Research suggests that smiling has several health and mood-boosting benefits. And it takes only 14 muscles to smile! But unfortunately, yellow teeth, crooked or misaligned molars, and common oral hygiene mistakes make people insecure or self-conscious about their smile. The good news is that simple changes in nutrition and daily lifestyle can help one achieve whiter teeth and restore that beautiful smile. Here are five dentist-recommend tips for getting that perfect smile. Use clear aligners Even a few crooked teeth or misaligned molars can force a person to hide their beautiful smile. And braces are just another painful hassle to endure. So, why not use clear aligners? These are designed and molded to fit the upper and lower jaws perfectly without being noticed. Though expensive, clear aligners have proven helpful in correcting individual molars with minimal pain and effort. Try teeth-whitening home remedies Many home remedies help people achieve whiter and healthier teeth. Oil pulling is a popular remedy where one vigorously swishes coconut oil inside the mouth to remove the teeth-yellowing bacteria. Alternatively, baking soda boasts natural teeth-whitening properties and can be brushed onto the teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush. Even eating crunchy fruits and vegetables rich in fiber can help rub away plaque with every bite.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a condition wherein eosinophil, a type of white blood cell, accumulates in the esophagus, causing inflammation. It is typically accompanied by other symptoms, such as chest pain, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and vomiting. The condition often results from food allergies or environmental triggers. Thus, it helps to eliminate certain foods and add them back individually to identify any allergies. Here are some foods that may trigger EOE: Dairy products Even generally, milk is associated with increased mucus production, leading to congestion among people with lactose intolerance. Dairy intolerance can also cause or aggravate EoE. While some patients may react to dairy in all its forms, some others may be able to have certain dairy products, like baked items, without any consequences. Thus, it also helps to eliminate all dairy products initially and add them back one by one to identify the level of lactose intolerance. Fish and shellfish Fish and shellfish may also act as allergens for patients with EoE. Individuals with shellfish allergies often experience swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing. So, eliminating fish and shellfish and adding them back can help determine if either or both are causing the disease. Eggs Eggs contain specific properties that release histamine, a significant agent in mucus production, in the body.

