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7 easy teeth whitening remedies to try at home

7 easy teeth whitening remedies to try at home

Teeth staining is a common complaint among adults. Yellow, stained, or discolored teeth often result from eating specific foods that are highly acidic or filled with sugar. Certain lifestyle habits and health conditions can also cause teeth discoloration. But the good news is that you can use several teeth whitening home remedies to eliminate superficial stains and restore your teeth’s shine. These remedies are effortless and will not burn a hole in your wallet.

Oil pulling
This is one of the simplest teeth whitening remedies you can try at home. All you need is some coconut, sunflower, or sesame oil. The process involves rinsing the mouth with the oil and spitting it out. Do this after brushing your teeth. Oil pulling is known to remove debris, dirt, and bacteria from the teeth and eliminate stains over time.

Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is believed to have properties that can remove plaque from the teeth, which is often a major cause of teeth discoloration. But be careful while using charcoal on your teeth, as it is highly abrasive. Take some finely powdered charcoal, add a little bit of water to it, and use a brush to apply the mixture to your teeth gently.

Baking soda and lemon juice
The alkaline properties of baking soda have been observed to help remove mild teeth stains. When combined with the acidity of lemon, the mixture can work quite well in whitening the teeth. Mix a little baking soda with a few drops of lemon juice and water to make a paste. Rub the paste on your teeth gently for a couple of minutes and rinse well.

Citrus fruit peels
Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are loaded with citric acid, which works like bleaching. It can help remove stains and discoloration, leading to whiter teeth. Just take a peel of these fruits and rub it against your teeth. Besides providing whiter teeth, using citrus fruits can help remove harmful oral bacteria and microbes.

Strawberry and baking soda
Rich in vitamin C, strawberries are popular not only as toppings for desserts but also as a teeth whitening home remedy. An enzyme in this fruit destroys plaque bacteria known to discolor the teeth. Rubbing a mixture of mashed strawberries, baking soda, and salt on the teeth can work quite well in removing teeth discoloration caused by plaque over time.

Apple cider vinegar
Everyone is familiar with apple cider vinegar. This common household product is quite popular as a mouthwash to remedy teeth discoloration. Adding a couple of drops of this vinegar to a cup of water and rinsing your mouth with the solution can help break down plaque or debris stuck in the teeth, thus helping whiten them.

High-fiber foods
Chewing on fiber-rich foods has been known to prevent plaque buildup on the teeth, one of the biggest reasons for discoloration. Raw fruits and veggies and specific beans and legumes have rich fiber reserves. Besides preventing plaque buildup, they help neutralize the acid in the mouth, further preventing the teeth from staining.

Sometimes individuals might suffer from periodontal disease, a condition where, in the early stage (gingivitis), causes the gums to swell and turn red, and result in bleeding. In its severe stage (periodontitis), gums may pull away from teeth, and bone matter could degrade, resulting in teeth turning loose and sometimes falling out. Prevention and treatments for this condition include brushing and flossing daily. One could use remineralizing toothpaste that contains active ingredients that could strengthen teeth and prevent white spot lesions from developing. The formula may also prevent acid-producing bacteria from forming and sticking to teeth. If an individual is considering braces to align their teeth, they must first seek an expert’s opinion who will assess if the structures in their mouth are healthy to support the dental tool.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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6 healthy foods to manage menopause symptoms

Menopause is a transitional stage that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. During this phase, the body undergoes many changes. Accordingly, women feel symptoms such as wild hormonal fluctuations, anxiety, and increased body heat during menopause. Certain foods like processed meat, spicy meals, and sodium-rich items tend to trigger these symptoms easily. However, some other foods can help reduce their severity significantly. Some healthy foods to manage menopause symptoms are listed below. Yogurt One of the hormones that fluctuate most during the menopausal stage is estrogen. Estrogen levels undergo a major decline during this phase. An estrogen deficiency can harm bone health and vital bodily functions among women. Reduced bone density can cause health conditions like osteoporosis. To prevent that, women need to eat calcium in high quantities. Low-fat dairy foods such as yogurt and fatty fish can restore the body's calcium levels. One can choose plain yogurt with little or no added sugar to manage menopause symptoms. For vegetarians, various plant-based yogurts are also available. Oatmeal Like calcium, fiber is important to reduce cholesterol, keep blood sugar levels in check, and prevent constipation. Therefore, fiber-rich grains, vegetables, and fruits are essential to a woman's daily meals during the menopausal transition. Oatmeal and brown rice pasta are two fiber-rich foods that can replace processed meats or items with refined carbohydrates (pasta and white bread). An added advantage of eating oatmeal is that it makes a person feel full after eating a decent portion. It prevents women from potentially overeating and having problems such as cholesterol increase or accumulating unhealthy body mass during menopause. Furthermore, oatmeal also helps to boost one's energy levels during this phase. Broccoli Green leafy vegetables have innumerable health benefits, so they almost always make their way into "best foods" lists. Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable with various health benefits, especially for menopausal women. Broccoli, like yogurt, enhances estrogen levels in women. It strengthens the bones and keeps health conditions like breast cancer at bay. Also, as with yogurt and oatmeal, broccoli is rich in calcium and fiber, making broccoli beneficial for menopausal women in many ways. Salmon Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Both these nutrients have massive health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to reduce night sweats, a common menopausal reaction, and the risk of breast cancer. On the other hand, vitamin D keeps the bones healthy, keeps breast cancer at bay, and prevents other chronic health conditions brought about by menopause in women. Strawberries Berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, are inherently helpful for regulating menopausal symptoms due to their natural sweetness and anti-inflammatory properties. The most significant benefits of berries are their ability to reduce the risk of heart disease during menopause and undesirable body mass accumulation. Additionally, berries are delicious to eat as a side dish or snack any time during the day. Strawberries, in particular, can keep a woman's skin glowing and healthy during menopause. Eggs Eggs are excellent sources of vitamin D, iron, and proteins. Vitamin D and iron deficiency are common among menopausal women; therefore, eating eggs will hugely benefit during this phase. Furthermore, the protein content of eggs helps lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, developing unhealthy BMI, and reducing cholesterol levels among women during this phase.

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Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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What you should know about depression

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Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

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