4 foods to avoid when affected by Crohn’s disease

4 foods to avoid when affected by Crohn’s disease

People affected by Crohn’s disease can experience debilitating flare-ups with symptoms such as stomach ache, cramps, and diarrhea. Certain foods can trigger or worsen these symptoms, especially when consumed during a flare-up. Avoiding specific triggers could help people manage Crohn’s disease effectively, decrease digestive problems, and improve intestinal repair. While there is no clinically validated food for inflammatory bowel disease, eliminating a few trigger foods could soothe gastrointestinal problems and make the condition more manageable. Whole grains Crohn’s disease flare-ups may require a food-related adjustment to include low-fiber alternatives as a temporary solution until the symptoms subside. Fiber-rich meals that include whole-grain foods such as bread and bran can generate a lot of activity in the digestive tract. This can aggravate the condition by irritating the intestines and exacerbate the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. So, during a flare-up, it might be best to opt for low-fiber foods. When one is going through remission, changing to a high-fiber diet can help improve digestive well-being. Dairy products People with Crohn’s disease may also have an intolerance to dairy products. Lactose intolerance implies that one’s body cannot adequately process lactose, i.e., the sugar in milk, yogurt, and other dairy products. As a result, people can experience cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and gas if they have dairy. Milk products are high in calcium and protein, so if people avoid them entirely, they must supplement these nutrients from other food sources. To stay healthy while trying to minimize Crohn’s effects, one should try getting these nutrients from green leafy veggies, enriched juices, and cereals. Issues with digesting certain foods may also need to be resolved by taking supplements and vitamins. These supplements may aid in the prevention of malnutrition induced by the small intestine’s failure to absorb minerals from meals. Furthermore, if the meal plans are severely restrictive due to flare-ups, a multivitamin can be useful.
Top 20 best Black Friday tech sales to check out in 2022

Top 20 best Black Friday tech sales to check out in 2022

The big Black Friday sale is here again! This is an exciting time of the year, especially for people who want to make big-ticket tech product purchases and have been waiting for the whole year to get their hands on them. If you are thinking about how to buy the best of the lot during the Black Friday sale this year, all you need to do is read this article. Home cleaning products Roomba s9+ : This cleaner comes with 3D sensors and PerfectEdge Technology; you could save close to $300. iRobot Braava jet m6 : One of the best cleaners for navigating large spaces, you could save around $200 in the Black Friday sale. iRobot Roomba j7+ : You might save close to $100 on this advanced vacuum cleaner. It comes with Genius Home Intelligence with PrecisionVision Navigation. Laptop and computer deals HP Pavilion x360 14-inch touchscreen laptop : This laptop has a display that rotates 360 degrees and 8GB of memory. You can get it at almost $300 off this Black Friday. Lenovo IdeaCentre 5i Desktop : This desktop comes with 12GB memory, a DVD/CD burner, and a Windows 11 operating system. You might be able to buy this at $60 less. Gaming Microsoft Controller for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One : You could save around 14% on this special edition Xbox wireless controller. It has 40 hours of battery life and is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones. Arcade 1Up Marvel vs. Capcom Gaming Table : This beautiful retro-style Marvel theme gaming table has lit-up control panels and a split screen. This 29-inch console comes pre-loaded with eight games. Speakers and headphones Apple AirPods : Get clear, immersive sound wherever you are with these noise cancellation headphones. They will give you 24 hours of listening time and come with a charging case.
Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia

Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia

Potassium is an essential nutrient that allows your body to function optimally. A meal plan rich in potassium allows proper nerve function and regulates your heartbeat. However, certain conditions such as kidney diseases and consuming food rich in potassium excessively may increase its levels in your bloodstream leading to a condition known as hyperkalemia . Let’s look at foods you should limit to keep your potassium within normal levels. Bananas The first food that comes to mind when people think of potassium sources is bananas. One medium-sized banana contains almost 422 mg of potassium. Though it would take a lot of bananas to cause an overdose of potassium, if you are also eating other foods rich in potassium, it will lead to excessive potassium levels in your blood, which in turn, will trigger hyperkalemia . Tomato Sauce and Paste Raw tomatoes contain a decent amount of potassium. One medium tomato has about 292 mg of potassium. Concentrated forms of tomatoes, such as sauces, salsa, paste, puree, etc., contain even higher amounts of potassium. For instance, a small cup of tomato sauce contains almost 728 mg potassium. So, it is advised to skip tomato sauce and opt for alternatives such as basil or roasted red peppers. Milk If you have been advised a low potassium meal plan, you must avoid milk or at least its consumption needs to be reduced. A cup of whole milk contains around 350 mg of potassium. The lower the amount of fat in milk, the higher the potassium content. While you may have a small serving of milk daily, it should not exceed 300 ml. It means avoiding milk and dairy products such as buttermilk, yogurt, milk-based sweets, ice creams, and other desserts. Oranges and Orange Juice Oranges have a very high potassium content and are best avoided if diagnosed with hyperkalemia .
6 household plants that are toxic to dogs

