3 common types of soaps that trigger eczema flareups
health

3 common types of soaps that trigger eczema flareups

Eczema is one of the country’s most commonly diagnosed skin allergies, affecting over 31 million people with some form of the condition. There are many subtypes, and the symptoms also vary depending on the severity of the triggers or health complications that cause eczema. However, certain lifestyle habits like using harmful or harsh cosmetic products for daily skincare routines can also severely impact skin health. Here are 3 common types of soaps that trigger eczema allergies. Soaps with harsh cleansing agents For someone who may already have dormant skin allergies, cleansing agents can trigger flare-ups upon first contact. Most cleansing agent soaps designed to exfoliate the skin contain sodium lauryl sulfates that rob the skin of its natural oils and expose the delicate derma. Without proper hydration or natural moisture, the skin becomes more prone to developing cracks, sores, and infections. For this purpose, dermatologists recommend avoiding soaps and using emollients with an organic moisturizer base that gently exfoliates and rehydrates the skin. Fragrant soaps Artificial fragrances may smell really good and add that certain oomph factor to otherwise dull formulations used in soaps. But artificial fragrances are also one of the primary triggers of eczema flare-ups. When these soaps come in direct contact with the skin, many people tend to develop an allergic reaction that triggers inflammation, dryness, and persistent irritation.
Top 4 side effects of excessive caffeine intake
health

Top 4 side effects of excessive caffeine intake

Coffee and tea are very popular beverage choices. However, they contain caffeine – a substance that can boost metabolism, mood, and mental and physical performance. Many people drink caffeine for mental alertness, migraine, memory, and athletic performance. In most cases, drinking these beverages in low to moderate quantities is considered safe, but high doses of caffeine may have unpleasant and sometimes even dangerous side effects. So it’s advised to limit caffeine intake as much as possible. Side effects of caffeine Experts believe healthy adults can drink up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily. It means nearly 4 cups of brewed coffee a day is safe. However, one must know the possible side effects of caffeine, some of which are listed below. Insomnia One of the most prized qualities of caffeine is its ability to help people stay awake. But excessive amounts of caffeine can make it challenging to get restorative sleep. Furthermore, studies have found that high doses of caffeine decrease total sleeping time, especially in older adults. In addition, caffeine taken later in the day may interfere with sleep as its effects take several hours to wear off completely. Rapid heart rate High amounts of caffeine also possess stimulatory effects that can increase heart rate.
5 foods that may trigger or worsen epilepsy
health

5 foods that may trigger or worsen epilepsy

From movement and awareness to thinking, speech, and hearing, the CNS controls several integral bodily functions. Epilepsy is a CNS-related disorder caused by brain activity abnormalities, triggering abnormal behavior phases. Muscle stiffness, uncontrollable body jerks, and loss of consciousness are some of its common symptoms. A systematic treatment course, a healthy meal plan, and some lifestyle changes can help control epilepsy symptoms. Here are some foods patients with epilepsy should avoid or limit: Bananas Bananas contain high potassium levels, which is an essential nutrient for the body. However, excessive banana consumption will lead to excess potassium concentration in one’s body. This may lead to periodic seizures. Thus, patients with seizures must consume bananas in limited quantities. Sugary foods and beverages Increased sugar intake can spike in blood sugar levels, which may trigger seizures in some people. Consequently, it helps to avoid foods and beverages containing high sugar concentrations, including soft drinks and processed foods. Baked items Baked foods are typically prepared using refined flour and contain trans fats, which can increase one’s risk for cholesterol and heart diseases, including cardiac arrhythmia. Cardiac arrhythmia can lead to convulsive syncope, characterized by seizure-like symptoms. Thus, it is important to avoid or limit having baked foods like cakes, pastries, and bread, particularly if they are store-bought.
Best and worst foods for managing scoliosis
health

Best and worst foods for managing scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine in the coronal or frontal plane. It is generally diagnosed during adolescence and may lead to pain in the lower back, back stiffness, pain or numbness in the legs due to pinched nerves, or fatigue due to muscle strain. Treatment for this condition involves the use of braces, spinal fusion surgery, or spine and rib-based growing operations. Further, healthy food choices are an important part of recovery. Best foods Here are three foods to eat when undergoing scoliosis recovery to improve health and wellness: Fresh fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are a rich source of nutrients as well as fiber, which are important for maintaining one’s overall health. Fresh produce like broccoli, apples, tomatoes, avocados, cauliflower, carrots, kale, Brussels sprouts, pears, peaches, celery, and green beans can be beneficial during recovery. Unprocessed meats: Organic meats, such as chicken, turkey, fish, and beef, are a great way of providing proteins to the body. However, one should steer clear of processed meats, as they may have unhealthy additives and preservatives. Foods with vitamin D and calcium: Calcium and vitamin D are crucial for maintaining bone health and must be added to meals in healthy doses.
Top 6 foods for healthy and glowing skin
health

