6 foods to avoid for managing epilepsy
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6 foods to avoid for managing epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that impacts brain activity and may cause seizures, episodes of unusual behavior, and a lack of awareness. It is a chronic, non-communicable disease that can affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnic groups. Although there is no cure for epilepsy, there are several ways to manage the condition. One of them is avoiding foods that may interfere with treatments. Some common foods to limit with epilepsy include: Caffeine Caffeine is known to stimulate the central nervous system. While there is no conclusive evidence between caffeine and epilepsy, the Epilepsy Society suggests that consuming caffeine may increase the risk of a seizure. Caffeine also interferes with how our bodies break down nutrients and impedes the functioning of formal treatment, leading to more seizures. It is commonly found in coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks. Artificial sweeteners Certain artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, have also been reported to increase the risk of seizures. Foods with artificial sweeteners include soda, candy, pudding, packaged baked goods, canned foods, jams, and jellies. However, more studies are required to determine the viability of this relationship. Grapefruit When undergoing epilepsy treatment, avoiding grapefruit and grapefruit juice is important. This is because grapefruit contains compounds that can affect the effects of the therapies and increase the chances of side effects.
7 easy teeth whitening remedies to try at home
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7 easy teeth whitening remedies to try at home

Teeth staining is a common complaint among adults. Yellow, stained, or discolored teeth often result from eating specific foods that are highly acidic or filled with sugar. Certain lifestyle habits and health conditions can also cause teeth discoloration. But the good news is that you can use several teeth whitening home remedies to eliminate superficial stains and restore your teeth’s shine. These remedies are effortless and will not burn a hole in your wallet. Oil pulling This is one of the simplest teeth whitening remedies you can try at home. All you need is some coconut, sunflower, or sesame oil. The process involves rinsing the mouth with the oil and spitting it out. Do this after brushing your teeth. Oil pulling is known to remove debris, dirt, and bacteria from the teeth and eliminate stains over time. Activated charcoal Activated charcoal is believed to have properties that can remove plaque from the teeth, which is often a major cause of teeth discoloration. But be careful while using charcoal on your teeth, as it is highly abrasive. Take some finely powdered charcoal, add a little bit of water to it, and use a brush to apply the mixture to your teeth gently.
6 healthy foods to manage menopause symptoms
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6 healthy foods to manage menopause symptoms

Menopause is a transitional stage that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. During this phase, the body undergoes many changes. Accordingly, women feel symptoms such as wild hormonal fluctuations, anxiety, and increased body heat during menopause. Certain foods like processed meat, spicy meals, and sodium-rich items tend to trigger these symptoms easily. However, some other foods can help reduce their severity significantly. Some healthy foods to manage menopause symptoms are listed below. Yogurt One of the hormones that fluctuate most during the menopausal stage is estrogen. Estrogen levels undergo a major decline during this phase. An estrogen deficiency can harm bone health and vital bodily functions among women. Reduced bone density can cause health conditions like osteoporosis. To prevent that, women need to eat calcium in high quantities. Low-fat dairy foods such as yogurt and fatty fish can restore the body’s calcium levels. One can choose plain yogurt with little or no added sugar to manage menopause symptoms. For vegetarians, various plant-based yogurts are also available. Oatmeal Like calcium, fiber is important to reduce cholesterol, keep blood sugar levels in check, and prevent constipation. Therefore, fiber-rich grains, vegetables, and fruits are essential to a woman’s daily meals during the menopausal transition.
7 best foods for a healthy and glowing skin
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7 best foods for a healthy and glowing skin

You must eat a healthy and balanced meal because it is essential for overall health. However, did you know that certain foods can also help to promote healthy and glowing skin? There is no denying that skincare products and routines can help improve your skin’s appearance. But, yet again, you must try to bring out your inner radiance by incorporating some healthy habits. So, let us discuss some must-have foods for healthy skin. Avocado to make you glow Avocado is a rich source of healthy fats that can help maintain supple and smooth skin. It is also rich in antioxidants, including vitamin E, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Moreover, the high vitamin C levels in avocados can help to boost collagen production, which is beneficial in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Berries for all skin problems Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries consist of antioxidants that can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. These berries also contain vitamin C, which helps boost collagen production and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Moreover, they are low in sugar and help prevent breakouts and acne. Fatty fish for your skin Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids essential for maintaining healthy skin.
9 foods to help regulate blood sugar
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9 foods to help regulate blood sugar

