The sports drink industry is a multibillion-dollar one and is growing exponentially, projected to be worth about 30 billion dollars by 2030. With funky colors, ergonomic bottles, and certain benefits, sports drinks do seem like a tastier option than water, but should they be? Let’s take a look at the reasons why sports drinks can be a good idea and the broader reasons why they shouldn’t be a replacement for water. What are sports drinks? Though water is the basis for sports drinks, they are so much more than flavored water. These drinks include essential elements meant to replenish electrolytes lost while sweating during a strenuous workout and re-energize one with an adequate supply of carbohydrates, sodium, potassium, and amino acids. This balance of nutrients allows for enhanced performance, quick recovery from fatigue, proper hydration, cramp prevention, and temperature regulation. Replenishing electrolytes becomes essential during sweating, as imbalances can hinder proper hydration, leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, and increased heart rate. Therefore, sipping on a sports drink can help prevent these issues by restoring lost electrolytes. Though sports drinks are often vilified for their sugar content, they can, in fact, be beneficial by rapidly improving physical performance, especially during high-intensity or outdoor exercises.

Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune condition in which the eye muscles and tissues behind the eyes become inflamed, and as a result, they protrude. People living with this condition have red and swollen eyes and eyelids. A delay in addressing and managing the condition can cause varying degrees of vision impairment. For a timely diagnosis, knowing how the condition manifests is essential. On that note, here are a few details about thyroid eye disease. Symptoms of thyroid eye disease Here are some of a few symptoms that can help healthcare professionals diagnose the condition in their patients: 1. Prominent bags under the eyes One of the most noticeable indicators of thyroid eye disease is darkened lumps or “bags” under the eyes. While this may also be caused by a lack of sleep, they are more likely to be indicative of thyroid eye disease, especially if they are noticeable for an extended period of time. Undereye bags can also cause eye pain. This pain is particularly felt when one moves the eyes. 2. Red and watery eyes Inflammation of the eyes and the optic region is another symptom of thyroid eye disease. The inflammation is quite evident, and the pain caused by it can be felt behind the eyes and around them.

Antidepressants are oral treatment methods for those diagnosed with mood disorders. There are several types, or classes, of these treatments, each with varying degrees of efficacy. Most antidepressants have side effects, but usually, age, genetic composition, and the antidepressant type determine the likelihood of reaction. While some are common, there are also several side effects that not many people know are a result of antidepressants, and they may be misconstrued as a reaction to something else. Conditions managed by antidepressants Most commonly, antidepressants are given to people diagnosed with clinical depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder, bulimia, or panic disorder. That said, these treatments are usually only used to treat severe or chronic conditions. Psychotherapy, consulting, physical therapy, or a combination of these treatments can help improve one’s symptoms. Side effects of antidepressants Suppose a person experiences any of the following symptoms while on antidepressants; they should consult their doctor immediately. A healthcare expert can not only adjust the treatment but also help with managing the condition better. Here are some side effects that shouldn’t be ignored: 1. Change in the body’s acetylcholine levels Antidepressants can change the level of acetylcholine, which is a chemical in one’s body that helps maintain physiological functions like cardiac health, blood pressure, and glandular secretion.

Spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA, is generally observed in infants and young children. An inherited health disorder, SMA affects the muscles and nerves. Since the disease is degenerative, it causes progressive muscle decline, leading to mild or severe disability. While it is not preventable, it helps to learn all about it to seek timely diagnosis and treatment. To get started, here are some common causes, symptoms, and treatment options for spinal muscular atrophy. Causes of SMA The most common forms of SMA, that is, types 0 to 4, are caused by missing or mutated genes. Under usual circumstances, a gene known as SMN1 releases the SMN protein, which helps the motor neurons to thrive and function properly. But in some cases, the SMN1 gene is mutated or is missing. This usually happens when a child has two copies of the malfunctioning gene, each inherited from one parent. Therefore, those who have SMA are not able to make enough SMN protein. Subsequently, the motor neurons are unable to grow, and instead, they start to shrink and die out. The overall effect of this is the brain is unable to control most of the voluntary movements, typically involving movement in the neck, arms, head, and legs.