Top 6 foods for healthy and glowing skin

Nutrition is important for good health. Unhealthy food can cause damage to one’s metabolism and organs. Furthermore, various studies have suggested that food and its nutritional value significantly affect the health and aging of the skin. So, healthcare experts recommend adding healthy foods to one’s nutrition regime. Read further to know which foods help achieve glowing and blemish-free skin. Top 6 foods for glowing skin A meal plan that focuses on high-quality lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, fiber, and healthy oils is the best for supporting healthy skin. Avocados Fresh fruits such as avocados are packed with healthy fats. These fats greatly benefit the skin. Moreover, avocados are a good source of vitamin E, an important antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative damage. Tomatoes Tomato-based foods like juice and sauce may help clear up acne. Moreover, tomatoes contain a phytochemical known as lycopene, which makes them red. Lycopene boosts collagen strength and fights against the damage caused by UV rays. Ginger This superfood is best known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, multiple studies have shown that ginger has a soothing effect on the skin. So, one can also try ginger facials to achieve glowing skin. Walnuts Walnuts are a rich source of essential fatty acids, which are fats that aren’t produced by the body.
Top 4 food items that guarantee healthy hair
health

Top 4 food items that guarantee healthy hair

Nutrition plays a crucial role in a person’s general health. The food one eats regularly helps keep the skin and hair healthy. Further, foods also impact the hair’s volume, growth, and strength. However, the speed of growth and hair strength may also depend on various factors such as genetics, age, overall health, and environmental exposure. Although one cannot change these factors, one can adjust the daily meal plan to ensure proper nutrition. Foods for healthy hair Vitamins and minerals in food play a pivotal role in the growth cycles of hair follicles. Hence, healthcare professionals suggest a meal plan encompassing all the vital nutrients for healthy hair. Some of such healthy food choices are listed below. Salmon Fishes like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. As the body cannot produce these fats, one can add these fish to their meal plan to ensure nutrition. Further, the fatty acids also protect the body from diseases and ensure the growth and shine of the hair. Eggs A good source of protein and biotin, eggs are essential for hair growth. As hair follicles are made up of protein, one must ensure regular protein intake to ensure minimum hair loss.
5 unexpected things that may increase one’s cancer risk
health

5 unexpected things that may increase one’s cancer risk

The incidences of cancer have been estimated at 442.4 per 1,00,000 men and women in the country. This health condition has emerged as a major cause of concern. However, interventions for cancer are becoming more advanced and successful. Following a prescribed treatment course and making some lifestyle changes can help in the symptom management of cancer. But here are some things you probably never knew could increase one’s risk for this disease. Chimneys Chimney sweeping results in exposure to large volumes of soot and dust. Ingestion of wood fumes, coal, and other burnt substances have been found to cause scrotal skin cancer or scrotal carcinoma, now commonly called as Pott’s cancer. Historically, children, particularly young boys, were ordered to clean chimneys due to their petite sizes. The prevalence of chimney sweep cancer among these children led to the discovery of this cancer type by doctor Percivall Pott in London in 1775. Hair straighteners According to recent studies the use of hair straighteners and relaxers may increase women’s susceptibility to uterine cancer. Moreover, it suggested that women of African descent may be at higher risk for this type of cancer than others.  Scented candles Scented candles are often the ideal props to set up the perfect romantic dinner or date night.
4 foods to avoid while dealing with cold sores
health

4 foods to avoid while dealing with cold sores

Cold sores are a problematic symptom of the Herpes Simplex Virus that can derail your plans. They often appear when you are already under the weather, making them even more challenging to eliminate. Furthermore, they are not as quick to leave as they are to arrive. They linger around for longer and might feed off some healthy food you eat to boost your immunity. Here are some foods to avoid while dealing with cold sores. Chocolate Chocolate has often been touted for all the health benefits it brings. It is also loaded with antioxidants; the darker the chocolate, the higher its protein and fiber content will be. But chocolate is best avoided for people with cold sores because of its high arginine content. For people who prefer hot chocolate in the winter, switching to alternatives like cappuccino will help save some discomfort. Pickles Foods with high salt content, like pickles, are another no-no for people with cold sores. Not only does high sodium content further irritate the skin it also interferes with macrophage activation. Since macrophages are essential to bringing down the inflammatory markers in the body, eating foods like pickles can prove counter-productive to cold sores treatments. Oranges Stress is one of the most common reasons behind cold sores, as it impairs the immune system’s functioning.
6 foods that can worsen hearing problems
health

