Nutrient dense foods to eat for menopause
health

Nutrient dense foods to eat for menopause

Menopause marks the end of the regular menstrual cycle. If a woman doesn’t get her period for over 12 months, her body will undergo a series of metabolic changes. Menopause can trigger several discomforts ranging from physical symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats to emotional disturbances like mood swings and personality changes. However, it is possible to manage menopause with simple changes in daily nutrition and lifestyle to improve the outlook in the long run. Cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, and berries Several research studies explain why including more green vegetables and berries helped women experience fewer hot flashes associated with menopause over time. Top picks include broccoli, cauliflower, and dark berries, which help increase estrogen levels and further lower the risk of breast cancer complications. Dark greens and leafy vegetables like spinach, chard, leaf lettuce, and beet are also rich sources of calcium, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins. These nutrients are essential for regulating mood and energy to lower the impact of menopausal hormone changes that affect one’s personality. Healthy omega-3 fatty foods Omega 3 fatty acid is one of the crucial anti-inflammatory compounds to include in daily nutrition to help manage hot flashes and lower the severity of night sweats experienced during menopause.
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12 superfoods that help ease menstrual cramps
health

12 superfoods that help ease menstrual cramps

Period cramps are a result of uterine muscles contracting to shed tissue. The contraction momentarily cuts off the oxygen supply to the uterus, which releases the chemicals that cause pain. Women all around the world face varying degrees of period cramps that interfere with their ability to function normally. But eating certain types of foods and drinks can reduce the pain and provide more comfort during that time of the month. Water Hydration is said to help alleviate period pain. A study showed that women who drank more water used fewer painkillers and reported less severe cramps. Turmeric milk Turmeric added to milk has traditionally been used by many cultures to relieve PMS symptoms and regularize periods. This anti-inflammatory spice stimulates blood flow in the pelvic region and has an antispasmodic effect. Bananas Bananas are rich in fiber and magnesium, easy to digest and help regulate bowel movement. They can help one feel less bloated and reduce the severity of cramps. Oranges A powerhouse of vitamin C and antioxidants, oranges can reduce menstrual cramps. The fruit also has a high water content, thus helping with hydration. Fish Fish is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron. All of these nutrients minimize menstruation discomfort and help improve mood.
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Avoid these 7 common teeth whitening mistakes
health

Avoid these 7 common teeth whitening mistakes

Pearl-white teeth are every person’s dream come true. Clean teeth are not only visually appealing but also signify good health and oral hygiene. Besides brushing twice daily, following other hygiene measures, and eating healthy, several individuals opt for teeth whitening methods as a measure to facilitate clean, white teeth. While teeth whitening is an easy process and can be done at home, it is important to avoid certain mistakes to ensure its effectiveness. Not knowing what foods to avoid just after the process The teeth-whitening process does not end after one follows the process. In fact, the teeth-bleaching agents continue to penetrate the tooth enamel for 24 hours after the treatment. Consequently, the results may be compromised if, within this period, one eats certain foods and beverages that can stain the teeth. Some foods and beverages include beetroot, dark soups, soy sauce, tea, coffee, berries, and mustard. It is advisable to have light-colored foods like plain, boiled chicken and fish and white-sauce pasta after teeth whitening. Whitening one’s teeth more frequently than required One of the most common teeth-whitening mistakes is overdoing the procedure. Many people trying to whiten their teeth are often dissatisfied with the outcomes and end up using these products more than necessary.
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3 kinds of soaps that can cause eczema flare-ups
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3 kinds of soaps that can cause eczema flare-ups

Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema, is a chronic skin disorder. While dermatitis develops at a young age, even adults can be affected by the condition. The condition makes the skin dry and triggers inflammation and swelling. Pain, irritation, blisters, bumps, and persistent itching are some symptoms of this skin disease. Certain products or ingredients can also worsen the symptoms. So, here are different types of soaps that can cause eczema flare-ups: Soaps with synthetic preservatives Most branded cosmetics contain a variety of artificial ingredients. Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT) are two commonly used chemical preservatives added to soaps to extend their shelf life. These preservatives prevent bacteria from growing on the soap and the formulation from becoming rancid with repeated use. Everyday shampoos, conditioners, body wash, lotions, shaving cream, hairspray, and even makeup removers contain these preservatives. These additives affect the skin’s pH balance resulting in dermal irritation. When these soaps come in contact with sensitive skin, they can trigger eczema symptoms. In most cases, cosmetic allergens have been identified as the primary reason for flare-ups. Soaps with Cocamidopropyl betaine Cocamidopropyl betaine ( CAPB) is a natural fatty extract derived from coconuts. It is synthesized by mixing raw coconut oil with dimethylaminopropylamine, making it a surfactant that removes dirt and creates a thicker, foamy formula required for a good lather.
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8 foods that worsen arthritis symptoms
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8 foods that worsen arthritis symptoms

