Bipolar disorder is a mental condition wherein a person experiences extreme mood swings. A person’s feelings may go from extremely good to really low in life. Due to the extreme range of symptoms, it often gets tough to diagnose bipolar disorder. There is no cure for it, but the symptoms can be controlled with medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes. Diet is a major contributing factor to this deadly mental disorder. Certain foods can affect your mood majorly while others can have calming effects. Here are some foods to avoid if you have bipolar disorder. One should remember that it is vital to take a holistic approach and focus on diet as well as other forms of medication and treatment. Some foods to avoid if you have bipolar disorder include: Grapefruit – It has been seen in many cases that some bipolar medicines, particularly anticonvulsants, do not interact appropriately with grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Thus, it is one of the foods to avoid if you have bipolar disorder. Caffeine – Caffeine in any form is known to irritate people and make them restless. It could also cause sleeplessness and nervousness. It is also known to suppress hunger. Thus, caffeine intake should be minimized, and the person should be slowly weaned off it. If you suddenly eliminate it from the diet, it could alleviate symptoms, so do it gradually. Any kind of addiction or dependency is damaging in this condition. Thus, it is most certainly one of the foods to avoid if you have bipolar disorder. High-fat foods – Any food with a lot of fat content in it will take time to digest and can add to the lethargy levels already prevalent in bipolar patients. Also, fatty foods make it tough for bipolar medications to get absorbed in the body, thereby inhibiting their benefit.

A flea infestation can be extremely frustrating. Fleas are difficult to get rid of and their bites can cause allergies. Additionally, using chemicals to get rid of fleas may cause problems for humans and pets. As a result, most switch to natural remedies, as they are safe and effective. Herbal spray Pest control services use chemical sprays to kill fleas that can be risky for humans and pets. You can instead prepare a herbal spray that is safe and effective. Some lemon juice can be boiled to create a spray solution. Moreover, witch hazel can be added to the spray to increase its effectiveness. This spray should be used all over your home since fleas can hide in corners, especially in your pet’s bedding. This spray smells nice and doesn’t have any side effects. Citronella oil Citronella oil can be mixed with tea tree and lemongrass oil to create a solution. Citronella is known to destroy fleas. This solution can be used to clean the entire house with the help of a mop. If this is done frequently, it can help get rid of fleas completely. Diatomaceous earth Diatoms are a type of algae. The microscopic remains of the algae are called diatomaceous earth. While one is a commercial-grade alga, the other food grade. If you want to use it at home to get rid of fleas, you should use the food-grade one to avoid side effects. The powder should be sprinkled in all areas where fleas could be hiding. The powder kills fleas and their eggs as well. Dish soap In a plate, add dish soap and place a candle in the center. Leave this in the room that is infested with fleas. The fleas would get attracted to the candle and fall into the soapy solution and die.

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.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder that makes one experience chronic swelling, pain, stiffness, and joint problems that majorly affect the arms or legs. However, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can also be experienced in different joints of the body. Inflammation is one of the glaring signs of one developing a condition like rheumatoid arthritis, and persistent flareups result in the worsening of these chronic symptoms. One of the first treatment options for a condition includes taking a prescribed course of the following class of medications. Prednisone Prednisone is a popular corticosteroid-class anti-inflammatory medication that targets inflammation and provides quick relief from one of the major symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. You can take this medication as a tablet or an oral solution. The dosage is adjusted accordingly depending on the form of the medication. Prednisone is the generic variant effective against rheumatoid arthritis. there are several brand variants of this corticosteroid that you can alternatively explore. With the GoodRx Gold Pharmacy card, you can save up to 78% on 10 tablets of 20 mg generic dosage. Depending on the dosage, the number of tablets purchased, and discount offered by the pharmacy, prices will vary. Ibuprofen It is an analgesic class non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication effective for managing the stiffness, swelling and pain due to rheumatoid arthritis inflammation. Ibuprofen specifically interferes with the production of certain enzymes as a countermeasure for the symptoms. It is available in the generic as well as the Motrin brand variants. Doctors may generally prescribe the oral tablets or a bottle of oral suspension that comes in varying doses. You can save up to 74% on 15 tablets of 400mg doses on the generic prescription. If you prefer the bottle of oral suspension, save up to 45% on a single 118 ml unit with 100mg/5ml dosage. Note that prices will vary depending on the form and variant of this popular medication.

