A health insurance plan helps people save on treatment expenses and avoid financial hardships. However, many health insurance providers exclude dental care from their coverage, making it necessary to buy a separate policy to meet these expenses. But, again, even dental insurance packages do not cover everything, so one must read the terms and conditions before signing up. Here are a few things dental insurance plans usually do not cover. Cosmetic treatments Most dental insurance policies do not cover dental treatments that are administered only to enhance a person’s appearance. Examples of such treatments include teeth whitening procedures, veneers, gum contouring operations, and tooth shaping operations. These procedures aim to improve the overall look of the teeth and are not necessary for maintaining one’s health. Dental insurance providers cover the cost of only those treatments that help control symptoms like oral pain or other serious health conditions. Any expenses linked to cosmetic treatments will likely not be covered, so individuals should speak to their provider before signing up for the procedure. Cost of braces Orthodontic devices like braces are used to straighten one’s teeth and thus improve appearance or facial expression. Like cosmetic treatments, they are not considered necessary. As a result, most dental insurance plans do not cover the cost of purchasing or fitting orthodontic devices.

Epilepsy is a disorder that causes disturbances in nerve cell activity in the brain, leading to the occurrence of seizures. There are various types of epilepsy, and the causes for some are unknown. The treatment and management of this condition involves a holistic approach, and nutrition plays a crucial role in it. Food choices are critical when managing the condition, so it is essential to be aware of ingredients or types of foods that may trigger epilepsy symptoms. Citrus fruits One must be mindful of citrus fruits, such as oranges, pomegranates, grape juice, fruit lime, and similar fruits. While these fruits may have numerous benefits, they can potentially interfere with the treatment program and trigger symptoms of the condition. In particular, grapefruit and oranges are known to act as catalysts for the side effects caused by the treatment methods for epilepsy. Research suggests that the enzymes found in these fruits help break down the epilepsy treatment products in the body, making them less effective in treating the condition. If the treatment is unable to show results, it can leave the patient more vulnerable to frequent seizures and other associated symptoms. Speaking to a doctor to understand which foods should or should not be included in the meal plan is an important step to take during epilepsy treatment.

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that originates in the cells lining the stomach. Gastric cancer can get fatal if it is not diagnosed and treated at an early stage, as the exact cause of stomach cancer remains inconclusive. While genetic factors, age, pre-existing stomach conditions, and infections contribute to its development, emerging research suggests that eating certain foods may contribute to a lower risk of stomach cancer. Foods that may help prevent stomach cancer Eating healthy and balanced meals can contribute to overall well-being and may help reduce the risk of stomach cancer. Here are some favorable foods: Carrots Carrot is a commonly found root vegetable that stands out as a notable reservoir of beta-carotene, a protective plant pigment known for lowering the risk of stomach cancer. A recent study showed that eating carrots daily resulted in a remarkable 26% decrease in the risk of developing stomach cancer. This versatile vegetable can be eaten raw, with hummus, or added to several other dishes, like salads, wraps, soups, salads, and wraps. One carrot contains fewer than 30 calories but delivers approximately 200% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A. People with the most vitamin A and retinol in their food intake had a 40% to 60% lower chance of getting stomach cancer compared to those who had the least.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a term used to refer to a group of lung diseases that block one’s airways, causing severe breathing difficulties. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are among the most common COPD diseases. Statistical reports suggest that 15.7 million people nationwide have been diagnosed with a COPD condition. Timely diagnosis and systematic treatment are crucial for healing from the disease. Here are some common warning signs of COPD one should not ignore: Shortness of breath Individuals with COPD typically experience shortness of breath or dyspnea due to blocked airways and air sacs and damaged lung tissues. The symptom usually aggravates due to compromised lung capacity. Eventually, shortness of breath may become a constant problem, even when not engaging in a physical activity. Chronic cough Doctors usually classify a cough as chronic when it lasts over eight weeks. Chronic cough is among the earliest symptoms of COPD. Excess mucus formation is the primary cause of chronic cough among patients with this condition. Swelling of the legs, feet, and ankles Swelling of the feet, legs, and ankles may indicate severe COPD. The symptom results from pulmonary hypertension, triggered by elevated blood pressure in the lungs’ blood vessels. Swelling in the lower extremities can eventually lead to restricted mobility.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune system disease that causes a type of white blood cells, eosinophils, to build up along the lining of the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. When affected by the buildup of white blood cells, it can become inflamed or injured, leading to issues with food intake. Here, recognizing the following signs can help seek treatment for the condition. Signs Here are a few common symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) that can make it easy to get an early diagnosis and treatment for the condition: 1. Dysphagia Dysphagia is one of the most common signs of eosinophilic esophagitis. It refers to difficulty swallowing food or drinks. Here, the lining of the food pipe or esophagus can become swollen, making it difficult and sometimes painful to swallow foods and beverages. To deal with this sign, one may have to opt for smaller bites of food that are easier to swallow and less likely to result in choking. Further, one should take one small bite at a time instead of a mouthful. Chewing slowly also helps lower the risk of choking. Additionally, taking small sips of water or other beverages in between bites can help push the food down with ease.

