Vitiligo is a progressive skin condition characterized by depigmented patches of skin. The white areas (called macules) can develop on one’s forearms, hands, face, and feet. This unpredictable condition can be better managed with assistance from a healthcare professional. Individuals must focus on managing and controlling aspects of the condition within their reach. While there is no cure for the skin disease, adhering to expert guidelines can aid in preventing further progression of vitiligo. 1. Avoid tanning beds Tanning beds are not a safe way to achieve the desired sun tan. They can cause the skin to burn, especially on patches that lack pigmentation. Using tanning beds can also worsen vitiligo and lead to further progression. Instead of helping individuals achieve pigment or tanning on the affected skin patches , the device can make those patches more noticeable. 2. Look for shade Affected vitiligo patients are recommended to stay indoors or under shade as much as possible to prevent the condition from progressing. This helps protect the skin from getting sunburned or tanned. Finding shade outdoors is particularly vital when one’s shadow is shorter than the body, as this indicates that the sun’s rays are the most intense. Shorter shadows also mean the skin is more susceptible to damage from the sun’s rays. 3. Wear protective clothing Wearing the right clothes is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against skin damage due to vitiligo. Some types and fabrics of clothing are preferable to others when planning to spend time in the sun. Long-sleeved, light, and breathable clothes are best to stay protected from the sun’s harmful rays. 4. Use sun protection Sunscreen is a first line of defense against sun damage, but it’s often overlooked. To safeguard the affected skin , it’s important to apply a generous amount of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all the exposed areas.

Acid reflux during pregnancy: Symptoms and lifestyle changes to avoid them Acid reflux is a condition wherein one experiences pain in the lower chest area, which is commonly referred to as heartburn. When the acids of the stomach travel back to the esophagus, this condition arises. During pregnancy, hormonal changes may cause the LES or lower esophageal sphincter to not function properly; this is the valve to carry food to the stomach. Also, towards the second and third trimester, the fetus grows and puts more pressure on the stomach, thereby causing food to re-enter the esophagus from the stomach. Signs and symptoms Some of the common signs and symptoms of acid reflux that one may experience during pregnancy are: A burning sensation in the chest near the area behind the breastbone just after eating Chest pain experienced because of bending over, lying down, and eating Burning sensation in the throat or the aftertaste of a sour or salt-tasting fluid towards the back of the throat Belching Prolonged coughing Hoarseness in the throat Symptoms similar to asthma It must be noted that the occasional heartburn is usual and the pain may cease in some time. However, if the pain is persistent, this might be a cause of worry. A possible reason may be gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, which is the next stage of acid reflux, or it may even be gastritis. Almost half of the women complain about heartburn during pregnancy. However, if it becomes more frequent, that is when a doctor should definitely be consulted for treatment. Suggested lifestyle changes There are several lifestyle changes that may be adopted in order to avoid heartburn or acid reflux, and make the pregnancy very safe for the mother as well as the baby. Here are some of the steps one can consider taking:

The prostate is a tiny gland in the body responsible for producing seminal fluids. Certain risk factors like old age, genetics, and race can affect the prostate and lead to health problems. These include the unnatural enlargement of the prostate, prostate inflammation, and prostate cancer. Fortunately, consuming certain foods and treatments, such as those listed below, can help control prostate-related issues. Foods to boost prostate health Fish Fish like herring, salmon, and lake trout are loaded with polyunsaturated fats like Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. They help reduce harmful cholesterol levels and manage high blood pressure, even reducing the chances of a heart attack. These health improvements are highly beneficial for better prostate health. Nuts Pecans, walnuts, and almonds are a few nuts rich in healthy fats. They are also known to significantly improve brain health. Another good source of vital nutrients is Brazil nuts, which are rich in vitamin E, calcium, and selenium. Together, these nutrients are known to lower the chances of developing prostate cancer. Berries Adding berries to your meals can significantly help improve prostate health. Blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Antioxidants prevent any cell damage that may be caused by certain molecules, therefore avoiding the risk of cancer. Vitamin C can alleviate the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) through urination and reducing any swelling. Watermelon Watermelon is rich in vitamin A and C and is also sodium and fat-free. All these aspects make this an ideal fruit to boost overall well being. The fruit also contains lycopene – an antioxidant known to reduce any potential cancer risk. Medications to improve prostate health Alpha-blockers Prescription medications such as Alfuzosin (Uroxatral), Prazosin (Minipress), Silodosin (Rapaflo), Tamsulosin (Flomax), and Terazosin (Hytrin) can relax the muscles in the bladder and prostate, making it easy to urinate.

