Many people rely on energy drinks for a quick pick-me-up, but these drinks can negatively affect heart health.

Easily available, energy drinks are often consumed without considering their potential impact on the body.

Read Also: 5 Side Effects Of Soft Drinks

As their popularity grows, it’s crucial to understand the heart-related risks, especially for those with heart issues or high blood pressure.

Discover how energy drinks can affect your heart and learn safer alternatives for boosting your energy.

How Do Energy Drinks Affect Your Heart?

Energy drinks can significantly impact heart function.

They may disrupt heart cell activity, causing faster or irregular heartbeats, which is akin to pushing your heart into a sprint without preparation.

These changes can be particularly dangerous for individuals with existing heart conditions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the combination of high caffeine and other stimulants in energy drinks can increase heart rate and blood pressure—both risk factors for heart disease.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) also notes that overconsumption of these drinks may lead to heart rhythm problems and other health issues.

Key Ingredients in Energy Drinks to Watch Out For

When drinking energy drinks, it’s important to keep an eye on certain ingredients, as they can pose risks to your heart health:

• Caffeine: The primary stimulant in energy drinks, excessive caffeine can cause heart palpitations, raise heart rate, and increase blood pressure.
• Taurine: Combined with caffeine, taurine can enhance the stimulant effects, potentially elevating heart rate and blood pressure.
• Guarana: This ingredient adds additional caffeine, sometimes unlisted, which increases the overall caffeine content in the drink.
• Ginseng: Generally considered safe, but research on its safety and effectiveness is limited, and it can interact with certain medications, so it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before using it.
• Sugar: High sugar content contributes to obesity, a major risk factor for heart disease, and can cause blood sugar spikes.
• B Vitamins: While essential, energy drinks often contain excessive amounts, which could lead to toxicity, especially for those with liver or kidney issues.
• Artificial Sweeteners: These sugar substitutes may sometimes be linked to heart health risks.

Tips for Safer Energy Drink Consumption

If you decide to consume energy drinks, follow these tips to protect your health:

• Check the Ingredients: Be aware of what’s in your energy drink to make informed decisions. Some ingredients may not be good for your heart.
• Look for Natural Energy Boosters: Healthy habits like getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying hydrated can help naturally increase your energy.
• Pay Attention to Your Body: If you feel jittery, anxious, or notice other unusual symptoms after drinking energy drinks, it might be time to consider other energy-boosting options.
• Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you’re unsure whether energy drinks are safe for you, particularly if you have heart conditions or high blood pressure, talk to a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

It’s widely recognized that our lifestyle choices play a major role in heart health, affecting factors like diet, physical activity, smoking, and sleep habits.

According to the American Heart Association, heart disease affects one in three adults, and 103 million Americans have high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Margie Junker, a registered dietitian specializing in cardiovascular nutrition at UC Davis Health, shares valuable insights to help prevent heart disease.

Here are seven heart-healthy foods and tips based on the 2021 American Heart Association’s dietary guidelines:

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Including plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Blueberries are a favorite of mine, whether fresh or frozen, and spinach is another great option that can be added to salads or sautéed with garlic and onions. Fresh, frozen, dried, or low-sodium canned versions are all beneficial.

Avoid: I avoid canned fruits in syrup and products containing high fructose corn syrup.

Choose Whole Grains Over Refined Grains

Whole grains like quick oats and quinoa are nutritious and easy to prepare. They are a better choice than processed white flour, which lacks fiber and essential nutrients.

Avoid: I avoid foods made with refined white flour for their lower nutritional value.

Select Healthy Protein Sources

I include a variety of healthy proteins in my diet:

• Plant Protein: I add a daily serving of nuts, especially walnuts and almonds, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Research shows that eating more nuts reduces the risk of heart disease. Lentils are also a great source of fiber and protein.
• Fish and Seafood: Salmon and seared ahi tuna are favorites packed with omega-3s.
• Low-Fat or Fat-Free Dairy: Non-fat Greek yogurt is versatile, nutritious, and high in protein and calcium.
• Lean Meats and Poultry: Skinless chicken thighs are a healthier choice than processed meats.

Avoid: I avoid processed meats and full-fat dairy due to their potential health risks.

Use Liquid Plant Oils

Liquid plant oils, such as avocado oil, are rich in unsaturated fats that help lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. I also enjoy baking with walnut oil for its added flavor.

Avoid: I steer clear of solid fats like shortening, margarine, tropical oils (coconut and palm), and animal fats.

