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6 foods that trigger EoE symptoms

6 foods that trigger EoE symptoms
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an inflammation of the esophagus that is caused by a white blood cell called an eosinophil. The disease has mostly been recorded in Caucasian males and can lead to esophageal narrowing over time. The treatment for EoE is generally supported by changes in one’s food intake as well. Doctors generally recommend eliminating certain foods to discover the underlying triggers for every individual. Some common foods to avoid for those suffering from EOE include: Soy Soy is a common allergen for many people and may trigger immune system responses as severe as an anaphylactic shock. Common soy-based foods include edamame, tofu, tempeh, soy butter, soy sauce, soy milk, and miso. It is also a common ingredient in many plant-based meats. Doctors may recommend going off of this high-allergen food group for six weeks, to check if reports improve. Dairy products Lactose is notoriously known as an allergen for many people. It is the main protein in most dairy products and can be difficult to digest, thus triggering different allergic responses. Depending on the person’s sensitivity levels, some may be able to continue enjoying baked goods with cow’s milk, while others may have to steer clear of any dairy products entirely.

Protecting pets from fleas, ticks, and heartworm

Protecting pets from fleas, ticks, and heartworm
With the critter season just around the corner, it is natural for pet parents to grow cautious. We do all we can to prevent the infestation of ticks, fleas, heartworm, and other disease-causing parasites. One of the best ways to avoid any of the blood-sucking parasites being home guests is to opt for regular vet appointments. However, there are some natural remedies that can be implemented while waiting for the appointment date to arrive. Fleas Fleas cause excessive itching, scratching, and overall annoyance once they latch on to a dog’s fur. If left unresolved, they start laying eggs all around the house, causing a greater nuisance to every resident. Here are certain natural ways to control a flea infestation. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar sprays and baths work to repel fleas by balancing the pet’s pH levels. This helps make the environment unsustainable for fleas and healthier for our furry friends. Essential oils Essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, citronella, rosemary, and peppermint are all capable of repelling fleas. Diluting a few drops of one of these essential oils in water and regularly spraying it onto the pet’s coat is a convenient way of avoiding any flea infestations. Ticks Ticks are small parasitic creatures that can find a home in the fur of our pets.

5 tips to get a perfect white smile

5 tips to get a perfect white smile
Having a pearly white smile is a dream for many people. Luckily, there are lots of things you can do, even on a slim budget, to achieve that smile. From routine oral hygiene and home whitening treatments to teeth alignment devices like veneers and aligners, the world of aesthetic dentistry has advanced by leaps and bounds over the years. Here are five simple yet valuable tips for getting that perfect smile. Brush with the right toothbrush Brushing is the most important pillar for maintaining oral health. When done regularly, it helps eliminate the dirt, grime, and bacteria in the mouth. However, it is essential to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle. Brushing with a hard brush or being too aggressive could erode the enamel, making your teeth appear more yellow. Make regular visits to the dentist Keeping up with your dental appointments is essential. Visit the dentist once every six months or every year to flag any potential dental risks and maintain optimal oral health. Opt for aligners or other teeth-straightening procedures There are plenty of procedures for those worried about a crooked smile, but braces and invisible aligners are perhaps the most popular for addressing the issue. If you want a quick fix to make your smile more aesthetic, check out other procedures at your dentist’s office, like shaping, veneers, or bonding.

Common types of management options for health concerns

Common types of management options for health concerns
Medical science has made notable progress in making life easier. It deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of health conditions. Doctors use various techniques, such as prescription options, surgery, and other treatments, to reduce pain and improve the overall quality of life for those with health issues. Treatments fall into three categories: curing illnesses, relieving symptoms, and preventing the onset of health conditions. The following are some of the most common medical treatments: Non-surgical procedures Non-surgical procedures can help diagnose, measure, and treat injuries or ailments. Doctors use these methods to understand the severity of the disease and determine the best course of treatment for patients. Common diagnostic techniques include: Lab tests: These involve testing bodily fluids such as blood and urine tests. Imaging tests: X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT) are non-invasive diagnostic tools that generate images indicating activities inside the body. Endoscopy: A procedure in which a thin tube (endoscope) is inserted into the body for a visual examination. This procedure is used for treatments like a colonoscopy (examination of the bowel), gastroscopy (stomach), cystoscopy (bladder), bronchoscopy (lung airways), and laparoscopy (abdomen). Therapy Therapeutic procedures improve or cure a condition and help restore function.

6 nuts and seeds for managing arthritis

6 nuts and seeds for managing arthritis
Arthritis is a collective term to describe more than 100 types of joint pain or joint diseases and other related complications. If left unchecked, the pain caused by the condition could be disabling and interfere with one’s ability to perform daily tasks. One can resort to treatments and therapies to manage the symptoms of arthritis. At the same time, one can make lifestyle changes such as eating healthy foods like nuts and seeds to improve their condition. Walnuts Rich in ALA, adding walnuts to one’s meals can significantly help curb the symptoms of arthritis. The food is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids that help lower the C-reactive protein (CRP – a marker of inflammation that may heighten the risk of arthritis and cardiovascular diseases. One could add walnuts to meatless dishes and with other healthy foods like stir-fried broccoli with chopped garlic. Peanuts Eating a handful of unsalted peanuts throughout the day will ensure the body receives a healthy source of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. These properties may lower unhealthy low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk. They can also introduce magnesium to one’s system, which will keep blood sugar in control. Subsequently, controlling these conditions may contribute to improved symptoms of arthritis.

