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Foods to avoid and eat for a sore throat
Health

Foods to avoid and eat for a sore throat

A sore throat can result from viral or bacterial infections, exposure to environmental irritants, allergies, dry air, and excessive shouting for extended periods. The condition is easily curable, but when it strikes, it can make eating, talking, or swallowing painful and impact one’s daily life. However, there are several ways to alleviate the discomfort, and food plays a major role in recovery. Here are some foods that worsen the condition and some that help heal a sore throat. Foods to avoid for sore throat Spicy foods Spicy foods and seasonings, such as hot sauces and chili peppers, can irritate an already sensitive throat. They should be avoided until the soreness subsides. Acidic fruits Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, grapes, and pineapples are high in acidity, which can exacerbate throat pain. It’s best to avoid these fruits when dealing with a sore throat. Hard and crunchy snacks Foods like chips and crackers can be abrasive on a sore throat and may cause further irritation. One should instead opt for softer, more easily digestible options. Fried and fatty foods High-fat, fried foods can promote inflammation in the body, which may intensify the discomfort of a sore throat. Fatty foods are also known to suppress one’s immunity, and the body also finds it difficult to digest these foods easily, which can further slow down the healing process.
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Impact of pain relief gummies – 8 factors to consider
Health

Impact of pain relief gummies – 8 factors to consider

Pain relief gummies have grown popular among individuals owing to their accessible and effective nature. People consider these chewable supplements a viable method to ease pain caused by various health conditions. Apart from their healing persona, the composition of pain relief gummies is also delicious. However, those who try any products for relief should be mindful of a few things before making it part of daily routine. Here are seven factors one ought to consider. Dosage and potency The amount one can take in a day will depend on factors such as their metabolism, body mass, and the extensiveness of the pain they experience. One should typically begin with a smaller dosage and steadily increase it until it becomes effective. The best way to ensure that the dosage and potency are ideal as per the requirement is to follow directives issued by the healthcare expert or manufacturer guidelines. Tolerance When an individual takes pain relief gummies regularly, the body may develop a tolerance to its active ingredients. Therefore, one might need to reassess the amount of gummies they require with time. An expert may recommend increasing the proportion gradually according to the condition of the patient. One should bear in mind that chewable supplements are not a permanent alternative to ongoing treatments for pain.
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9 habits to avoid for a healthy liver
Health

9 habits to avoid for a healthy liver

The liver is the second-largest organ in our body that performs numerous vital tasks. For instance, it metabolizes chemicals, neutralizes and destroys poisonous compounds, manufactures essential nutrients, produces bile, and regulates glucose, cholesterol, vitamin, and hormone levels. Still, people rarely stop to think about liver health. Caring for the liver begins by breaking certain unhealthy habits. Read on to learn more about nine such habits that could harm the liver and how to avoid them. Consuming too much sugar When sugar enters the body, it is broken down into glucose and used for producing energy. Any excess turns into fat, which is stored in the liver. Over time, this can lead to fatty build-up in the organ, increasing the risk of fatty liver disease. Excessive sugar consumption also increases inflammation in the body, harming other internal organs. Avoiding sweets and controlling blood sugar can help people maintain liver health and performance. Dining out regularly Many people eat rather large portions of processed foods when dining out. The food served in restaurants often has high amounts of saturated fats, salts, and sugars. Eating such food can raise inflammation in the body, impede liver function, and put one at risk for conditions like liver cirrhosis.
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6 signs and symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture
Health

6 signs and symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture

Dupuytren’s contracture is a skin condition in which the tissues in the palm of one’s hand become abnormally thick. In several cases, both palms get affected, making it harder for people to use their hands for tasks. While this condition has no cure, specific management options can improve a person’s quality of life. Detecting this disease in its early stages is vital to achieving that objective. Here are some signs of Dupuytren’s contracture: 1. Mobility issues As implied earlier, this disease deprives people of proper use of their hands. People usually use their hands to move things around, which requires mobility, and Dupuytren contracture makes simple mobility incredibly challenging for individuals with this condition. Certain activities, like making a fist or holding objects with one’s hands, are still somewhat possible for individuals even after developing this condition. However, a person’s fingers, palm, and hand have a decreased range of motion. For instance, baseball or badminton players will notice that holding a baseball bat or a badminton racket is challenging. 2. Nodules on hands The first sign of Dupuytren contracture in the body is the appearance of small bumps under the skin on a person’s palm. These nodules appear at the base of one’s fingers.
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Gastrointestinal stromal tumor – Symptoms and management options
Health

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor – Symptoms and management options