6 household plants that are toxic to dogs

As a pet parent, you probably pet-proofed your home before getting a dog or a cat. You ensure that the animals have no access to the chocolates, the antifreeze, the repellents, and even put all the hazardous toys out of their reach. But, most of us forget about plants. Read on to know how those seemingly safe and aesthetic potted plants in your home or yard can be toxic for your pet dog: 6 household plants to keep way from your dogs Sago palm The sago palm plant is a very common sight in households worldwide. Its leafy green aesthetic makes it the perfect addition to your indoor plant collection. It is also effortless to care for, making it a popular plant choice for homes. But, you may want to remove it or steer clear of it if you have a dog. This is simply because sago palm is toxic to dogs. It contains an element known as cycasin, which, if consumed, can lead to a wide range of symptoms or be fatal. If your dog has ingested this plant, you may note symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, loss of balance, and even seizures. In worse cases, consuming the sago palm plant can also lead to liver failure or death. Note that every part of this plant is toxic to dogs. Aloe vera The gel found in the aloe vera plant leaves has tons of health properties and works wonders for the skin. Not to mention, it is very low maintenance, which makes them the perfect choice for both indoor and outdoor decoration. But, what many do not know is aloe vera is toxic to dogs. The gel in the plant contains two toxic components: saponins and anthraquinones. These can prove harmful to your pet if ingested. Typical signs of aloe vera ingestion in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, and lethargy.
8 signs and symptoms of hemophilia

8 signs and symptoms of hemophilia

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder where the patient’s blood does not clot properly. Our blood has natural proteins or clotting factors that facilitate clotting. But people with this condition have lower levels of these factors. There are two types of this disorder. Type A is caused due to the lack of clotting factor VIII, and type B is caused due to lower levels of factor IX. Here are the must-know signs of hemophilia: Nosebleeds and bleeding from the gums Most people with a mild form of this condition are prone to bruising of mucous membranes in the nose or gums. As a result, they report regular instances of nosebleeds and gum bleeding without any apparent reason. While the bleeding does not last long for some, others have severe episodes and require the attention of a health expert. Profuse bleeding after a surgery or an injury Many people with hemophilia A do not know they have the condition. The problem often comes to light accidentally when one bleeds excessively during surgery for another ailment. Similarly, when such individuals are injured, they notice unusual bleeding and realize they have a genetic bleeding disorder only after undergoing tests. Both surgery and injuries can cause out-of-proportion bleeding. The doctor may diagnose the condition after seeing the patient bleeding too easily. Bleeding during surgery and injury usually occurs in mild and moderate cases. In severe cases of hemophilia, spontaneous bleeding occurs even without injury or surgery. It could be because of a tiny bruise or during a minor procedure like tooth extraction. Severe bleeding could also arise after something as common as a vaccination or flu shot. Joint swelling and pain Patients often suffer from inflamed and painful joints, especially if the disease is severe. It happens because of internal bleeding. The blood drains into the joints or deep muscles, causing swelling and restricting joint movement.
7 effective ways to manage bleeding disorders

7 effective ways to manage bleeding disorders

Bleeding disorders entail the body’s inability to clot blood as part of a biological process called hemostasis. In most cases, the person with the disorder bleeds spontaneously, without any known reason. At other times, there could be prolonged bleeding after surgery, a trauma, injury, or during menstruation. Besides treatment that the doctor suggests, there are ways to take care to prevent bleeding. These are the five ways to prevent the disorder effectively: Subcutaneous injection instead of intramuscular vaccination and immunization shots In general, immunizations and vaccinations are given into a muscle or intramuscularly. In this case, whether it is an adult or a child who needs to take the vaccine, the nurse and the doctor should be aware that the person has a clotting-related disorder. In such cases, nurses take precautions to apply the vaccine under the skin or subcutaneously. Also, the typical needle is never used. Instead, a smaller needle is used for vaccination. Once the injection has been applied, ice is applied to the spot with pressure for 5 – 10 minutes to prevent bleeding.    Children with a bleeding disorder should take necessary precautions If a child suffers from hemophilia type A, they must wear a helmet while riding a bicycle to prevent head injuries in case of an accident. Also, parents must ensure that the child stays away from playing sports like football or hockey. In most cases, the sports that should be avoided are contact sports. Wrestling and boxing are also not recommended. If the child is keen to play any sports, parents should first speak with the child’s healthcare expert.   Regular check-ups To stay away from any bleeding problems due to the bleeding disorder, it is pertinent to go in for regular check-ups as and when advised by the doctor. Procrastination will only make matters worse.
3 useful tips to help manage breast cancer