6 foods that can worsen hearing problems

Research indicates that one in eight people in the country, aged 12 years or older, lives with hearing loss in both ears. Thus, loss of hearing is a prominent issue that needs to be addressed. Recent technological advancements have resulted in several interventions to enhance hearing, including hearing aids, brainstem implants, and other assistive devices. In addition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding certain types of food can contribute to healing from hearing loss. Red meat Red meat is high in saturated and trans fats, which can cause plaque to generate in the arteries and impede blood circulation. Sometimes, poor blood circulation can contribute to hearing impairments, such as tinnitus. Baked foods Baked foods contain large amounts of refined sugar and carbohydrates, especially store-bought products like cakes, pastries, and puddings. High glucose levels in the blood can damage the small blood vessels and nerves present in the inner ear. Monosodium glutamate Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an excitatory neurotransmitter that can cause neurological damage, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Thus, it is advisable for individuals at risk of or grappling with hearing loss to avoid or limit foods from restaurants or ready-to-eat foods, which usually contain MSG. Caffeine Excessive intake of caffeinated beverages such as tea and coffee can increase one’s blood pressure, triggering a ringing sensation in the ears and conditions like tinnitus.
4 things to avoid before bed for managing migraine
health

4 things to avoid before bed for managing migraine

Migraine is a condition with a persistent and painful headache that is felt around the temples of the head. These can be triggered by loud noise, bright light, or some foods. And if a person regularly experiences migraine headaches, one should try making changes to one’s pre-bedtime routine to manage the triggers. This article discusses 4 things to avoid before going to bed to manage them. Read on to learn more. Irregular sleep schedule Not getting enough sleep or oversleeping can both trigger a headache. Experts suggest that following a strict sleep schedule can be extremely useful in keeping that migraine away. Going to bed at the same time and waking up around the same time will channel one’s body to get the appropriate amount of rest needed every night. This applies on the weekend too. This might be a good hack to try if one easily gets triggered by headaches. Bright room with too much noise This is especially important to avoid for those dealing with migraine attacks. A dark room with a comfortable bed and no noise is highly appreciated. According to the National Sleep Foundation, keeping the room temperature to 68 Fahrenheit is the ideal way to get the most restful and comfortable sleep.

Top Articles

6 high dividend ETF funds you can invest in
finance

6 high dividend ETF funds you can invest in

Before you search for the best dividend exchange-traded funds (ETFs), it is recommended you understand your needs and overall investment objectives. ETFs are hybrids of mutual funds and stocks. When you invest in the ETF, you purchase shares in the fund, which buys the underlying asset. Here are six of the best high-dividend ETF funds: Vanguard High Dividend Yield (VYM) This ETF adopts the simple method of choosing stocks that have higher dividend yield when compared to other companies. This has resulted in building a diversified portfolio comprising 400 stocks with higher market capitalization. The majority of these stocks belong to the healthcare, consumer, and financial sectors. During the last decade, VYM delivered average annual returns of 12.9%. The expense ratio is the lowest in the industry at 0.06% per annum. Vanguard Dividend Appreciation (VIG) The ETF focuses on investing in companies that have a long history of increasing their dividend payouts over the years. The portfolio includes approximately 180 stocks with low yields. The ETF has earned average returns of 12.6% per year over the last 10 years. The expense ratio is 0.06%, which makes it an excellent option if you do not mind lower dividend returns currently but want to earn more in the future.
Top 5 providers for automated investments
finance

Top 5 providers for automated investments

Roboadvisors are gaining popularity as these investment programs offer affordable financial advice to a large number of investors. These automated advisors use an algorithm to recommend investment options that best suit your requirements. The best automated investing algorithms offer simple account setup, portfolio management, low fees, strong goal planning, and security. Here are the top five providers of automated investments. Betterment This roboadvisor is the best for delivering top-quality services. You may sync various financial accounts without investing to gain an overall picture of your investment portfolio. You may choose the pre-built Betterment portfolios or customize one to meet your needs. The algorithm gives you the flexibility to add new goals as required while monitoring your progress without any difficulties. The advisor charges between 0.25% and 0.4% management fees with no minimum account requirement. Wealthfront It is one of the largest Robo-advisors and provides goal-based investing enabling you to understand the future effects of your financial decisions. You may choose from a wide range of portfolios that comprise individual stocks to meet your financial goals. Once your portfolio accumulates USD 25,000, Wealthfront allows you to borrow against its value. The service provider also offers margin lending. The management fee for most accounts is 0.25% and you need an account minimum of USD 500.
Top 5 retirement investment funds for your portfolio
finance

