Bed bugs are pesky little insects that infect the soft furniture in a household like beds, sofas, couches, and other such places. They like to hide in dark places like the corners of drawers, seams of the mattresses, the bed box below the mattress and in the space between cushions. Although they do not cause any serious diseases, their presence can certainly be discomforting as they feed on human blood. Bed bugs bite humans, which sometimes causes red rashes and spots. These skin rashes, if scratched too hard, can cause breaks in the skin, causing bacteria to enter and infect it. The presence of bed bugs does not mean that your sanitation techniques should be questioned but they could have come from some other infested place like a hotel or a theatre through luggage, clothes or any other item. Bed bugs are extremely tiny in size and therefore are very hard to spot. But once you find their hiding spots, you can make use of any of some home remedies to get rid of those pesky little creatures hiding in your home. The following are some of the best ways to kill bed bugs, which you can make use of. Vacuum Cleaning Who knew that using your very own vacuum cleaner could be a simple fix making it one of the best ways to kill bed bugs? Just make sure to use your effective vacuum cleaner to reach all the hidden places like the corners of the drawers, behind the cushions, under the mattresses, along its seams, the space between the headboard and the mattress, behind the AC fittings, behind the wallpapers, in the bed box, and other such susceptible places. Make sure to clean all the places effectively and thoroughly so that no egg or larvae remain behind to restart the infestation process.

Nerve pain is a condition that affects 7%-10% of the population in the country. It is also known as neuropathic pain and it is a highly subjective experience for each individual. There are several nerve pain relief treatments available, based on the diagnosis. What is Nerve Pain? The nerves in our body help us feel sensations like touch, heat, cold, pressure, pleasure, and pain. When they suffer damage due to disease or injuries, they may send random, inaccurate, or false signals to the pain centers in the brain and spinal cord. Specific Neuropathy Types There are different, specific forms of nerve pain: Trigeminal Neuralgia It is a type where patients experience intense and sudden facial pain due to damage to the trigeminal nerve that controls chewing and sensation in the face. Phantom-limb Pain The person experiences false pain in a missing or amputated limb. Herpes Herpes pain follows an attack of herpes zoster or shingles and can last for months, sometimes even years. Symptoms People with this condition feel stabbing, shooting, burning or crawling sensations, along with other sensations like tingling, numbness, or a feeling of being pricked by pins and needles. Some people experience an electric-shock kind of sensation. People who suffer from this condition are over-sensitive to different sensations like cold, heat, and touch. Even a casual brushing of the skin can cause enormous discomfort and pain. It is usually worse at night. Sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression are commonly experienced by those with nerve pain. Nerve pain is more commonly reported in women especially for patients aged above 50. In other cases, there may be a complete lack of the response to pain even when injuries are suffered. This is commonly seen in conditions like diabetic neuropathy or vitamin B12 deficiency when the person does not feel any sensation of pain although injuries have occurred.

Migraines are severe headaches that may lead to unbearable pulsing sensations or throbbing on one side of the head. These attacks may last for a few hours or a couple of days. Such chronic pain may also affect one’s daily lifestyle. Though the exact cause of migraines is unknown, multiple factors trigger them, including the foods we eat. In this article, we have listed five foods that may trigger migraines. Chocolate Chocolate is the second-most common trigger when it comes to migraines. It contains properties like caffeine and beta-phenylethylamine that may trigger headaches in people with the condition. According to the American Migraine Foundation, 22% of people who experience migraines claim chocolate to be the trigger. Citrus fruits Eating fresh fruits can help steer clear of many diseases and lead a healthy life. But citrus fruits may have the opposite effect on people who experience migraines. Some citrus fruits to avoid include oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and pineapples. According to studies, citrus fruits carry may trigger excessive release of histamine. Cheese For those with migraines, it’s best to avoid adding cheese to their meal plans. Cheeses are generally aged and contain tyramine, an amino acid. Tyramine is a naturally occurring acid in the human body that regulates blood pressure. However, excessive tyramine is bad for the body and may trigger migraines. Cheddar, blue cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, and English stilton are a few examples of tyramine-rich cheese. Coffee Coffee may help people stay awake during strenuous working hours, but the food is harmful to one’s health. Coffee contains caffeine, which is a known trigger of migraines. Inconsistent levels of caffeine in the body may negatively influence the dilation of blood vessels and lead to headaches. Processed and cured meat Processed and cured meats contain added nitrates to help preserve their color and flavor.