People dealing with conditions that affect blood sugar need to be careful about the food they consume. Although other factors such as one’s metabolism, activity levels, and other lifestyle factors also impact blood sugar levels, certain foods can spike sugar levels and cause symptoms of inflammation, while others can help regulate sugar levels better. Generally, foods with a lower glycemic index (GI) are recommended to manage sugar levels. Some of these include: Broccoli When broccoli is chopped or chewed, a plant chemical called sulforaphane is released. Sulforaphane is a type of isothiocyanate linked to reducing blood sugar. Broccoli extracts have been recorded to have antidiabetic and antioxidant properties, as it helps enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce oxidative stress on the organs. To enhance the availability of these benefits, it is best to consume raw or lightly steamed broccoli. Pumpkin Pumpkin is a rich source of fiber and antioxidants, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. It is also used as a traditional diabetic remedy in certain countries. This is because pumpkins are a rich source of carbohydrates called polysaccharides, which can help decrease blood sugar levels, according to certain studies. Pumpkin seeds, too, are a great source of healthy fats and proteins and can help manage sugar levels better.
7 nutritious snacks kids can enjoy
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7 nutritious snacks kids can enjoy

Snacks play a significant role in a child’s eating habits. They help kids feel energized all day. But snacking is a habit that can turn unhealthy. This is where your responsibility as a parent comes in. You can make sure that snacking does not turn into an unhealthy habit for your kids. This can be achieved by giving them healthy snacks. Here are seven suggestions for nutritious snacks your kids will surely enjoy. Peanut butter on toast Rich in various nutrients and vitamins, peanut butter makes your toast healthier. It is low in fat, and sugar and has a considerable amount of potassium, which helps in promoting optimum fluid level in the body. Fresh vegetables Cultivating the habit of eating fresh vegetables helps your kids strengthen their immune system since they have plenty of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and water in the body. Just making a simple salad of carrot sticks, celery sticks, bell peppers, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes can be very tasty and enjoyable for kids. Boiled eggs Consuming boiled eggs regularly can make your kids strong and smart. Eggs are rich in iron; fat; vitamins A, D, E; and choline. It just takes 5 to 10 mins to boil an egg in water and it makes your snack more nutritious.
6 mistakes to avoid while peeing
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6 mistakes to avoid while peeing

Peeing is a routine bodily function that gets rid of toxins and waste from the body. However, most people are unaware that certain mistakes might harm the bladder while peeing. The bladder is a part of the urinary tract system; it collects and stores urine before it is expelled. So, it is crucial to maintain a healthy bladder to prevent infections and complications. Here are a few peeing mistakes to avoid for a healthy bladder. Holding urine for too long Sometimes it may be unavoidable, and one may have to hold their pee in for a long time, such as in the case of long car rides, concerts, movies, and so on. However, holding urine usually causes the bladder to stretch beyond its normal capacity. The risk of urinary tract infection and damage to the bladder increases if a person frequently holds in urine for extended periods. This may lead to urinary incontinence as well as an increased risk of infection. So, it is best to relieve the bladder as soon as there is the urge to pee. Straining to urinate Another common mistake often ignored by many people is pushing too hard to get the pee out of the bladder.
5 common breathing mistakes to avoid
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5 common breathing mistakes to avoid

Lifestyle choices and daily habits play a key role in maintaining respiratory health. Further, how well the lungs work in the long run can be determined by breathing habits. While one may not think about how they breathe, certain practices can make it difficult for the lungs to get enough air. Such errors can also worsen issues such as panic attacks and headaches. So, here are a few common breathing mistakes to avoid: Not exhaling enough while exercising Exercising, especially when one is new to it, can feel strenuous. So, it is common for one to take in a lot of air while breathing and not exhale as much. Even those who have been exercising for a long time can focus more on inhaling than exhaling. This imbalance usually develops during exercises such as running, cycling, or walking. These activities put pressure on the face and shoulders, making one exhale less carbon dioxide. In the long run, one can frequently experience lightheadedness, fatigue, and cardiovascular issues due to improper breath control during workouts. So, one can make a conscious effort to breathe in with the nose and breathe out through the mouth while working out. Having a bad posture Those working long hours at office jobs can have a bad posture, mostly because they sit in front of their laptop or smartphone throughout the day with little respite during breaks.
7 signs of headaches that need urgent attention
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7 signs of headaches that need urgent attention