A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a type of cancer that originates in the digestive system, usually in the small intestine and stomach. It results from the abnormal growth of cells that may develop into special types of nerve cells present in the walls of the digestive organs. GISTs may interfere with one’s digestive process and affect the movement of food through the body. Below are the symptoms and management options associated with this cancer. Symptoms Small GISTs usually do not cause any symptoms, grow slowly, and do not trigger any problems. However, as a GIST grows, it may trigger signs and symptoms in the concerned individual. While it can occur in individuals at any age, it is common in adults and rare in children. While the cause of most GISTs is yet to be determined, experts indicate a small number of cases are caused by genes passed from parents to children. A few common symptoms include: – Growth that can be felt in the abdomen – Nausea – Dark-colored stools, which are triggered by bleeding in the digestive system – Fatigue – A feeling of fullness even after eating a small amount of food – Abdominal pain – Vomiting – Cramping pain in the abdomen after eating – The lack of hunger when one would normally expect to feel hungry Treatment options For an expert to recommend treatment options for GIST, one needs to undergo a thorough diagnosis.
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Pros and cons of online therapy to consider
Health

Pros and cons of online therapy to consider

Technological advancements have more than a handful of benefits to offer, including the possibility of teletherapy, also known as online therapy. It uses web-based applications to provide patients with the therapy and counseling they require. One can address their mental health issues and seek guidance without having to spend time commuting. Several types of therapies are available online, but before choosing, one must consider the pros and cons of the service. Advantages of online therapy sessions Efficiency There have been studies that suggest online therapy sessions may be just as effective as in-person sessions. Different types of mental health conditions were researched, and it was found that there was minimal difference in positive patient outcomes. Consequently, online therapy sessions are a preferable option to having no sessions at all. Furthermore, patients do not have to worry about any social stigma while seeking the care they need. Accessibility Online therapy sessions are more accessible than in-person sessions. People who are home-bound due to various reasons can easily schedule a session and get access to the treatment they need. Moreover, it can be more convenient to receive therapy sessions from a distant professional who would otherwise be unavailable. Convenience In most cases, online therapy sessions are more affordable and convenient for patients.
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Health

4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don’t have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother’s body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.  Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies.
02
Health

6 toxic plants to keep away from dogs

It has become the norm to keep ornamental at home, especially since they beautify the space tremendously. But, if you are a pet parent, you must exercise caution in picking the potted plants you want. While some plants can cause vomiting or dysentery, a few can cause respiratory, digestive, neurological, or cardiac problems, leading to death. If you have become a pet parent recently, here are six plants toxic to dogs to note: 6 plants that dog parents must take note of Sago palm Sago palm is a very popular ornamental plant for indoor and outdoor spaces. It is known by many names like coontie palms or cardboard palms and is part of the Cycads group of plants. It contains multiple toxins, including cycasin and BMAA. Every part of the sago palm is toxic for your dogs, and the seeds can be the most dangerous. If a dog ingests even a small amount of any part of a sago palm plant, it can affect its nervous system, liver, or gastrointestinal system. You may see symptoms within 15 minutes or many hours. The most common reaction is gastrointestinal irritation, with initial symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also lead to serious complications like neurological problems, resulting in weakness, seizures, and tremors.
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Pets

6 human foods that cats can safely eat

Cats are picky eaters, but they may jump with glee if you share a titbit from your plate. Felines love variety in food, and you can share some of your food if it is nutritious and non-toxic. Moderation is the key when you feed human food to your cat so that it does not cause any allergies or digestive issues. Here is a list of six human foods that are safe for your cats: Eggs Small quantities of cooked eggs are good for cats. You can set aside a tablespoon of scrambled egg or a piece of a boiled egg while you cook some for yourself. Don’t season it, add any oil or butter, or  feed raw eggs or yolks. Eggs contain a protein called Avidin that may prevent the absorption of Vitamin B. Raw eggs could contain Salmonella, a bacteria that can infect the GI tract of both cats and humans. Severe infection may lead to death in cats, while humans may need hospitalization. Vegetables Cats are carnivores and are partial to meat; a non-meat diet may not excite them as much. However, you can feed small portions of a few vegetables that can supply your cat’s fiber, protein, and nutrition requirements.
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Pets

4 tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs

Dogs get affected with fleas or ticks due to spending time on grassy trails, lush parks, or moist areas. And these pests can cause itching and skin damage if not controlled in time. Flea and ticks leave eggs and larvae on the coat, which can be challenging to eradicate. They can also lead to Lyme disease and other debilitating conditions. Following are tips to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs: Consider the following treatment options Bravecto chew Bravecto chew is a chewable treatment option that you can administer along with your dog’s food. It contains fluralaner, an active ingredient that spreads quickly through the dog’s tissues and the skin. Fleas and ticks in the coat ingest minute amounts of fluralaner, which affects their central nervous system, killing them within 12 hours. One dose of Bravecto is effective for about 12 weeks. If your dog is sensitive to the treatment option and vomits within three hours of ingestion, contact your vet, as it may be less impactful in killing the ticks and fleas. Bravecto is also effective in preventing heartworms and intestinal worms. Simparica This prescription treatment option is ideal for dogs over six months and can be administered monthly.

