8 Homemade Smoothies to Manage Arthritis

8 Homemade Smoothies to Manage Arthritis

People with arthritis may suffer from a range of diseases or pains in the joints of their bodies. The pain caused by the condition can also be debilitating, which may force most individuals to refrain from carrying out indoor or outdoor tasks. Besides the treatments, one can eat certain foods that may help manage or improve the symptoms of arthritis. They can also blend these nutritious options to create healthy smoothies and make their meal enjoyable. Turmeric-infused smoothie Turmeric is traditionally used in several foods to manage health conditions. As for arthritis, the spice contains a substance known as curcumin that may help curb the effects of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, including pain and inflammation in the joints. To make a turmeric-infused smoothie, one will need a handful of kale or spinach, ½ cup of frozen pineapple chunks, one teaspoon of turmeric, and a quarter spoonful of ginger. They need to blend these ingredients with a pinch of black pepper, a spoon of chia seeds, and one cup of low-fat milk or almond milk. Pineapple smoothie An individual with arthritis may benefit from eating pineapples because of their pain-reducing enzymes like bromelain. All one requires to turn the fruit into a healthy smoothie are two celery ribs, the head of romaine lettuce, some coriander, a thumb-sized piece of ginger, and half a pineapple. The individual must pulse the ingredients in a blender and gradually top it with water until it achieves a consistency of their liking. Drinking a pineapple-based smoothie may help tackle the symptoms of arthritis, including pain and inflammation. Blueberry kale smoothie While kale contains healthy properties to manage the symptoms of arthritis, not everyone might enjoy eating the leafy green during meals. So to help make the dish more interesting, one could combine it with blueberries to create a healthy and delicious smoothie.
11 Superfoods to Reduce Cholesterol Levels

11 Superfoods to Reduce Cholesterol Levels

The human body requires cholesterol to process hormones, Vitamin D, and digestion. But letting it accumulate in the body can lead to clogged arteries and health issues like heart attack. High blood pressure, diabetes, chest pain, or experiencing pain while walking are signs that show one’s cholesterol levels are too high. One way to maintain healthy cholesterol levels is to eat nutrient-rich food. Here are some superfoods for maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. Types of cholesterol There are mainly two types of cholesterol; LDL and HDL. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is considered “bad” cholesterol since it clogs the blood vessels with plaque. The HDL (high-density lipoprotein), on the other hand, or the “good” cholesterol, helps carry and eliminate the LDL and regulate bodily functions. One way to ensure the bloodstream has lower levels of harmful LDL is to eat the right foods. Besides food, age can be another factor that can increase one’s cholesterol levels. With age, metabolism slows down, which can impact one’s processing of nutrients. Similarly, a family history of high blood cholesterol can also make one vulnerable to developing the condition. Superfoods to eat to lower cholesterol Oats Being one of the powerhouses of soluble fiber, oats are an excellent breakfast option for those with high cholesterol. Soluble fiber helps to remove cholesterol from the body before it can get absorbed into the bloodstream. Oats are a healthier option than cereals since the latter contains sugar content and artificial flavor. A daily intake of about 10 grams of soluble fiber can reduce LDL levels. A bowl of overnight-soaked oats containing about 4 grams of fiber can also keep one feeling full for longer and avoid overeating. Adding bananas, apples, berries, and other choices of fruits can add to the fiber content. On the other hand, natural sweeteners like honey and dates can make it a delicious and healthy breakfast meal.
13 foods that relieve ulcerative colitis flare-ups

13 foods that relieve ulcerative colitis flare-ups

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that can develop at any age. Although the cause of UC isn’t clear, experts think factors like genes, abnormal immune reactions, the gut biome, and environmental factors play an important role. To manage UC, one must identify and eliminate foods that trigger symptoms. Although there is no single recommended nutritional plan for people with the condition, the following foods may help manage the condition: Salmon Fatty fish like salmon are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. The fatty acids can help reduce inflammation one experiences with UC, while the protein can help during healing. When cooking salmon, it is advisable to bake, broil, or saute it, instead of frying, to ensure it keeps its nutritional value. Other rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids include tuna, shrimp, and mackerel. Yogurt Yogurt is a rich source of probiotics that contain gut-healthy bacteria. They can help in the digestive process, strengthen the immune system, and ease the symptoms of UC. Since yogurt is made from milk, it is also a rich source of calcium and can protect the bones against conditions such as osteoporosis. When buying yogurt, opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt. This can be adjusted to taste with some honey or canned fruit for a healthy and delicious snack. Those who are lactose intolerant must avoid dairy products, as they may cause gas, bloating, cramping, and diarrhea, worsening the symptoms of UC. Instead, opt for other probiotic-rich foods like miso, sauerkraut, and kefir. Squash For those who live with UC, all squash varieties (butternut, spaghetti, zucchini, and acorn) are healthy choices, as they contain fiber and antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene. Due to the rich fiber content, they must not be eaten during flare-ups, only during periods of remission.
9 common foods that are detrimental for teeth health

