I remember sitting at my desk one afternoon, struggling to focus on a simple task. My thoughts were clouded, and I felt unusually exhausted, despite having slept well the previous night. I shrugged it off, blaming work stress and a busy schedule. But as the days went on, the fatigue became more pronounced. I realized something deeper might be at play.

After visiting my doctor, the culprit was clear: I had iron deficiency.

Feeling tired, irritable, or having trouble concentrating are all subtle signs that may point to an iron deficiency. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), iron deficiency is the most widespread nutritional disorder globally, affecting people in both developed and developing nations. But, despite its prevalence, many remain unaware they are affected because symptoms often mimic general tiredness or stress.

WHO estimates that over 30% of the global population is anaemic, with many cases stemming from iron deficiency. This condition can worsen, especially in developing countries where infectious diseases can exacerbate iron depletion. Iron deficiency, when left unaddressed, can progress into iron deficiency anaemia, a condition where haemoglobin levels drop significantly.

Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Without enough of it, the body's oxygen supply diminishes, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that iron deficiency can also cause dizziness, headaches, cold extremities, pale skin, and chest pain. In more severe cases, your heart must work harder to circulate oxygen, which can lead to irregular heartbeats and other cardiovascular problems. Beyond physical symptoms, iron deficiency can impact cognitive function, memory, and overall productivity, significantly lowering one's quality of life.

Importance of Iron in the Diet

Iron is vital for the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. Without adequate iron, the body is at risk of developing anaemia, and people may experience persistent fatigue, weakness, and a range of other symptoms. Yet, many cases of iron deficiency can be managed or even prevented with simple dietary changes.

Iron-rich foods are key to maintaining optimal health. Red meat, particularly darker cuts like beef or lamb, is an excellent source of haem iron, the type of iron most easily absorbed by the body. In contrast, non-haem iron, found in plant-based foods, isn't absorbed as efficiently.

This is why experts recommend combining iron-rich plant foods like spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals with vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, which enhance iron absorption.

One common dietary habit to avoid is consuming tea with meals. The tannins in tea can inhibit iron absorption, so it’s better to enjoy tea between meals.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women, in particular, should ensure they consume two servings of iron-rich foods per day. These servings might include lean red meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, or legumes, as advised by health professionals.

Iron Deficiency in Women: Hidden Impact of Menstruation

A significant factor contributing to iron deficiency in women, especially adolescents, is menstruation. Dr. Angela Weyand, an associate professor at the University of Michigan Medical School, points out in a Mirror report, that menstruation can drastically reduce iron stores in the body.

Young girls, in particular, may struggle with concentration in school due to undiagnosed iron deficiency, impacting their educational performance.

Heavier periods can be an additional challenge, as explained by Dr. Rachel Bercovitz of Northwestern University in a Mirror report. She notes that if a woman is changing her tampon or pad more frequently than every four to six hours, this could indicate heavy menstrual bleeding, which may further deplete iron levels.

In fact, a study conducted by the University of Michigan Medical School found that six percent of young girls aged 12 to 21 had iron-deficiency anaemia. Problems such as 'brain fog' and difficulty concentrating, which many women attribute to general fatigue, could very well be linked to low iron levels. Weyand believes these findings are only the "tip of the iceberg."

How to Check for Iron Deficiency?

Despite its widespread occurrence, iron deficiency often goes undiagnosed. One reason is that routine blood tests commonly screen for anaemia rather than directly measuring ferritin, a protein that stores iron in the blood. Ferritin tests can reveal hidden deficiencies before they become severe. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends women of reproductive age have their iron levels checked at least once a decade.

