Migraines are not normal headaches as they can develop abruptly and cause severe throbbing pain and a pulsing sensation on one side of the head. These symptoms are usually accompanied by increased nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity making it even more painful to manage in broad daylight. Migraines can also develop at night, thus affecting sleep. So, it is better to make favorable lifestyle changes to prevent these headaches from wreaking havoc at night. Avoid heavy meals Eating a heavy meal right before bed is never a good idea. Doctors advise eating a couple of hours before and allowing the body to digest the foods. Also, it is better to avoid stimulant beverages like caffeine at night. To prevent migraines, it is best to drink enough water throughout the day and refrain from drinking a lot of water before bed. A full bladder can break the sleep cycle, and exertion can trigger migraines. Limit the use of electronic devices Smartphones can be tempting to use at night with all the information overload that is happening daily. But the blue light emitted from electronic viewing devices tricks the brain into thinking it’s daytime. This affects the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle making it difficult to fall asleep. The resulting distress can cause migraines. Skip the nightcaps It is advisable to skip the nightcaps since these beverages affect metabolic and sleep cycles. While these beverages tend to induce drowsiness, excess consumption also causes dehydration. When the body loses more fluids, it can trigger headaches and worsen migraine attacks. Don’t rely too much on sleep aids Melatonin patches are sleep aids given to people who have insomnia. But most sleep aids only induce short-term sleep and cannot guarantee productive results. Increased dependency can cause withdrawal symptoms when the patches are no longer effective. Instead, incorporate healthy habits that naturally promote better sleep to prevent headache triggers.

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. Heightened tooth sensitivity Enamel loss due to excessive use of teeth-whitening products also leaves the innermost section of the tooth filler with nerves exposed. And this may lead to sensitivity to warm or cold temperatures. It may also trigger pain in the gums. As the erosion increases, one will find their teeth more sensitive to temperature. Irritation of the gums Many at-home tooth-whitening products contain peroxide. The property works like a bleaching agent to whiten teeth. But processes carried out at home are not monitored by professionals. Therefore, one might get peroxide in places it isn’t supposed to be.

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. Loss of interest A depressed individual may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, including hobbies, spending time with family and friends, or entertainment. One may stop experiencing happiness and pleasure. Loss of appetite People battling depression may experience unexplained body mass loss and a lack of appetite. Emotional and physical distress may also lead to digestive issues like stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, or reflux esophagitis. Changes in sleep quality Depression can trigger changes in one’s sleeping patterns. It may cause insomnia, waking up at odd hours during the night, or oversleeping, gradually leading to lower immunity.

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. Migraines affect only women Women are three times more likely to develop migraines by age 35, however, the condition can affect all individuals irrespective of sex and gender. Healthy meals are the ideal cure Eating healthy foods may bestow several health benefits that can reduce the risk of migraines. However, the research about whether following healthy meal plans can completely cure a migraine is lacking and still under research. Migraines are not a severe problem One of the most common myths about migraines is that the condition is not a serious problem.