9 common foods that are detrimental for teeth health

Our teeth help us chew and digest foods, speak clearly, and give the face its shape. So, it is crucial to make food and lifestyle choices that keep the ectodermal organs safe and robust. One way to manage teeth health is by eating foods that serve as natural mouth cleansers. Conversely, individuals should also avoid some foods that may damage their teeth. Thus, here are nine foods to exclude from one’s meals for dental health. Bread Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, bread is usually a staple part of most meals. However, it is also one of the worst foods when it comes to maintaining teeth health. When one chews on bread, the saliva breaks down starches into sugar. Once the bread turns into a gummy paste-like substance in the mouth, it may stick to the crevices between teeth, which could lead to cavities. Therefore, if one wants to eat foods rich in carbs, one should look for less refined options like whole wheat. Whole wheat breads contain lower amounts of added sugars and do not break down quickly. Sour candies Most people enjoy munching on candies following a meal or at other times in the day. But this is one of the worst foods for an individual’s overall health, including teeth quality. Furthermore, sour candy contains varied types of acids that are tougher on the teeth than regular candy. Since they are chewed, the mixture may stick to the teeth for longer periods. Therefore, those who consume excessive amounts of sour candy are at a higher risk of experiencing tooth decay. Instead of sour candy, one could switch to a bar of chocolate, which is much easier to chew and wash away. However, the person should visit a dentist to determine if they should completely exclude sweets from their meal regime.
8 flight hacks that boost travel experiences

8 flight hacks that boost travel experiences

Flying is one of the best ways to travel. Considering that airline companies take care to offer the best rates, premium upgrades, comfortable ambiance, luxurious seating, etc., inside the flight, flying makes journeys easier too. But there are a host of rules you should follow when traveling or booking tickets. The average traveler can find all this a bit too complicated. So, here are eight airplane hacks that can make flying a hassle-free experience: Setup price alerts on your phone  Being aware of the best price deals every time is a good idea if you’re a regular traveler. Moreover, you can get interesting price alerts on your phone. Price fluctuations are a constant feature in the airline industry. But how can you keep a tab on the changes to make the most of it? You can use certain travel apps and install them on your mobile, like Google Flights, to stay updated. With one or two of these apps, you will certainly never miss getting the best price deals and cheap price alerts. Stay flexible You must stay flexible with the destination and the dates of your journey. Use apps or sites like Skyscanner that do most of your legwork showing destinations with the best deals over a period. So, it makes it easier for you to choose from different travel destinations at the most cost-effective rates. For many people, being flexible with dates can be a big limitation. So, in a set period, look at different choices of destination. This way, you can cover more places on the planet and fill up your bucket list. Book on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays  This top hack is shared by regular travelers. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are typically less busy. No points for guessing – the prices on these days are typically lower than the other days.
7 debit card mistakes to avoid

7 debit card mistakes to avoid

A debit card is among the most preferred payment modes. It is more convenient to carry than cash and easier to use. Besides, debit cards do not add to the mounting credit card bills one has to sift through each month. It helps take money from the bank account and pay for the purchase without adding to the loan amount. However, to manage money wisely, there are certain mistakes to avoid when using debit cards. Repetitive ATM usage There are times when using cash is necessary. People are forced to go to the ATM in such cases. Sure, rushing to the ATM is a quick and easy fix, but people should not forget the charges being levied with every withdrawal. When using an ATM, the person’s bank as well as the ATM’s bank charges a fee, which can quickly add up if someone uses this facility frequently. A solution is to go to the bank instead of the ATM during such times. Withdrawing from the bank means no extra fees will be deducted from one’s account. Forgetting to check the balance When purchasing with a debit card, chances are the transaction will not reflect on the app or account activity immediately. This means the account holder needs to wait a few days before being able to verify their actual account balance. In the period of these four to five days, one stands a chance of their new payments bouncing if their previous purchase has left them with insufficient balance. Since it takes time to display the actual amount left, people can be lured into a false sense of security. Not only can this be jarring, but it can also cost the person in the form of fines. So, individuals should get into the habit of writing down their transactions and tallying the results to be sure of their current balance.
10 common mistakes to avoid while purchasing an SUV

