Certain environmental factors are among the most common cancer-causing agents. However, when people discuss environment-based carcinogens, not many focus on the threats within the household. Several household items pose just as grave a danger as radiation exposure for vulnerable people. The risk is more significant as people spend more time indoors than away from home. That said, here are a few household items linked with cancer that one should vary of: Non-stick cookware Non-stick cookware is a staple commodity found in most, if not all, homes. Non-stick items are helpful to avoid soaking utensils in water overnight and scraping off stuck food from pans. However, non-stick cookware is created using a chemical compound named polytetrafluoroethylene. This chemical is the main component of such cookware’s “non-sticky” coating. Several research studies have found that polytetrafluoroethylene is a carcinogen and can cause other harmful health effects and allergies if consumed for long periods. While purchasing cookware, one can check the percentage of polytetrafluoroethylene and look for substitutes. Couches and sofas Now, couches and sofas are the default resting spots for most people. However, the health risk associated with couches and sofas goes much deeper than how they make people averse to daily exercise.

Seasonal allergies each year bring symptoms like sneezing, sniffling, runny nose, and itchy eyes. While treatments can help relieve some allergy symptoms, the effect is enhanced when one makes better food choices. So, it is important to know which foods can help one deal with seasonal allergies. Some nutrient-rich options can help lower inflammation in the body. However, one should consult a healthcare specialist before making drastic changes to meals. Onions Foods like onions, garlic, berries, citrus fruits, leafy vegetables, and apples are rich in quercetin. Quercetin is a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties. It helps in bringing down histamine production in the body, alleviating symptoms of seasonal allergies. The decreased production of histamine lowers the intensity of allergic reactions. Adding these foods to meal meals, especially in preparation for the allergy season, is a great way of getting nutrients and keeping symptoms at bay. These foods can also help one recover after a major allergic reaction. Yogurt Probiotics are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. They contain bacteria that improve gut health and strengthen immunity. Yogurt contains probiotics, helping the immune system fight infections. Other items rich in probiotics are fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD, is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders among children. Its symptoms range from focus and attention problems to troubling behaviors depending on the severity of the condition. ADHD cannot be cured. But, it is possible to manage the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening during adulthood. Doctors can suggest changes in daily nutrition to eliminate certain foods to better cope with symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Sweets Refined sugar is one of the primary ingredients to avoid as it is excessively used for making all sweets, candies, baked goods, confectioneries, frosting, and whipped cream. This list also includes artificial sweeteners used in beverages like colas, sodas, and store-bought fruit juices. Basically, anything that is artificially sweet will contain excessive refined sugars, causing inflammation of vital brain cells. Several studies have been done in this regard, with results pointing to the consumption of refined sugars as triggers hyperactivity among children. However, sugar is not a direct cause or trigger. Overconsumption mainly triggers problems with anxiety, depression, memory, and focus in general, all difficulties that are associated with neurological problems like ADHD. Limiting or eliminating sugars helps improve the overall outlook with ongoing treatment. Store-bought processed foods Many foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket contain some form of additive or preservative added to improve its shelf life.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an inflammation of the esophagus that is caused by a white blood cell called an eosinophil. The disease has mostly been recorded in Caucasian males and can lead to esophageal narrowing over time. The treatment for EoE is generally supported by changes in one’s food intake as well. Doctors generally recommend eliminating certain foods to discover the underlying triggers for every individual. Some common foods to avoid for those suffering from EOE include: Soy Soy is a common allergen for many people and may trigger immune system responses as severe as an anaphylactic shock. Common soy-based foods include edamame, tofu, tempeh, soy butter, soy sauce, soy milk, and miso. It is also a common ingredient in many plant-based meats. Doctors may recommend going off of this high-allergen food group for six weeks, to check if reports improve. Dairy products Lactose is notoriously known as an allergen for many people. It is the main protein in most dairy products and can be difficult to digest, thus triggering different allergic responses. Depending on the person’s sensitivity levels, some may be able to continue enjoying baked goods with cow’s milk, while others may have to steer clear of any dairy products entirely.

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.

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.

Arthritis is a collective term to describe more than 100 types of joint pain or joint diseases and other related complications. If left unchecked, the pain caused by the condition could be disabling and interfere with one’s ability to perform daily tasks. One can resort to treatments and therapies to manage the symptoms of arthritis. At the same time, one can make lifestyle changes such as eating healthy foods like nuts and seeds to improve their condition. Walnuts Rich in ALA, adding walnuts to one’s meals can significantly help curb the symptoms of arthritis. The food is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids that help lower the C-reactive protein (CRP – a marker of inflammation that may heighten the risk of arthritis and cardiovascular diseases. One could add walnuts to meatless dishes and with other healthy foods like stir-fried broccoli with chopped garlic. Peanuts Eating a handful of unsalted peanuts throughout the day will ensure the body receives a healthy source of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. These properties may lower unhealthy low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk. They can also introduce magnesium to one’s system, which will keep blood sugar in control. Subsequently, controlling these conditions may contribute to improved symptoms of arthritis.

Medical science has made notable progress in making life easier. It deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of health conditions. Doctors use various techniques, such as prescription options, surgery, and other treatments, to reduce pain and improve the overall quality of life for those with health issues. Treatments fall into three categories: curing illnesses, relieving symptoms, and preventing the onset of health conditions. The following are some of the most common medical treatments: Non-surgical procedures Non-surgical procedures can help diagnose, measure, and treat injuries or ailments. Doctors use these methods to understand the severity of the disease and determine the best course of treatment for patients. Common diagnostic techniques include: Lab tests: These involve testing bodily fluids such as blood and urine tests. Imaging tests: X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT) are non-invasive diagnostic tools that generate images indicating activities inside the body. Endoscopy: A procedure in which a thin tube (endoscope) is inserted into the body for a visual examination. This procedure is used for treatments like a colonoscopy (examination of the bowel), gastroscopy (stomach), cystoscopy (bladder), bronchoscopy (lung airways), and laparoscopy (abdomen). Therapy Therapeutic procedures improve or cure a condition and help restore function.