Limit Added Sugars

I sweeten my coffee and oatmeal with maple syrup or a bit of local honey instead of processed sugars. Excessive added sugar is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Avoid: I avoid artificial sweeteners and excessive added sugars.

Choose Low-Sodium Options

To reduce sodium intake, I enhance my meals with fresh herbs, dried herbs, and citrus instead of salt. Too much salt is directly linked to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Avoid: I limit packaged and processed foods, which are often high in sodium.

Moderate Alcohol Consumption

Water infused with lemon or cucumber is a refreshing choice over alcohol. If you drink, moderation is important, as excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke.

Avoid: If you don’t drink alcohol, it’s best not to start, and if you do, limit your consumption to 1-2 drinks daily for heart health benefits.

The liver, located in the upper right side of the abdomen, plays a critical role in maintaining overall health by performing a variety of vital functions.

It is best known for its ability to detoxify the body, filtering blood to remove toxins and waste products.

The liver also produces bile for fat digestion, stores glucose as glycogen for energy, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Read Also: 5 Morning Rituals To Help Detox Your Kidneys And Liver

It also generates proteins essential for blood clotting and immune function.

Moreover, the liver’s ability to metabolize drugs and process nutrients is crucial for maintaining metabolic balance and supporting numerous bodily processes.

To improve liver health and overall wellness, avoiding harmful habits is essential.

Here are seven practices to eliminate:

1. Limit Alcohol Consumption
   Excessive alcohol intake is a major cause of liver damage, leading to conditions such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Chronic drinking overwhelms the liver, causing inflammation and scarring. To safeguard liver health, limit alcohol intake to moderate levels—one drink a day for women and two for men—or avoid it completely.
2. Avoid Unhealthy Eating Habits
   A diet high in processed foods, unhealthy fats, and sugars can impair liver function and contribute to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Sugary drinks and fried foods can overload the liver, causing fat buildup and inflammation. Instead, focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support liver function and prevent disease.
3. Increase Physical Activity
   Sedentary lifestyles increase the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, and NAFLD. Regular exercise promotes weight management, improves insulin sensitivity, and reduces liver fat. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, along with strength training to protect liver health.
4. Quit Smoking
   Smoking damages both lung and liver health. The toxins in cigarette smoke increase oxidative stress and raise the risk of liver diseases like NAFLD and liver cancer. Quitting smoking is crucial to reduce liver damage and prevent related health issues.
5. Use Medications Wisely
   Excessive use of over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications, or supplements can put strain on the liver, which is responsible for metabolizing and eliminating these substances. Some medications, particularly when combined with alcohol, can be toxic to the liver. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting new medications, follow prescribed dosages, and minimize unnecessary drug use to protect liver function.
6. Stay Hydrated
   Proper hydration is essential for liver function, as dehydration can impair the liver’s ability to detoxify the body. Chronic dehydration can stress the liver and hinder detoxification, leading to liver disease. Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and eat hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables throughout the day to support liver health.
7. Prioritize Sleep
   Poor sleep quality and insufficient sleep can disrupt metabolic processes, increase inflammation, and negatively affect liver health. Focus on getting restorative sleep by following a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and practicing relaxation techniques to enhance liver function.

Kidneys play a crucial role as natural filters in our bodies, ensuring efficient absorption of nutrients while removing harmful toxins.

They help maintain the balance of water, salt, and essential minerals, regulate blood pressure, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Read Also: 5 Morning Rituals To Help Detox Your Kidneys And Liver

However, when kidney function declines, it increases the likelihood of conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Unhealthy lifestyle choices can negatively affect kidney health, causing symptoms such as frequent urination, fatigue, puffiness around the eyes, and itching.

To support kidney health, it’s important to eat foods low in sodium and potassium and high in fiber.

Here are some daily habits to avoid for better kidney function:

Inadequate Hydration

Proper hydration is vital for kidney health. Not drinking enough water can impair the kidneys’ ability to filter waste, raising the risk of kidney stones and hindering detoxification.

Smoking

Smoking harms kidney function by restricting blood flow, making it harder for the kidneys to filter toxins. It also increases the risk of high blood pressure and kidney cancer. Quitting smoking can reduce these risks significantly.

Excessive Salt Intake

Consuming too much salt can raise blood pressure and damage kidney blood vessels, making it more difficult for the kidneys to filter waste. Cutting back on salt helps improve kidney function and overall health.

