Teeth begin to turn yellow with age. But, some simple ways can help you in retaining the white color of your teeth. There are numerous tooth whitening kits available in your nearest medical store. But, most of these are chemical-based products, which bleach your teeth. If you want to whiten the teeth and at the same time want to avoid chemicals, you should intake foods that whiten teeth naturally say no to red wine, dark berries, and black coffee. Here is a list of 10 such foods that whiten teeth naturally. Strawberries Strawberries are known as the most efficient natural tooth whitener. They are the storehouse of malic acid, which is a natural astringent that prevents tooth discoloration. No matter how you eat them, cereal, salad or dessert, strawberries will ensure that you always own a brighter smile. You can even mash strawberries and use them as toothpaste as they are counted as one of the top foods that whiten teeth naturally. Seeds and nuts Most of the seeds and nuts such as walnuts, almonds, cashews or sunflower seeds have an abrasive texture. This abrasive texture works as a stain remover of your teeth and naturally whiten them. Onion Ignore its breath. Onions are the prime source of sulfur. The sulfur compounds available in onions keep plaque from forming on your teeth. Keep in mind that the anti-plaque powers of onion work when you eat them raw. Apple The loud crunch of apple helps in strengthening your teeth. Further, its high-water content increases the production of saliva. While eating an apple, this washes away the bacteria and leads to discoloration of teeth. Baking soda Baking soda works almost similar to a bleaching agent. You can switch to baking soda instead of your regular toothpaste to brush your teeth in the morning.

Ketosis is a metabolic reaction that takes place when the body does lacks carbohydrates and looks to burn fat instead to give the body the energy it requires. Ketogenic diets have recently become very popular, but few realize that it comes with a variety of both pros and cons. The benefits of this diet have been well established and the results are very appealing. That being said, results are guaranteed only if it’s done right and the pros and cons of a keto diet are fully understood before jumping into it. Pros Following a keto diet rewards you with a variety of benefits, such as Lose body fat Ketogenic diets have proven to lose weight and especially lower the body fat percentage even though the intake of fat is higher than usual diets. This is primarily because the fat being consumed are healthy fats and is being burned by the body owing to the absence of carbs. Once the body goes into ketosis, it will start burning fat. Resets insulin sensitivity Insulin insensitivity refers to the body’s inability to break down glucose and making use of it. A keto diet can help reset this and bring it back into optimal functioning where the glucose will be metabolized as per requirement. Helps manage diabetes This is more prominent for the Type 2 diabetes patients since a low carb intake could help keep a healthy blood glucose level without any insulin shots at all. Increases fertility in women Since ketosis helps regulate diabetes and also reduces the chances of being obese, it will, in turn, mean it boosts fertility in women. The diet is known to heal reproductive hormones to a large extent. Cons There are some problems that come with taking up the ketogenic diet, such as Ketoacidosis The human body is not used to being deprived off carbohydrates, and ketoacidosis is one such con of this diet.

One may have come across the concept of keto recently or rather seen in recipes, food packing and all over the Internet. It is the form of diet that is unique in nature because of the food items that it contains. They have a mix of highly fatty foods and low carb foods. This kind of diet involves the reduction in the amount of carbohydrates that one consumes and replaced with the fats. The reduction in the amount of carbs that are taken into the body puts the body in a metabolic state that is termed as ketosis. In such a state the body becomes very efficient at burning down the fats in order to derive energy. In the liver the fats are converted into ketones that supply energy to the brain. Advantages of the keto foods Initially this diet was used in the treatment of seizures and it has been successful in reducing seizures for several years. When a person begins this sort of diet there are many metabolic changes that one experiences. Studies have proved that the parameters of health that are linked to carrying excessive weight get enhanced such as high blood pressure, high triglycerides and cholesterol and insulin resistance. As the body is adapting to the higher dietary fats that one consumes in this diet it results in an increase in the oxidation of fats. When the carbs are reduced it directly has an impact on the concentration of glucose and thereby lowering them as time passes. This diet could be considered as a direct means of getting the diabetes of a person under control. Disadvantages of keto foods As whole food groups are eliminated in this diet, the nutrients that had to be obtained from whole grains and fruits are restricted and can cause deficiencies especially if the keto diet is not followed correctly or if there is no proper guidance provided to the person.

