As the name suggests, bladder incontinence is a condition in which it becomes difficult for a person to hold their urine. Due to its embarrassing nature, many are affected emotionally and mentally and often find it difficult to be involved in outdoor activities, as they may want to use the restroom very often. Thankfully, some foods and products can help manage urinary incontinence symptoms. Let’s take a look at them.

What to eat
Vitamin C-rich foods
According to a study published by the National Association for Continence, a moderate dosage of vitamin C received from less acidic foods helps manage bladder health. However, ensure that you are not overeating eating highly acidic or citrus fruits, as they can cause you to frequent the bathroom. Consider fruits and vegetables like pears or blueberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or white potatoes. 

Magnesium-rich foods
Foods like bananas, dark leafy greens, quinoa, black beans, nuts, and avocado are all excellent sources of magnesium and are essential for those dealing with bladder health. According to a study published by the National Association for Continence, magnesium helps reduce muscle spasms caused in the bladder that make one want to urinate. Foods rich in this mineral should be consumed more to manage overactive bladder symptoms. 

Water
It may seem ironic, but water is essential to keep the body from staying dehydrated, especially when suffering from bladder control issues. Since it is advised not to consume caffeinated beverages, water is the best solution to keep hydrated. However, control the way you drink it. Take more sips than gulps, and don’t drink a lot in one go. Lack of water can also cause UTI issues as well.

High-fiber foods
Constipation is known to put pressure on the bladder, and this makes it difficult to control urination. Foods that are a good source of fiber will keep the bowels running smoothly without any undue pressure on the bladder. Consider foods like whole wheat grains, rice, pasta, oats, quinoa, and colorful vegetables.

What to avoid 

Alcohol
Alcohol, a diuretic beverage, results in excess urine production, making one want to go to the bathroom often. Since this is one of the characteristics of alcohol, those dealing with bladder issues need to be careful, as it can leave them feeling dehydrated. Even drinks like beer should ideally be avoided. 

Caffeine
Several people are dependent on caffeine for some energy boost. While caffeine can give a kick start to the system, it also urgers urination more than usual. Apart from coffee, tea and carbonated drinks also contains some amount of caffeine. 

Products that help control bladder incontinence 

Absorbent pads
These adhesive strips hold the urine inside the underwear and can absorb up to 8 ounces or more of urine while still keeping the skin dry. These are used as disposable diapers, and they are okay to be used both by men and women. They also block urine odor, so it is a preferred choice for many.

Incontinence underwear and briefs
These are underpants that come with a built-in waterproof liner and cloth pad, which can trap up to 10 ounces of urine. Just like regular underwear, they are reusable after a good wash. They also come in a range of colors and daytime or nighttime wear. The nighttime options come with a design to hold more urine leakage than the day one. Just like the absorbent pads, they too block the odor and keep the skin dry.

Pessaries
This product is inserted inside the vagina to help compress the urethra and stop any leakage. Since there are some choices in the market, it may take trial and error to see which one works best for an individual. A doctor’s guidance can help; however, learning to do this alone is the best way.

Penile clamps
This is an effective way to control mild to moderate leakages. These clamps squeeze the penis to help keep the urethra closed. However, they can only be used for a short amount of time. 

It is advised to speak to a doctor to understand which product may work best, as the frequency of leakage is different for each individual.

Apart from these products, one may also try medicines such as GEMTESA for overactive bladder control.

GEMTESA is a prescription medication to treat symptoms that stem from overactive bladder. Based on the doctor’s instructions, the single-dose pill must be taken once daily, either with meals or without. The tablets can be taken orally with a glass of water too. For adults, the tablet can also be crushed, blended with a tablespoon of applesauce, and then swallowed with water. As for the price, patients may opt for the GEMTESA Simple Savings Program that offers treatment support, such as savings on prescriptions for commercially insured patients.

While healthy eating habits help manage the symptoms of an overactive bladder, doctors may also prescribe medicines. MYRBETRIQ is one such medicine that is effective in managing urinary incontinence. MYRBETRIQ for overactive bladder is an FDA-approved prescription medicine. The dosage recommended for adult patients is usually one 25 mg tablet once every day. This could be increased to one 50 mg tablet once daily. It’s advisable to speak with your doctor before changing the dose.

