6 things to avoid before bed when managing migraines

6 things to avoid before bed when managing migraines
People with migraines can experience painful throbbing and pulsing sensations on one side of their heads. More than 38 million people in the country are affected by migraines. The condition can also make it difficult to get enough rest at night, and insufficient sleep, in turn, triggers migraines. One can get the best mattresses and sleeping aides to address the issue, but here are certain things one should avoid before bed when dealing with migraines. Making unhealthy food choices Foods like chocolates, cheeses, and sausages contain beta-phenylethylamine, tyramine, nitrates, and nitrites, which may trigger migraines. Some foods may also increase histamine production in the body, worsening the condition. So, one of the important things to avoid before bed should avoid such foods before bedtime and stick to lighter foods like cherries, kiwi, pineapple, avocados, and bananas, which help increase serotonin levels, a chemical essential for better sleep. Indulging in excessive screen time Most people use their smartphones or watch something on television, laptop, or other electronic devices before bed. But these devices emit a blue light that can suppress melatonin production. A lack of this brain chemical results in poor sleep, which may trigger a headache or migraine. One affected by migraines should avoid watching horror movies before bed, as that may also suppress melatonin production.

Critical silent signs of skin cancer

Critical silent signs of skin cancer
Cancer is the abnormal mutation of healthy cells. Skin cancer is triggered by the uncontrolled multiplication of healthy skin cells caused by exposure to UV rays, chemical exposure, radiation, or underlying diseases. The causes and risk factors vary for the three major skin cancer types: Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Here are the visible markers and silent signs of skin cancer to note to help ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. Unusual moles Significant forms of skin cancer, including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma, may also trigger the development of skin-colored or pink moles. These are not harmless bumps and should be checked by a skincare specialist. A rare but critical form of amelanotic melanoma triggers the growth of these bumpy nodules that can develop unexpectedly without any prior indication of skin problems. Development of multiple dark patches Melanoma is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of skin cancer among adults. One of its glaring visible signs is the unusual and progressive development of dark-colored patches. While these may look like moles, doctors advise identifying the growth pattern of the extra skin. Multiple moles and patches may develop throughout the body, some black, others brown, and even reddish in color.

5 foods to combat skin cancer symptoms

5 foods to combat skin cancer symptoms
Most skin cancers can be treated successfully if diagnosed early. Effective treatment alternatives include cryotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and excision. Oncology research studies have found that nutrition also plays a crucial role in preventing skin cancer and, in some cases, reducing the severity of its symptoms. Certain nutrient-rich foods can enable patients to build up their defenses against this condition. Here are some such incredible foods to add to the meal plan. Black tea Tea is rich in active compounds known as polyphenols, which have distinct anti-cancer effects. They can remove cancer cells by inhibiting cell cycle events, modify signaling pathways, and induce apoptosis. Polyphenols can also activate immune cells that have a debilitative effect on malignant skin cancer cells. This makes tea a refreshing alternative to the relatively caffeine-heavy coffee. Besides providing cancer-related benefits, the beverage can regulate blood pressure, cholesterol, stress levels, and mental health more efficiently. Walnuts Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, chemical compounds that reduce the chances of skin cancer by maintaining a healthy cell-mediated immunity (CMI). Omega-3 stops the growth and spread of malignant cells. Walnuts contain loads of these fatty acids and can be used as a delicious snack, a side dish to a healthy meal, or a key ingredient in any refreshing dessert.

6 foods to eat when running a fever

6 foods to eat when running a fever
When one feels under the weather, eating the right foods may help provide relief. Even though an appetite may be close to nonexistent, one should not remain hungry, as fever burns more calories than the body does on a daily basis. Plus, when fighting off an infection, the body requires more nutrients and energy to strengthen the immune system. Hence, one must eat right and avoid certain food items to regain the lost strength. Fever – Top 6 foods to eat Even though one might not be in the mood or have an appetite when sick, one must eat nutrient-rich food to get stronger. Some of the best foods to eat during a fever are: Chicken soup A go-to meal during sickness, chicken soup has been consumed for generations. It’s not only easy to eat but also contains calories, vitamins, and minerals that the body needs while recovering from an illness. Furthermore, chicken soup is also a great source of liquids and electrolytes, which can be helpful if one is at risk of dehydration due to fever. Moreover, the broth is rich in collagen, which may promote recovery. Coconut water One of the ideal beverages to consume when sick, coconut water contains electrolytes which are needed along with fluids when one is sweating, vomiting or running a fever.

5 ways to detect ovulation at home naturally

5 ways to detect ovulation at home naturally
Tracking and detecting ovulation at home is an excellent way for couples to target the most fertile period of their menstrual cycles without professional intervention. Most people know when they are getting their period, even if they may not be able to recognize it. Common signs include tender breasts, cramps, increased sexual desire, etc. Since this isn’t an exact science, looking at more precise options can help increase the chances of conception. Five ways to detect ovulation at home are : Menstruation tracking Using an app to track your period each month can help predict your next ovulation date and fertile period. Most menstrual tracking apps are free and calculate all your past cycles so that you can have an accurate prediction. Alternatively, you can also use charts with paper and pencil to map out your ovulation cycle. Basal body temperature The body’s resting temperature is also known as basal body temperature or BBT. BBT dips slightly right before ovulation. Tracking your BBT every day can help you recognize this dip. To track it, check your temperature every morning and note it on a paper chart or a fertility app. This temperature must be taken before you get out of bed, so keep a basal thermometer within your reach before going to sleep.

Check out these top 5 period tracking apps

Check out these top 5 period tracking apps
While most women experience periods once a month, the timing, symptoms, and flow vary from one menstrual cycle to another. Many may experience bleeding approximately 28 days after the previous cycle, but for some, the gap can be anywhere between 21 and 40 days. Additionally, the flow can be strong, moderate, or light. Here, period-tracking applications can be incredibly useful in helping users track, monitor, and understand their menstrual cycles. Best period trackers Women usually keep a general track of their menstrual cycle, but with the help of the following period-tracking applications, users can do much more. Clue It is one of the most popular period tracking applications and has been featured in multiple magazines. The application helps users identify unique patterns in their menstrual cycle. Further, Clue is completely free for both iOS and Android users and offers a variety of tracking features. Flo Flo period tracker is an incredibly popular app with a large consumer base. Millions of people log in to the application daily to record their period and ovulation symptoms. The application uses this data to create graphs showing the user what their body is going through at any time. In addition to being a period tracker, it can turn into a pregnancy tracker if and when needed.

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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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