3 useful tips to help manage breast cancer

Like most cancers, the precise cause of breast cancer is unknown. Sadly, there is no definite cure for the disease at its advanced stage, nor can it be prevented. Yet, it is one of the most common cancers affecting over 260,000 women every year. Even though men also develop breast cancer, they make up only 1% of the total number of cases each year. Here are three useful tips for managing breast cancer: Start treatment without any delay There is no concrete biological answer for why an individual would develop breast cancer. Nor are there any definite symptoms to be cautious of beforehand and adopt the required preventive measures. A combination of genetic and environmental causes come into play to contribute to such a condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize the following as the primary symptoms of breast cancer: Swelling in the breast or armpit A thickening or bulging of the breast Development of dimples in the breast or skin irritation Reddish or flaky skin around the nipple area Other discharges from the nipple apart from breast milk However, it is crucial to note that all these symptoms do not necessarily imply the presence of a malignancy. Even cysts and infections fall under the category of diagnosis for such symptoms.  Nevertheless, once breast cancer is diagnosed through screening methods like mammograms, X-rays of the breast, and biopsies, the health professional conducts further tests. The objective of such tests is to grasp the current condition of cancer, whether it is limited to the breast area or has dispersed to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Depending on the nature of the breast cancer, a patient may undergo one or a combination of the following treatments: Chemotherapy This treatment uses particular remedial agents to reduce or eliminate cancer cells.
Mattresses for back pain – Choosing one and top options

Mattresses for back pain – Choosing one and top options

There can be several reasons for constant back pain; surgery, injury, or an uncomfortable sleeping position. Whatever the source, it can keep you awake all night. Luckily, the solution is pretty simple if it is the third problem. All you have to do is change your mattress! A good mattress will ensure you are supported throughout the night, ensuring good quality sleep. However, before choosing the right mattress, note salient points such as: How to select a good mattress for back pain? Firstly, and most importantly, one must take into account that all the best mattresses take the proverb “Comfort is the key” seriously, and ensure that specific points like the back, shoulders, and buttocks are not strained due to lack of support. Besides this, a so-called rule of thumb espouses that however good your mattress may be, you must get rid of it every ten years. But before you run to the market for mattress shopping, a consultation with your health professional is highly recommended. Once you are sure of the structural requirements of your back, mattress shopping will no longer be a confusing affair for you. Also, the results will be far more fruitful than if you rushed to the market uninformed about the guidelines for mattress shopping. If you are searching for a new mattress to ease your constant back pain, here are certain basic things you must consider while looking at the product you intend to choose: Sleeping position Your sleeping posture is vital for selecting a good mattress. It is because the position in which you sleep determines which parts of your body receive the highest amount of pressure. Assume you sleep on your back all the time; you will need a mattress to ease the stress on your lower back. If you sleep on your side, you will need a mattress that cushions around the shoulders and hip.
Alzheimer’s disease – 3 tips for caregivers

Alzheimer’s disease – 3 tips for caregivers

Alzheimer’s is a neurologic disorder that progressively causes the brain cells to deteriorate. This condition’s repercussions are dementia, which makes functioning independently quite cumbersome. One’s behavioral, social, and thinking skills are affected, and the country has about 5.8 million people over 65 suffering from the disease. Alzheimer’s worsens with age, as more than 80% of patients are aged 75 and above. Here are three tips caregivers should follow to slow the progression of this condition: Ensuring a balanced meal plan Caregivers need to remember that there is no special nutritional regime for patients in such cases. Healthy foods and a balanced meal plan are enough to keep them strong. The presence of certain nutrients that have neuroprotective effects. And leafy green vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, and kale can help against age-related cognitive decline. Vegetables like Brussels sprouts and cauliflower contain nutrients that act against Alzheimer’s symptoms, like vitamin B and carotenoids. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and cherries are rich in anthocyanin, which helps protect the brain cells and reduce cognitive decline. These berries are also rich in anti-inflammatory agents like antioxidants and vitamins. Whole grains are rich in vitamin E, which lowers the risk of dementia. Antioxidant elements in this food reduce the buildup of beta-amyloid proteins, one of the factors responsible for the disease. Beans are a recommended part of nutrition because they are rich in protein and fiber and low in fat and calories. Nuts like almonds, cashews, peanuts, and walnuts contain vitamins E and B and minerals like magnesium. All these nutrients keep the brain healthy, especially during the aging process. Olive oil and flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight dementia and maintain the brain’s health. Staying hydrated is crucial, but those with Alzheimer’s tend to forget or ignore their fluid needs. Caregivers need to ensure that the patient has small but regular amounts of fluids, including water, shakes, soups, smoothies, and juices.
9 subtle signs that a partner might be cheating