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, paranoia, fuzzy thinking, delusions, social withdrawal, and cognitive issues. Though treated with a mix of therapy and medicines, diet can help relieve some symptoms and worsen some of them if not considered carefully. People afflicted with schizophrenia generally have unhealthy eating habits leading to other health issues. On consuming foods high in saturated fats and low in fiber can increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Here is a low down on the best and worst foods for schizophrenia. Fruits and vegetables Consume all kinds of fruits ranging from raspberries and apples to pears. Fiber-rich fruits help in lowering the incidence of risks associated with schizophrenia such as diabetes, obesity, and heart problems. One gets an additional benefit of vitamins and minerals from fruits. Veggies are not only low in fats and calories but are also a wholesome source of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients such as potassium. Go for lima beans, sweet potatoes, and kidney beans. Aim to have fresh fruits and vegetables rather than having frozen or pre-cut and dried. Include foods of a variety of colors. Eat five healthy portions during the day. Fish The human body needs essential omega-3 fatty acids but it cannot be made by the body. A growing body of research is pointing towards omega 3 as helping in slowing down the disease progression. The best source for omega 3 fatty acids is mackerel, herring, sardines, salmon, and trout. One can also go for over the counter supplements. Try to eat at least three portions of oily fish to gain benefits of the same. Chicken marinara The symptoms of schizophrenia can be eased by consuming chicken and marinara sauce. Both are rich sources of niacin. Niacin should be taken less than 1 gram per day as higher doses are toxic for the liver.

Dogs love smelling things. They want to put their snout on anything that comes across their path, be it garbage on the sidewalk or blossoming flowers in a park or garden. While some things are downright disgusting, other items can be toxic to your dog’s health. Certain plants can cause diarrhea and other serious issues like liver damage. Hence, it’s important to keep your dog away from the plants mentioned below. Sago palms These popular indoor ornamental palms are found in warmer climates. Every part of this plant is toxic to your dog. If consumed, it can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, and seizures. Aloe vera Aloe vera is another common household plant grown mainly because of its many beneficial properties. However, its gooey gel contains some components that are toxic for dogs. It can cause lethargy, stomach problems, vomiting, and diarrhea. Elephant’s ear Elephant’s ear is a beautiful plant commonly found in warm climates. This plant can be harmful to dogs as it contains glass-like insoluble oxalate crystals, which can result in severe irritation, swelling in the mouth, vomiting, and diarrhea. Azaleas All parts of the azalea plant, including the flower, leaves, seeds, and honey made from its nectar, are toxic to dogs. Signs of ingestion include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, eye problems, slow heart rate (bradycardia), heart arrhythmia, low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse. In some cases, it can even cause death. Ivy Some of the most common types of ivy are the English ivy and Devil’s ivy, also known as Golden Pothos. All of them are toxic to your furry pet. If consumed, it can lead to mouth and stomach irritation, foaming, excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs. Snake plant Snake plants are one of the most common household plants in the world since they require little maintenance.

Arthritis is an inflammation of one or many joints, which can cause pain and stiffness. There are multiple types of arthritis and each has its own symptoms. Characterized by swelling, fatigue, loss of appetite, and redness of the skin around the joints, arthritis can also cause a decreased range of motion. Moreover, wear and tear of the tissues around your joints is a major cause for arthritis. Although no food can completely cure arthritis, it can make a difference. Eating healthy foods can decrease the severity significantly. Some of the food that you should consume regularly when suffering from arthritis are: Fish Omega-3 fatty acids are components in food that greatly reduce the effects of arthritis by decreasing the inflammation around the joints. Fish are packed with high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, especially salmon, mackerel, and tuna. These fish are great for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Soy Serving as an alternative for fish, this vegan product is also packed with Omega-3 fatty acids. Soy also contains high fiber and is wholesome. Some items containing soy that you can incorporate into your daily diet include tofu, soy milk, etc. Oils As bad as corn oil is for people with arthritis, other types of oils such as olive, avocado, safflower, and walnut prove to be extremely helpful to reduce the effects of arthritis. These oils have great anti-inflammatory properties. Walnut oil has more Omega-3 content than olive oil. Avocado and safflower oils also reduce cholesterol. These oils are especially helpful for osteoarthritis. Cherry Cherries are known to reduce the recurrence of gout attacks. Anthocyanins present in cherries have an anti-inflammatory effect on your joints. This substance is also found in other red and purple fruits, such as raspberries and blueberries. Dairy Low-fat dairy products show results that are exactly the opposite of high-fat dairy products.

Lung cancer is a common form of cancer all over the world. The death rate due to lung cancer is considerably high. Most forms of cancer are caused due to quick and changing lifestyles, bad dietary habits, and heredity. Once a person is affected by cancer, he or she has to undergo painful and uncomfortable treatment. However, you can prevent getting cancer if certain food items are avoided. The food items to be avoided in order to prevent lung cancer include: Processed meat Studies have proven that processed meat is related to poor lung function. This type of meat is processed using various artificial flavors like color fixatives, preservatives, taste improvers, antimicrobial agents, and added nitrates. These added flavors and chemicals increase chances of inflammation in lung tissues and airways, which leads to cell damage in the lungs. Meat is an important source of protein, however, there should be a healthy limitation to the quantity consumed, along with proper intake of fresh fruits and vegetables — this can lower the risk of cancer. Red meat High intake of red meat increases the chances of lung cancer. Red meat needs to be cooked well before consuming. It needs to be well-done and reheated until it is steaming hot before being served or consumed. Fat Consuming high amounts of fatty foods increases the cholesterol level in our body, which leads to a higher risk of lung cancer. Chain smokers already face cancer risk, which increases when these fats are consumed in larger amounts. Coffee Increased intake of caffeine leads to higher chances of getting lung cancer. Consuming more than two cups a day affects the lung airway, which leads to a deficiency in oxygen that damages lung cells. Unpasteurized food and products Any food product in its raw form is a habitat to several infectious viruses and bacteria.