When the tear ducts in the eyes do not produce enough lubrication due to some internal or external factors, it often causes dry eyes. The symptoms of dry eyes include redness in the eyes, itching, inflammation, and discomfort. After any other underlying medical causes have been ruled out, one can try home remedies to reduce the symptoms of dry eyes. Some common home remedies for the condition are described as follows. Drink more water Drinking more water throughout the day can help prevent a wide range of health issues. It is important to drink at least 8-12 glasses of water throughout the day instead of chugging a lot of water in one go. Having dry eyes is a common sign of dehydration in the body. Drinking more water every day will ensure that one has enough water in the body for the eyes to remain lubricated at all times. This can help in reducing dryness in the eyes and offer more comfort. Eat natural fatty acids It has been observed that omega-3 fatty acids can largely help in reducing the symptoms of dry eyes. Thus, if one has been experiencing dryness in the eyes, they can add more fatty foods to their meals. This includes fish like tuna, salmon, or sardines, and nuts, such as almonds and walnuts. Using certain oils like palm oil or soybean oil can also help replenish omega-3 fatty acids in the body and help lessen the symptoms of dry eyes. Blink frequently Sometimes, dry eyes can be a result of staring at a computer screen and mobile phone for long periods. Blinking more frequently or taking a break every few minutes can reduce the evaporation of fluids from the eyes and help them stay hydrated. One can also try lowering the brightness of the computer screen slightly to slow down the evaporation of liquid from the eyes.

When the body fails to replace older bone tissues with newer ones, it leads to osteoporosis. It is a condition that results in weak and brittle bones. Osteoporosis increases the risk of bone fractures and is often diagnosed late due to limited symptoms. So, it is important to look after your nutritional requirements to maintain bone health to avoid any health complications. To help you, here are the top five foods for managing osteoporosis. Nuts Nuts are a convenient and tasty remedy that also enhances the effect of bone density supplements for osteoporosis. You should include an assortment of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts in your daily snacks. Nuts are replete with minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese, ensuring bone health. Milk Milk and milk products are superfoods that strengthen bone density. The recommended intake of dairy products is three servings a day. However, low-fat or skimmed milk is better as they contain less fat. Alternatively, soy milk and products are also good sources of calcium. Fatty fish Fatty fish include options like tuna, mackerel, salmon, and more. They are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins A, C, D, and E and are high in protein content. This makes them a great addition to the plates of osteoporosis patients. The vitamin D found in these fish helps improve the body’s calcium absorption, resulting in improved bone health. Fortified foods For people that avoid dairy and dairy products, it can get tricky to get the required amount of calcium and vitamin D from food. In such instances, patients are advised to include fortified foods in their meals. This can include having a bowl of fortified cereal at breakfast with plant milk. Alternatives include fortified juices, vitamin D-rich pasta, and bread. Protein-rich foods Protein is crucial for the body to perform basic functions as well as help in the repair of damaged cells.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and other symptoms. There is no cure for it; medicines can only help manage the discomforts and improve the quality of life. Furthermore, nutrition plays a vital role. Eating healthy prevents the symptoms from flaring up frequently and makes the condition more manageable. This article lists a few foods that help get rid of asthma attacks naturally. Fruits and veggies Fruits and vegetables provide the necessary vitamins and minerals to keep asthma attacks and symptoms at bay. Vitamin A helps improve lung function and can be sourced from leafy greens like kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, and broccoli. Spinach and Swiss chard also have magnesium that helps improve lung function, while sweet potatoes and carrots are rich in beta carotene. When it comes to fruits, apples and oranges are the best foods that help get rid of asthma attacks. They are loaded with vitamins C and E that effectively counter lung inflammation. Bananas are another rich source of potassium and antioxidants that help relieve wheezing in asthma patients. Foods fortified with vitamin D Vitamin D is one of the most crucial nutrients to fight asthma. Studies show that this vitamin helps reduce the risk of childhood asthma among kids between ages six and 15. While one can absorb vitamin D from sunlight, options like salmon, eggs, fortified milk, and orange juice are the best foods that help manage asthma symptoms naturally. Snacks, bread, and cereals fortified with vitamin D are other options to boost immunity and keep asthma attacks in check. Besides vitamin D, salmon also has omega-3 fatty acids that can counter inflammation and manage breathing difficulties. Root herbs and spices Ginger is an effective root herb that can soothe respiratory discomforts associated with asthma attacks.