Pests can invade a dog’s furry coat and create quite havoc. Some dogs are extremely sensitive to these crawly bugs and can develop skin reactions. That said, several products are available in the market to tackle this problem, and flea tablets are one of them. These fast-acting pills control ticks, worms, and other pests, so pet owners won’t have to worry about infestations. Here are a few trusted flea pills for dogs that will actively protect your pet’s fur coat. Capstar Flea Tablets Capstar is a well-known brand for effective flea-prevention and treatment products. Their flea pills for dogs and puppies can prevent allergy dermatitis, which often occurs due to a flea infestation. Their tablets can start killing these pests within half an hour of ingestion, and they are safe enough for daily single-dose consumption. While no prescription is needed to purchase these, remember to get approval from your vet as they will know if the medicine will agree with your canine. Trifexis Chewable Tablets These strong monthly chewable flea pills for dogs are a good fix for fleas, and they also help keep heartworm disease at bay. They have a blend of pest-fighting agents like milbemycin oxime and spinosad that fight parasites and curb infestation. These tablets come in a beef flavor, so your dog may look forward to feeling better with these chewable pills. The complex formulation of the tablet may cause side effects, so it is only recommended for dogs that are 8 weeks or older and weigh 5 pounds or more. Sentinel Flavor Tabs These flavored tablets are ideal for preventing adult roundworm, whipworm, and hookworm infections in pups more than 4 weeks old and over 2 pounds of weight. Plus, it won’t be difficult to get your pet to eat them as they taste just like treats.

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a health condition that occurs when the stomach contents flow upwards or reflux into the esophagus, thereby irritating it. GERD or acid reflux happens due to the weakening of muscles at the end of the esophagus. A person suffering from GERD might feel a burning sensation in the chest or throat, which is usually referred to as heartburn. They also feel the taste of stomach acid in the back of their mouth. Other symptoms that might be associated with this health condition include dry cough, difficulty in swallowing, and asthma. GERD can affect anyone, even infants and children. If not treated in due time, the symptoms can worsen and result in the narrowing of the esophagus, esophageal ulcer, and even precancerous esophagus. Hence, apart from making lifestyle and dietary changes, GERD symptoms need to be treated with specific medications. Some medications are mentioned below: Nexium (Esomeprazole) Nexium or Esomeprazole is used for certain GERD symptoms such as ulcers and inflammation in the esophagus. It also helps in treating bacteria. Esomeprazole helps in preventing ulcers due to consuming NSAIDs. It is also more effective in controlling the amount of acid produced in the stomach compared to other proton pump inhibitors. The average retail price of the Esomeprazole is around $285, but GoodRx offers the same at $12.21, which is almost a 95% discount. And with GoodRx Gold , Esomeprazole can be bought at $10.61. Prevacid (Lansoprazole) This medicine is available in the form of a capsule and is used for treating GERD symptoms, heartburn, and gastric and duodenal ulcer. It works similarly to proton pump inhibitors by reducing the acid level in the stomach. There are dosage levels of Lansoprazole. GoodRx offers 30mg Lansoprazole capsules at the lowest price of $10.36, which is a 90% discount on its original price.

Those who suffer from eczema develop itchy skin feel constant inflammation, and one of the main triggers of this condition is food. So, eczema patients must add the right food to their diet, which mainly comprises foods that can naturally help the healing process. These foods must contain substances that stimulate the body’s immune system to release anti-inflammatory compounds that are useful to reduce redness and itching. Herein, we discuss some of the foods that are beneficial for those suffering from eczema. Foods with Fatty Acids Fatty acids are useful in fighting inflammation. They provide nutrients that protect and rejuvenate the skin, reducing the symptoms of eczema. The essential fatty acids are found in whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, barley, seeds, nuts, plant oils, and avocado. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially useful in fighting inflammation. It is found in fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. It is recommended to consume at least 250 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids daily. Apart from fighting inflammation, these compounds are also good for the heart. Foods with Quercetin There are several fruits and vegetables like apples, avocado, kale, berries, cherries, broccoli, and spinach that contain a flavonoid called quercetin. It gives the natural color to fruits and vegetables. Quercetin helps reduce inflammation and acts as a natural antihistamine to fight allergies. Foods with Beta-carotene Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals, which is good for the skin. Beta-carotene is found in carrot, pepper, tomato, mango, squash, and leafy greens. Probiotic Foods Yogurt is a food that contains probiotics. These are food containing good bacteria that not only help in digestion but can also reduce allergies. Apart from yogurt, probiotics are found in soft cheese, sourdough bread, sauerkraut, and fermented pickles. Foods with Anthocyanin Anthocyanin is a pigment that adds color to food like red cabbage.

