4 unhealthy habits that damage your teeth

4 unhealthy habits that damage your teeth

Everyone wants a set of bright, healthy teeth, but maintaining them requires more than cleaning and flossing. It’s important to avoid activities that are bad for your teeth’s overall health and condition. Proper oral hygiene is more than avoiding cavities and brushing your teeth twice. Additionally, it’s about guarding your enamel, taking good care of your gums, and lessening bacterial buildup. Below are the top four habits that can damage your teeth profusely. Four bad habits that can damage teeth Brushing excessively Most people need to be made aware they have the undesirable habit of brushing their teeth excessively hard. Since it erodes your enamel, using a lot of pressure while brushing will harm them. Instead, use moderate circular strokes and clean your teeth with a tiny touch using the bristles. Avoid brushing with an old toothbrush, as doing so will only worsen your teeth’s condition. Consuming excess sugar It’s a universal fact that sugar is terrible for the teeth. It turns into acids by the microorganisms in your mouth. Over time, this acid starts eroding and eventually lead to tooth decay. This is why sugary and sticky meals are the worst food items since they cling to your teeth for a long time.
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5 uncomfortable questions to ask a gynecologist

5 uncomfortable questions to ask a gynecologist

Visiting the gynecologist once a year is important. However, you may feel nervous about scheduling an appointment, with concerns like the need for grooming before a checkup and discomfort you may experience during the examination. Additionally, being on your period can make you put off the visit. This embarrassment can also keep you from asking important questions during your visit. But here are a few seemingly uncomfortable questions you can ask your doctor: Should I be worried about bumps down there? Bumps in intimate areas may not always be a cause for concern. There are numerous reasons for the vaginal area can develop acne or bumps, including shaving. Other reasons could be sebaceous cysts, skin tags, or gentle warts. You do not have to be embarrassed to ask your gynecologist about such skin issues, especially if you experience any pain or changes in the color or size of the bump. Is my vaginal discharge concerning? Vaginal discharge is part of normal reproductive health. However, if the discharge causes discomfort like itching or pain, you should speak to your OB/GYN about it. A cottage cheese-like discharge could be an indication of a yeast infection, while greying vaginal discharge with a raw egg-like odor can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis.
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4 unusual questions to ask an oncologist

4 unusual questions to ask an oncologist

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatments, it can be an overwhelming experience. It takes a toll on your physical and mental health. Sometimes there can be concerns about health that you may not have an answer to, and you may feel embarrassed talking to an oncologist. However, there is nothing wrong with asking those questions. Here are some of those embarrassing questions that you can ask an oncologist. Does cancer treatment affect bowel control? Some side effects of cancer treatments like surgery or radiation therapy can involve some bladder and bowel complications. This includes symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, or even urinary incontinence. It is important to understand the extent of these side effects and prepare yourself to prevent any shocks. Does chemotherapy or radiation affect sex life? Studies have suggested that going through long phases of chemotherapy or radiation can possibly cause sexual dysfunction in some people. This can mean side effects like erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, and also decreased libido. Usually, the side effects are temporary and last till the treatment process. However, sometimes, there may also be long-term side effects. This may also depend on the dosage of the treatment and the duration of it.
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Lifestyle factors that may affect one’s menstrual cycle

Lifestyle factors that may affect one’s menstrual cycle

There can be minor variations in a woman’s menstrual cycles. While the average cycle lasts 28 days, it can, at times, occur after every 24 to 31 days. When a woman’s cycle unexpectedly falls outside of the usual range, she may be experiencing irregular periods. A disrupted menstrual cycle can lead to excruciatingly painful symptoms. A number of factors can be responsible for this, some of which are listed below. The reasons for irregular menstrual cycles The following are the primary causes for skipped or irregular menstrual cycles. An unhealthy meal plan The thyroid and adrenal glands are affected due to a meal plan that’s high in stimulants but lacking minerals, antioxidants, and probiotic foods. For instance, a meal plan high in sugar, hydrogenated fats, and chemical additives has been related to thyroid problems and adrenal exhaustion, which can cause cortisol to rise. This could lead to a longer cycle and anovulation. If cortisol remains high for an extended time, periods can become irregular or even less frequent. To avoid this, make sure to eat foods that are nutrient-dense and contain enough protein. Low BMI A low body mass index (BMI) of below 18 or 19 may lead to irregular periods.
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Common causes and symptoms of tinnitus