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. Flossing helps get plaque and bacteria out of crevices. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush Even the type of toothbrush used affects teeth and gum health. A hard bristle brush can be excessively abrasive, causing the teeth’s outer protective layer to erode. So, it is better to switch to softer bristles and mild antibacterial toothpaste. One should also use the correct brushing style; dentists recommend brushing in a circular motion for maximum cleaning effect. Avoid certain foods and beverages Hard toffee, sticky candies, dried fruits, sugary beverages, processed chips, ice pops, extremely citrus-rich fruits, and foods made from refined sugars should be avoided to restore that pearly white smile.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a condition wherein eosinophil, a type of white blood cell, accumulates in the esophagus, causing inflammation. It is typically accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and vomiting. The condition often results from food allergies or environmental triggers. Thus, it helps to eliminate certain foods and add them back individually to identify any allergies. Here are some foods that may trigger EOE: Dairy products Even generally, milk is associated with increased mucus production, leading to congestion among people with lactose intolerance. Dairy intolerance can also cause or aggravate EoE. While some patients may react to dairy in all its forms, some others may be able to have certain dairy products, like baked items, without any consequences. Thus, it also helps to eliminate all dairy products initially and add them back one by one to identify the level of lactose intolerance. Fish and shellfish Fish and shellfish may also act as allergens for patients with EoE. Individuals with shellfish allergies often experience swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing. So, eliminating fish and shellfish and adding them back can help determine if either or both are causing the disease. Eggs Eggs contain specific properties that release histamine, a significant agent in mucus production, in the body. Thus, the elimination plan involves weaning off eggs from one’s meals for some days and adding them back to gauge the effects. Soy Some individuals may also experience EoE as a result of soy allergy. Thus, while checking for soy intolerance, one must eliminate all soy products, including soya chunks, tofu, and soy milk. Moreover, several ready-to-eat products may contain soy; it is essential to browse the list of ingredients in each such product before purchase. Nuts Nut allergies are not uncommon and may sometimes trigger the onset of EoE.

The male reproductive system has a small walnut-shaped gland called the prostate responsible for creating the fluid that nourishes and carries sperm. Any abnormal cell growth in this gland can lead to cancer. In the initial stages, prostate cancer patients usually do not experience any visible symptoms. As long as the tumor is confined to the gland, the cancer treatment can be effective. Here are some warning signs of prostate cancer that necessitate prompt diagnosis. Early warning signs of prostate cancer Prostate cancer develops slowly and is largely asymptomatic, but those in more advanced stages may experience the below symptoms. Bladder issues The prostate gland is located close to the bladder and urethra, so one may experience symptoms affecting urination. A common sign of prostate cancer is a constant or frequent urge to empty one’s bladder. One may also experience a burning sensation, pain, or difficulty stopping while urinating. Other changes one may notice include blood in the urine or the flow being too weak. Fatigue and nausea Studies indicate that cancerous cells consume over 20 times more glucose than normal cells. This large amount of energy intake may lead to losing body mass or feeling tired and nauseous without any lifestyle changes. Pain The cancerous cells may form a tumor in the gland and cause discomfort and pain while sitting or urinating. The pain may extend to one’s hips, legs, back, or bones. Swelling in legs If left unchecked and untreated, prostate cancer can lead to cancerous cells reaching and affecting nearby vital organs. Prostate cancer in its advanced stage is known to spread to the legs through lymph nodes. If one notices swelling, numbness, or pain in the legs, it’s best to get it checked by a healthcare expert to avoid further complications. Other conditions like prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) share some of the above-mentioned symptoms.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the esophagus (the food pipe or tube that connects the stomach and the throat). Patients with EoE often experience acid reflux symptoms like heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain. There are treatment options available to help with both acid reflux and EoE. However, it is necessary to make changes to food habits to avoid frequent flares. Eating the right foods can significantly improve a patient’s condition. Bananas Bananas are high in fiber and low in acid content. In addition to this, they also have high potassium content, all of which can help alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux. It works as a natural antacid that neutralizes the acidity levels in the stomach. Bananas can be had in place of a mid-meal snack or can be added to smoothies or breakfast bowls to help with acid reflux and eosinophilic esophagitis symptoms. Melons Melons such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon have a high water content that can help dilute the acid in the stomach. Intake of these fruits can help lower the symptoms of acid reflux. Melons also have a substantial quantity of antioxidants and vitamins that can bring down the inflammatory levels in the esophagus and the stomach. Ginger Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory food that can be used in many forms. It helps lower the inflammation in the esophagus and the rest of the body. In addition, it also helps bring relief from digestive distress. It can help better manage symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and other side effects of acid reflux. Ginger can be added to meals, tea, refreshing drinks, and desserts as a natural and effective remedy for acid reflux that can trigger EoE symptoms. Turmeric Like ginger, turmeric is an anti-inflammatory food that can help lower the inflammatory levels in the esophagus and the stomach.