Diet plays an important role in asthma treatment. The food to have listed here are those that are good for those suffering from asthma. These items do not cause any allergic reaction and can help provide relief from asthma symptoms. Diet has an important role to play in the management of asthma. Certain foods can trigger an asthma attack and need to be avoided. While there are foods that can be safely consumed by asthma patients which even might help improve their condition, foods triggering an attack must be avoided. A balanced diet ensures the body gets sufficient nutrients. It helps to improve immunity and overall health. Herein, we duscuss the best foods that can be consumed for dealing with asthma. Vitamin D Vitamin D is helpful, especially in children and can help reduce asthma attack incidents. Salmon, milk, eggs, and citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin D. However, those allergic to milk and eggs should avoid them. Basking in the sunlight also helps get Vitamin D. Vitamin A Vitamin A has a role to play in improving the function of the lungs. Foods that are rich in Vitamin A include carrots, broccoli, all leafy green vegetables, sweet potatoes, papayas, and mangoes. Carrots, in particular, have beta-carotene that is believed to help reduce asthma attacks brought about by exercise. Magnesium Children need to have sufficient magnesium levels to develop their lung function. Foods rich in magnesium include salmon, nuts, seeds, peas, asparagus, bananas, figs, and kale. Again, caution needs to be exercised, as some of these foods may cause allergies in some people. Foods causing allergies need to be identified and avoided. Fruits and Vegetables Most fruits and vegetables can be safely consumed by asthma patients. They provide excellent nutrients and help in improving general immunity. Bananas, for instance, contain potassium that can improve lung function.

Having wrinkles, especially near the under-eye area, is a common complaint among many people, but these surface naturally once a person is in their 40s. However, it could be a cause of concern if wrinkles start appearing in the late 20s or early 30s. Premature wrinkling around the eyes could occur due to multiple factors including genetics, stress, constant sun exposure, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. However, there are some helpful preventive measures that can be taken to keep under-eye wrinkles at bay for as long as possible. Start with a moisturizer The under-eye area has a thinner skin compared to the rest of the face, which makes it extremely sensitive. It can quickly lose hydration, leading to premature fine lines and wrinkles. So, you should always moisturize to avoid dryness. We’d recommend investing in a moisturizer that is specially designed for delicate under-eye skin. This is because regular face moisturizers can be harsh and will cause inflammation and stinging in your eyes. When you are buying an under-eye moisturizer, look for ingredients like retinol, vitamin A derivative, growth factors, and peptides. These encourage collagen production that is instrumental for taut and younger-looking skin. Be gentle on your skin You might not realize it, but unwittingly you might be harsh on your skin while applying or removing eye makeup that could eventually cause fine lines and wrinkles. The bottom line is that you should be gentle while putting makeup around the eye. We also suggest you to use soft cotton pads instead of cloth to gently remove eyeliner, mascara, or eyeshadow. Don’t skimp on sun protection One of the major reasons for premature under-eye wrinkles is consistent sun exposure. It can darken and dry the under-eye skin. So you should regularly apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever you step out. In addition, consider purchasing a pair of sunglasses that render UV protection.

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.

Eczema affects both children and adults. It is a term commonly used to describe a group of skin conditions. These include atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis among many others. However, most of these conditions exhibit similar visible indicators of a developing condition. These include developing a rash or light yellowish-brown crusts and pus-filled blisters on the skin. Inflammation is one of the most persistent discomforts of Eczema and can aggravate the skin condition if left unchecked. Statistics indicate that over 31 million citizens suffer from some form of eczema. Despite that, it is not an extremely severe health complication and is quite manageable with simple natural treatments. Herein we discuss three common ways to manage flare-ups and counter symptoms with minimum side effects from the comfort of your home. Baths for eczema relief A simple hot water bath infused with home ingredients like baking soda, bleach, colloidal oatmeal, bath oils, Epsom salts, and vinegar proves to be an excellent topical remedy. Baking soda has soothing qualities and is rich in antibacterial properties effective for eczema relief. Bleach is another potent option that helps counter bacteria forming on the skin. Colloidal oatmeal, on the other hand, helps provide relief from the itching sensation and restores the pH balance of the skin. Gentle bath oils provide respite from the itching and go one step further to nourish and moisturize the skin. Using a salt bath is another great alternative for mild to moderate symptoms of the skin condition. You can use generic table salt, sea salt, or even Epsom salt for preparing the bath. Apple cider vinegar is another versatile ingredient rich in healing properties that helps reduce the bacteria forming on the skin. Topical home remedies Irritation of the skin is also one of the primary symptoms of eczema which is where topical remedies are effective.