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6 lifestyle habits that may disrupt menstrual cycle

6 lifestyle habits that may disrupt menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is a complex natural process controlled by female hormones and causes regular bleeding (periods). However, this cycle could be interrupted due to several factors, including pregnancy, menopause, or underlying health complications. As a result, the period may occur early or late, along with a difference in the blood flow. But apart from natural factors, one might also make these six lifestyle errors that may affect their menstrual cycle. Stressing out Stress caused by factors, including work, personal issues, or other reasons, could be unhealthy for one’s overall well-being. When an individual is stressed, it may cause problems with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which helps regulate ovulation and menstruation. So the period may stop or change from its normal pattern. While this may not cause long-term problems, it is recommended to look for ways to reduce stress. For example, one could indulge in yoga, tai-chi, breathing exercises, and other techniques to improve mental well-being. Exercising excessively Regular exercise is one of the best ways to maintain physical and mental health. However, intense routines may apply more stress on the body, which might tamper with the hormones responsible for the period. Therefore, it is important to avoid high-intensity exercises if one’s menstrual cycle is affected.

6 common period mistakes women make

6 common period mistakes women make
Taking care of the body and maintaining proper hygiene during the menstrual period is incredibly important. This also includes using safe and hygienic menstrual products, which are extremely affordable. However, one can make a few mistakes while on their period, which can cause issues in the long run. Read this article to learn more about menstrual products and tips on how to avoid some common mistakes while on a period. Common mistakes made during the menstrual period Using scented tampons or pads In most cases, usage of scented menstrual products can lead to skin irritation and even cause burn-like symptoms. Hence, healthcare professionals recommend using fragrance-free products without any additives, such as aloe vera. Furthermore, one can also use organic products that contain no chemicals. Not keeping track of the period The menstrual cycle is often one of the markers of overall health. In fact, for some health conditions such as diabetes, celiac disease, and thyroid dysfunction, the menstrual cycle can be an indicator of the condition. Furthermore, irregular periods in women can also indicate certain forms of cancer. Hence, one can use period and ovulation tracking apps to ease the process of period tracking and maintain overall health. Additionally, seeking medical advice is suggested in case of a missed period.

7 side effects of insufficient water intake

7 side effects of insufficient water intake
The human body comprises of eighty percent water and twenty percent other elements. Water is an essential component of the body for the proper functioning of each cell. Moreover, drinking seven to eight glasses of water a day is recommended. Not drinking enough water makes one dehydrated, causing several problems like fatigue, dizziness, skin problems, and many more, but these are all external factors. So let’s look at the signs that may indicate dehydration. One of the major signs to be aware of is bloating. Usually, when one does not drink sufficient water, it can lead to constipation. This, in turn, promotes bloating. One must drink at least eight to ten glasses of water throughout the day to prevent bloating. Low water intake can sometimes be dangerous and can directly affect one’s health condition. In addition, overall health is perfectly balanced when each organ of the body functions properly. The body needs water to digest food particles and remove toxins. Skin-related problems When you do not drink adequate water, it automatically gets reflected through the skin. Common skin problems due to dehydration are red, dry, and dull skin. These issues cannot be solved completely with moisturizers, sunscreen, and oil-rich products alone.

5 mistakes to avoid when dealing with chronic pain

5 mistakes to avoid when dealing with chronic pain
Chronic pain can result from many health conditions. Here, one may not adequately prepare themselves for the constant discomfort, especially when it worsens unexpectedly. However, one can find many treatment options to relieve pain and address the underlying causes. But, exerting or unintentionally doing things that aggravate the pain can make it difficult to manage over time. So here are a few mistakes to avoid when dealing with chronic pain: Taking up excessive work Trying to take up a lot of chores or work tasks can make pain management difficult. Many chores squeezed into a small amount of time might lead to unnecessary stress—both mental and physical. So, one should avoid adding too many tasks to their to-do list to avoid feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. One should schedule their activities in a manageable way for the body to get enough rest. Making poor food choices While junk food can be a convenient meal choice, fried and ultra-processed foods lack the necessary nutrients one needs to recover from chronic pain and build energy. Further, nutrient deficiency can worsen the pain. Further, foods with excessive sugar and salt can worsen inflammation, aggravating chronic pain. So, nutrient-rich foods should make up most of the daily meals to lower pain and prevent health issues brought on by bad food habits and discomfort.

6 gardening mistakes to steer clear of

6 gardening mistakes to steer clear of
Nothing compares to the excitement of growing your own food, especially if it’s the first time! The idea of sowing a tiny seed and watching it develop into something that may wind up on your kitchen table will make you smile. But gardening doesn’t always turn out as expected. Most amateurs make gardening mistakes that impact their produce. Here, we’ll explain some of these mistakes and how to correct them. Too much exposure to light Plants require sunlight to grow, but too much exposure is dangerous. The leaves of a plant can grow pale, turn brown, and eventually die when exposed to direct sunlight for too long. So, shield them from excessive sunshine, especially during the hot summer. Notice how the light conditions in your garden vary as the seasons change to avoid making this typical error. Watering excessively or insufficiently Consistent watering is necessary for successful harvests. Most crops thrive when they receive roughly an inch of precipitation every week. So, get a rain gauge to track the rainfall. If your garden has stagnant water puddles, the crops might suffer, and the leaves may turn yellow. To prevent that, add several inches of organic matter to your soil. Mulching will also help maintain a stable soil moisture level.

