Probiotics have often been found to be helpful in not only promoting heart health but also reducing depression and encouraging a healthy gut. Probiotics are living organisms that help promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Hence they are also effective in preventing many disorders, including diabetes. So, it’s suggested to add probiotic fermented foods to one’s meal plan. Read further to learn more about the benefits of probiotic foods. Promoting gut health – Top 5 foods to eat Yogurt One of the best sources of probiotics, yogurt has friendly bacteria that promote gut health. Furthermore, eating yogurt has multiple health benefits, including bone health, and can also benefit patients with high blood pressure. Additionally, yogurt can also be consumed by people with lactose intolerance as the bacteria turns some lactose into lactic acid, giving yogurt its sour taste. However, one should choose yogurt with active or live cultures to reap the benefits. Pickles Fermented cucumber pickles are also good sources of probiotics. They are not only low in calories but also improve digestive health. Moreover, they are rich in Vitamin K, which is essential in blood clotting. Hence, one should read the labels carefully and choose pickles that contain natural lactic acid to reap optimum benefits and promote gut health.

Period pain and cramps affect people differently. During menstruation, the uterine muscle contracts to shed tissues. The body briefly cuts off the oxygen supply to the uterus during the contraction, which releases pain-inducing hormones. For many women, the pain is severe enough to interrupt their daily routine. Adding certain foods to one’s nutrition regime can help reduce discomfort and provide relief from cramps. Here are some anti-inflammatory and nutrient-rich superfoods to ease menstrual cramps. Bananas Bananas are packed with vitamin B6, potassium, fiber, and magnesium, which are some necessary nutrients that the body needs, especially during menstruation. Bananas are easy to digest and they help regulate bowel movements. This, in turn, may ease some common symptoms of menstruation like bloating and cramps. One can prepare a banana smoothie and add chunks of pineapple to add flavor to the drink. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which helps in reducing inflammation. Oranges Oranges have a high water content that can help one stay hydrated. They are also a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help reduce menstrual cramps. Avocado Packed with magnesium, potassium, and anti-inflammatory fats, avocados are menstruation superfoods that help ease cramps and maintain energy levels.

Bathing or showering is essential to personal hygiene and isn’t hard to do. One only needs water, soap, and a towel to clean the body. However, some people make mistakes in the process that compromise their skin and hair quality, increasing the risk of skin irritation, dryness, and other problems. So, it’s imperative to know these bathing and showering mistakes and avoid them as far as possible for the best results. Spending a long time in the bath or shower Taking long hot showers is one of the biggest mistakes compromising skin quality. When hot water runs over the body, it strips away all the natural oils from the skin, leaving it completely dry. Dry, cracked skin can increase the risk of bacteria entering the body. Hence, experts recommend a cold water shower that lasts for five minutes to keep the skin healthy and moisturized. Washing the hair every day The hair produces oils, which are needed to keep it from becoming dry and brittle. However, many complain that these oils make their hair look greasy and, hence, wash their hair every day, depriving it of the much-needed oils. Experts recommend keeping a gap of around two to three days between each hair wash, which can change depending on hair type and age.

Heartburn is a condition where patients experience pain in the throat and chest along with discomfort. It is caused by the upward flow of stomach acid that has managed to reach the esophagus. This causes inflammation and irritation of the food pipe. While several treatment options are available, it is crucial to change regular eating habits to alleviate symptoms and slowly but naturally recover from the condition. Here are foods to eat and avoid for heartburn. Bananas A natural antacid banana is one of the few fruits without citrus content. Bananas can be conveniently used for people with heartburn and acid reflux issues. Including one ripe banana in one’s daily meal plan is recommended to alleviate heartburn symptoms. However, it is to be used carefully for some patients as it might work as a trigger for them. It is better to consult a doctor or nutritionist to help inculcate food into one’s heartburn remedy routine to ensure it does not aggravate any other underlying conditions. Yogurt One of the key benefits of yogurt is that it helps prevent heartburn. A cooling agent is functional in finding relief from the burning sensation of heartburn. Yogurt works as that cooling agent. Not only is it useful in finding relief from the burning sensation, but regular intake will also help keep heartburn at bay.

Stained teeth may make an individual feel self-conscious about the way they look. They may also refrain from smiling for the same reason. As a workaround, people resort to oral care procedures like teeth whitening. Studies also show that about 67% of individuals in the country have tried some type of procedure, including at-home kits, to whiten their teeth. However, the constant use of these products may do more harm than good, and here are five reasons why. Loss of tooth enamel The enamel is a shell that protects the teeth from any damage. However, the constant use of teeth-whitening products may lead to tooth enamel erosion. The lack of this outer tooth covering may make one more susceptible to tooth decay. And since at-home whitening products are not as effective as the ones available at the dentist, people may overuse them, leading to severe enamel erosion. Uneven whitening A person who whitens their teeth at home without proper guidance might find that the process is not completed evenly. These products may also be unable to get between the teeth because of their inferior quality. Following the process, the individual might notice patches or stains on some parts of the teeth, while other regions look brighter and stand out.

