8 constipation mistakes to steer clear of

8 constipation mistakes to steer clear of
Constipation, characterized by irregular bowel movements or difficulty passing stools, is a common condition that affects many people. It may be accompanied by symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite, which add to the discomfort. Various factors, including a lack of fiber in the food, dehydration, specific treatments, and a sedentary lifestyle, can cause constipation. Following are a few mistakes people make when constipated, which worsens their symptoms. Not drinking enough water This is one of the most common mistakes people make when trying to relieve constipation. The stool becomes hard and difficult to pass when the body does not get sufficient water. Experts recommend that individuals drink at least eight glasses of water daily to keep the body hydrated. However, the exact amount of water one needs can vary depending on age and activity levels. Eating fried foods Fried foods like French fries, fried chicken, and onion rings are high in fat and low in fiber. As a result, they can slow down the digestive process, contributing to constipation. Moreover, fried foods are often cooked in oil, which can cause inflammation, increasing the risk of other digestive problems. Therefore, one should limit the intake of fried foods and use healthier cooking methods like grilling, roasting, or baking.

9 questions to ask the doctor during a checkup

9 questions to ask the doctor during a checkup
Actively asking your doctor questions is one way through which you can know more about your health. It gives patients a safe space to discuss potential problems or special care needs they may have, so that a more comfortable healthcare experience can be curated. If one is too stressed to visit the physician on their own, they can take a trusted person along, and prepare a list of questions to ask the doctor. Am I at risk for any health issues? Discussing one’s lifestyle habits with the doctor (along with factors such as age and gender) can help set realistic expectations for health in the future. Doing so can also help recognize any risks or complications. Are there any additional screenings I need to undergo? Depending on one’s age and other factors, doctors may recommend additional tests or screenings such as lipid testing for cholesterol levels, hemoglobin A1c screening for diabetes, a colonoscopy, a PAP smear for cervical cancer, etc. When should I schedule my next appointment? Depending on one’s general health and lab test results, a person may be asked to return on a date sooner than their scheduled annual or bi-annual checkups. Are my physical tests (BMI, Blood pressure, heart rate/breathing signs) normal?

5 foods that help manage cholesterol levels

5 foods that help manage cholesterol levels
Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the body and is also naturally present in certain foods. When found in excess, it can take up space in the arteries, narrowing them and constricting blood flow. There are two types of cholesterol: HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol). The latter is harmful and gets deposited in the bloodstream, increasing the heart disease risk. Below are five foods to lower cholesterol levels in the body. Oats Oats are a great staple food option for cholesterol as they are packed with soluble fiber. Research shows that soluble fiber helps reduce LDL cholesterol by preventing it from getting absorbed into the bloodstream. Individuals can eat oats for breakfast and even other meals by mixing different fruits. Besides oats, other food options rich in soluble fiber include kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, and pears. Avocados Apart from being a great spread, avocados help improve LDL levels because they have monounsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, avocados are considered heart-healthy when combined with options like whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat chips, or when used with raw vegetables. Fish Fatty fish like mackerel, herring, tuna, salmon, and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce triglycerides – a type of fat in the blood.

7 teeth-whitening hacks for brighter smiles

7 teeth-whitening hacks for brighter smiles
A smile is the best ornament an individual can flaunt, and an ornament with glistening pearls is the most invaluable accessory. Besides, pearl-white teeth are a dream come true for most. Therefore, alongside getting professional teeth cleanups regularly and having nutritious meals, following simple teeth-whitening tips can provide long-lasting positive outcomes. Moreover, one may practice such hacks at home with readily available products, so here are some natural teeth-whitening tips for white, healthy teeth: Oil pulling Oil pulling, a traditional, alternative-medicine practice originating in India, requires one to swish one tablespoon of any form of edible oil around one’s mouth. This can be done for a certain amount of time, initially for 5-10 minutes and then extending to 20 minutes. Although oil pulling is not directly associated with white teeth, it helps remove stains from the teeth and eliminates plaque and gingivitis-causing bacteria. Thus, this practice, combined with other teeth-whitening remedies, can significantly contribute to white and healthy teeth. Fruit for teeth whitening Fruits like strawberries, watermelons, pineapples, and papayas help maintain teeth whiteness. For example, one may purchase teeth-whitening gels containing bromelain, papain, etc., or rub fruit peels against one’s teeth for the best results. However, directly rubbing one’s teeth with pieces of fruit is not recommended, as it can worsen the color of the teeth.

10 foods that help ease arthritis pain

10 foods that help ease arthritis pain
Joint swelling is a major symptom of most types of arthritis. If left untreated, it may lead to excruciating pain and discomfort while performing simple physical activities. Frequent arthritic flare-ups can also affect one’s spinal cord, hip, pelvis, and lower back in the long run. While treatment may be necessary for managing arthritis, eating the right foods is also essential. Some foods have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can ease pain and improve heart health. Fatty fish Fishes like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines have omega-3 fatty acids. According to The Arthritis Foundation, eating three to four ounces of the recommended fish a couple of times a week can protect the heart and reduce inflammation. Fruits Frozen or fresh grapes and berries, including blueberries, blackberries, boysenberries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries, have proven to ease arthritis symptoms. Similarly, apples and pomegranates, rich sources of fiber and antioxidants, can be go-to snacking options. Vegetables Patients can add broccoli, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, and cauliflower to their meals in any form. The natural component called glucosinolates found in vegetables has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Nuts Nuts like walnuts, almonds, and cashews are nutrient-dense, low in saturated fats, and high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which help regulate cholesterol and reduce inflammation.

