Crohn’s disease is a lifelong condition that is characterized by irritation in various parts of the digestive tract. It is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease(IBD) and can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, pain in the abdomen, nausea, and even loss of appetite. These can lead to secondary conditions such as dehydration and malnutrition. Read on to learn about 10 foods that are safe to eat with Crohn’s disease.

Yogurt
Yogurt is a great food for those who have Crohn’s disease. It is also available everywhere and, most important, can be eaten on the go. Yogurt is also a rich source of calcium essential to manage Crohn’s.

Hummus
Hummus is a chickpea spread that is nutritionally dense and is suitable for those who want to maintain a healthy weight.

Bananas
Bananas make for a tasty snack. They are loaded with potassium and other essential nutrients that keep the body healthy. Those with Crohn’s can eat bananas at any stage of ripeness except for when it is green.

Fruits
Aside from bananas, there are other fruits that can be consumed even with Crohn’s disease. Fruits are packed to the brim with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are great for the body. They are also rich sources of natural sugars and fibers that help with bowel movement. You can try fruits such as papayas and avocados.

Eggs
When recovering from a gut inflammation or Crohn’s flare-up, it is important to get the right amount of proteins in the body. Proteins that come from animals help the body repair tissue and boost cell growth. But, at times, animal meat can lead to more digestive troubles. This is why it is safer to opt for eggs. You can try having them hard-boiled, poached, or scrambled.

Oatmeal
Oatmeal contains soluble fibers that break down in the stomach. They absorb water and allow for better absorption of nutrients. They also slowly pass through the digestive system, ensuring gut health and preventing flare-ups.

Lean meat
Foods that are high in fats could worsen the symptoms of a Crohn’s flare-up. Instead, you can opt for foods high in protein and other nutrients. For example, skinless chicken and turkey are good meats to eat with Crohn’s disease.

Soy
Soy is also a great source of lean protein. This makes it suitable for those who have Crohn’s disease. Some studies have shown that it also contains bioactive peptides that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help manage the symptoms of Crohn’s.

Green tea
Studies have found that the chemical epigallocatechin-3-gallate present in green tea can help fight inflammation. More research is needed, but adding green tea to your daily meals will only benefit you as it is a rich source of antioxidants.

Curcumin
Curcumin is a compound that is found in turmeric. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help fight the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. It also adds flavor to your meals without impacting gut health.

Heavy periods are called menorrhagia in medical terms. Many menstruators often experience heavy periods in certain months of their menstruation cycle. It is quite normal to have heavy flow once in a while. Despite being infrequent, heavy flow can cause discomfort and inconvenience. It can disrupt carrying on routine everyday activities. However, there are ways to deal with heavy periods. Here are a few simple hacks to cope with a heavy flow.

Keep sanitary products everywhere
One of the ways to make it easier to cope with a heavy flow is stocking up on sanitary products. Ensure to buy the bigger sizes so that there is never any chance of running out. From sanitary napkins to tampons and menstrual cups, make sure there is enough backup for everything. Keep these in all the handbags that are used on a regular and not-so-regular basis. Ensure to keep extra supplies in the drawers at home and work, the bathroom, the bedroom, and every single bag.

Wear period underwear
Period underwears are an essential element that many are not aware of when it comes to dealing with a heavy flow of the menstruation cycle. Period underwear can come in handy for those struggling to wear extra-large menstruation pads. These are very comfortable with their expansive and stretchable design and sizing. Moreover, these are made of absorbent fabric that gives an added layer of protection without any extra bulk.

Make a period first aid kit
During menstruation, a first aid kit can be immensely helpful. For those days of heavy flow, it is wise to stock up on some extra paraphernalia to deal with the intense cramps and pain. The kit can contain painkillers, hot water bottles, ice packs, and non-decomposable comfort food. Making two or three kits for heavy flow days is recommended: one for home, one for work, and one more to be kept in the car.

Eat iron-rich foods
Heavy flow means an excessive loss of blood. This directly affects the level of iron in the body. As a result, anemia is common among those with heavy periods. The lack of iron in the body will lead to low oxygen levels in the body. This will cause fatigue, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath. So, it is important to load up foods rich in iron. Legumes, lentils, leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals are good options to add to meals.