5 mistakes to avoid to better manage migraine pain

5 mistakes to avoid to better manage migraine pain
Migraines are headaches that cause severe pulsing or throbbing sensations, usually on one side of the head. The headaches may be accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last a few hours to a few days, and the pain may become severe enough to interfere with one’s daily activities. Thankfully, patients can employ self-help remedies and lifestyle modifications to manage the condition better. Managing migraine pain – Mistakes to avoid According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraine is one of the most misunderstood and undiagnosed conditions. Many patients make mistakes while managing the pain, leading to other health complications. Below are some common mistakes migraine suffers make and solutions to help one manage the symptoms better: Consuming too much caffeine Although small amounts of caffeine can relieve headaches, an excess can have the opposite effect and trigger migraine attacks. Multiple studies have shown that consuming 100 mg of caffeine per day increases the risk of headaches three-fold. Hence, avoiding or eliminating coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages is suggested to manage the condition. Skipping meals or eating unhealthy foods Foods with MSG, aspartame, and nitrates can trigger migraine headaches or worsen the symptoms and should be avoided.

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4 common myths about diabetes debunked

When the glucose levels in the body are high and insulin levels are not proportionate enough to convert this glucose into energy, the risk of diabetes increases. It is basically the inability of the body to convert food into energy using insulin. The glucose is broken down into energy for cells to absorb and when this conversion doesn’t take place, blood sugar levels rise. If left unchecked, it can lead to a number of complications. However, there are certain myths about diabetes that can create confusion among the masses. Here is what you must know and understand about the condition. Myth 1: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same. The fact of the matter is that both type 1 and 2 are linked to insulin deficiency that causes diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce any insulin, and people suffering from this condition must rely on regular doses of insulin to supplement these requirements. Type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune disorder that is mostly diagnosed in children. In type 2 diabetes, the body still manages to produce insulin but the cells are unable to absorb the compound necessary for converting food into energy. Depending on the severity of the condition, people suffering from type 2 diabetes may or may not need insulin shots. Myth 2: Insulin dependence Nothing can be further from the truth that insulin is a lifesaving medication and absolutely necessary for people suffering from severe diabetes. The body cannot convert food into energy without insulin. How the supply is replenished does not matter as there is a need for the deficiency to be managed better. People with type 2 diabetes can still manage a healthy lifestyle and reduce their dependence on insulin to a great extent. However, it is a mandatory medication for those who have type 1 diabetes.

The risk factors associated with dehydration

Dehydration is the loss of fluids from one’s body. It can be caused due to something as simple as not having an adequate water intake or perhaps a severe medical side effect. The symptoms of fluid loss caused due to this condition can affect people of all ages. From toddlers and infants to older adults, one can experience mild to severe dehydration depending on the primary cause of the same. Herein, we shall try and understand the severity and risk factors associated with dehydration in people of different ages. Children and infants At a very young age, infants and children are more susceptible to bacterial infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Both result in the rapid loss of fluids. Note that infants lose more fluids in comparison to adults. Young children, especially toddlers, unlike adults, may also not realize when they are thirsty. This increases the risk of staying dehydrated unknowingly until severe symptoms indicate the same. It is one of the main reasons why doctors prescribe electrolyte-rich fluids for children experiencing a high fever to help replenish the lost fluids. Seniors and older adults Adults after a certain age face more difficulties as the body gradually loses its ability to conserve water. One’s sense of thirst also becomes acute with old age, which further increases the risk. Individuals might not feel thirsty enough to have the recommended intake of water every day, further causing problems due to the loss of fluids. Furthermore, dehydration can be a direct result of certain prescription medications used for treating diabetes. The side effects can result in a fluid imbalance as medications increase the urine output, thus resulting in a higher loss of fluids from the body. Many medications also list vomiting and diarrhea as potential side effects and both can trigger a severe loss of fluids in the body.