For those who are deficient, iron supplementation may be necessary but should only be done under medical supervision. Over-the-counter supplements can be risky if not taken correctly, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preventing and Managing Iron Deficiency

Preventing iron deficiency doesn’t have to be complicated. Incorporating iron-rich foods into your daily diet is a simple yet effective strategy. The CDC suggests adding the following foods to your meals to boost iron levels:

- Red meat (beef, pork, lamb, or venison)

- Seafood (fatty fish like salmon)

- Poultry (chicken or turkey)

- Eggs

These foods provide "heme" iron, which is more readily absorbed by the body. For those on a plant-based diet, non-heme iron sources such as lentils, beans, and iron-fortified cereals should be consumed with vitamin C-rich foods to increase absorption.

Iron deficiency is more than just a source of fatigue—it can have serious, long-term effects on your health. Being aware of the symptoms and maintaining a balanced diet with iron-rich foods can help keep your energy levels high and prevent complications.

If you suspect an iron deficiency, it's essential to speak to a healthcare provider and get a blood test to check your levels. With the right approach, you can easily restore and maintain healthy iron levels.

One must be very careful about what they consume. One of the easiest ways to get sick is by eating food or having beverages from unsafe and unsanitary places. That is why people are discouraged from eating at roadside stalls or food from street hawkers who do not follow the food safety protocol.

Many people do not know how unsafe tap water can be. While the tap water available at home goes through treatment, it is best to only drink it after boiling or opting for water from the filter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that these health issues can range from mild to serious, depending on what germs are being transmitted.

In a TikTok, Doctor Suraj Kukadia who goes by Dr. Sooj, a practicing NHS GP and emergency doctor, issued a critical warning. urgent warning that if you use regular tap water to rinse your nose, you could be exposed to a very rare but dangerous "brain-eating amoeba." Even though tap water in the UK is perfectly safe to drink, it's a different story when it comes to cleaning out your nose.

Why Tap Water Is Risky for Your Nose

Rinsing your nose is a common thing people do when they have a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection. You usually flush water or salt water into your nose to wash away snot, dust, pollen, and anything else that might be irritating your nasal passages. But in a video, a doctor known online as Dr. Sooj, explained why tap water is risky for this. He said that "tap water has bacteria. It has amoeba, it has protozoa. There are tiny living things in the water." When you drink these, your stomach acid usually kills them, but when they go up your nose, it's a different story.

Brain-Eating Amoeba

The main worry is a "brain-eating amoeba" called Naegleria fowleri. This tiny creature loves to live in warm fresh water, like lakes, rivers, and hot springs. The Cleveland Clinic explains water that contains this amoeba goes up your nose, it can travel to your brain. Once there, it causes a very serious and almost always deadly infection called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). While this infection is rare, it's not worth the risk.

If the amoeba gets into the brain through the nose, it can cause a severe infection called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). Early signs of PAM can be a headache, fever, feeling sick to your stomach (nausea), and throwing up (vomiting). This infection moves incredibly fast. Most people who get PAM unfortunately die within just 1 to 18 days after they start showing symptoms, often falling into a coma before death. Other symptoms can include a stiff neck, feeling confused, not paying attention to people around you, losing your balance, and seeing things that aren't real (hallucinations).

When to Seek Medical Help

Health experts like the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree with this advice. They also warn about another amoeba called Acanthamoeba. If you or someone you know starts to have a headache, fever, confusion, or vomiting soon after rinsing your sinuses or nasal passages, it's crucial to get medical help right away.

A new study has revealed a sharp rise in cases of a rare cancer—appendiceal adenocarcinoma—particularly among younger generations. Generation X and millennials are seeing significantly higher rates of this cancer than previous generations, prompting concern among experts.

What Is Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma?

Appendiceal adenocarcinoma (AA) is a rare form of cancer that originates in the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. While appendix cancers are not commonly diagnosed—about 3,000 new cases per year in the U.S.—they appear to be rising at an alarming rate among younger adults.

Generational Surge in Cases

According to a new paper published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the rate of AA has tripled among Generation X and quadrupled among millennials compared to those born in the mid-20th century. Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center used data from the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program, which tracked cancer cases from 1975 to 2019.

The numbers are telling: the study found that for people born in 1985, the incidence of appendix cancer is four times higher than for those born in 1945. For individuals born in 1980, it is about three times higher.

