The food and nutrition industry is constantly researching various foods’ properties and health benefits. From plant-based options to gluten-free alternatives, significant efforts are being made to consider a wider audience’s nutritional needs and preferences. The humble glass of milk has been at the forefront of this change. This article explores the reason behind the rise of alternative milk options, their nutritional value, benefits, and drawbacks so consumers can make well-informed decisions about their food. Why lactose-free milk? Milk is one of the most widely consumed beverages around the world, with more than six billion people consuming it regularly. However, estimates also suggest that around 75% of the global population is intolerant to lactose – a sugar found in milk, ice cream, and other dairy products. This means that consuming lactose-rich products could lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and gas. To avert this issue, food companies have been working on developing alternatives such as lactose-free dairy and non-dairy products. Understanding lactose intolerance Lactose is a sugar that is found in most dairy products like milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt, butter, sour cream, etc. It is broken down in the body for absorption by an enzyme called lactase. Most people, however, do not produce enough lactase.

Huntington’s disease is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder that progresses through distinct stages. Each stage has its own set of challenges and symptoms. Its symptoms often include challenges in motor functions, involuntary movements, cognitive issues, and psychological problems. To better understand Huntington’s disease, it is necessary to understand its stages and the challenges they bring. So, here are the five stages of Huntington’s disease that one should know about. It can help one seek appropriate treatment. Stage 1 (preclinical) The first stage of Huntington’s disease is known as the preclinical stage, and it often goes unnoticed as individuals do not show significant symptoms. The initial symptoms that may be noticed include anxiety, irritability, depression, and learning difficulties. With no severe symptoms, individuals at this stage may go about their daily lives and routines. The doctor may suggest genetic testing to determine the possibility of Huntington’s disease. This genetic disease is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, which further causes the production of abnormal huntingtin proteins. So, genetic testing is conducted to determine the presence of the mutated HTT gene. Stage 2 (early) The second stage of Huntington’s disease is called the early stage. This is when an individual begins to show noticeable symptoms.

Hemophilia is a rare disorder where the blood does not clot in a typical manner because it lacks blood-clotting proteins. Someone with the condition might bleed for a longer time following an injury. While smaller cuts aren’t an issue, severe forms of the condition might be cause for concern because of the bleeding inside the body, especially in the knees, elbows, and ankles. However, there are various ways to manage the condition after consultation with a healthcare expert. Ways to manage hemophilia Get an annual comprehensive checkup done One of the most important steps in managing hemophilia is setting regular healthcare appointments, including annual comprehensive checkups at a hemophilia treatment center (HTC). These centers in the country enable patients to receive all their hemophilia-related healthcare in one location. The team of doctors at HTCs may include a hematologist, an orthopedist, a pediatrician, a physical therapist, a nurse, a dentist, and a social worker. The team may work together to ensure the patient gets the best care when managing the blood disorder. One can use the CDC’s directory of HTCs to find one nearest to their location. Treat bleeds early Whether or not one is affected by hemophilia, one must have basic first aid handy.

Gastric or stomach cancer can develop in any part of the stomach. In most cases, it occurs in the central part of the stomach, known as the stomach body. In other cases, the cancer develops in the gastroesophageal junction, where the esophagus and stomach are connected. In both cases, cancer cells grow abnormally in the stomach regions. Here are some common causes, symptoms, and management options for gastric or stomach cancer. Causes Stomach cancer develops due to genetic mutation or changes in the DNA present in the cells of the stomach. As a result of this mutation, the cells begin to grow faster, causing a tumor to form over time. With the cancer progressing, the number of cancer cells outgrows the number of healthy cells. As time passes, the cancerous cells in the stomach can progressively invade and harm healthy tissues. The cells penetrate deeper into the stomach and eventually break away from the abdominal area to spread to other body parts during the advanced stages. If cancerous cells migrate to another part of the body, it is known as metastasis. Researchers have yet to learn why the mutation occurs. However, conclusive studies indicate that certain factors increase the risk of gastric cancer.