Schizophrenia is a chronic neurological, psychiatric disorder that develops in less than 1% of people in the country, mostly during later adulthood. It has no definitive cure yet, but it is possible to manage the symptoms in the long run. To diagnose it in time, doctors stress the importance of everyone at-risk knowing the common and uncommon symptoms of the disorder. Here are the top five psychological changes that can indicate schizophrenia.

5 uncommon signs of schizophrenia in adults

Abrupt and unexplained changes in behavior
Schizophrenia triggers many unusual catatonic behavioral changes that stand out from the common symptoms. For example, people may change their posture abruptly to sit or stand in an extremely uncomfortable position. Some also exhibit wavy flexibility with their arms and legs, also called cataplexy. Many people may also sit still doing absolutely nothing for prolonged periods. In addition, studies suggest that impulsive excitement and increased activity levels are telltale signs of catatonic behaviors. Note that the severity of these behavioral changes will vary depending on the condition’s progression. Not all changes will manifest simultaneously, and not all people with schizophrenia will develop all the symptoms.

Changes in speech and abilities
Though rare, many disorganized symptoms can also be an indicator of schizophrenia. These symptoms can trigger unpredictable behaviors where the people act out of context and often end up giggling or being silly. Slurred speech, making up words to use as fillers in standard sentences, using excessive rhymes with words that have no meaning, and forming sentences that make no sense are primary speech-related symptoms. People may even repeat what others say to them word-to-word. Disorganization may trigger issues like an inability to do things, repeating tasks, dressing oddly, and even acting embarrassingly in public.

Negative behavioral traits
Not responding adequately or maintaining complete silence, even if in the middle of an interaction, is one of the glaring negative symptoms of schizophrenia. People who do respond might maintain a dull and monotonous tone since they are disinterested in the conversation. Lack of emotional expression or the inability to take pleasure in daily activities is indicative of severe detachment as well. Neglecting physical appearance or not being willing to take basic care and hygiene are symptoms that gradually develop and persist among many people.

Paranoia
Paranoia may develop when patients are overpowered by delusions and hallucinations. Many people deal with frightening thoughts and voices in their heads that trigger fear for prolonged periods and can have a deep impact on one’s psyche. Hallucinations can manifest in unusual ways, including auditory, visual, olfactory, or even tactile ways, as perceived by the primary senses in the body. In addition to hallucinations, many people experience a wide range of delusions that affects their psyche. People often deal with the feeling of being stalked and believing beyond reason that some forms of public communication carry hidden messages. Some delusions might also lead them to believe they are already affected by a deadly disease or possess a special connection with their deity. These are all very unusual but quite possible signs of schizophrenia that can develop without warning and can intensify if not addressed.

Cognitive problems
Schizophrenia will eventually start affecting one’s daily routine, especially when cognitive symptoms develop, affecting a person’s ability to do or navigate basic daily activities. Problems with concentration and memory lapses can be dangerous as one may find it challenging to process information. This confusion could worsen the symptoms linked to paranoia they are already struggling with. Facing problems with concentrating, reduced logical reasoning due to poor information processing, and impaired judgment can all trigger personality changes that stand out from the common symptoms. One can notice these symptoms if they keep an eye out for them since those affected may even act out in desperation, often unable to communicate the problem.

The first thought most people have when trying to chalk up a plan for their weight management journey is consuming fewer calories. A close second is to get in some exercise into their routine. Fewer calories, more exercise, perfect plan! But as perfect as that sounds, it’s not all that simple. Just like everything else, weight management comes with a dos and don’ts list.

While we would all like to think we’re smart enough to plot and plan our weight management journey without any mistakes, it’s surprising how many of us make common mistakes. Read on to know about three mistakes you should definitely avoid the next time you hop on the train to weight loss.

Weight is just a number
Weighing oneself on a regular basis might seem like the right way to go, but is it? Regular weight checks are bound to make you feel frustrated, as weight loss is a slow process and might not always go the way you want it to. Plus, there are multiple factors that could affect the daily changes you expect to see on the scale, like muscle gain or menses.
Instead of standing on the scale looking down on your decisions every day, try weighing yourself once every week. You can also add in tape measures to your routine to really know your progress.