Best foods and home remedies for heartburn

Best foods and home remedies for heartburn
GERD is a digestive disorder where stomach acids travel upwards into the food pipe. While this can lead to chest pain and difficulty swallowing, heartburn is the most common symptom. It is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, which can also be felt in the neck and throat. Thankfully, patients can control heartburn to a large extent at home by eating certain foods and following particular home remedies listed below. Chew gum Although unusual, chewing gum 30 minutes after a meal reduces heartburn and other GERD symptoms. When a person chews gum, the production of saliva increases and the excess saliva passes down the esophagus to cancel out the effect of stomach acid, the main culprit for GERD. Reduced stomach acid, in turn, decreases heartburn and other associated problems. Drink pineapple juice Since GERD is caused by excess stomach acid production, controlling the amount of acid can manage the problem. Pineapple juice helps do that. It has a group of valuable enzymes called bromelain that reduces stomach acid, preventing heartburn and other symptoms. Hence, patients can drink small amounts of pineapple juice every day. Eat peppermint Peppermint is a flexible herb that can relieve digestive stress. It can also reduce the length, severity, and frequency of abdominal pain.

Our
Blog.

Black Friday 2023 – Top 10 Smartphone Deals to Watch Out For

Black Friday 2023 – Top 10 Smartphone Deals to Watch Out For

Even during non-festive periods, smartphones sell like hotcakes in online and offline stores. Most tech enthusiasts routinely feel the need to get their hands on the latest models of their favorite smartphones. With Black Friday 2023 still several weeks away, shoppers can check out the features of their favorite smartphones. All the estimated deals listed in this article are based on the existing retail discounts, and buyers can expect similar bargains this Black Friday. High-range smartphones 1. Different variants of Apple’s iPhone make up the top 4 of the bestselling smartphones in the country. On many retail sites, devices such as the Apple iPhone SE 5G are being sold with discounts that range from about $200 to $250. This means that there is a high percentage chance that similar or better deals will likely emerge for such devices when Black Friday looms closer. The Apple iPhone SE 5G offers fantastic features such as lightning-fast processors, 5G connectivity, 4K video recording capability with 60 FPS, the unique Dynamic Island display, IP67 water resistance, and many more. 2. Samsung’s Galaxy devices come second in the sales pecking order after Apple’s iPhones when it comes to the smartphone market leadership. With the presence of Black Friday looming on the horizon, users can expect great deals on their favorite Galaxy smartphones. For instance, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is available on many retail sites with existing discounts ranging from 10% to 15%. Shoppers may possibly find such (or better) discounts during the upcoming sale period. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a one-of-a-kind foldable phone packed with incredible features such as a massive display, dual-app viewing, immersive gaming experience, super AMOLED screens, and many other niceties. 3. A device that is likely to offer massive discounts during Black Friday is the Google Pixel 7.
Read More
10 Incredible Black Friday Deals to Expect on Laptops in 2023

10 Incredible Black Friday Deals to Expect on Laptops in 2023

Laptops combine the power of desktops with the portability of smartphones, making them suitable for several tasks. But this is also why they tend to be pricey. Unsurprisingly, many wait for sales like Black Friday to buy the model of their choice. Below are ten types of laptops and the Black Friday 2023 deals one can expect on them in the coming months. The discounts listed are based on last year’s sale and current prices. 1. Dual-screen laptops Unlike older dual-screen models, newer ones are much more efficient and non-gimmicky. They have secondary displays with anti-glare capability that perfectly complement the primary screen. A great option is the ASUS Zenbook Pro Duo UX581. It comes with a 15.6-inch 4K UHD NanoEdge touchscreen glossy main display, a cutting-edge Intel Core i7-9750H Quad Core Processor, and a 14-inch 4K matte touchscreen for seamless scrolling and usability. Last year, Amazon sold specific variants of the Zenbook Pro Duo for a discount of 15% in the run-up to Black Friday. 2. Gaming laptops Gamers need laptops that are responsive, less prone to overheating, and armed with high-end graphics cards. In short, they seek devices that will not leave them high and dry in the middle of a high-octane, graphics-heavy game by being laggy and annoying. Thankfully, several gaming laptops tick these boxes, an example being Lenovo’s IdeaPad Gaming 3. The device has incredible features, such as the latest AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processors, GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs, and Rapid Charge technology to boost battery by 40% in just 15 minutes. Amazon reduced the price of specific IdeaPad Gaming 3 models by $300 last Black Friday, so gamers can hope for similar savings in 2023. 3. Chromebooks Those who prefer the ultra-reliable Chrome OS can check out Acer’s Chromebook 315. It has a powerful Intel Celeron N4020 dual-core processor, a full HD IPS touchscreen, and over 12 hours of battery life!
Read More