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints of the body, especially the hands and feet. It leads to inflammation which can be painful and irritating. While it cannot be completely reversed, some management techniques involve eating the right foods that can help reduce arthritis symptoms. So let’s look at some food groups and items that should be avoided to help reduce any triggers like inflammation. Some of them are: Red meat According to research, those who consume a lot of red meat are linked with more inflammation in their bodies than those who don’t. There are inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and interleukin-6, which are high in those consuming red meat. In a comparative study, those with a plant-based food plan have shown signs of improvement in arthritis symptoms. Gluten food Research suggests that consuming gluten is linked with increased inflammation in the body. Gluten is a type of protein that is found in foods like wheat, barley, triticale, and also rye. Substituting these gluten products with those without them(other plant-based products) is known to reduce arthritis symptoms like inflammation and help manage the disease overall. Processed food The highly processed food category includes items like breakfast cereals, fast food, and baked goods which are all high in preservatives, added sugars, and other inflammatory ingredients that irritate arthritis symptoms.
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6 best times to drink water for maximum benefits
health

6 best times to drink water for maximum benefits

Research suggests that a significant percentage of the human body is water. Therefore, drinking water is vital to keep the mind and body healthy and to function optimally. But randomly drinking water is not enough. There are specific times when drinking water is more beneficial than the rest of the day. We suggest you sip on a glass while we tell you more about the best times to drink water for maximum benefits! Right after waking up A glass or two of water first thing in the morning is an excellent way of priming the body and mind for the rest of the day. It energizes the cells and eliminates free radicals that accumulate in the body overnight. You might be tempted to sip on other detox beverages after waking up, but don’t fall for the fads and stick with the classic glass of water. Before meals Drinking water with your meals is bad because it slows down your metabolism. So, to support the body’s metabolism, drink water about 30 minutes before mealtime. It lines the stomach and prepares the intestine for the incoming food. It also brings a feeling of fullness, preventing overeating and the subsequent feeling of bloating and cramps.
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5 best foods for relieving migraine headaches
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5 best foods for relieving migraine headaches

A migraine is a condition in which individual experiences throbbing and often pulsing pain on the side of the head. It can be either just one side or both sides of the head. This can also be accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and other symptoms like vomiting and nausea. Taking lots of rest during such an episode is recommended, and some foods may be helpful in managing and relieving the pain. Avocados This fruit is extremely high in magnesium content which is essential in managing headaches caused by migraines in individuals. These fruits also have healthy fats, which is an added benefit when preparing a meal with this ingredient. Add it to a salad or make guacamole out of it. Avocado is versatile and can be eaten by simply spreading it on toasted bread. However, doctors warn that eating too ripe avocados can do the opposite of treating migraine and become a trigger due to the tyramine present in over-ripe fruit. So make sure to eat fresh avocado, and not a stale one. Bananas These fruits are packed with magnesium, potassium, vitamin B, and complex carbohydrates, which all come together to fight off the painful headaches caused by migraine.
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6 smoothies that alleviate arthritis inflammation and joint pain
health

6 smoothies that alleviate arthritis inflammation and joint pain

If bones act as the body’s building blocks, then the joints connect these building blocks and maintain the body’s framework. Strong joints facilitate body mobility and prevent bone damage. Conversely, joint problems, if left untreated, can culminate in health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. However, eating healthy foods and beverages can play a key role in maintaining joint health. Therefore, here are some quick smoothies to add to your meals to relieve joint pain: Orange and turmeric smoothie Orange, a citrus fruit, contains high levels of vitamin C, which can help fight inflammation and control arthritis symptoms. Turmeric consists of curcumin, the chemical responsible for turmeric’s yellow pigmentation, which also entails anti-inflammatory properties and is used as a treatment option for lowering osteoarthritis pain. Orange and turmeric smoothie, with a dash of lime juice and some ginger, is a treat to one’s taste buds and joints. Spinach and grapefruit smoothie Spinach contains the antioxidant kaempferol, which helps fight the inflammatory agents contributing to the onset of arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is also a rich source of vitamins C and E, essential to aid joint flexibility and protect the body against pro-inflammatory molecules. A smoothie comprising spinach and grapefruit is a power-packed solution to fighting joint pain and preventing arthritis.
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