Individuals may experience a headache on many occasions. When a headache occurs, the intensity of the pain can be dull, sharp, constant, or throbbing. About one out of every six people complain about such aches each year. Despite the pain, headaches often occur intermittently, and one may not have to worry about them. However, if some signs and symptoms occur frequently and without warning, one may have to see their physician. Recurring headaches A headache that occurs regularly could be categorized as a chronic headache. This is characteristic of people who have headaches for at least 15 days each month. Some types of headaches that may turn chronic include tension headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines. Individuals affected by regular headaches may also suffer from psychiatric problems like depression or anxiety. Pain that wakes you up suddenly If the pain from a headache wakes an individual up, it could be an alarming sign of a hypnic headache. These may occur at the same time several nights during a week. The pain from hypnic headaches can be described as stabbing, throbbing, burning, pulsating, or dull. While the condition affects people of all ages, it is more common in individuals over 50. These headaches are also known to affect women more than men.
Esophageal cancer – Signs and management options
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Esophageal cancer – Signs and management options

Esophageal cancer affects the esophagus, a long hollow tube that is present from the throat to the stomach. The esophagus helps move the food from the back of the throat to the stomach and helps start the digestive process. Cancer develops inside the lining of the esophagus and can spread anywhere along the tube, compromising the function of the esophagus. This type of cancer is usually seen in men than in women. Signs and symptoms The signs and symptoms of this type of cancer are usually well observed and identified. They make it easy for cancer to be diagnosed at an early stage. However, in some cases, the symptoms are missed, and the cancer is only accidentally found during health checkups and tests. So, it is always advised to stay mindful of the body’s signs to stay on top of health. Here are some of those signs to look out for: Trouble swallowing This can happen not just with solids but with liquids as well. There can be some inflammation which can lead to pain and swallowing problems. Chest pain Inflammation can cause chest pain which originates from the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. Increase in BMI This can be unexpected and without any effort.

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Important things to know about kidney and liver-related diseases
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Important things to know about kidney and liver-related diseases

The kidney and liver are two important organs in your body. You must keep them healthy to maintain a happy and safe life. However, you should also be aware of some important facts about the liver and kidney-related diseases so that you can visit your doctor before any health-related issue becomes more serious. Kidney and liver diseases and stages Chronic kidney disease is a medical condition that affects your kidneys. However, it progresses in five different stages and usually does not affect both the kidneys at once. Before learning about the stages of this illness, you need to first understand what Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) is. The age, gender, race, and serum creatinine are taken into account to calculate a person’s GFR, which determines the stage of chronic kidney disease. The serum creatinine is a type of waste product, which comes from the body’s muscle activity. As the condition of your kidney worsens, it filters less and less creatinine. The GFR calculation uses this to determine the kidney condition. Stage 1 : GFR > 90 ml/min Stage 2 : GFR = 60-89 ml/min Stage 3A : GFR = 45-59 ml/min Stage 3B : GFR = 30-44 ml/min Stage 4 :
Oral health issues and their diagnosis and prevention
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Oral health issues and their diagnosis and prevention

Oral health indicates overall health, so regular oral hygiene is important to prevent cavities, bad breath, gum diseases, and other mouth and teeth issues. Also, oral health is important at every stage of life, and it should not be taken lightly as oral diseases can also spread to the rest of the body. Let’s take a look at the basics of oral health issues and how to prevent them. Common oral health problems Oral health problems can affect people at different stages of lives: Infants A routine to help children maintain oral hygiene. When a child starts getting their first teeth, parents should wipe their gums with a clean, moist washcloth. Gradually, they can change this washcloth to a toothbrush for kids. Also, a child must be taken for their first dental visit within 6 months of the first tooth erupting, which should be not later than a kid’s first birthday. Additionally, parents should always stop children from sucking their thumbs as it can affect their tooth alignment. Also, never let them sleep with a bottle in their mouth as this can cause tooth decay. Children and teenagers Many who have crooked teeth start showing signs between the ages of 6 and 12.
Essential factors of mental health issues
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Essential factors of mental health issues