Indigestion can often be managed with home remedies and lifestyle changes. However, if indigestion is accompanied by other symptoms that indicate an illness, it is always best to consult a doctor for appropriate treatment options. That being said, some home remedies may also help provide relief from indigestion. But before trying any of the following remedies, make sure you are not allergic to them and consult a healthcare professional if there are any adverse reactions. Chamomile tea This is a well-known remedy to induce sleep and calm anxiety. Chamomile tea has other benefits, including easing gut discomfort by reducing the stomach acid found in the gastrointestinal tract and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent to relieve pain. To prepare chamomile tea, simply place a tea bag in one cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the water to a cup and add some honey for taste. Sip on the mixture to help soothe the stomach and relax.  If one’s on blood thinners, it’s important to consult a doctor before trying this remedy to ensure there are no reactions. Apple cider vinegar There are a range of health benefits associated with apple cider vinegar, with one of the most popular being its ability to improve skin health.

There is no life without water, but when the water one uses is contaminated, they could be at risk of health problems. That’s why access to clean drinking water is a basic need. But even seemingly clean tap water may need to be purified to make it drinkable. So, here are the side effects of drinking tap water and the role of a water purifier to highlight the importance of water purification: Side effects of drinking tap water 1. Bacterial infections Bacteria like salmonella and E. coli thrive in contaminated tap water, and they can lead to severe bacterial infections. These infections hamper digestion, so problems like diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, and dysentery may develop upon drinking water directly from the tap. 2. Discoloration of teeth Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally found in the body, including the bones and teeth. It is sometimes added to drinking water. However, excessive fluoride exposure can cause fluorosis or tooth discoloration.  3. Eye and skin problems Pesticides and herbicides are used to get rid of insects and worms. However, exposure to such chemicals can be very harmful to humans as well. Sometimes, tap water gets contaminated by pesticides and herbicides, so upon drinking, it can cause skin and eye irritation, along with other side effects.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 7.2 million people in our country fall sick due to waterborne diseases every year. Families with young kids and infants need to be wary of these diseases as a child’s immunity is vulnerable to bacteria and viruses. Water purification is one way to stop the onset of such diseases in families. There are many reasons why water purifiers are necessary: To save money Premium water purifiers are expensive these days because they have endless features. Installing them in the house also costs a lot, so people do not get them. However, purchasing and installing a water purifier is an investment that helps families save thousands of dollars in the long run. How? Purifiers are designed to kill all bacteria and viruses from water. This stops harmful diseases from affecting those who drink water from these systems daily. Healthcare assistance is costly today, and the rates are expected to rise further as the years go by. So, instead of spending money on healthcare, one can use it to bring home a high-end water purifier. When deciding on a model, one must compare the available options thoroughly and check the prices at different retailers.

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are a type of viral infection. While they usually heal in a couple of weeks, they are quite bothersome. The pain, itching, and burning sensations add to the overall discomfort. Fortunately, one can alleviate cold-sore symptoms with various home remedies. Most of these involve a few kitchen ingredients that are easily available. Here are a few remedies that can help one get rid of cold sores: 1. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a pantry staple in most kitchens. While it does wonders for bringing out flavors in salad dressings, this ingredient can also fight off viruses and come to one’s aid when one is afflicted with a viral infection. So, it can also be used as a simple yet effective home remedy for reducing cold sores. That said, one must err on the side of caution when using this as a home remedy. Apple cider vinegar is quite potent, and applying it directly to the sores may hurt or cause more irritation. One must dilute it with water in a 1:10 ratio to avoid that. This diluted solution can then be applied to the cold sore with a cotton ball once or twice daily.