Good nutrition can turn around a person’s health, preventing varied illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It helps improve the overall quality of life, enhancing productivity, agility, and mental health. This article discusses the foods that help improve bladder control and help manage the symptoms that come with the condition. Let’s take a look at this compiled list. Nuts, seeds, and legumes These foods are a potent source of fiber that helps enhance the work of the digestive tract. Quick digestion aids in lowering the pressure a full stomach can have on the bladder, which may multiply the symptoms of an overactive bladder. This category includes foods like black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, split peas, lentils, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds, among others. The idea is to consume more plant-based foods over refined and overly processed ingredients. Non-citrus fruits and vegetables Citrus foods can irritate the bladder, leading to intense bladder control symptoms. Hence, foods like lime, lemon, oranges, grapefruit, citrons, etc., are best avoided. Foods recommended to add to one’s meals include sweet potato with skin, broccoli, pears, green beans, winter squash, and peas. Lean meat and fish Fresh lean meat and fish are a good choice for people with bladder control issues. Additionally, fish like mackerel, salmon, shellfish, and tuna are potent sources of monosaturated fats that are good for bladder health. If one doesn’t eat fish, they can opt for flax seeds and nuts. Oats, oatmeal, and homemade bread These are recommended staple options for one to add to their daily food regime. These whole grain options are easy on the digestive system and also come with the benefits of fiber, making them a great satiating option that’s good for the bladder. Eggs and cheese These two breakfast staples can be a part of the daily nutrition for a healthy bladder.

Lung cancer can be divided into two main types: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Some people may also develop a rare tumor known as a lung carcinoid, which develops when the cells begin to grow rapidly out of control. There is no cure for any type of lung cancer. At best, the symptoms and complications can be eased with changes in foods, lifestyle, and through certain prescription treatments. Foods Cruciferous vegetables Patients with lung cancer can eat broccoli, Bok choy, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and kale. The vegetables are excellent food choices as they are rich in glucosinolates, folate, flavonoids, vitamin C, fiber, beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These compounds are known to actively counter cancer causing cells. Fresh fruits Pears and apple contain phloretin, a compound that helps lower the risk of symptoms like fibrosis in lungs during cancer treatment. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and cranberries are rich sources of anthocyanidins, which inhibit the growth of tumor cells. It may also lower the risk of blood clots triggered by the different types of lung cancer. Ginger, capers, and turmeric Ginger contains an active compound called 6-shogaol, which prevents cancer cells from spreading rapidly. Capers are rich in quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that restricts the growth of cancerous cells. Lastly, turmeric is loaded with curcumin, an active compound that blocks the cancerous cells from invading the surrounding healthy cells. Natural herbs Herbs can be used to ease the symptoms of lung cancer and prevent side effects during treatment. Supplements like astragalus can boost immunity and slow down disease progression. Nan sha shen, a natural antibiotic, can be used to counter inflammation. Some symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough, chest infections, and fluid retention in the chest cavity that could trigger shortness of breath.