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7 common plants that are dangerous for cats

7 common plants that are dangerous for cats

Cats are naturally curious and tend to grab and play with things they find in their environment. So, they can end up grabbing or even chewing on dangerous plants, which can cause multiple complications and health-related issues. Cat parents should exercise caution when exposing their feline companions to outdoor environments or their own home and garden that can house poisonous plants. Some of the common plants that are toxic to cats are: Amaryllis Amaryllis is a popular indoor and outdoor plant that is grown in pots and containers, making it a popular gift during the holiday season. Cats can be drawn to its vibrant flowers, however, the plant contains toxins like lycorine and phenanthridine alkaloids. While the bulbs have the highest concentration of toxins, the stalks are also poisonous to cats. If ingested, cats can experience symptoms like drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors. They may even seem lazy, lethargic, and show no willingness to eat. Other severe effects include a drop in their blood pressure and seizures. Autumn crocus The autumn crocus contains colchicine and other alkaloids, which can be toxic to many animals, including cats. If cats chew on the flower or seeds of this ornamental plant, they can experience vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling.
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Top 5 human foods that are also safe for dogs

Top 5 human foods that are also safe for dogs

If you own a pet, you know that every time you eat, your dog sits right next to you in hopes that you’ll share your food. Human food can be safe for dogs if it doesn’t contain toxins. Every pet owner must know which food is and isn’t suitable for your furry friend. This way, you can feed your dog the right foods. Here are some foods you can share with your dogs without hesitation: Fish Just like omega-3 fatty acids benefits humans, it can also help dogs fight inflammation. Fish is also an alternative source of protein for dogs that may be allergic to red meat. Ensure that you cook it well without too much oil and seasoning. Raw fish may contain salmonella and listeria, causing infection for the dog and your family. Clean and pick the bones well before serving them. Fish bones are risky for dogs, as they can lodge in their mouth, throat, and intestines or perforate their organ walls. Choose fish that have lower mercury levels. Ideal fish for dogs include tuna, whitefish, cod, and whiting. Meat Meat is a natural dog-friendly food, as they are carnivores. If you are preparing the meat at home, choose lean ground beef, chuck steak, chicken, turkey, or roast.
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Top 7 beauty and fashion trends

Top 7 beauty and fashion trends

Fashion trends are dynamic and go through constant change and innovation. While some styles have remained timeless for decades, some trends fail to impress and disappear without making an impact. The approach to beauty today focuses on sustainability, minimalism, inclusion, and no cruelty. The trends in beauty and fashion quite naturally follow similar lines. Based on these factors, some of the top beauty and fashion trends in the coming year are as follows: Skincare The buzzword in the last couple of years has been minimalism, especially for skin care. Women prefer to use lesser products for their skincare routines. Utilizing a bevy of cosmetics for everyday skin nourishment and enhancement is time-consuming, overwhelming, and may affect the skin negatively. Skincare trends focus on improving skin health and reducing the negative impact of long-term use of skin-related products. This move hopes to reduce the overuse of skincare and control the damage caused by chemical products. Microbiome skincare is a new trend, featuring prebiotic and probiotic components that nourish the skin. Hybrid beauty Hybrid cosmetics combine multiple active ingredients that now work both as skin care products and as cosmetics. It reduces the time one spends on beauty routine and the number of products one needs to buy, saving money, effort, and time.
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Top 5 cat foods that are recommended by vets

Top 5 cat foods that are recommended by vets

Cats are strict carnivores by nature, and their bodies cannot digest a carbohydrate-rich diet. And pet parents must feed them a nutritionally balanced diet matching their weight, age, lifestyle, and current health condition. Look for food with animal protein as the prime ingredient and has fatty acids, essential amino acids, and minerals. If you are unsure of what food to choose, you can consider the following vet-recommended food for your cats: Human-Grade Fresh, Wet Cat Food by Smalls Smalls is an ultra-high protein USDA-certified cat food subscription service that uses humanely harvested and human-grade ingredients. Trained chefs prepare the food avoiding cheaper fillers like carbs and grains that add volume and reduce cost. The food does not contain any preservatives. You can choose from chicken, a combination of chicken and turkey, beef, or fish for fresh food. Freeze-dried raw cat food is available in turkey, duck, and chicken flavors. While fresh meals can go to the freezer, freeze-dried raw food can be in the pantry. One package may last five meals, and you must read the instructions to store the leftover package properly to avoid contamination. The approximate cost of Smalls cat food is $2.50 to $3.50 daily. Pro Plan® Focus Adult Weight Management Cat food by Purina® Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Weight Management Cat food is available without a prescription and is a less expensive alternative for weight loss diets.
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