If you’ve been looking for natural ways to repel and kill fleas on your dog, you might already know that lemon is a crucial ingredient. The citrus fruit contains a compound called limonene, which has insecticidal properties and can keep fleas away from your furry friend. One of the most popular ways to use lemon against fleas is a lemon spray. We’ve shared two simple recipes to make a lemon flea spray for your dog. Basic lemon flea spray For this recipe, all you need is water and lemons. Boil a pint of water in a pot and add around ten slices of lemon to it. Cover the pot with a lid and let the mixture sit overnight for about 8 hours, and the solution will be ready! Remove the lemon slices and pour the solution into a spray bottle. You can spray this solution on your dog’s coat generously every day until they are flea-free. While spraying, avoid areas like your pet’s ears, genitals, and eyes. An excellent plus point of this lemon flea spray is that you can use it in all flea-infested areas in your home, such as your dog’s bed, your carpet, and your upholstery. Lemon flea spray with rosemary and sage This recipe is similar to the previous one, except you need to add two sprigs of rosemary and one sprig of garden sage while boiling the water. These plants contain compounds that can help repel fleas even more strongly when combined with lemon. Let the lemon slices, rosemary, and garden sage steep in water overnight. Once the solution is ready, strain it into a spray bottle and apply it to your dog’s coat while avoiding the sensitive areas. Some pet owners also make flea collars using lemon and rosemary solutions for their pets. The recipe is the same as above, except you need not use garden sage.

People should get tested for food allergies to eliminate foods that could leave them with compromised digestive systems. Those who have recently suffered an infection or have been recommended powerful treatment can also experience changes in their gut microbiota. It is yet another case where digestive problems can arise. Some common signs of poor digestive function include difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, or chest pain while eating. Individuals with digestive trouble must avoid trigger foods. Processed foods Fiber helps regulate the digestive system. Processed foods are not only low in fiber but also high in salts, preservatives, and food coloring. It makes things difficult for people with sensitive stomachs. Fiber deficiency leads to increased constipation, while the additives cause issues like gas, bloating, indigestion, and acid reflux. Artificial sweeteners Foods and beverages prepared with artificial sweeteners cause a change in the body’s natural gut bacteria. This can lead to gastrointestinal tract problems. Sugar-free drinks, candies, and gums are the best examples. They are loaded with refined sugar alternatives like xylitol, maltitol, and sorbitol, which cause gas, bloating, and other digestive and laxative effects. They can also cause the body to produce more acid than it needs, leading to stomach ulcers. Spicy foods Although spices are believed to help with digestion, they can trigger digestive problems in people with sensitive stomachs. High amounts of spices or heat can cause acid reflux and heartburn. Therefore, avoiding foods that stimulate the digestive tract is essential. Dairy Research has shown that milk and milk products are common inflammatory foods. While dairy is essential, the problem arises when it is made a part of daily meals. Some might not be lactose intolerant, but their stomach presents sensitivity to milk compounds. Prolonged digestive tract inflammation can lead to problems like a damaged stomach lining. People with a condition called eosinophilic esophagitis experience symptoms similar to an allergy after eating trigger foods.

A rare class of disorders called myelodysplastic syndrome prevents the body from producing healthy blood cells. It is also referred to as “bone marrow failure.” Although it affects people of any age, this rare type of cancer primarily affects the elderly, particularly those over 65. A blood test is usually used to detect or diagnose this condition. The symptoms are fatigue and shortness of breath. Some of the treatments for this condition are listed below. Treatment options for myelodysplastic syndromes The primary goals of myelodysplastic syndrome treatment are to reduce the illness’ progression, ameliorate its symptoms, and avoid complications. Since this condition has no known cure, certain treatments may limit its progression. Transfusion therapy Transfusion therapy (blood transfusion) replaces blood cells destroyed by illness or treatment by infusing red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets. A red blood cell transfusion is administered when the blood cell count is low and signs of anemia, such as shortness of breath or fatigue, occur. A platelet transfusion is frequently given to a patient undergoing a procedure that may result in bleeding or a low platelet count. Besides, patients who frequently receive blood transfusions may suffer tissue and organ damage from excess iron accumulation. These patients may receive iron chelation therapy to eliminate the excess iron from the blood. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is a method of eliminating damaged cells by preventing them from dividing and growing. A chemotherapy schedule, or regimen, typically consists of a set number of rounds administered over a set period. Conventional chemotherapy may help people with high-risk MDS subtypes. Depending on the patient and the dosage used, this type of therapy may cause fatigue, an increased risk of infection, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, a loss of appetite, and diarrhea. When the treatment is over, these side effects usually disappear.