Blood cancers start in the bone marrow, where healthy blood cells are produced. One may develop cancer of the blood when abnormal cells grow out of control, interfere with the function of normal blood cells, and prevent them from fighting off infections or forming new blood cells. Since the cancer might occur gradually, diagnosing the condition isn’t always easy. However, experts associate these eight warning signs with blood cancer and recommend immediate treatment on recognition. Fever or chills An individual might have a fever or chills due to various factors, including a viral infection. The sign might also be prominent in people affected by blood cancer. One may develop a constant low-level fever or a sudden spike in temperature. The sign might result from pyrogens produced by tumor growth due to cancerous cells. Pyrogens come from outside sources, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The lack of healthy blood cells means the body’s defense mechanism might be unable to eliminate such invaders, which triggers fever and chills. Fatigue Fatigue is one of the most common signs in patients with blood cancers. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is characterized by excessive and persistent exhaustion that interferes with daily activity. The cause of fatigue caused by such mutations is the lack of healthy red blood cells, leading to anemia.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. It includes the lymph nodes, lymph glands, thymus gland, spleen, tonsils, and bone marrow. Lymphoma symptoms can occur in these areas as well as other organs of the body. Most of the time, the symptoms are not very specific. Also, the early warning signs of lymphoma are subtle, taking months or years to manifest. For those at high risk or with a family history of lymphoma, watching out for these early warning signs is recommended. Early warning signs of lymphoma Here are the early warning signs of lymphoma: 1. Swollen lymph nodes One of the common early warning signs of lymphoma is an enlargement of lymph nodes in the groin, neck, and armpit. This happens due to the rapid growth of cancerous cells in these areas. Due to the same reason, the spleen may also become swollen. This can be observed by feeling fullness or a mass growth on the left side of the upper abdomen. The swollen nodes may also feel painful and cause discomfort. 2. Fever/chills A sign that the immune system is overworking due to lymphoma is the development of fever. The immune system is triggered as the body detects the cancerous cells and tries to fight them off.

The liver plays an indispensable role in one’s body, performing several functions, including boosting immunity and supporting the metabolism. Hence, health issues pertaining to the liver should be addressed promptly to avoid complications. Some common liver-related health conditions include cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and hepatitis A and B. Recognizing the signs of liver disease early can help with timely diagnosis and treatment. Here are some common liver damage signs one should never ignore: Common signs of liver damage Severe abdominal pain A dull, persistent ache in the right upper side of the abdomen is likely a sign of liver disease and should not be ignored. This pain is usually caused by the accumulation of ascites, or fluid, in the abdomen due to a liver condition. Yellowing of the skin and eyes Individuals with liver damage may experience jaundice-like symptoms characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Such yellowing is attributed to excessive concentrations of bilirubin, which typically passes through the liver and is excreted from the body. In the case of patients with liver problems, the liver is unable to excrete this substance optimally, leading to yellow pigmentation. Swelling of the feet and ankles When the liver stops functioning optimally, it eventually results in fluid buildup in the legs, feet, and ankles, causing these body parts to swell up.

Liver cancer, known to be one of the fastest-growing types of cancer, is a life-threatening health condition. There are two types of liver cancer: primary and secondary. Primary liver cancer begins in the cells or bile ducts, whereas secondary cancer spreads to the liver from other parts of the body. In either case, the symptoms usually don’t appear until the advanced stages. Here are some of the silent signs of liver cancer: causes, diagnosis, and management options. Silent signs of liver cancer Liver cancer is often referred to as a silent condition because it is quite challenging to detect in the early stages. As the cancer progresses, some of these symptoms begin to show up. Unusual swelling and pain in the abdomen In most cases of liver cancer, constant pain starts to develop in the upper right region of the abdomen. In addition, there is considerable swelling. Those who are asymptomatic may experience stabbing pain when the area over the liver is pressed slightly during a physical examination. However, these symptoms do not necessarily indicate liver cancer. It may also happen due to other health conditions, such as issues with the pancreas or gallbladder or due to a hepatitis infection.