Depression is a mental health condition that impacts one’s way of thinking, behavior patterns, and daily functioning. If left untreated, clinical depression may manifest in the body and lead to other health issues like gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular diseases, and more. To manage the condition, a health expert may evaluate a person’s general health to determine whether they are depressed and suggest personalized treatments. Some warning signs of depression that necessitate professional help are listed below. Irritable mood Some milder symptoms of depression include irritability and restlessness, which may worsen and lead to angry outbursts, low tolerance levels, anxiety, or aggressiveness.  Fatigue or loss of energy Depression can exhaust a person mentally and physically without any significant lifestyle changes. The condition can also bring feelings of weariness, lack of energy, and inexplicable tiredness. Feeling helpless and unworthy On an emotional front, the disorder might cause a person to assume responsibility for circumstances beyond their control. A depressed individual frequently loses the drive to carry out daily tasks which they otherwise carry out effortlessly. One may also experience low self-esteem, excessive self-blame, and feelings of despair. Mood swings, inability to see one’s capabilities or feeling like the situation may never improve are other common indicators of the condition.

Migraines are a type of headache that can trigger a severe pulsing sensation or throbbing pain on one side of the head. It is one of the most common neurological conditions and affects over 47 million individuals nationwide. And while most people are familiar with the facts about migraines, others have misconceptions about the condition. Here are the nine most common debunked myths to help individuals be more mindful of the condition. The primary cause is stress Stress is a common migraine trigger, but it is not the underlying cause. The condition is caused by structural, genetic, and chemical changes that make the brain more sensitive to headaches triggers, including stress. They are a terrible headache People believe that migraines lead to only bad headaches. However, they may experience other symptoms such as dizziness, digestive problems, hypersensitivity to lights and sounds, and nausea. The attack lasts for a few hours Contrary to the myth, the pain caused by a migraine and its duration may differ from person to person. For example, some might experience symptoms for a few hours, while others might suffer from the effects of the condition for up to three days. Increased prescription offer better relief Prescriptions might help with pain relief, but taking more than the recommended dosage can have serious side effects.

Research suggests that smiling has several health and mood-boosting benefits. And it takes only 14 muscles to smile! But unfortunately, yellow teeth, crooked or misaligned molars, and common oral hygiene mistakes make people insecure or self-conscious about their smile. The good news is that simple changes in nutrition and daily lifestyle can help one achieve whiter teeth and restore that beautiful smile. Here are five dentist-recommend tips for getting that perfect smile. Use clear aligners Even a few crooked teeth or misaligned molars can force a person to hide their beautiful smile. And braces are just another painful hassle to endure. So, why not use clear aligners? These are designed and molded to fit the upper and lower jaws perfectly without being noticed. Though expensive, clear aligners have proven helpful in correcting individual molars with minimal pain and effort. Try teeth-whitening home remedies Many home remedies help people achieve whiter and healthier teeth. Oil pulling is a popular remedy where one vigorously swishes coconut oil inside the mouth to remove the teeth-yellowing bacteria. Alternatively, baking soda boasts natural teeth-whitening properties and can be brushed onto the teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush. Even eating crunchy fruits and vegetables rich in fiber can help rub away plaque with every bite.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory condition that affects the esophagus. It is the muscular tube that connects the throat and the stomach. This condition is characterized by the accumulation of specific WBCs in the esophageal lining. The gathering of eosinophils is triggered as an allergic reaction to certain foods, therefore, knowing the following foods that could trigger the condition and worsen EoE symptoms is important. Let us learn which foods one must avoid. Chocolate Usually considered a healthy dessert, eosinophilic esophagitis patients must avoid chocolate because of its theobromine content. It relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter or LES and allows the stomach acid to flow back up the esophagus. This can cause inflammation and irritation of the esophagus, further worsening EoE symptoms. Tomatoes Tomatoes are acidic and are a part of several everyday foods. Their acidic nature and tomato seeds can irritate the esophageal lining and may cause flare-ups in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis. Citrus fruits Fruits like oranges, lime, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits can irritate the lining of the esophagus. It can also elevate the immune reaction in the body of an EoE patient. This can further complicate the patient’s condition and increase the severity of their symptoms.