Restricting and skipping meals
A new fad diet pops out every now and then on the Internet—the modern-day encyclopedia—these days. Different diets have varying requirements, while some ask you to give up fats, some cut out carbs, and so on. A few diets even require you to bulk up on protein or healthy fats, like they are depleting sources of life. But here’s the thing, fad diets are just that—a fad.
The sensible approach to weight management is to manage your diet the right way, and include the right amount of macro and micronutrients without compromising on your vegetable and fruit intake. It is essential to choose healthy sources, but treat yourself to some of your guilty pleasures to avoid a binging episode when you succumb to your cravings.

Overdoing the right things
When we decide to put our running shoes on, we tend to go the extra mile way too often. The extra mile might just be the cause of damage. Too much of anything is not good, and that’s something we all need to learn. Cardio exercise might seem easier to follow than strength training, but going overboard with cardio won’t get you the results you’re looking for. Likewise, overeating healthy food is not building your health.
Strength training helps build muscle mass and improves the body’s metabolic activity. So, include a variety of physical activity in your weight management plan to get the kind of results you want. Instead of going all in on those healthy munchies at once, plan your meals and focus on the portion sizes to stay on track. Keep in mind that irrespective of the sources, calories are still calories.

About 60 million Americans suffer from heartburn at least once a month. It happens when the lower esophageal sphincter muscle (LES) cannot prevent stomach acid from splashing into the esophagus. This may result in an acidic ashy feeling in the chest, a bitter taste in the throat, or a gassy sensation in the stomach. Several types of food contribute to indigestion and other symptoms of heartburn. Manage bad heartburn by avoiding the following foods:

Fried foods
Fried foods typically contain a high amount of unhealthy fats. This results in delayed digestion, which increases the pressure on the LES. Consuming large portions of fried foods may put you at risk of heartburn or acid reflux. You may want to stay away from fatty foods like French fries, cheese, ice cream, potato chips, donuts, and pastries. Replace the heavy or creamy dressings of your salad with a dash of olive oil and herbs. Limit the consumption of fried bacon, sausages, chicken, high-fat sour cream, dips, and high-fat meats like marbled sirloin or prime rib.

Spicy and acidic foods
According to some studies, eating spicy foods can lead to abdominal pain. It can also cause a burning sensation in the chest if you have a gastrointestinal disorder. A chemical compound called capsaicin that gives the food a spicy flavor can irritate the esophagus. Additionally, fruits and vegetables that have a high acidic content may also damage the esophagus. Limit the consumption of tomatoes and tomato-based sauces. Also, avoid lemons, pineapple, oranges, and grapefruit and instead opt for berries, melons, and strawberries to neutralize some of the acids.

Beverages
Drinks that contain gas force open the LES, resulting in a burp. This can promote symptoms of heartburn. The high sugar content in some drinks may result in bloating and cause a feeling of uneasiness. Avoid or limit the intake of carbonated beverages and sugary drinks. Even coffee and tea may trigger symptoms of gastroesophageal diseases (GERD). Consumption of alcoholic beverages can cause heartburn. According to a 2009 study, beer, red and white wine relax the LES and promote gastric acid secretion. Some individuals may experience symptoms after one drink, while others may be able to tolerate more quantity. Pay attention to your symptoms and avoid drinks that do not suit your body.

Other foods and supplements
There are various other foods, medicine, and supplements that cause heartburn. These include chocolates and chocolate-based drinks like hot cocoa and mocha, peppermint in teas or mouthwash, and processed foods such as burgers, breakfast cereals, bread, and cakes. Certain medicines and supplements may worsen heartburn, including aspirin, antibiotics, bisphosphonates, alpha-blockers, nitrates, calcium channel blockers, tricyclics, theophylline, and iron or potassium supplements. If you notice heartburn or acid reflux symptoms after taking a medicine, consult a doctor before stopping them.

Morning routines are ingrained in our systems—waking up, turning on the coffee/tea machine, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and so on. The coffee/tea is then accompanied by a range of choices— books, news, or the ever-present phone. But here is our question: while we have been at it for ages, how good a shape are our mouth and teeth in? And what can we do to make it better?

Our mouth is home to about a billion different bacteria. These microorganisms that live inside our oral cavities can prove to be dangerous to the mouth and teeth. That is exactly why parents around the world keep reminding their kids to brush their teeth before getting into bed as well. The last time we learned how to brush our teeth was when we were toddlers and we more or less know how to go about it. But how often do we floss? It’s important to remember that flossing is just as important as brushing.