9 subtle signs that a partner might be cheating

Infidelity, or even a suspicion that a partner is being unfaithful, can lead to confusion and distance in a relationship. Obvious changes in behavior can often accompany cheating. However, sometimes, infidelity may be accompanied by subtle signs. Recognizing these signs can help one initiate communication with their partner in order to address the issues in the relationship. So, here are a few surprising signs that may indicate a partner is cheating: 1. Sudden changes in routine While days can get busier at times, this may be a cause for concern if there is no valid explanation for such deviation. Unless the partner has clearly communicated the reasons (like work commitments) for the shift well in advance, a sudden change in daily routine may be a sign that they are secretly spending time with someone else. Here, they may suddenly start working late frequently or head out more often without a seemingly valid reason. 2. Becoming overprotective of the phone When engaged in an affair, phones can hold proof of infidelity. So, a sign to avoid ignoring is heightened secrecy around phone use. Here, a partner may also change the way they use the phone, leading to the following signs that may become more evident over time: – The partner is suddenly not reachable on their phone at specific times of the day. – They have changed their phone passcode and refuse to share it. – They are always texting or sneaking off to make or answer calls. – They suddenly stop using shared devices. – Their social media usage suddenly changes. – They start clearing the browser history on their phone and the home computer. 3. Becoming emotionally distant Emotional affection is a crucial aspect of any healthy relationship. If a partner suddenly starts becoming distant, it can be a sign of a problem in the relationship.
9 mistakes to avoid when choosing an assisted living facility

9 mistakes to avoid when choosing an assisted living facility

Assisted living facilities are excellent for seniors who require help with daily tasks. These facilities ensure their members are comfortable and receive the best care. However, choosing an assisted living facility requires thorough research. One must consider several critical factors, such as the competence of the caregivers, the costs involved, meals, and safety arrangements. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when choosing an assisted living facility for seniors. Not visiting the facilities This is among the most significant mistakes one should avoid when choosing an assisted living facility. Relying solely on reviews, brochures, and online media like pictures and videos may seem sufficient. However, it may not provide a thorough idea of the facility’s functioning. Hence, one must take some time out to physically assess the facility. Individuals should observe its daily operations, conduct staff interactions, assess the cleanliness, and check out the available amenities. Experts also recommend visiting the common areas and recreational spaces that the senior would use regularly. Visiting the facility provides valuable insights that one would not receive by looking at photographs or watching videos. This approach can help people make well-informed decisions that align with their loved one’s needs. Making rushed decisions Another critical error to avoid when choosing an assisted facility is making rushed decisions. Even if a family member will require admission into an assisted living facility in the near future, making a rushed decision is not a good idea. It is essential to take time to explore multiple facilities, assess their amenities, and engage with the staff before finalizing an option. One should also prioritize the patient’s preferences before choosing an establishment. Taking time and being patient can help one make the right choice, which they will not regret later. Not considering the loved one’s needs It is essential to speak to the person who requires care before choosing an assisted living facility for them.
9 common bad habits that damage headphones

9 common bad habits that damage headphones

  Headphones are tech accessories that most individuals carry almost everywhere. People love listening to music while traveling, exercising, or when relaxing at home, and immersive headphones allow them to do that effortlessly. However, like most electronic gadgets, headphones are also prone to issues like damage to the wires or problems with the speaker. Individuals must be careful to prevent exposing their devices to such problems. Here are some common bad habits that may destroy headphones. Confusing “waterproof” with “water-resistant” IP ratings, or the Ingress Projection ratings, are common headphone terms that denote the water-resistant or waterproof capability of devices. Consumers tend to use the terms “water-resistant” and “waterproof” interchangeably. IP ratings of headphones talk about the level of protection they have against solids like dust and liquids like water. The ratings have different levels, and waterproof is different from water-resistant. One talks about how deep inside water a headphone can be taken, while the other talks about the resistive capability of headphones when exposed to water splashes. Mistaking one for the other leads to users taking their headphones in water-heavy or dust-heavy surroundings, leaving them vulnerable to damage. Wearing headphones for too long Wearing headphones on for long periods can be just as bad for one’s ears as for the device. Like any machine, headphones undergo wear when they are used for long periods. So, using them continuously and emptying their battery before charging them reduces the battery life and overall usability of headphones. More worryingly, long-time headphone usage also causes ear damage eventually. For better ear health, individuals can use their headphones as much as they want by taking enough breaks in between. Ideally, one must avoid using headphones continuously for several hours. Instead, experts advise using them for an hour at a stretch before giving one’s ears and the headphones a much-needed break.