Daily nutrition impacts overall health, so one must maintain a healthy intake of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep vital organs in check. Simultaneously, it is necessary to avoid triggering foods and beverages that spike blood sugar and blood pressure levels. These spikes can affect the eyes, heart, brain, and overall metabolism resulting in a number of health complications. Therefore, here are foods to avoid to lower the risk of dry eyes and irritation. Processed meats Processed meats contain a lot of unhealthy fats, additives, and preservatives. These elements spike blood pressure (hypertension) and increase the risk of hypertensive atrophy. The condition mainly damages healthy blood vessels in the eye, causing blurry vision. High blood pressure also triggers a buildup of fluid behind the retina and blocks the blood flow to nerves that control vision. One must avoid excess consumption of red meats like beef, pork, lamb, sausages, bacon, and other cuts sold at the deli counter in the supermarket. Foods rich in unsaturated fats and sugar Cooking in hydrogenated vegetable oils increases the intake of unsaturated fats. Safflower, sunflower, corn, soybean, and sesame oils all contain linoleic acid. Studies show linolenic acid increases the risk of inflammation with dry eyes syndrome. It is unclear how severe the effects may be, but experts recommend switching to healthier substitutes. Also, avoid using refined sugar, one of the main ingredients found in most processed foods, baked goods, and confectionaries. Sugar triggers a blood glucose imbalance and affects the natural production of tears worsening the symptoms linked to dry eyes. Fried foods and store-bought beverages Deep-fried foods, including french fries, chips, and any other sodium or sugar-rich confectionery, severely increases bad cholesterol levels. Digesting fried foods releases free radicals that cause oxidative damage affecting healthy cells in the eyes. Free radicals are known to increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy associated with dry eyes syndrome.

Hepatitis – types and contributing factors Hepatitis is described as an inflammation in the liver. Inflammation is essentially any tissue’s natural response to injury or irritation, and the general effects of inflammation are swelling, redness, and pain. There is a wide range of causes of the condition, but they differ based on the type of hepatitis that one is affected with. For example, various types of viral hepatitis involve viral infections rather than any other disorder in the body. Hepatitis can be acute or chronic depending on the severity, and there are various types: Types Hepatitis A This type of hepatitis does not result in chronic infections and typically involves no complications. It is one of the most common food-borne infections, and the liver takes approximately two months to properly heal from hepatitis A. In rare cases, hepatitis A can lead to liver failure, which can be fatal. The most common prevention method for hepatitis A is vaccination. Hepatitis B Above 70% of all diagnosed occurrences of hepatitis B have been found in young people from the age of 15 to 39. It usually takes people 6 months to completely recover from the illness, but some may suffer from a life-long, chronic infection, which leads to ongoing liver damage. If an individual contracts hepatitis B at an early age, it has a higher chance of becoming chronic. Hepatitis C Hepatitis C is among the most common causes of liver disease in the country and also the biggest reason for people to get a liver transplant. Around 80% of patients suffering from hepatitis C develop a chronic liver infection as it is difficult to diagnose hepatitis C because it comes with no noticeable symptoms. Unlike the other types, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C. Contributing factors to the development of hepatitis Contributing factors are simple incidents, habits, or occurrences that can increase one’s chances of contracting hepatitis.

Probiotic foods are those that have bacteria that is good for digestion. This includes bacteria like lactobacillus, bifidobacterium that help smooth digestion of food. Sometimes, the good bacteria in the gut can get destroyed due to various reasons. This leads to digestive problems. Consuming food that has probiotics is thus good for digestion. It can improve mental health, reduce depression, improve skin health, and can also be good for the heart. On the other hand, prebiotics are foods that help the probiotic bacteria grow. They have resistant starch and other nutrients that help gut-friendly bacteria flourish. Consuming prebiotics naturally helps good bacteria. Foods like raw bananas, artichokes, and cooked cold potatoes are good prebiotics. Let’s take a look at some of the foods that can improve digestion: Yogurt One of the best sources for probiotics is yogurt. Since it is formed by fermentation of milk, it contains lactic acid bacteria. It helps prevent diarrhea and is also useful for those who have digestive troubles. Those who want a healthier option can choose low-fat yogurt without sugar. Sauerkraut Sauerkraut is a good probiotic. However, only unpasteurized sauerkraut should be consumed as it is safer. Miso soup This popular Japanese soup is made from soy paste that has been fermented. It is rich in probiotics and vitamins and low in calories and fat. Kefir Kefir is a milk drink that is made from goat’s milk and is fermented. The fermentation ensures the presence of probiotics. Apart from the positive effect on the stomach, it is also good for bone health and improves general immunity. Tempeh Tempeh is a fermented product that contains probiotics and is made from soybeans. Apart from the probiotic benefit, it also has vitamin B12 that is essential for the body. Sourdough bread This is a type of bread that is fermented and is thus rich in probiotics.