The best means of maintaining impeccable oral health is by keeping your mouth and teeth food-free. Sugar acts as a storehouse of bacteria in our mouth and teeth. Similarly, there is a range of food products or ingredients that help in maintaining oral health. We enlist three of them:

• Chewing gum

The process of chewing stimulates the production of saliva, which, in turn, rids the mouth and teeth of the harmful acids the residing bacteria produce. Saliva also consists of calcium and phosphates, which result in the strengthening of the teeth. Chewing on a strip of gum can provide you with these benefits, but there is a catch. You can’t pick a random bubble gum from the supermarket aisle. To reap all the benefits of a chewing gum, you need to carefully select one that is sugar-free.

Some sugar-free gums contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol, a chemical compound that helps in killing oral bacteria. This means that chewing gums help you exercise and cleanse your mouth and also get rid of bad breath.

• Cheese

Cheese, a dairy product, is quite beneficial for the mouth and teeth. The high levels of phosphate and calcium that it contains help strengthen the teeth. Apart from providing strength, cheese also regulates and maintains the pH levels in our mouths. Balanced pH levels have benefits such as decreased levels of harmful acid production, cleaner salivary secretion, and lesser cavities.

• Water

Saliva washes the excess sugars and acids in the mouth and teeth. This provides protection against plaque and cavities. Similarly, water rids the mouth and teeth of the unwanted, harmful build-up of germs. Water also contains fluoride, a chemical that is present in toothpastes and mouthwashes, which strengthens the tooth enamel.

While these edibles may be beneficial for good oral health, it is important to be aware of the options that help in teeth straightening. Smile Direct Club offers teeth straightening kits for that perfect smile you have always wanted. Smile Direct Club does that by giving you a returnable impression kit by taking a 3D scan of your teeth and creating an Invisalign with a customized teeth alignment plan.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a condition wherein the esophagus gets inflamed, leading to difficulty in swallowing food, chest pain, and acid regurgitation. One type of eosinophilic esophagitis is reflux esophagitis, which often worsens inflammation. Moreover, the subtype is a complication that may stem from acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Apart from treatments and other remedies, avoiding certain foods may prevent acid reflux, reducing the risk of inflammation in the esophagus.

Foods that can trigger eosinophilic esophagitis or reflux esophagitis

Tomatoes
Tomatoes or their by-products are rich in malic and citric acid. These ingredients can trigger excess production of gastric acids in the stomach. So if an individual has too many tomatoes, it may create enough gastric acid to force the food back up to the esophagus and may lead to GERD, a contributing factor to reflux esophagitis.

Onions
Eating onions is often associated with increased production of gastric acid. The food takes longer to digest and thus might lead to bleaching, a common symptom of GERD. Furthermore, while people who cook onions may notice improvements in some symptoms of acid reflux, the food may still produce more acid. Therefore, to avoid any complications in the esophagus, one should reduce the consumption of onions or turn to green onions instead.

Sodas
Drinking sodas once in a while may not worsen symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis. Still, one is better off avoiding such carbonated drinks because the gas bubbles add to gastric pressure. The phenomenon stretches the stomach and forces the esophageal sphincter to open. Moreover, the caffeine present in some sodas may also trigger acid reflux due to its acidic nature.

Soy sauce
Soy-based foods like soy sauce may also be unhealthy because of its acidic nature, with a pH value of about four or five. Soy-based foods such as tofu, edamame, and miso can worsen symptoms in people with eosinophilic esophagitis.

Milk
Milk and other dairy products like cheese can worsen the symptoms of GERD. These foods are high in fats that can lead to gastric acid production and push liquid or solid-based dairy products back to the esophagus. The process will ultimately worsen the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis.

Chili peppers
Chili peppers fall under a wide range of spices that can add flavor to an individual’s meals. The flavor comes from a flavoring agent in the food known as capsaicin, which also triggers a burning sensation in the mucous membranes in the digestive tract. Furthermore, the burn increases stomach acid production, which aggravates symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis.

French fries
Fried foods like french fries are unhealthy in several ways for the human body, especially so for individuals with eosinophilic esophagitis. The fries are rich in saturated fats and require the stomach to produce more acid to digest them. The food can also take longer to break down. Therefore, the consumption of these fried foods can lead to reflux esophagitis.