4 things to avoid before bedtime for quality sleep

4 things to avoid before bedtime for quality sleep

Sleep is a natural state of rest, essential for maintaining physical and mental health. Doctors recommend that one must get at least eight hours of sleep every day. But sometimes, an individual may not be able to sleep well despite returning home exhausted after a long day’s work. It could be because of certain unhealthy practices right before bedtime. Below are four habits to avoid before bed to improve sleep: Drinking coffee Beverages like coffee, energy drinks, and chocolates are laden with caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and increases alertness, making a person feel full of energy and more awake. Therefore, drinking these beverages a couple of hours before bedtime can make it hard to fall asleep, disrupting one’s sleep cycle. The tiredness and sleepiness that follow the next day may compel the person to drink more coffee to stay awake for work, thus entering a never-ending cycle of poor sleep. Therefore, cutting down or avoiding coffee, especially a few hours before bedtime, is advisable. Other foods that may affect one’s sleep pattern are spicy foods, those with added sugars, fatty foods, packaged products, and processed foods. Staring at a screen Many people claim that they do not get sleep unless they watch a movie on television or browse through their smartphones in bed.
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3 effective ways to manage atopic dermatitis

3 effective ways to manage atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is an inflammatory skin disorder affecting approximately 16.5 million adults across the country. It could develop at any age due to genetics, environmental factors, and stress. The most common symptoms include red, scaly, and itchy rashes on the skin. These rashes tend to flare periodically and are often accompanied by physical discomfort, emotional burden, and disturbed sleep. Here are the treatments, meal plans, and lifestyle tips for managing atopic dermatitis: Treatment options Since atopic dermatitis is a long-term skin condition, patients need professional assistance. Below are some popular treatment options: DUPIXENT Doctors recommend this treatment option for adults and children over six months to treat mild-to-severe atopic dermatitis. It is ideal for those who do not get better with topical ointments or therapies. DUPIXENT is administered subcutaneously under the skin, targeting the key source of inflammation. The possible side effects include eye problems, joint pain, and allergic reactions. CIBINQO It is a once-daily oral treatment for people with moderate-to-severe eczema. CIBINQO targets a specific protein responsible for inflammation, providing relief from symptoms like itchy skin. The treatment is available in multiple dosage options, and one can consult a doctor to understand the correct dosage as per their requirement.
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Top 3 ways to relieve constipation

Top 3 ways to relieve constipation

Constipation is a condition in which a person passes occasional bowel movements that are difficult to pass. It’s one of the most common digestive problems in the country, affecting around 16 out of 100 adults. It’s often caused by low fiber or water intake. Many people experience constipation occasionally, but for others, it’s a long-term or chronic problem. Here are multiple treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle changes to help combat constipation: Treatment options Some effective treatment options for constipation include: LINZESS LINZESS (linaclotide) is an FDA-approved treatment for adults with irritable bowel syndrome, causing constipation or chronic idiopathic constipation. It can proactively manage symptoms of these health conditions, including stomach pain and abdominal discomfort. It acts locally in the intestine and works by accelerating bowel movements and calming pain-sensing nerves. LINZESS is an oral treatment that is usually taken once a day on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day. Some of the common side effects include diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain, swelling, or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen. MOVANTIK MOVANTIK (naloxegol) treats constipation caused by opioids, which are powerful pain relievers. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the intestines, enabling bowel movements, and relieving constipation.
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3 ways for managing eczema symptoms

3 ways for managing eczema symptoms

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed, red, and itchy. This condition can also lead to leathery skin over time and patches that bleed or ooze transparent fluid. It is difficult to control the various eczema symptoms if you are unaware of the right treatment options, nutrition and remedies. So, here’s a look at some of the ways in which this illness can be managed: Treatment options and prevention of eczema There are several prescriptions that individuals can be recommended based on the severity of their case and certain other criteria: DUPIXENT® This is an FDA-approved treatment option for adults and children who are 6 months-5 years of age. It is used when other options to control the symptoms of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis have not worked out or for those who cannot use other topical therapies on the skin. However, DUPIXENT® can be used with or without the use of topical treatment options as well. CIBINQO® CIBINQO®, a JAK1 inhibitor, is an FDA-approved option for managing eczema symptoms in adults. This is an oral treatment option for adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis whose condition cannot be controlled via other prescription options.
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3 effective ways to manage high cholesterol

3 effective ways to manage high cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the body that aids in the formation of cells and hormones. However, this lipid can be good or bad, and high levels of bad cholesterol can increasee the risk of developing heart conditions. The CDC suggests that high cholesterol is a common health risk that affects 94 million people over 20. So, here are treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes that can help manage the condition: Treatment options The condition can induce no symptoms, making it important to get the cholesterol levels checked. The treatment for this condition focuses on reducing bad cholesterol in the body. They also aim to lower the risk of developing secondary conditions such as heart diseases. Here are some of the popular treatment options: LIVALO®: The brand name for pitavastatin, LIVALO® helps in lowering cholesterol levels. It is a statin, which means it belongs to a group of treatment options known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors. It is mainly used to treat adults who have high cholesterol, and doctors prescribe this option while also recommending changes in food consumption. The combined effect helps lower the levels of bad cholesterol, also known as LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, in the body.
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7 foods that are better for heart health

