aneurysm can trigger intense pain that develops almost immediately and persists without relief. With headaches, one might also experience specific neurological symptoms like confusion, pain on one side, weakness, and even seizures that develop without warning. Chest pain Pain that develops abruptly in the chest without prior progression could indicate a blocked artery or become a precursor to major cardiovascular problems. This pain is accompanied by a pressure or squeezing sensation in the chest that affects breathing. One might also experience dizziness or develop fatigue as the pain worsens. Blood clots in the arteries trigger these symptoms that should not be ignored. Remember, heart attacks do not develop out of the blue.