Opting for a meal kit service instead of takeout will help you save money and eat healthier. But with such delivery service establishments numbering into the hundreds, it’s difficult to find one that offers value for money meals. Luckily, we’ve taken the liberty of looking into food service options and found some pretty good ones out there. Without further ado, here’s a list of the best meal services you can order from in 2021. Home Chef Home Chef is one of the leading meal kit services, with more than 30 varieties to pick from. The service delivers pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. This way, it becomes easy for the consumer to prepare the meal. Home Chef also offers a Fresh and Easy meal service that requires minimal-to-no preparation, which works best for people on a busy schedule. Also, with plans starting at $7.99 per serving, you have the option to customize the meal. Freshly The brand offers a range of over 30+ all-natural dishes cooked by experienced chefs and delivered fresh to your home. All you need to do is heat the meal for about three minutes and enjoy it. Freshly offers plans that range from four meals to twelve meals a week. Further, each portion is perfectly curated for a single person in one sitting. You can avail of their meal services starting at just $8.99 per serving, which is a great deal for such a renowned brand. Sunbasket With several weekly recipes to pick from, Sunbasket is an ideal solution for those looking to either follow a meal plan or mix it up a little. The meal kit service also pledges to deliver food that is made of the best organic produce, pure spices, and beautifully sourced proteins. Furthermore, Sunbasket offers Fresh & Ready dinner meals starting at $8.99 and Meal Kits with easy cooking instructions starting at $10.99.

Arthritis is a health condition where one or more joints swell and become tender. This leads to symptoms such as stiffness and joint pain, which subsequently worsen with age. There are treatments to deal with different forms of arthritis that help reduce its symptoms and make life easier. Studies also show combining treatments with certain foods helps get rid of arthritis or reduces its symptoms. Leafy green vegetables Leafy greens contain high levels of vitamins E and vitamin C. A few leafy green vegetables are kale, spinach, cabbage, beet greens, collard greens, watercress, arugula, and Bok choy. Vitamin C helps produce collagen, facilitating joint flexibility. Vitamin E is known to ward off inflammatory molecules from the body. Berries When it comes to foods to help get rid of arthritis naturally, berries deserve a spot on your grocery list. Just like all fruits, berries are rich in antioxidants, which are known to help eliminate potential inflammations. Also, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries contain anthocyanins that help reduce inflammation. Fatty fish Fishes like mackerel, salmon, and tuna help deal with the symptoms of arthritis. These are rich in vitamin D and contain Omega-3 fatty acids that can significantly reduce any inflammation in the body. While you should consider eating fish a couple of times a week, an alternative solution is consuming fish oil supplements. Extra virgin olive oil Unlike regular cooking oils – which undoubtedly carry several health hazards – olive oil is highly beneficial to the human body. It contains heart-healthy fats. Olive oil also shields the body from bone loss when combined with vitamin D. It also contains oleocanthal – a compound that prevents the production of inflammatory properties in the body. Nuts Nuts are replete with magnesium, calcium, fibers, zinc, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts serve as anti-inflammatory agents that help deal with this condition.

One loves pampering their pet dogs with the best of foods and treats. This often means that you may indulge in sharing some of your foods with them. But dogs have a different digestive system compared to humans. This means that some of the foods that you enjoy could actually be harmful to them. This article discusses foods that are safe for your dog and provide them with necessary nutrients. Carrots Carrots are known for their nutritional benefits for humans. They are loaded with vitamins and beta-carotene that help promote heart, eyes, and skin health. Carrots are also super good for dogs. Carrots help remove plaque buildup from your pet’s teeth, helping maintain good dental health. Their nutritional content can also help improve a dog’s immune health, promoting a shiny coat and skin. Chicken Dogs love chicken meals and chicken broth, and these foods are also healthy for them. Plain-boiled chicken is a great option for when your dog has an upset tummy. It is important to remember that you should give them this food with little to no seasonings. Popcorn Popcorn is a great snack for humans and dogs. They contain minerals such as magnesium and zinc that can help both you and your dog stay healthy. The only thing that you need to keep in mind when serving your dog popcorn is that the snack needs to be completely devoid of any butter, salt, or sugar. Ensure that you do not give them any uncooked kernels, as this can cause them to choke. While human foods act as great treats for your dog, you may want to consider dog food for all your pet’s nutritional needs. Some of the most popular brands of dog food include the following. Royal Canin Royal Canin is one of the most popular dog food brands across the globe.