10 common mistakes to avoid while purchasing an SUV

For automobile enthusiasts, there’s nothing comparable to buying an SUV that perfectly balances speed, space, comfort, and power in a vehicle. This is the main reason why SUVs have emerged big time in the automotive industry, offering different sizes and trims to suit personal preferences. However, buying an SUV is a significant investment, so avoiding mistakes becomes crucial. To help make an informed decision, here are some common mistakes to avoid while purchasing an SUV. Only going by the design There are many SUVs with unique designs currently on the market. But going only by an SUV’s design is a mistake because a spectacular SUV with limited utility features is a white elephant. Therefore, one should consider the overall features of the vehicle, including factors like its performance, cargo space, price, safety, etc., before making a choice. Buying a vehicle of the wrong size An SUV’s size determines the number of passengers and the amount of cargo it can accommodate. While only four to five passengers may fit comfortably into a compact SUV, midsize ones can accommodate up to seven passengers, and the large ones have space for even more. The best way to decide what size of SUV one requires is to consider personal requirements – the number of family members, frequency of long-distance travel, etc. For example, people with smaller families who need an SUV primarily for local commutes may do better with a compact SUV. But those who travel often and need additional space for cargo or have large families may require a midsize or large-sized SUV. Not researching adequately The first step to buying a good SUV is to research the available options thoroughly. Jumping on the bandwagon or hastily finalizing the brand and model can backfire in the long run. It is also important to avoid being too brand loyal because that limits one’s options.
Guide to freight factoring

Guide to freight factoring

Freight factoring, also known as trucking or transportation factoring, allows a financial institution or a factoring company to receive invoices from a trucking company at a discount, turning them into immediate cash. It is a way for businesses to get faster payments for their services. Trucking companies don’t have to wait for months to get payments, and they can continue to offer their services. Here’s what one needs to know about freight factoring: What it is Trucking companies would go bankrupt and have to cease their operations if all their customers did not pay them on time and provided them with outstanding invoices. However, trucking companies rely on freight factoring to keep their operations running seamlessly throughout the year. Besides trucking companies, many other businesses offset their credit risks by using freight factoring. Certain specialized organizations, known as freight factoring companies, offer to pay cash to trucking companies and other supply chain businesses in exchange for unpaid invoices received from their respective clients. With the liquid cash received, trucking companies can resume their business operations unabated. Later, when the invoices are due for payment (after 30, 60, or 90 days), the clients of the trucking companies pay the invoice amounts to the factoring company. Specific kinds of factoring companies may demand that these businesses pay an interest amount along with the invoice amount. How freight factoring works The process can be broken into simple steps. They are mentioned below: The first step involves a trucking company delivering its load or shipment to its clients. The client signs a Bill of Lading (BOL). This document is on-record evidence that the load was delivered successfully. Usually, the trucking company would be expected to send the freight invoice to the client and wait for payment later. However, trucking companies cannot afford to receive money later for their services, so they send the bill to a factoring company.
8 foods that trigger arthritis flareups

8 foods that trigger arthritis flareups

Arthritis is a leading cause of joint problems among adults across the country. Such a collection of conditions usually results in pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation in the vital joints. Many trigger factors of arthritis, including certain foods and beverages, could worsen the symptoms to a level of intolerance. Here are eight common food triggers that should be taken in moderation or eliminated to manage arthritis in the long run. Fatty foods Processed foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket contain omega-6 fatty acids, saturated fats, and trans fats. For example, corn, hydrogenated vegetable, safflower, and sunflower oils contain excess amounts of omega 6. These are some of the most commonly used products in daily cooking, meaning unhealthy fats are indirectly taken. Also, meat and dairy products contain saturated fats that could trigger cholesterol problems. And most of the prepared foods and snacks contain traces of trans fats that add flavor to the food but make it very unhealthy to have regularly. Any form of processed fat can trigger inflammation among those suffering from arthritis. It is best to limit or moderate having these foods. Sugar and sugary products Sugar triggers inflammatory pain in people with arthritis, which does not always mean the sugar added to tea, coffee, or when used as a condiment for popular foods. Processed foods, including breakfast cereals, snacks, baked goods, confectioneries, and flavored beverages, are all laced with sugar. Regularly having these foods can imbalance blood glucose levels, which triggers health complications linked to arthritis. Even natural sugar substitutes like honey, agave nectar, and jaggery contain fructose, a form of sugar to limit or have only in moderation. Foods with additives and preservatives Canned goods and long shelf-life products are often laced with preservatives and additives that can trigger flareups among those already suffering from arthritis.  MSG is the most common  additive in hundreds of products and food preparations.
Top 4 running shoe brands, and a few tips to consider while buying shoes