Nowadays, a majority of people are troubled with a common hair problem of hair fall. Not only does this problem affect the growth of hair but also makes it look damaged. While there are various treatments that can curb hair fall, the safest way to do so is by using home remedies. Listed below are some of the traditional home remedies that can help curb hair fall. Coconut oil Coconut oil is a traditional home remedy used to reverse hair problems like hair fall. Enriched with antioxidants, coconut oil works wonders on the health of your tresses. The goodness of coconut oil enables it to control hair fall and improve the texture of hair strands. This natural oil helps retain the protein in hair and strengthens the follicles, thereby preventing breakage. Massage coconut oil on your scalp regularly for the ultimate hair treatment. Eggs An egg is a powerhouse of protein that is often used as a homemade hair treatment. It helps curb breakage, repair damage, and improves hair’s elasticity and shine. The nutrients present in an egg help retain moisture in the scalp and strands and control hair fall. You can whisk an egg hair mask at home to have strong hair and ward off breakage. Aloe vera gel Aloe vera gel is among the most extensively-used home remedies for reducing hair fall. Packed with vitamins and minerals, this natural gel can provide deep nourishment to the scalp and strengthen the hair follicles, thereby curbing hair fall. Massage freshly squeezed out aloe vera gel on your scalp or mix it with ingredients like coconut oil or essential oils to make a hair mask to combat hair fall. Gooseberry oil Indian gooseberry oil is an age-old remedy used as a hair treatment to reduce hair loss and promote hair growth.

A proper diet can be very helpful for someone suffering from constipation. It is a condition that involves difficulty in having bowel movement. Delay in bowel movements can cause a series of problems like abdominal bloating, hemorrhoids, fecal impaction, irritability, etc. Those with constipation should ensure that the foods listed here are a part of their everyday diet. Prunes Prunes are one of the best foods to have if you are suffering from constipation. It is often advised if you are having difficulty passing stools. Prunes contain a compound called sorbitol that stimulates the movement of water into the intestine. This compound is very helpful in treating constipation. Prunes also contain fibers that are good for digestion. High-fiber fruits Fruits rich in fiber are very helpful for digestion and can help in smooth bowel movement. Fruits like apricot, plums, peaches, berries, and raisins should be eaten with the peel to get the best benefits. Whole grains While processed grains are bad for constipation, whole grains are very useful. Oats, brown rice, quinoa, and barley are very good for digestion. While white bread and products made from flour should be avoided, those having constipation can safely consume brown bread. Seeds Seeds have a good amount of fiber and are good for digestion. They also contain other nutrients required by the body. Chia seeds and flax seeds are excellent foods for those suffering from constipation. Psyllium is a seed that is very beneficial for those suffering from constipation. Vegetables Vegetables are one of the best foods that those suffering from constipation can eat. Leafy vegetables and greens are also very helpful. They have fiber and other nutrients that help keep the digestive system in good condition. Artichoke, kale, spinach, carrots, cabbage, lettuce, squash, broccoli, peas, and zucchini are some of the vegetables that a person suffering from constipation must include in their diet.

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a skin condition that results in red and itchy skin. This skin condition is common in children, but it can occur at any age. Chronic eczema can flare periodically and can be accompanied by fever and asthma. It has a wide range of symptoms including dry, red, and itchy skin; small, raised bumps that leak fluid when scratched, and thickened and cracked skin. The symptoms usually appear before the age of 5 and can persist in adolescence and even adulthood. Apart from taking medications and treatments prescribed by dermatologists and doctors, there are home remedies that can be used to treat mild to moderate symptoms of eczema. Some of these are mentioned below: Bleach Bleach has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, which can help in improving eczema symptoms. It is known to kill S aureus, a type of bacteria that causes staph infection on the surface of the skin. It also helps in restoring microbiomes on the skin surface. Dermatologists recommend using half a cup of bleach in a tub full of water. You can soak yourself for up to 10 minutes, and then rinse it thoroughly with warm water. Gently pat the skin dry and apply moisturizer to avoid itchy skin. Aloe Vera gel The gel is derived from the leaves of the aloe plant. It has been in use for centuries to treat a number of ailments, one of which is eczema. Aloe Vera gel contains antibacterial, antimicrobial, wound-healing, and immune-boosting properties that can prevent skin infections. Aloe Vera gel can be purchased from a pharmacy or it can be extracted directly from the leaves of the aloe plant. Make sure to check the gel bought from the store as it can have drying ingredients and preservatives that can worsen the eczema symptoms. Coconut oil It contains healthy fatty acids that can lock the skin moisture and prevent it from getting dry.