Top 5 retirement investment funds for your portfolio

Most people work for decades so that they can make investments and collect sufficient funds for their retirement years. Having enough savings for the golden years is ideally the most significant goal for you as an investor, but the volatile market may make it difficult to understand which retirement funds are suitable for you. To help you out, here are the best retirement investments that you can include in your portfolio: Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Fund This retirement fund is created for investors who want to retire early so that they can enjoy the benefits of their investment within 15 years. However, even if you don’t want to retire that early, this fund has various offerings that make it one of the best retirement investments available in the market. As of now, this retirement fund offers a current yield of over 2%, and the expense ratio is 0.14%. Plus, Vanguard is quite a trusted name for keeping your money safe. Northern Global Tactical Asset Allocation Fund This fund offers one of the best diversifications and a lot more protection in case the fund underperforms. So, it invests in mutual funds and exchange-traded funds and aims to provide long-term capital appreciation at an expense ratio of 0.58%.
Top 5 capital providers for your business
finance

Top 5 capital providers for your business

People who wish to set up their business ventures need additional funding to get going. Many banks and financial institutions help promising businesses with the same and in this article, we would be covering guaranteed business loan providers. You can check the following list out when looking for business loan providers. Wells Fargo Wells Fargo is one of the best financial institutions when it comes to guaranteed business loan providers in the market. It offers various other financial products. It claims to be a leader when it comes to small business loans. The unsecured business loan has varied loan amounts starting from $10,000 and going up to $100,000. The term for this product is between one to five years. Additionally, you can go for other loans offered by Wells Fargo, such as the Equipment Express Loan or the Advancing Term Loan. Capital One Capital One does not only offer good deals on business credit cards, its business loan is worth considering too. If you are looking at a funding source that can help expand your business or get going with the operations, then we highly recommend you to choose the business loan offered by Capital One. Starting at a minimal amount of $10,000 and a maximum term length of 5 years, the repayment term is simple and can be done on a monthly basis.
All you need to know about home insurance policy
finance

All you need to know about home insurance policy

Buying a home comes with a lot of responsibilities. There are a lot of risks that come with owning a home like the risk of theft and property damage. Investing in the right kind of home insurance policy is important so as to be financially prepared for these risks. There are several different companies in the market that offer home insurance policies with different kinds of terms and coverages. Remember the following points before choosing a home insurance policy. Explore your options As mentioned earlier, there is a wide variety of home insurance policies available to homeowners at this time. When selecting one, it is important to consider factors like what potential risks are being covered in the policy. It is also important to consider the company’s record in your area, whether they are reliable as insurance providers, and their response time. Ask about discounts Home insurance policy in 2021 offers additional services and discounts. They may offer discounts on additional safety installment services such as installing an alarm system, smoke alarm, or better locks. There may also be certain offers for old and retired personnel as well as some discounts for policies when taken via your employer’s or organization’s reference.
5 technologies revolutionizing financial services
finance

5 technologies revolutionizing financial services

For any industry to sustain itself in today’s world, implementing digital strategies has become indispensable. This holds particularly true for the financial services industry. The good news is that digital transformation in financial services has already begun, and we’ll likely see more and more innovative technologies underpinning banking and financial institutions in the coming years. Keep reading to learn about the latest digital transformation trends in the financial services industry. Big data and artificial intelligence The combination of big data and artificial intelligence is a revolutionary digital strategy that is shaping the future of banking and financial services. The technology helps institutions process, store, and drive valuable insights from the data they gather from their customers’ activities. Big data and artificial intelligence allow institutions to create a highly personalized experience, helping businesses attract and retain customers. Blockchain Blockchain is a fairly new technology that is becoming increasingly popular in the financial services industry. With blockchain technology, all transactions are permanently stored in the blockchain network, providing the highest level of transparency and security. Nobody can tamper with these transactions, which nearly eliminates the risk of error and fraud. Besides security, the technology is being explored for use in a wide variety of banking and investment applications.