Must-have nutrients and foods for optimal eye health

Our sensory organs are extremely essential in our daily life. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to stand straight, see things, taste, communicate, and live the way we do. But the power of sight is one of the most important of them all. Maintaining good eye health is necessary, and, unsurprisingly, making healthy lifestyle and dietary choices is crucial for this. So, here are a few nutrients you should add to your daily diet to keep your vision in top-notch condition: Vitamin A The deficiency of vitamin A is one of the most common causes of blindness across the globe. Why is this vitamin so important? Well, for starters, it helps manage and maintain the light-sensing cells in your eyes. A lack of vitamin A can cause dry eyes and other serious eye conditions. Best food with vitamin A content: To get the right amount of vitamin A in your diet and maintain optimal eye health, include foods like apricots, carrots, spinach, and yam in your diet in plenty. Vitamin C Vitamin C is present in high concentration in the aqueous humor (the liquid in the outermost part of the eye). The amount of this vitamin in the aqueous humor is proportional to the amount in your diet, and research has proved that people with cataracts tend to have low amounts of vitamin C in their bodies. Best dietary sources of vitamin C: Citrus fruits like oranges, kiwi, lime, and strawberries are all great sources of vitamin C. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are also healthy sources of this vitamin. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are essential to maintain good eye health. DHA aids eye function. It is present in the retina and is an integral part of brain and eye development in children. Evidence also proves the benefits of omega-3 supplements for people with dry eyes.

Understanding the different aspects of a flu outbreak

Flu or influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can result in mild to severe illness and health complications. A severe flu infection can result in hospitalization and can even prove to be fatal, especially in young children, older people aged above 65, and people with underlying health conditions. There are two main types of flu viruses: Type A and Type B virus. The illness can be periodical and result in seasonal flu epidemics each year. The cold, flu, and its symptoms such as cough is caused due to the type of the viruses mentioned above. Influenza may not always be considered by most people as a serious illness, its symptoms comprising a runny nose, headaches, cough, and muscle pain can be confused with those of a heavy cold. Yet reports suggest that seasonal influenza can claim up to 650,000 lives every year. That is why influenza vaccinations are important because they protect people, especially those in at-risk categories, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with vulnerable immune systems or underlying health conditions. What most of us call “the flu” is essentially seasonal influenza because it comes around in the coldest season twice a year, once in the Northern hemisphere’s winter, and once in the Southern hemisphere’s winter in temperate zones of the world. The flu circulates year-round in the tropics and subtropics, which makes it more contagious. The worst part about the influenza virus is that it constantly mutates, enabling it to evade the mechanisms of our immune systems. The virus learns from the responses of the human body and creates a suitable defensive mechanism to survive the attack by the immune system. When a new virus emerges, it can easily infect people and spread due to its contagiousness. Very little to no immunity to a new strain can lead to a simple outbreak becoming an epidemic or a pandemic within no time.

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9 most common types of depression you should know about

9 most common types of depression you should know about

All of us feel low, upset, and unmotivated at some point in our life, but this isn’t classified as depression. Depression is a mood disorder that overshadows a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Signs and symptoms of this grave disorder can range from feeling hopeless and tired to completely losing the will to live. There are several types of depression and they are listed below so you can understand depression and people suffering from it better. Major Depression (Clinical Depression) The hallmark trait of this type of depression is the constant feeling of sadness or loss of interest in social life or any outside stimuli. It often lasts for two weeks or more in which a person can experience symptoms such as hopelessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) Dysthymia lasts for years and can disrupt daily life and interfere with personal and professional relationships. Individuals with dysthymia are often seen as dark, pessimistic, or complainers by others, and they have a hard time being happy in typically pleasant situations. Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) People with manic depression experience high degrees of mood swings. Their train of thought can take them from feeling euphoric to feeling suicidal in just a few weeks. It is very common to get into a depressive state before or after the manic episode. Postpartum Depression (Peripartum Depression) This depression episode is characterized by dramatic hormonal changes in women after giving birth. They may tend to experience bouts of sadness and cry anytime. The symptoms usually alleviate after a week or two of giving birth. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) People with this type of depression start experiencing depressive symptoms with a change in seasons. For many, it happens during winter. The individual starts feeling worse as the season progresses and can even have suicidal thoughts.
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Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Pregnancy is a new experience in every couple’s life, and one should understand a few things to ensure that the nine months are smooth and stress-free. Simply being prepared for pregnancy and looking forward to the joy of parenthood is not all there’s to childbirth. As a couple, you must understand, review, and adjust your lifestyle. Expecting mothers become their child’s nurturers and supporters from day one, but the expecting fathers, close relatives, and friends must also understand the key roles they will play right up to the due date. Here are a few simple family and pregnancy guide points to help you and your folks get started: Staying healthy Physical and mental wellbeing is extremely crucial for the expecting mother to ensure both her and the baby’s health. Diet plays a crucial role in this process, as the mother is now providing nutrition for the developing fetus as well as herself. As a family, you can take turns to ensure that the to-be mother is staying physically active, eating healthy and regularly, and not cultivating any bad habits. More importantly, family and loved ones should be prepared for the changes to come in the upcoming trimesters. Coping with changes – what to expect Morning sickness in the first trimester is quite common and can put a woman’s body under tremendous stress. Nausea and vomiting may also cause headaches, but medications cannot always be taken, as they may affect the baby’s health. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause extreme mood swings, so everyone around must be prepared to deal with this. Maintaining a healthy relationship with one’s partner and responding to their needs is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy, especially after the first trimester, when the baby starts developing quickly. Counseling One of the more crucial aspects of family and pregnancy planning is prenatal counseling.
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