With summertime just a few weeks away, the warm weather will invariably bring with it the flea menace. As everyone ruses outdoors and the flea season kicks in, these pests can be a source of much discomfort for our four-legged companions. While you can buy deterrents and repellents from the pet store, quite a few everyday kitchen ingredients are effective natural remedies for fleas and ticks.

Natural oils
Essential oils are quite effective in eliminating fleas; they are diluted and used to make shampoos and sprays for dogs infected by fleas and ticks. These oils need to be applied with caution because the scent is extremely pungent and indiscriminate use even can cause to harm your dog. The idea is to apply the oils like peppermint, lavender, cedar oil, or lemongrass onto a well-ventilated surface of their body, but not near their face. You can dilute these natural oils in a carrier like almond or olive oil.

Garlic
Freshly crushed garlic may be added to your dog’s food to protect him from fleas. Depending on how big your dog is, you can use a couple of cloves to get the desired result. But you should not use more than half a clove if their body weight is less than 20 pounds. For dogs suffering from hemolytic anemia, garlic must not be given.

Vinegar
You will readily find this ingredient in every kitchen. Vinegar is an excellent home remedy for removing fleas and ticks in pets. You can mix this condiment with your pet’s drinking water or even use this solution to spray on their coat. When you think that fleas can come inside your home, you can always spray undiluted vinegar near the door frames to make sure they stay outside.

Supplements
Supplements like nematodes are often used in the garden for killing flea larvae and food-grade diatomaceous earth. This naturally available soft and siliceous sedimentary rock can be easily broken down into a powder. However, the application must be done carefully so that your dog does not inhale the dust.

Rosemary
This natural remedy is effective for treating light flea infestations. You can prepare a herbal flea powder using rosemary, wormwood, fennel, rue, and peppermint. This mixture may be sprinkled on carpets, pets’ bedding, furniture, and window sills to repel and prevent fleas at home.

Baking soda
Both salt a well as baking soda work as dehydrating agents and get rid of fleas equally well. Besides, you will get baking soda anywhere, making it a convenient and affordable solution. You can mix salt and baking soda into a spice bottle and shake this well. You can sprinkle this mix on all the infected areas and let it stay like that for about two days, after which you must vacuum these areas thoroughly.

Apart from the home remedies, you may try medications from BRAVECTO that work just as well. The vet-prescribed medication lasts three times longer as compared to other monthly treatments.

BRAVECTO (FLURALANER) chews: The mediation available as BRAVECTO (FLURALANER Chews) is chewable that must be given as a single dose to the dog with their food.

BRAVECTO (FLURALANER) topical solution: The solution is another popular treatment and a single dose must be applied directly to the dog’s skin between the shoulder blades.

Apoquel: Apoquel chews are prescribed by vets to millions of pet parents whose dogs deal with itchy and scratchy skin. It starts showing results within the first four hours of administration and has the capacity to suppress allergic reactions in about 24 hours. The dog anti-scratching, anti-itch chews by Apoquel can be administered to dogs that are either 12 months or older. These chews have to be taken orally, two times a day. Apoquel is safe to use and has no serious infection rate.

Advantix II: This topical medication starts working within two hours of application. Advantix II kills fleas, ticks, lice, mosquitoes, stable flies, and flea eggs. You have to let the medication air dry on your dog’s skin instead of rubbing it into their coat or skin. Repeat the procedure once a month, and look out for allergic reactions, lesions, or rashes on your pet to ensure that Advantix II does not harm your dog and suits them.

Menopause marks the end of the regular menstrual cycle. If a woman doesn’t get her period for over 12 months, her body will undergo a series of metabolic changes. Menopause can trigger several discomforts ranging from physical symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats to emotional disturbances like mood swings and personality changes. However, it is possible to manage menopause with simple changes in daily nutrition and lifestyle to improve the outlook in the long run.

Cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, and berries
Several research studies explain why including more green vegetables and berries helped women experience fewer hot flashes associated with menopause over time. Top picks include broccoli, cauliflower, and dark berries, which help increase estrogen levels and further lower the risk of breast cancer complications. Dark greens and leafy vegetables like spinach, chard, leaf lettuce, and beet are also rich sources of calcium, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins. These nutrients are essential for regulating mood and energy to lower the impact of menopausal hormone changes that affect one’s personality.

Healthy omega-3 fatty foods
Omega 3 fatty acid is one of the crucial anti-inflammatory compounds to include in daily nutrition to help manage hot flashes and lower the severity of night sweats experienced during menopause. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, and sardines are loaded with omega-3s. Chia seeds, hemp seeds, and other assorted nuts are also good sources of healthy fats.

Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D
Low levels of estrogen triggered due to hormonal changes affect calcium levels in the body. This, in turn, increases the risk of osteoporosis, among other bone and joint problems. Including more calcium-rich foods and beverages are essential for maintaining healthy bones. Fortified milk, yogurt, and cheese are healthy sources of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K nutrients that help strengthen the bones preventing flare-ups and complications.

Fiber-rich foods
Menopause tends to slow down one’s metabolism simultaneously due to various hormonal changes. A slow metabolism can trigger drastic changes in body mass index. Also, these metabolic changes affect digestion, can trigger constipation and have a negative impact on blood sugar levels. Nutritionists suggest including more whole grains like barley, oatmeal, quinoa, rye, and Kamut can prevent such drastic changes while maintaining a healthy calorie intake daily.

Esophageal cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the inner layers of the esophagus, the tube that allows food to move into the digestive system. The symptoms won’t be detectable in the early stages of this condition. As cancer slowly grows outward, it spreads through the esophageal wall, reaching the lymph nodes, the blood vessels in the chest, and other nearby organs. Keep reading to learn about the warning signs of this condition.

Pain in the chest
One of the most common signs of esophageal cancer is a pain in the middle region of the chest. The pain can radiate to just below the throat, between the shoulders, or behind the breastbone. This discomfort is similar to feeling pressure or a burning sensation inside the chest. However, this symptom is often ignored since it is similar to those caused by certain benign health conditions such as heartburn.

Trouble swallowing
Due to the growth of the cancerous cells, the wall of the esophagus becomes narrow. It makes it difficult for the food to pass through the esophagus. As a result, a person will experience trouble swallowing food. This symptom is relatively mild in the beginning. But as cancer progresses, it worsens over time. It may feel like food is stuck in the throat or chest and can even lead to choking.

Changes in eating habits
As esophageal cancer grows, it becomes more and more difficult to swallow food due to the narrowing of the esophagus. Therefore, a person may, without conscious control, start changing their eating habits. For example, they will start taking smaller bites and chew more slowly. They will prefer softer foods and avoid foods such as bread and meat that have higher chances of getting stuck in the throat.

Bleeding in the esophagus
With the growth of esophageal cancer cells and the esophagus becoming narrow, the food passing through may have an abrasive effect against the walls of the esophagus. It can lead to bleeding. This blood passes through the digestive system, leading to dark-colored stool.

Anemia
The blood loss due to the bleeding in the esophagus may become more intense over time. It can lead to low red blood cell count in the body. As a result, anemia will develop with time, causing chronic fatigue and weakness.

Low appetite
A person with esophageal cancer will start avoiding eating enough due to difficulty swallowing. Eventually, they will switch to the liquid form of most foods, impacting their overall ability to eat full meals. It, along with fatigue and tiredness, will lead to low appetite.

Bone pain
If esophageal cancer spreads to other body parts, such as the bones, it may trigger bone pain or aches. It usually happens in the advanced stages of the condition.

A smile displaying clean, white teeth is aesthetically pleasing and a sign of overall well-being. Professional teeth clean-ups and nutritious meals can facilitate healthy teeth. In addition, teeth whitening procedures have garnered massive popularity of late, owing to their effectiveness and long-lasting results. However, many view this procedure with skepticism and concern due to a lack of information. Keep reading to learn more about the teeth whitening process and its benefits.

How does teeth whitening work?
A dentist may carry out teeth whitening over a few regular sessions; however, several teeth-whitening products are available today for at-home teeth whitening. A few such products are listed below.