High Sugar Consumption

Eating too much sugar can contribute to obesity and diabetes, both major risk factors for kidney disease. Elevated blood sugar levels can damage kidney blood vessels and impair function. Reducing sugar intake is essential for maintaining kidney health.

Ignoring Early Symptoms

Many people ignore the early signs of kidney issues, which can lead to severe damage if left untreated. Seeking early medical advice can help prevent further complications and protect kidney function.

By avoiding these harmful habits, you can support your kidney health and overall well-being.

Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, which is part of the orthopoxvirus family.

The illness primarily spreads through close contact with an infected person, leading to symptoms such as a painful rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.

It can result in significant illness and may cause scarring.

Transmission of mpox mainly occurs through direct interaction, including sexual contact.

It can be spread through bodily fluids, skin lesions, mucosal surfaces (like the mouth or throat), respiratory droplets, and contaminated objects.

In areas where the virus circulates in animals, mpox is considered a zoonotic disease, meaning it can jump from animals to humans.

The virus is predominantly found in tropical rainforests across central, eastern, and western Africa, where small mammals such as squirrels, Gambian pouched rats, dormice, and various monkey species serve as potential carriers.

Since May 2022, mpox has spread globally, with cases surfacing in regions where it was previously uncommon. Currently, most cases are transmitted between people rather than from animals.

Symptoms

Mpox typically starts with fever, a rash resembling pimples or blisters, and swollen lymph nodes.

Symptoms usually appear within a week after exposure but can take anywhere from 1 to 21 days to develop.

The illness typically begins with a fever phase lasting 1 to 3 days, accompanied by severe headache, swollen lymph nodes, back pain, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue.

Following this, the skin eruption stage begins, which can last 2 to 4 weeks.

Lesions transition from flat macules to raised papules, fluid-filled vesicles, pus-filled pustules, and eventually scabs or crusts.

Scarring can occur, and for some individuals, the rash is the first noticeable sign of mpox.

In some instances, mpox can lead to severe illness and even death.

Children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems, such as people with uncontrolled HIV, are at higher risk for severe complications and fatal outcomes.

Prevention and Treatment

Preventing and controlling mpox involves raising awareness in the community and educating healthcare workers to reduce infection and transmission.

Vaccines are available and can protect against infection and severe illness.

The WHO recommends vaccination for individuals at high risk during outbreaks, including those who have had close contact with infected persons and healthcare workers.

Those who received smallpox vaccines in childhood may have some degree of protection against mpox.

To prevent spread, avoid close contact with infected people or contaminated materials.

In healthcare settings, personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves should be worn when caring for infected individuals.

In areas where animal-to-human transmission is possible, avoid contact with sick or dead animals, and ensure animal products are thoroughly cooked before consumption.

Treatment for mpox focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications.

Ongoing research is being conducted to develop treatments to improve patient outcomes.

Tea is undeniably one of the most popular drinks worldwide, with preferences varying from classic masala chai to soothing chamomile and decaf varieties.

Each type offers its own set of natural benefits and health advantages.

However, like anything, moderation is essential, as excessive tea consumption can negatively impact your health.

If you feel that you’re becoming too reliant on tea, these surprising facts might encourage you to reduce your intake.

Here’s a closer look at how drinking too much tea can affect your health:

Sleep Disruptions

If you’re struggling with insomnia or poor sleep, excessive tea consumption might be the cause.

The caffeine in tea can interfere with melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate sleep, leading to disruptions in your sleep patterns.

Reduced Nutrient Absorption

Too much caffeine can impair digestion and decrease the body’s ability to absorb important nutrients.

Tea contains tannins, which can block the absorption of iron from food.

To prevent this, it’s better to drink tea between meals rather than during them.

Increased Anxiety

While many people turn to tea for stress relief, excessive caffeine can actually increase feelings of stress and anxiety.

If you’re feeling restless or anxious, it might be worth cutting back on tea and switching to calming options like chamomile, green, or white tea.

Digestive Discomfort

Tea, particularly varieties with caffeine, can cause digestive issues. Caffeine stimulates the production of stomach acid, which can lead to heartburn, bloating, acid reflux, and other discomforts.

Pregnancy Risks

Excessive tea drinking during pregnancy can pose risks to both the mother and the baby.

High caffeine intake may lead to complications, so it’s recommended to choose caffeine-free or herbal teas during pregnancy.

Headaches

While tea might seem like a remedy for headaches, consuming too much caffeine can actually contribute to them.

