Constipation means difficulty passing stools. A person suffering from constipation may experience strain and pass lump and hard stools. It is one of the most common health conditions in the country, with at least 14% of the population suffering from it. Sadly, this condition can lead to other complications, like hemorrhoids. But a few foods can help relieve the condition. Let’s take a look at some foods that can help relieve constipation. Apples Apples are a great source of fiber if eaten with their skin. They contain soluble fiber that is mainly in the form of dietary fiber called pectin. Gut bacteria rapidly ferment pectin, and this retains water in the colon, softening the stool and providing relief from constipation. Citrus fruits Citrus fruits such as grapefruit, orange, and mandarins are also a good source of fiber. Apart from pectin, they also contain a good amount of vitamin C and a flavonol called naringenin. A combination of these can ease constipation. Prunes Prunes or dried plums have been long used as a remedy for constipation. Like apple and other citrus fruits, prunes also contain high amounts of fiber. These produce short-chain fatty acids that help in increasing stool weight. Sweet potato Apart from being a great alternative to potatoes, sweet potatoes are rich in an insoluble fiber called cellulose and lignin that help add bulk to the stools, aiding easy bowel movement.

Cleaning the house is not as easy as it appears. Before starting, you must know precisely how, when, and what to clean because trial and error might not help. Sometimes, you could be making cleaning mistakes without realizing it, which do not allow you to get the desired results. To prevent that and help you keep your home clean and tidy, we have listed the top five cleaning mistakes to avoid. But before we get there, if you have a cat at home, Fresh Step® regular cat litter is an easy and convenient way to keep your indoors clean and odor-free. It contains activated charcoal and highly porous clay that quickly neutralizes odor and carries no additional fragrances. The company also provides options like non-clumping litter. Moreover, if you’re looking for cleaners, Clorox Disinfecting cleaners are a great way of ensuring your laundry and furniture are squeaky clean without any unwanted odors. Clorox cleaners can effectively rid your home of common harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. These cleaners do not compromise their quality of fabric or leave behind a slimy layer on your furniture. Read on to know the top five cleaning mistakes to avoid. Starting at the wrong spot in the room Nobody wants to spend more time than necessary cleaning.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It might sound surprising, but there are some wrong ways of cleaning your home. While your living spaces may look cleaner even with these ineffective methods, you might just help the breeding of bacteria or set yourself up for more cleaning! So, take a minute to think about your cleaning routine and how you can make it more effective. Avoid these cleaning mistakes to make your home look fresher and cleaner for a long time. Using too much laundry detergent or softener Using too much detergent doesn’t make your clothes cleaner. Instead, you may find traces of leftover detergent after the wash. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for fabric softener, as too much softener may make the fabrics stiff and greasy. Overloading the dishwasher Adding too many utensils to your dishwasher may affect its ability to clean well. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when loading the dishwasher. Using the same rag everywhere Even if your rag or cleaning cloth does not look old, it must be replaced regularly to avoid spreading dirt or germs across surfaces. You may switch to a microfiber towel in combination with a disinfectant spray. Not cleaning out the vacuum It is important to regularly clean out the waste bag in your vacuum cleaner to effectively clean up a space.

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.