Recognizing the subtle yet critical distinctions between Parkinson’s disease and Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) might be a challenging task for healthcare professionals. This is because these neurological conditions share some common signs, such as involuntary movements and speech difficulties. However, understanding their unique presentations is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Learning about the signs could also help curate the right treatment plan. Here are seven similar early signs between Parkinson’s and TD that are often overlooked. Anxiety Both Parkinson’s and TD can enhance anxiety levels in affected individuals. Managing not only the motor symptoms but also the emotional well-being of patients is crucial for their comprehensive care. Impaired gait People with Parkinson’s disease and TD might also experience impaired gait. In Parkinson’s, it results in a shuffling, hesitant walk due to muscle rigidity, and balance problems. In TD, abnormal, jerky limb and trunk movements disrupt coordination, leading to an unsteady gait. These gait disturbances significantly affect mobility and daily life. Problems with speech Parkinson’s and TD often lead to pronounced speech difficulties due to involuntary movements affecting the tongue, lips, and facial muscles. This results in slurred speech, articulation challenges, and difficulties forming words, severely impeding effective communication. Akathisia Akathisia or feeling of restlessness, poses a shared challenge in people with Parkinson’s and TD. In Parkinson’s patients, it often emerges as a byproduct of motor discomfort due to bradykinesia and rigidity, leading patients to shift positions restlessly. In TD, akathisia may result from certain treatment options, which may cause restlessness and make it difficult for patients to remain still. Depression In Parkinson’s, dopamine deficiency and motor impairments contribute to emotional distress. TD’s involuntary movements may lead to social isolation and depression. Both conditions highlight the need for holistic care to enhance the overall well-being of patients. Grunting Grunting in Parkinson’s disease and TD is an often overlooked phenomenon.

7 common symptoms of acid reflux in infants Acid reflux is a condition in which the acid produced by the stomach moves to the esophagus, causing a burning sensation of the stomach and discomfort in the chest that we normally refer to as heartburn. If you experience acid reflux twice a week or more, you may be suffering from a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Infants may, however, be more highly susceptible to acid reflux as their lower esophageal sphincter (LES) may be weak. LES is a ring at the bottom of the esophagus where it connects with the stomach. It has been estimated that close to 50% of infants experience acid reflux due to weak or underdeveloped LES. Usually, infants at four months experience this condition the most and it tends to mellow down and vanish when they are around 12 to 18 months. Here are the common signs and symptoms of acid reflux noticed in infants: Vomiting or spitting While spitting is normally considered normal in infants, forceful spitting may often be a sign of GERD. It is an important symptom in infants that are over a year old and still spit forcefully shortly after having meals. Also, spitting blood or any fluid that is green or yellow in color is a cause for worry. While usual spitting is painless, forceful spitting because of GERD may cause pain and discomfort. Difficulty in eating and swallowing food When partly digested particles from the stomach go back towards the esophagus, infants may become irritable and refuse eating or drinking at all. This is an important sign of acid reflux. Hiccups and wet burps An infant may also spit out liquid when he or she burps, which is among the signs and symptoms of acid reflux. Though not very common, this may also be a sign of GERD.

Snacks are always seen as a way of grabbing something tasty, quick to eat, less time consuming to prepare or buy, and as a way of not indulging in a full-blown meal. It quenches the pangs of hunger and lets a person get on with the day without any hassles, making it a major preference among kids. The main problem, though, is that snacks can often be unhealthy as well as addictive. The role of snacks has been reduced to solving cravings and becoming stomach fillers rather than contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Most snacks are highly concentrated with processed carbohydrates and sugar, which causes an issue when it comes to healthy snacks for kids. Listed below are some snacks that contain a good amount of protein, fat, and fiber that are tasty, healthy, can be changed up with improvisations, and are very enjoyable. Jerky Jerky is nothing but meat that is thinned down to strips. It contains an extremely high amount of protein and is an apt candidate for being a healthy snack. Chicken, beef, salmon, and turkey can be trimmed down to jerky. Jerky is sold in abundance at stores, but it is almost certain that the jerky contains processed meat added with a good amount of sugar. It is, thus, more advisable to make jerky at home using only meat and seasoning. Trail mix A trail mix can be modified at home by adding almonds and pistachios to the existing package of dried fruit and nuts mixed with chocolates. Walnuts and cashews can also be added. Pistachios and almonds, on the other hand, have a higher amount of protein in them. They all have high calorific content and should not be consumed in excess at a time. Turkey roll-ups Turkey roll-ups contain cheese and veggies rolled up into slices of turkey breast.

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.