Relying heavily on caffeine can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including headaches, particularly if you skip tea during intermittent fasting.

Nausea
Drinking certain teas, especially milk-based ones, can cause nausea. This is often due to tannins, which can irritate the digestive system and lead to bloating and stomach discomfort.

Mouth ulcers, including canker sores, are small and painful lesions that develop inside the mouth or at the base of the gums.

While the exact causes remain unclear, factors such as injuries, allergies, or sensitivities may trigger their appearance.

These sores can make eating, drinking, and speaking uncomfortable.

Types of Mouth Ulcers

Common types of mouth ulcers include canker sores and those linked to hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Typically, they are not contagious and heal on their own within one to two weeks.

However, if an ulcer is particularly large, very painful, or lasts longer than expected, it’s recommended to consult a doctor or dentist.

Causes of Mouth Ulcers

Although the exact cause is unknown, several risk factors and triggers have been identified:

• Demographics: Higher risk is seen in individuals assigned female at birth, children, adolescents, and those with a family history of ulcers.
• Physical Triggers: Minor injuries from dental work, hard brushing, sports, accidental bites, and braces.
• Chemical Sensitivities: Toothpaste or mouthwash containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and allergic reactions to oral bacteria.
• Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, such as those from hand, foot, and mouth disease.
• Dietary Factors: Sensitivity to acidic foods like citrus fruits and chocolate, as well as deficiencies in B vitamins (B9, B12), zinc, or iron.
• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations during menstruation or pregnancy.
• Lifestyle Factors: Emotional stress and inadequate sleep.

Mouth ulcers can also be a sign of more serious health conditions, including celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, HIV, and autoimmune disorders like lupus, oral lichen planus, or Behçet’s disease.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of mouth ulcers include:

• Painful sores, often appearing yellow, white, or red.
• Lesions inside the mouth, such as on the tongue or inner cheeks.
• Surrounding redness and increased pain when eating, drinking, or speaking.

It’s possible to have multiple ulcers at once. They are typically not contagious unless caused by an infection.

Treatment

Most mouth ulcers don’t require specific treatment, but remedies can help ease pain and promote healing for more frequent or severe cases:

• Home Remedies: Applying a paste of baking soda, milk of magnesia, or ice; using saltwater or baking soda mouth rinses; placing damp tea bags on the sores.
• Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter products with benzocaine or prescribed steroid mouth rinses.
• Nutritional Supplements: To address deficiencies in B vitamins, zinc, and iron.
• Natural Remedies: Echinacea, myrrh, and licorice root in various forms.

Prevention

To prevent mouth ulcers:

• Avoid irritating foods and opt for non-acidic fruits, as well as a balanced diet. A daily multivitamin may also help.
• Chew food carefully to avoid accidental bites.
• Manage stress and practice good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid products with SLS or alcohol.
• Consult your dentist about using protective wax for sharp dental devices.
• Ensure you get adequate sleep to support overall health.

If you love enjoying soft drinks with your snacks, it’s important to be aware of their potential negative effects on your health.

Soft drinks, often called “empty calories,” offer little to no nutritional value and can negatively impact your body in several ways.

From contributing to weight gain to raising the risk of diabetes, here are some harmful effects of regularly consuming soft drinks.

Weight Gain

It’s well known that soft drinks contribute to weight gain.

They are high in sugar, with just one can of cola containing about 8 tablespoons of sugar.

Although these drinks may temporarily curb your cravings, they don’t provide satiety, often leading to overeating and increased overall food consumption.

Fatty Liver

Soft drinks are rich in refined sugars, mainly glucose and fructose.

While glucose is easily processed by the body’s cells, fructose is primarily processed by the liver.

Excessive fructose intake can overwhelm the liver, causing it to convert fructose into fat, potentially leading to fatty liver disease.

Increased Diabetes Risk

Insulin plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar.

Regular sugar intake from soft drinks can cause the body’s cells to become resistant to insulin, prompting the pancreas to produce more.

Over time, this insulin resistance can increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, with multiple studies linking soda consumption to this condition.

Empty Calories

Soft drinks are full of empty calories and provide little to no nutritional benefits.

A typical bottle contains 150-200 calories, mainly from sugar.

The quick energy boost from these drinks can lead to cravings and may result in a dependency over time.

Tooth Decay

Soft drinks are harmful to dental health. They contain phosphoric and carbonic acids, which can erode tooth enamel. The combination of acids and sugar creates an environment that encourages bacteria growth, increasing the likelihood of cavities.