Factors that determine daily water intake levels

Factors that determine daily water intake levels
Drinking water daily is essential for optimum health, but excessive water intake can lead to diarrhea, frequent urination, and other conditions. Therefore, one must understand how much water intake is safe for them. Daily water intake depends on multiple factors. Experts suggest drinking eight glasses of water daily, but not everyone needs to follow this. Keep reading to learn how much water one should drink daily to maintain optimum health. Advantages of drinking water Almost 60% of the human body is made up of water. Your body needs water to function correctly. Going without water for over a few days can lead to life-threatening complications. There are many advantages to drinking water daily, some of which are listed below. Control your body’s temperature. Maintain a healthy mouth. Lubricate your joints and safeguard your delicate tissues Eliminate hazardous wastes through urine, sweat, and stool Positive effects on skin health Maintains the bloodstream liquid enough to travel through blood vessels How much water should a person drink daily? There is no clear-cut suggestion on how much water a person should drink daily. It is because each body is different and requires different amounts of water daily. However, some experts believe that- Adequately hydrated men should drink 3.7 liters (125 ounces) of water daily.

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4 common myths about diabetes debunked

When the glucose levels in the body are high and insulin levels are not proportionate enough to convert this glucose into energy, the risk of diabetes increases. It is basically the inability of the body to convert food into energy using insulin. The glucose is broken down into energy for cells to absorb and when this conversion doesn’t take place, blood sugar levels rise. If left unchecked, it can lead to a number of complications. However, there are certain myths about diabetes that can create confusion among the masses. Here is what you must know and understand about the condition. Myth 1: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same. The fact of the matter is that both type 1 and 2 are linked to insulin deficiency that causes diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce any insulin, and people suffering from this condition must rely on regular doses of insulin to supplement these requirements. Type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune disorder that is mostly diagnosed in children. In type 2 diabetes, the body still manages to produce insulin but the cells are unable to absorb the compound necessary for converting food into energy. Depending on the severity of the condition, people suffering from type 2 diabetes may or may not need insulin shots. Myth 2: Insulin dependence Nothing can be further from the truth that insulin is a lifesaving medication and absolutely necessary for people suffering from severe diabetes. The body cannot convert food into energy without insulin. How the supply is replenished does not matter as there is a need for the deficiency to be managed better. People with type 2 diabetes can still manage a healthy lifestyle and reduce their dependence on insulin to a great extent. However, it is a mandatory medication for those who have type 1 diabetes.

The risk factors associated with dehydration

Dehydration is the loss of fluids from one’s body. It can be caused due to something as simple as not having an adequate water intake or perhaps a severe medical side effect. The symptoms of fluid loss caused due to this condition can affect people of all ages. From toddlers and infants to older adults, one can experience mild to severe dehydration depending on the primary cause of the same. Herein, we shall try and understand the severity and risk factors associated with dehydration in people of different ages. Children and infants At a very young age, infants and children are more susceptible to bacterial infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Both result in the rapid loss of fluids. Note that infants lose more fluids in comparison to adults. Young children, especially toddlers, unlike adults, may also not realize when they are thirsty. This increases the risk of staying dehydrated unknowingly until severe symptoms indicate the same. It is one of the main reasons why doctors prescribe electrolyte-rich fluids for children experiencing a high fever to help replenish the lost fluids. Seniors and older adults Adults after a certain age face more difficulties as the body gradually loses its ability to conserve water. One’s sense of thirst also becomes acute with old age, which further increases the risk. Individuals might not feel thirsty enough to have the recommended intake of water every day, further causing problems due to the loss of fluids. Furthermore, dehydration can be a direct result of certain prescription medications used for treating diabetes. The side effects can result in a fluid imbalance as medications increase the urine output, thus resulting in a higher loss of fluids from the body. Many medications also list vomiting and diarrhea as potential side effects and both can trigger a severe loss of fluids in the body.