There are a lot of misconceptions that people have about mental health. With the little information on mental health, people are often narrow-minded when it comes to treating mental illnesses and often this causes a big problem for those who have mental health problems. To help you understand better, we are here to provide you with the details of mental health problems, which include its stages, diagnosis, and treatment. Stages of mental health issues The following stages are generally experienced by patients: Stage 1: Preconception When the patient is in this stage, they may mostly be in denial. It is possible that they point out that something seems off but they are fully capable of going about with their usual routine. Stage 2: Contemplation At this stage, it is clear that the patient needs medical help. The symptoms have started to set in, and it has now started to affect the day-to-day routine of the patient. Stage 2: Crisis If stages 1 and 2 are dealt with in the right way, this stage can be avoided. If not, the patient may face a nervous breakdown. Stage 4: Getting Help This stage should ideally come before the crisis for the problem to be averted.
Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of multiple sclerosis
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Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the spinal cord and the brain. Some of the common symptoms of multiple sclerosis are weakening and numbing in the body, blurring of vision, headaches, loss of hearing, speech issues, seizures, and bladder issues. The main treatment of multiple sclerosis focuses on managing symptoms of the disease. Let us take a look at the stages that the person goes through in case of multiple sclerosis. Stages of multiple sclerosis There are four stages of multiple sclerosis. These include: Clinically isolated syndrome A clinically isolated syndrome is usually the first attack of multiple sclerosis experienced by patients. It is marked by an inflamed myelin sheath. At this stage, a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test is used to make a proper diagnosis. Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is the most common stage. Most patients experience symptoms of this stage before the age of 30. Patients may experience episodes of symptoms. Relapse in this stage can lead to brain lesions. If patients go into remission, this phase can continue for a few weeks or even several years. Primary progressive multiple sclerosis Primary progressive multiple sclerosis usually begins in patients after they cross the age of 40.
Important things that you must know about pain management
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Important things that you must know about pain management

The techniques of pain management are devised based on the cause of pain. Pain management also depends on the severity and duration of pain. It focuses on the identification of the source of pain and selecting the best course of treatment. Let us take a closer look at some of the aspects of pain management. Types of pain The most common types of pain are: Neuropathic pain It’s a type of pain, which impacts the nervous system. In this form of pain, there is damage to the nervous system. A typical example is a diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathic pain can also include fibromyalgia, sympathetically maintained pain and irritable bowel syndrome. Nociceptive pain It is a pain that results from a bone that is broken in the body. This pain is determined by the transfer of signals from the peripheral nerves to the brain through the spinal cord. Somatic pain This pain is a type that affects the thighs and back of the patient. Every time a patient goes to the doctor with back pain, their doctor checks their medical history and conducts a physical exercise test and imaging test. After an accurate diagnosis, the pain can be adequately treated. Cancer pain Cancer or the treatment of cancer can cause this type of pain.
Understanding the essentials about menopause
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Understanding the essentials about menopause

Menopause is a stage at which the woman stops going through menstrual cycles. It is only considered menopause if you have not had your period for at least 12 months. In the US, the average age for it to occur is 51, but it can start as early as your 40s. It is a biological process that occurs naturally but, due to certain symptoms it causes, it can lead to disruptions in your daily schedule and life. Stages of menopause Menopause has three different stages, as given below. Perimenopause Before the actual menopause starts, the women’s body goes into the process of shifting from natural menstruation and ovulation cycle to permanent infertility. This stage is known as perimenopause. It generally starts in your 40s, but some women may experience it in their 30s too. The symptoms include irregular periods, sleep problems, and hot flashes. Menopause If you have not had your period in one year, then the perimenopause is over, and the actual menopause stage begins. You cannot get pregnant once you enter this stage. Postmenopause The years that follow are the postmenopause stage. The physical and emotional symptoms of menopause start to subside in most cases. You start to regain your energy levels and feel more emotionally stable.