Colgate Optic White
This product comes with a precision brush and a button on top, enabling one to whiten the surface of each tooth effectively. The product comprises hydrogen peroxide and is suitable for individuals with teeth sensitivity. The pen should be used every night for glistening teeth.

GLO Brilliant Teeth Whitening Kit
Equipped with GLO warming heat and a blue LED light, this product works wonders in ensuring white teeth if used four times a day for five consecutive days. Each application should be for a duration of 8 minutes.

AuraGlow Teeth Whitening Kit
This kit entails a rechargeable teeth-whitening light and a flexible latex-free teeth-whitening tray. The kit should be used along with a whitening gel for the best results.

Cali White Teeth Whitening Kit
This kit is a gluten-free and vegan teeth-whitening option entailing organic ingredients. The kit also includes an in-built timer to ensure the product is used for the required amount of time.

HiSmile PAP+ Teeth Whitening Kit
This kit is powered by VIO405 light technology and entails 32 LEDs. Unlike other products, this kit does not contain peroxide and, therefore, does not release free radicals. A layer of the PAP+ primer should be applied to the teeth after brushing and before the whitening process.

Handy tips for effective teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is a safe and effective practice if the products are used correctly and a dentist is consulted on what products must be used. Further, here are some handy teeth-whitening tips to keep in mind-

Do not overdo the teeth-whitening procedure
Many individuals opting for teeth whitening are often disappointed if they do not see results within a few days of application. However, teeth-whitening products contain abrasives and should not be overused. It is best to be patient and wait for the results to show.

Follow all the hygiene measures diligently
Oral hygiene measures like brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and gargling after meals should be followed diligently during and after the teeth-whitening process.

Avoid certain foods
Teeth-bleaching agents continue penetrating the teeth enamel for up to a day after the procedure. Certain foods that can stain the teeth, including beetroot, dark soups, and soy sauce, should be avoided during this period.

Use sensitivity products
Individuals may experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods immediately after teeth whitening. To reduce discomfort, it is advisable to use toothpaste or gels that help manage the sensitivity.

In the intricate tapestry of human biology, the growth hormone plays a pivotal role in sculpting the body and the mind. Yet, sometimes, the body fails to produce an adequate supply of this crucial hormone, leading to a condition known as Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD). While GHD is often associated with stunted growth in children, it can persist into adulthood. This article delves into the subtle signs that may indicate the presence of GHD in individuals.

Decreased muscle mass
Individuals with GHD may experience a noticeable reduction in muscle mass. This decline can occur despite engagement in regular physical activity. The muscles appear less defined and weaker than before, leaving people feeling less capable physically.

Fatigue
Persistent fatigue is another subtle yet telltale sign of GHD. One may struggle to stay awake during the day or feel drained despite adequate sleep. This exhaustion can impact one’s daily life, making it challenging to stay focused and alert.

Thinning of hair
People may notice that their hair becomes brittle, fragile, and falls faster. This can be distressing, affecting one’s self-esteem and confidence.

Skin changes
The skin changes in individuals with Growth Hormone Deficiency. It may become thinner, less elastic, and prone to dryness, leading to wrinkles’ premature appearance making one look older.

Mood swings
Mood swings, irritability, and overall emotional instability can indicate GHD. Hormonal imbalances caused by insufficient growth hormones can impact one’s psychological well-being, causing fluctuations in mood and temperament.

Weakened immune system
An impaired immune system is another concern associated with GHD. Individuals may fall ill more frequently and struggle to recover from illnesses. This heightened susceptibility to infections can disrupt their daily routines and overall quality of life.

Poor bone health
Growth hormone plays a vital role in maintaining bone density and strength. Those with GHD may experience weakened bones, increasing susceptibility to fractures, and even minor accidents or injuries.

Recognizing the signs of growth hormone deficiency is essential for early intervention and effective management. While these indicators may seem subtle individually, their cumulative impact on an individual’s well-being can be profound. Seeking medical guidance and diagnosis is crucial for those who suspect they may have GHD. Timely treatment can significantly improve their quality of life and overall health, allowing them to overcome the challenges posed by this often-overlooked condition.