Must-have nutrients and foods for optimal eye health

Our sensory organs are extremely essential in our daily life. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to stand straight, see things, taste, communicate, and live the way we do. But the power of sight is one of the most important of them all. Maintaining good eye health is necessary, and, unsurprisingly, making healthy lifestyle and dietary choices is crucial for this. So, here are a few nutrients you should add to your daily diet to keep your vision in top-notch condition: Vitamin A The deficiency of vitamin A is one of the most common causes of blindness across the globe. Why is this vitamin so important? Well, for starters, it helps manage and maintain the light-sensing cells in your eyes. A lack of vitamin A can cause dry eyes and other serious eye conditions. Best food with vitamin A content: To get the right amount of vitamin A in your diet and maintain optimal eye health, include foods like apricots, carrots, spinach, and yam in your diet in plenty. Vitamin C Vitamin C is present in high concentration in the aqueous humor (the liquid in the outermost part of the eye). The amount of this vitamin in the aqueous humor is proportional to the amount in your diet, and research has proved that people with cataracts tend to have low amounts of vitamin C in their bodies. Best dietary sources of vitamin C: Citrus fruits like oranges, kiwi, lime, and strawberries are all great sources of vitamin C. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are also healthy sources of this vitamin. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are essential to maintain good eye health. DHA aids eye function. It is present in the retina and is an integral part of brain and eye development in children. Evidence also proves the benefits of omega-3 supplements for people with dry eyes.

Understanding the different aspects of a flu outbreak

Flu or influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can result in mild to severe illness and health complications. A severe flu infection can result in hospitalization and can even prove to be fatal, especially in young children, older people aged above 65, and people with underlying health conditions. There are two main types of flu viruses: Type A and Type B virus. The illness can be periodical and result in seasonal flu epidemics each year. The cold, flu, and its symptoms such as cough is caused due to the type of the viruses mentioned above. Influenza may not always be considered by most people as a serious illness, its symptoms comprising a runny nose, headaches, cough, and muscle pain can be confused with those of a heavy cold. Yet reports suggest that seasonal influenza can claim up to 650,000 lives every year. That is why influenza vaccinations are important because they protect people, especially those in at-risk categories, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with vulnerable immune systems or underlying health conditions. What most of us call “the flu” is essentially seasonal influenza because it comes around in the coldest season twice a year, once in the Northern hemisphere’s winter, and once in the Southern hemisphere’s winter in temperate zones of the world. The flu circulates year-round in the tropics and subtropics, which makes it more contagious. The worst part about the influenza virus is that it constantly mutates, enabling it to evade the mechanisms of our immune systems. The virus learns from the responses of the human body and creates a suitable defensive mechanism to survive the attack by the immune system. When a new virus emerges, it can easily infect people and spread due to its contagiousness. Very little to no immunity to a new strain can lead to a simple outbreak becoming an epidemic or a pandemic within no time.

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9 most common types of depression you should know about

9 most common types of depression you should know about

All of us feel low, upset, and unmotivated at some point in our life, but this isn’t classified as depression. Depression is a mood disorder that overshadows a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Signs and symptoms of this grave disorder can range from feeling hopeless and tired to completely losing the will to live. There are several types of depression and they are listed below so you can understand depression and people suffering from it better. Major Depression (Clinical Depression) The hallmark trait of this type of depression is the constant feeling of sadness or loss of interest in social life or any outside stimuli. It often lasts for two weeks or more in which a person can experience symptoms such as hopelessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) Dysthymia lasts for years and can disrupt daily life and interfere with personal and professional relationships. Individuals with dysthymia are often seen as dark, pessimistic, or complainers by others, and they have a hard time being happy in typically pleasant situations. Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) People with manic depression experience high degrees of mood swings. Their train of thought can take them from feeling euphoric to feeling suicidal in just a few weeks. It is very common to get into a depressive state before or after the manic episode. Postpartum Depression (Peripartum Depression) This depression episode is characterized by dramatic hormonal changes in women after giving birth. They may tend to experience bouts of sadness and cry anytime. The symptoms usually alleviate after a week or two of giving birth. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) People with this type of depression start experiencing depressive symptoms with a change in seasons. For many, it happens during winter. The individual starts feeling worse as the season progresses and can even have suicidal thoughts.
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Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Pregnancy is a new experience in every couple’s life, and one should understand a few things to ensure that the nine months are smooth and stress-free. Simply being prepared for pregnancy and looking forward to the joy of parenthood is not all there’s to childbirth. As a couple, you must understand, review, and adjust your lifestyle. Expecting mothers become their child’s nurturers and supporters from day one, but the expecting fathers, close relatives, and friends must also understand the key roles they will play right up to the due date. Here are a few simple family and pregnancy guide points to help you and your folks get started: Staying healthy Physical and mental wellbeing is extremely crucial for the expecting mother to ensure both her and the baby’s health. Diet plays a crucial role in this process, as the mother is now providing nutrition for the developing fetus as well as herself. As a family, you can take turns to ensure that the to-be mother is staying physically active, eating healthy and regularly, and not cultivating any bad habits. More importantly, family and loved ones should be prepared for the changes to come in the upcoming trimesters. Coping with changes – what to expect Morning sickness in the first trimester is quite common and can put a woman’s body under tremendous stress. Nausea and vomiting may also cause headaches, but medications cannot always be taken, as they may affect the baby’s health. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause extreme mood swings, so everyone around must be prepared to deal with this. Maintaining a healthy relationship with one’s partner and responding to their needs is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy, especially after the first trimester, when the baby starts developing quickly. Counseling One of the more crucial aspects of family and pregnancy planning is prenatal counseling.
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