Liver cancer is a type of cancer where a malignant tumor grows in the liver. It is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. The symptoms may not show up immediately, but it is crucial to diagnose it early to enable timely treatment and prevent its progression. Hepatocellular carcinoma is recognized as the most common liver cancer type. Below are some signs of liver damage that may indicate the onset of liver cancer. Pale-colored stools The liver is responsible for the production of a substance called bile into the small intestine. In normal cases, this substance causes stools to appear brownish in color. However, in patients with liver damage or cancer, the liver is unable to release bile, causing stools to turn pale. While pale-colored stools may also be indicative of other liver diseases, it is a common sign of liver cancer. Chronic pain Patients with liver cancer typically experience pain in the upper right abdomen, the back, or the right shoulder. This pain is usually dull and persistent and may occur in conjunction with abdominal swelling. Extreme loss of appetite Liver cancer often leads to the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, causing one to experience extreme fullness even in case of normal or low food intake.

What we eat affects our health. So naturally, eating unhealthy foods that are loaded with empty calories can trigger various health complications, including respiratory problems. These breathing problems might become more prominent in those who are sensitive or allergic to certain foods. So, while one must make healthy meal choices, one should also be mindful of potential triggers. Below is a list of foods that can trigger respiratory problems. 1. Salmon Fish like salmon are known for being rich in omega-3 fatty acids and their heart-healthy composition. However, eating them can become problematic for those with fish or seafood allergies. One might experience respiratory distress in such situations. Instead of eating salmon, one could have other sources of omega-3 fats and protein. This way, those with allergies can reap a particular food’s cardiovascular benefits without the respiratory risks. Other fish that one might be allergic to include tuna and cod. 2. Oranges Most individuals enjoy eating oranges because of their immune-boosting vitamin C content. Unfortunately, they contain natural compounds that might act as respiratory irritants in people sensitive to citrus fruits. Other fruits that one should avoid if they are allergic include grapefruits and lemons. Alternatively, an individual could consume other fruits rich in vitamin C, such as kiwis or berries.

Infectious diseases are health problems caused by pathogens like parasites, fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Under most circumstances, having some of these organisms living in the body is normal and healthy, as they play a crucial role in certain processes, such as digestion. But in some cases, some of these pathogens will cause infections. The symptoms will differ depending on the type of pathogen causing the infection. However, a few signs are common across most infectious diseases. Here are some of them to watch out for: 1. Headaches Infections caused by viruses often trigger headaches. This symptom arises due to the inflammation, swelling, and liquid buildup in the nose and sinuses caused by the infection. Thus, one may experience persistent or severe headaches. 2. Fever One of the earliest signs of most infectious diseases is feeling feverish. There is a sudden rise in body temperature, which leads to a certain level of discomfort. This happens because the immune system is activated to fight the infection. As the number of white blood cells increases in the body, the overall temperature starts to rise. While fevers can occur due to various factors, high-grade or persistent fever may indicate an underlying infection. 3. Chills and sweating These signs of infectious diseases often precede the feverish symptoms; before the body temperature rises, one may suddenly feel cold chills followed by sweating.