Breast cancer is known to affect about 1 in every 8 women in the country, which is approximately 12% of the entire female population. In fact, as of January 2019, there are more than 3.1 million women who have a history of breast cancer, and this includes women who are currently being treated and who have finished their treatment. Breast cancer can be cured completely only when it is diagnosed in its initial stages. Once cancer metastasizes to adjacent organs, the treatment methods aim to control the symptoms of the condition instead of trying to cure it completely. Breast cancer treatments involve radiation therapy and chemotherapy, which can wreak havoc on one’s body. People thus often opt for complementary natural therapies that promote overall health and help them stay proactive throughout their cancer treatment. Take a look at some of these alternative therapies that can help with the symptoms of breast cancer. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment method and the studies from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) suggest that this treatment can help women with breast cancer. It involves the use of thin needles that are inserted into the body, and it is believed that this process can stimulate the brain and nervous system to help reduce the pain. In fact, there are some clinical studies that suggest that acupuncture can actively relieve the nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy treatments. It is essential to consult with the doctor before opting for acupuncture. Tai chi and qi gong Tai chi and qi gong originated in China and these are movement-based exercises that aim to move and balance the natural energies within the body. These exercises lay emphasis on breathing and meditation. Moreover, they are instrumental in reducing stress and pain and improving mental health and mobility.

There’s a host of unhealthy ailments you’re exposing yourself to if you eat unhealthy foods. A lesser-known effect of poor diets, however, is that they could end up triggering bipolar mood episodes. There is increasing evidence that nutrition also affects mental health and there isn’t a specific diet recommendation for bipolar disorders. But there are certain choices for foods that could help in managing bipolar disorder episodes. Here’s listing some of them: Caffeine Caffeine is an underappreciated stimulant and trigger element of manic episodes. It could end up impairing sleep patterns too, and sleep deprivation is an infamous trigger for mania and bipolar mood swings. According to the National Sleep Foundation, caffeine could increase anxiety and irritability and needs to be avoided as one approaches bedtime. Additionally, some over-the-counter medications like pseudoephedrine that is found in some cold and cough medicines, possess stimulant properties that are very much like caffeine’s and can also trigger mania and bipolar mood swings. Alcohol Bipolar disorder and alcohol make for a terrible combination. According to the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (NHCC), alcohol could end up negatively affecting bipolar mood swings and also possibly interacting negatively with medications such as lithium. According to the study of 11,000 people published in the September 2015 issue of The Lancet Psychiatry, the lives of people who suffer from bipolar disorder are also more likely to end prematurely if they drink alcohol or use other substances. Sugar Sugar is probably one of the biggest triggers of manic episodes. Those who consume diets that are high in sugar will find it more difficult to control obesity and weight gain and also end up making certain bipolar disorder drug treatments less effective. Those who find the need to satisfy sweet cravings can eat fruits instead. Salt According to the NHCC, if someone is taking lithium, then moderating one’s salt intake could be a tricky job as an increase or decrease in salt intake could affect lithium levels.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, lifelong disease that results in irritation and inflammation along the digestive tract. A Crohn’s flare-up could trigger or worsen symptoms including appetite loss, nausea, abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, and diarrhea, among others. When one eats the correct kinds of foods, it can help in managing and relieving such flare-ups. Herein, we discuss the best foods one can have in such instances. Refined grains Refine grains such as pasta are easy to digest. They possess less fermentable fiber as compared to whole grains and, hence, they pass quickly through the digestive tract. They also are less likely to cause inflammation and tend to be easier on the gut. Some examples of refined grains are rice snacks, waffles, pancakes, plain crackers, pasta, white rice and bread, and fortified ready-to-eat cereals that contain added essential minerals and vitamins. Oatmeal Oatmeal made from rolled/quick oats is a kind of refined grain that contains slightly lesser fiber as compared to steel-cut oats. When one experiences a Crohn’s flare-up, it’s best to avoid foods that contain insoluble fiber, which could worsen diarrhea symptoms. Oatmeal has a soluble fiber known as beta-glucan that helps in easing diarrhea by adding bulk to the stool by slowing digestion, and absorbing water in the intestines and forming a gel. Oats can be added to smoothies with low-fiber, peeled fruits. Low-fiber fruits Diarrhea can also be controlled by low-fiber fruits which are easy on the digestive system. Some examples of low-fiber fruits include peaches, cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew melon, and bananas, among others. During a Crohn’s flare-up, it is best to eat fruits in smaller servings. Poached/peeled fruit Removing the skin from fruits could end up reducing the insoluble fibers in them, like cellulose and lignin. Preserving or poaching fruits could also reduce the amount of fiber in them.