A Broader Gastrointestinal Trend

Experts say this rise mirrors trends in other gastrointestinal cancers—such as colorectal and stomach cancer—which are also being diagnosed more frequently in adults under 50. Between 1975 and 2019, the researchers recorded 4,858 cases of appendix cancer, with a noticeable uptick in recent decades.

Possible Causes: Lifestyle and Diet

Although the exact reasons for this generational increase remain unclear, researchers suggest that lifestyle and environmental factors may be playing a major role. The consumption of ultra-processed foods, sugary beverages, and processed meats has increased sharply in recent decades. Additionally, obesity and metabolic syndrome—both risk factors for various cancers—are more prevalent among younger people today than in past generations.

Lead researcher Dr. Andreana Holowatyji highlighted that the increase in cases is not due to more appendectomies being performed. Surgical removal rates of the appendix have remained largely stable over time, suggesting that other factors, possibly related to diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposure, are contributing to the spike in cases.

The Challenge of Early Detection

One of the major hurdles in combating appendiceal adenocarcinoma is the lack of clear early symptoms. Many of the signs—such as bloating, appetite loss, and changes in bowel habits—are vague and can easily be mistaken for more common digestive issues. This often leads to delayed diagnoses and limited treatment options.

Urgent Need for Research

With no definitive causes identified, scientists are calling for more research into environmental exposures, genetic factors, and molecular changes that might contribute to the development of appendix cancer. Understanding these elements could help in early detection and potentially lower the rising risk among younger populations.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, over 1.2 billion people ages 30 to 79 have hypertension. The number has increased from 650 million in 1990 to 1.2 billion in 2021. This increase is attributed to many factors, including lifestyle factors, which include salty indulgence, stress, and screen time which has been increased. These three impact your blood pressure levels, know how.

What Are The Three S Worsening Your Blood Pressure?

Salt

As per the Harvard Heart Publishing, an average American consumes the equivalent of about 1 1/2 teaspoon of salt per day, which is 50% more than the recommended amount.

About a third of healthy people and about 60% of people with high blood pressure are salt sensitive.

How does salt affects blood pressure?

When you consume too much sodium, your body holds on to extra water to balance the sodium levels. This added fluid increases the volume of blood in your vessels, which in turn raises your blood pressure and forces your heart to work harder. High sodium intake can also reduce the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications. For example, diuretics help eliminate excess sodium and water, while vasodilators work by relaxing the blood vessels. However, a high-sodium diet makes your body retain fluid again, refilling those relaxed vessels and undoing the medication's effects.

Stress

As per the official publication of State Medical Society of Wisconsin, stress can cause hypertension through repeated blood pressure elevations as well as by stimulation of the nervous system to produce large amounts of vasoconstricting hormones that increase blood pressure. Factors affecting blood pressure through stress include white coat hypertension, job strain, race, social environment, and emotional distress.

As per National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, around 50 million American adults live with hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure over 139 mm Hg or diastolic pressure over 89 mm Hg. In about 95% of these cases, the condition is classified as "essential" hypertension, meaning there’s no single identifiable cause. However, experts agree that multiple factors—including stress—can contribute to rising blood pressure in these individuals.

Screentime

As per a 2024 study published in Cureus, hypertension is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease. The study links the increased accessibility of smartphones with the increasing hypertension.

This study explored the relationship between screen time and blood pressure (BP) among young adults.

The study also noted that higher screen time was more common among individuals using multiple devices. The prevalence of elevated BP in the sample was 35.8%, aligning with national data and raising concerns about the cardiovascular health of young adults.

Previous studies support these concerns. For instance, Nang et al. and Martinez-Gomez et al. linked prolonged TV viewing to higher BP and an adverse cardiovascular risk profile in adolescents. However, these relied on self-reported data. Other risk factors, such as age, gender, obesity, inactivity, and substance use, have also been linked to hypertension.