Common causes and symptoms of tinnitus

Tinnitus is a widespread illness that affects millions of people globally. It can be identified if a person can hear in their brain or ears but not from an external source. Noises akin to ringing, buzzing, humming, and hissing are the hallmarks of tinnitus. While tinnitus is not a disease in and of itself, it can be a symptom of other conditions such as hearing loss, ear or head trauma, or circulatory issues. Common causes of tinnitus Given that the illness can have a variety of causes, it may occasionally be challenging to determine the exact underlying cause of tinnitus. Some of the most frequent tinnitus causes are listed below: Loud noise exposure Loud noise exposure, whether from a single incidence or recurrent exposure, can damage the hair cells in the inner ear and result in tinnitus. Hearing loss as people age Tinnitus and hearing loss are brought on by harmed or dying inner ear hair cells. Earwax buildup Blocking sound waves in the ear canal when earwax builds up might result in tinnitus. Pharmaceuticals Some anti-inflammatory prescription treatments can cause tinnitus as a side effect. Medical issues Conditions like Meniere’s disease, high blood pressure, and temporomandibular joint abnormalities (TMJ) can cause tinnitus.
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4 worst foods for teeth

4 worst foods for teeth

The foods we eat play a significant role not just in maintaining our physical health but also our oral health. There are several foods that act as natural mouth cleansers, while others are a big no no for oral health. These are foods that can cause tooth decay, leading to cavities and other such issues. It is important to know which foods to avoid to eliminate the risk of tooth decay. Bread This is a staple in a lot of cuisines. While bread tastes delicious, it is also something that affects teeth health. As it turns into a chewy substance inside the mouth, the bread crumbs can easily get attached to the crevices in the teeth. This can lead to build up and potential tooth complications. Carbonated drinks Drinking carbonated sugary drinks is never a good idea. The bacteria in the mouth feed on the high amount of sugar present in them. This can result in tooth decay and other oral hygiene issues. Drinking too much soda coats the teeth in acid, which affects the tooth enamel, leading to its decay. Carbonated drinks also causes your mouth to dry. This leads to lower saliva levels, which could result in tooth decay.
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8 noticeable signs of excess sugar intake

8 noticeable signs of excess sugar intake

The pandemic has led to an increase in the number of diabetes cases. This has happened because the virus disrupts the production of insulin. Moreover, the inflammation caused by the virus can worsen the symptoms of pre-existing diabetes. According to research, the virus spreads to the pancreatic beta-cells responsible and interferes with the synthesis and secretion of insulin. All of these factors have made it critical to understand the various signs of excessive sugar intake. Increase in appetite Sugary foods are rich in calories. But they do not have the nutritional value that the body otherwise gains from proteins, fiber, and antioxidants found in healthy foods. Empty calories cannot satiate a full-grown adult. So, to fill this void, many people turn to compulsive snacking throughout the day. Excess fatigue People who eat sugary foods and beverages regularly might experience frequent bouts of fatigue. Excess sugar triggers abnormal changes in insulin levels, and energy levels drop rapidly as the body tries to process the extra calories. Acne and skin problems One of the most noticeable signs of excess sugar intake is adult acne and skin problems. This is mainly because of blood glucose imbalance since the body’s glycemic levels influence skin health.
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4 things to avoid before bed for managing migraine

4 things to avoid before bed for managing migraine

Migraine is a condition with a persistent and painful headache that is felt around the temples of the head. These can be triggered by loud noise, bright light, or some foods. And if a person regularly experiences migraine headaches, one should try making changes to one’s pre-bedtime routine to manage the triggers. This article discusses 4 things to avoid before going to bed to manage them. Read on to learn more. Irregular sleep schedule Not getting enough sleep or oversleeping can both trigger a headache. Experts suggest that following a strict sleep schedule can be extremely useful in keeping that migraine away. Going to bed at the same time and waking up around the same time will channel one’s body to get the appropriate amount of rest needed every night. This applies on the weekend too. This might be a good hack to try if one easily gets triggered by headaches. Bright room with too much noise This is especially important to avoid for those dealing with migraine attacks. A dark room with a comfortable bed and no noise is highly appreciated. According to the National Sleep Foundation, keeping the room temperature to 68 Fahrenheit is the ideal way to get the most restful and comfortable sleep.
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5 high-fiber foods that can provide constipation relief

5 high-fiber foods that can provide constipation relief

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.
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5 nourishing foods that strengthen lungs

5 nourishing foods that strengthen lungs

It is crucial to keep the lungs healthy in order to prevent the onset and escalation of serious conditions. There is a possibility that harmful toxins in the environment and consumption of inflammatory foods can lead to ailments such as chronic MAC infection, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis. Altering lifestyles and eating a nutrient-rich food regime can boost lung health. Here are five foods that can improve the function of the lungs. Beetroots and beet greens Beetroots are beneficial for the lungs, as they contain nitrates that relax blood vessels, decrease blood pressure, and improve oxygen levels in the body. On the other hand, beet greens are rich in magnesium and potassium, both minerals that boost lung health and help manage chronic MAC disease. Apples Apples, filled with beneficial flavonoids and a phytonutrient called quercetin, have always been known to keep doctors at bay. This fruit also contains phytochemicals that help keep your lungs healthy and your throat passageways clear. Apples contain all the good antioxidants that prevent chronic ailments. Ginger This immunity booster is an age-old remedy that helps keep the respiratory system healthy. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory spice and relaxes muscles of the lung tissue.
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