Top 4 running shoe brands, and a few tips to consider while buying shoes

The optimal running shoe cannot be determined by rigid criteria. Everyone’s ideal running shoes differ according to their needs. However, people frequently judge their shoes using more negative than favorable criteria. Or, to put it in another way, they discuss what their shoes don’t do rather than what they do. In this article, let’s discuss a few tips to consider while buying shoes and some of the best running shoes to go for: How to select the perfect running shoes? The fundamental parameter based on which you should choose your perfect running shoe is comfort. But why settle for less when you deserve to have more? Besides, your convenience will be determined by several other factors, which you must look for in your ideal running shoes. Primarily, you should focus on the following five aspects: The running surface Not all shoes are suitable for all surfaces. Some running shoes are ideal for roads, some for gravels and trail paths, and others exclusively for the gym. For roads, you need lightweight and flexible shoes; for gravels and rocks, you require shoes with more prominent lugs; for gyms, you need shoes with more surface contact. Thus, a lot depends on what kind of runner you are. Cushioning Cushioning pertains to how much impact your shoes can absorb. It has two aspects: The firmness and density of the foam in the midsole and the stack height, i.e., how thick the shoe material is between the ground and your feet. Your cushioning preferences may vary from no cushioning at the midsole to get the full impact from each step to extra-cushioning for little to no impact at all. Drop Drop is the extent to which the cushioning of your forefoot differs from that of your heel area. Most running shoes have a drop of 8 to 12 millimeters.
8 critical home renovation mistakes to avoid

8 critical home renovation mistakes to avoid

Home renovations are a major task, especially if you own a big house with a complex design. A lot of deliberation must be done before the project can even begin. Right from coming up with ideas to drawing a plan on paper, you need to consider multiple factors before hiring professional contractors for the job. Further, you must avoid making the following mistakes in planning and executing the home renovation project. Miscalculating your budget Everything costs money. Whether simple repairs or a complete makeover, you must be prepared to spend your hard-earned bucks. But that doesn’t mean you can’t set a realistic budget. Typically, a home renovation is estimated to cost 10% to 15% of the home’s total value. Whatever the estimate, always keep an additional 10% to 20% buffer over the agreed amount. Experts suggest this as a general rule of thumb for calculating the final cost. Material and labor rates keep fluctuating, so you might end up underpaying or overpaying depending on the extent of the job. The bottom line is never underestimate the budget, or you may fall short of the actual costs. Neglecting the natural layout of your home Home renovation is a complex job. It involves making significant modifications to the entire space, including the living room, bedroom, and kitchen. A big mistake homeowners make is that they don’t consider the existing layout and plan an extravagant renovation that doesn’t suit the blueprint. You can avoid this error by paying attention to your home’s natural architecture and then considering modifications that are subtle yet impactful. You don’t have to go completely overboard with the redesign. It’s always the little things that make a big difference. Not paying attention to the home’s present condition Layout aside, you must also consider the home’s present condition. Are the foundation and support structures strong enough to handle a major renovation?
5 Vehicles With the Best 5 Year Resale Value

5 Vehicles With the Best 5 Year Resale Value

Purchasing a car is a significant financial investment that requires careful consideration. Aside from the fundamental aspects such as safety, performance, and esthetics, it is also important to take into account its current resale value. You may want to upgrade to a newer model in a few years, so being aware of its depreciation cost is crucial. This article discusses 5 best options to look for in the market that have an average resale value.  Subaru Crosstrek According to some experts, the Subaru Crosstrek’s resale value is 61 percent. It is a subcompact SUV, and the starting price for this car is $23,645. This pricing is for the base model, which comes with a manual transmission, while the Premium model starts at $24,795. If you prefer a CVT automatic transmission, you can upgrade by paying an additional $1,350. There are other models in the Crosstrek series, like the Special Edition, which starts from $26,745; the Sport model at $27,995; and the Limited trim, which starts at $29,495. If you are looking for a hybrid option, they have the Crosstrek Hybrid, which starts from $36,845. It’s important to note that there are some tax incentives available for choosing a hybrid option because it benefits the environment and is supported by the government. Also, be sure that these prices are the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and they do not include the destination fee or what is popularly known as the factory-to-dealer delivery fee. Tesla Model X The resale value of this car is estimated to be around 66 percent. This all-electric Tesla Model X is a large luxury SUV and the pricing for the same starts from $98,490. This is a seven-seater car that boasts of high performance and design, and it also has received a 5-star score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, making it a safe car to travel in.