7 foods that are better for heart health

Studies have established that a poor meal regimen is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other fatal conditions. However, eating healthy foods is not the only cornerstone to preventing and reducing mortality relating to heart conditions. Other factors such as a regular exercise routine and maintaining a reduced stress level can help, too. Here are some of the foods that are excellent for heart health: Salmon Among the category of fatty fish, salmon contains the maximum omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon is a type of unsaturated fatty acid that substantially reduces inflammation all through the body and decreases damage to the heart and blood vessels. Research has also pointed out that seafood reduces the likelihood of heart failure. An adult is advised to take two servings (approximately 3.5-4 ounces) of omega-3-rich fish per week for better heart health. For non-fish eaters, the best option would be to consume fish oil in the form of supplements to get the daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids. However, it is essential to be mindful of how the salmon is cooked. To reap the optimum health benefit, one should ensure not to deep fry the fish. Try different flavors, like garlic, as it is a superfood and is also linked to better heart health.
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6 foods that lower the risk of osteoporosis

6 foods that lower the risk of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis affects the skeletal system. Usually, bones have small spaces that create a honeycomb-like structure. In the bones of people with osteoporosis, this space becomes bigger, and thus the bones become weaker. Over 53 million individuals in the country have osteoporosis. Nutrition holds the key to health, even in the case of osteoporosis, and some foods could lower the risk. Here is a list of foods that could lower the risk of osteoporosis: Dairy When mothers want their children to drink milk, they often talk about how the bones will become stronger. This is no urban legend. Bones are made of calcium, and when they become porous, what better way to fix it than to supply the body with the best source of calcium in meals? Calcium and essential proteins in dairy make milk and milk products vital to bone health. Also, cheeses are available in calcium-fortified variants, which helps reduce osteoporosis risk. For older individuals, yogurt and cottage cheese are a good option since milk often becomes hard to digest as people age. Finally, vitamin D fortified dairy also helps improve strength as this nutrient is essential for bone tissue. Green leafy vegetables Dark green leafy vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, turnip greens, and collard greens are a great choice to include in your meal plan because they contain vitamin K, several antioxidants, and are excellent sources of calcium and iron too.
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6 foods that can help improve prostate health

6 foods that can help improve prostate health

As per estimates, around 12.5 percent of our country’s men have prostate cancer, making it the most common cancer among males. Therefore, it is crucial to follow good habits that promote prostate health. Doctors suggest that a nutritious food plan can keep the prostate gland healthy. It is crucial to eliminate high-fat and sugary foods from the meals and include those abundant in minerals and vitamins. The following are some foods that improve prostate health: Tomatoes Tomatoes are among the few fruits that contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene. This antioxidant decreases cell damage and helps stop cancer cell production. Unsurprisingly then, researchers have found evidence that meals rich in lycopene reduces the risk associated with prostate cancer. Since lycopene is tightly bound to the tomato cell walls, the best way to eat the fruit is cooked or pureed. One should include sun-dried tomatoes, tomato juice, and tomato sauce in the meals at least every other day for the best benefits. Individuals can stock up on fresh tomatoes in summer and sun-dried or canned ones for the winter. Green tea Green tea is called a superfood because of its many health benefits. As a result, several multivitamin chewable capsules on the market consist of green tea extract.
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8 foods to eat and avoid for macular degeneration

8 foods to eat and avoid for macular degeneration

Macular degeneration or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that causes the central vision to blur. The macula controls straight-ahead vision and can deteriorate with age. AMD is common in the country, with over 11 million adults suffering from it. There is dry and wet macular degeneration, wherein the latter is more dangerous as it can lead to vision loss. Discover which foods help improve eye health and which ones exacerbate the deterioration: Foods to eat for macular degeneration Vitamin A-rich foods Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin crucial for the immune system, reproduction, growth and development, and normal vision. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants in the retina’s macular region that help the eyes filter out harmful blue light. Unfortunately, the human body cannot produce these nutrients, so you need to consume them via your meals. Foods like kale, spinach, collard, and turnip greens are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. Eggs, particularly the yolk, are rich in this combination of macular pigments. Your body requires fats to absorb these vitamins, so consider including olive oil and fish like salmon while consuming these vegetables. Vitamin D The best source of vitamin D is the sun.
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4 best foods for flawless skin

4 best foods for flawless skin

An unhealthy meal plan can affect the body’s metabolism and damage organs like the heart, liver, and skin, to name a few. Hence, scientists are heavily invested in showcasing new insights into the relationship between the skin and food habits. Some foods clear the skin, while others accelerate aging and inflammation. Simply put, those who want radiant skin should pay attention to their food habits. Here are foods that can prevent skin-related problems: Gut-friendly foods One of the ideal ways to improve health through food is with probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are foods that enhance the gut biome by adding to the supportive bacteria. They can be supplied to the body mainly through fermented foods like kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and yogurt. There are several readily available supplements too. These reduce inflammation in the gut, and hence it positively impacts the skin and metabolism. On the other hand, prebiotics supports a healthy gut by creating an environment where bacteria can thrive. They act like fertilizers for the microbiome. Foods to eat include leeks, garlic, soya beans, asparagus, banana, and whole grains. A healthy gut means healthy skin, so remember to stock up on probiotics and prebiotics. Omega-3 fatty acids While most people run away when they hear the word “fat,” they fail to realize that healthy fats, like Omega-3, have tangible health benefits.
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