The male reproductive system has a small walnut-shaped gland called the prostate responsible for creating the fluid that nourishes and carries sperm. Any abnormal cell growth in this gland can lead to cancer. In the initial stages, prostate cancer patients usually do not experience any visible symptoms. As long as the tumor is confined to the gland, the cancer treatment can be effective. Here are some warning signs of prostate cancer that necessitate prompt diagnosis. Early warning signs of prostate cancer Prostate cancer develops slowly and is largely asymptomatic, but those in more advanced stages may experience the below symptoms. Bladder issues The prostate gland is located close to the bladder and urethra, so one may experience symptoms affecting urination. A common sign of prostate cancer is a constant or frequent urge to empty one’s bladder. One may also experience a burning sensation, pain, or difficulty stopping while urinating. Other changes one may notice include blood in the urine or the flow being too weak. Fatigue and nausea Studies indicate that cancerous cells consume over 20 times more glucose than normal cells. This large amount of energy intake may lead to losing body mass or feeling tired and nauseous without any lifestyle changes.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the esophagus (the food pipe or tube that connects the stomach and the throat). Patients with EoE often experience acid reflux symptoms like heartburn, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain. There are treatment options available to help with both acid reflux and EoE. However, it is necessary to make changes to food habits to avoid frequent flares. Eating the right foods can significantly improve a patient’s condition. Bananas Bananas are high in fiber and low in acid content. In addition to this, they also have high potassium content, all of which can help alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux. It works as a natural antacid that neutralizes the acidity levels in the stomach. Bananas can be had in place of a mid-meal snack or can be added to smoothies or breakfast bowls to help with acid reflux and eosinophilic esophagitis symptoms. Melons Melons such as watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon have a high water content that can help dilute the acid in the stomach. Intake of these fruits can help lower the symptoms of acid reflux. Melons also have a substantial quantity of antioxidants and vitamins that can bring down the inflammatory levels in the esophagus and the stomach.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) like emphysema and chronic bronchitis are inflammatory lung conditions that make it difficult for a person to breathe. One may experience wheezing, coughing, or excessive mucus formation. Usually, long-term exposure to irritating gases, dust, chemicals, or burning fuels puts one at risk of developing the disease. While many treatments are available, food and drinks play a significant role in managing COPD side effects and flare-ups. 8 best foods for managing COPD Here are a few foods that may help COPD patients: Eggs and nuts Rich in protein, eggs, and nuts like walnuts, cashew, and almonds can help restore energy, strengthen respiratory muscles, and reduce muscle loss. Oats, quinoa, and whole grains Whole grain cereals, bread, barley, quinoa, and oats are all fiber-rich. COPD patients are at risk of developing heart diseases. Fiber helps regularize bowel movements, keep the digestive tract clean, and lower cholesterol levels. This reduces the risk of heart disease, constipation, and bloating, making breathing difficult for COPD patients. Almond milk and uncooked mushrooms Almond milk and mushrooms are high sources of vitamin D. COPD patients may experience brittle bones, and Vitamin D is a key nutrient in maintaining the health of both lungs and bones.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are popular contraception tools used by women around the world. The device can prevent pregnancy for several years; however, like most treatment options, it may have side effects. So one can expect cramping, heavy bleeding, and irregular periods as common effects. Fortunately, there are several ways to manage these consequences and get IUDs without worrying about health risks. Here are some tips for tackling the side effects of IUDs: Understand the risks A doctor can explain what to expect after getting an IUD and offer suggestions for managing potential side effects. They can also answer any queries and ensure the device is inserted correctly. One must seek expert advice before and after getting an IUD. Try pain relievers Pain relievers can help alleviate pain and cramps associated with IUDs. One must follow dosage instructions carefully, not exceeding the recommended limit. Before beginning any treatment, one must consult a physician and check its suitability. Consider heat therapy Applying heat to the lower abdomen may help alleviate discomfort and cramps. One can place heating pads or take warm baths to relieve symptoms; however, they should avoid doing this for an extended period, as it could cause burns or harm the skin.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a form of long-term birth control used by millions of women worldwide. But despite their popularity, several myths about IUDs often confuse women about whether this is the correct contraceptive method for them. This article lists some of these common myths about IUDs. It also provides information to help separate fact from fiction so that women can choose the best contraceptive method as per individual preferences. IUDs are only suitable for women who have had a baby Many believe IUDs are best only for women who have given birth as they have bigger uterine cavities. But this is not true. IUDs are available in different sizes, and experts recommend them even for young women who have not given birth. Regardless of a woman’s reproductive history, these devices are a safe alternative for avoiding unintended pregnancies. IUDs cause pelvic inflammatory disorder (PID) PID is an infection of the female reproductive system. Some think IUDs cause this infection and, thus, refrain from using them. But this is quite the opposite of what experts believe. According to many professionals, these devices carry a very low risk of causing PID, especially after the device gets adjusted to the body. The IUD could get lost inside the body IUDs have a string attached to one end, enabling easy removal from the uterus.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, causes heartburn. When the sphincter, which is at the base of the esophagus, malfunctions, acidic fluids from the stomach flow back into the food pipe, making one feel a burning sensation in and around the throat and abdomen. It is a common health condition, affecting 1 in every 5 people in the country. Some foods may trigger heartburn and should be avoided. Fried foods Deep-fried fatty foods take longer to digest compared to other foods, staying in the digestive system for longer. This results in the stomach making more acids to digest them. Fried foods such as onion rings and french fries are rich in unhealthy fats, making them key foods to avoid for heartburn management. Apart from delaying digestion, such foods tend to make the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) relax, making the gastric fluids back up into the esophagus. One should also avoid excessive butter, whole milk, sour cream, regular cheese, bacon, fat, ham, and lard, as well as desserts such as ice cream and creamy fruit salads when dealing with acid reflux issues. Coffee Caffeine is a major trigger of inflammation in people. Like fatty foods, caffeine-rich foods also relax the LES, resulting in the acids in the stomach flowing into the esophagus instead of passing through the excretory system.

The first sign of a blood clot that comes to mind is swelling and severe pain around an affected area. Unfortunately, these aren’t always the only signs of a developing blood clot. Several other unusual symptoms can indicate issues with your circulatory system. For example, this article will break down six unusual signs of blood clots to inform you of related health problems and know when to consult your healthcare provider. Unusual signs of blood clots A blood clot appears when blood becomes thick and accumulates in a body part. Blood clots can indicate underlying health conditions and are sometimes life-threatening if not detected and treated promptly. While there are many typical signs of blood clots, such as pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area, there are also some unusual signs to be aware of. Therefore, here are the six unusual signs of blood clots: Hives or rash Blood clots can sometimes cause hives (bumps) or a rash on the skin. These can be itchy and uncomfortable and may appear in the area where the clot has formed. Tingling or numbness Blood clots can also cause tingling or numbness in the affected area. For example, the clot can press on nerves and restrict blood flow to the surrounding tissues.

Chronic allergies are allergies that are persistent all year round and are commonly caused due to many environmental and indoor allergens. Prescriptions may help relieve allergy symptoms. However, many people are surprised to learn that making dietary changes can also effectively manage them. If you’re looking for a more holistic approach to controlling allergies, a food-elimination plan could be just what you need. Here’s a week-by-week meal plan for six weeks to tackle aggressive allergies. Best food elimination nutrition plan for allergies A six-food elimination nutrition plan identifies food allergies or intolerances by temporarily eliminating certain foods from your daily meals and then slowly reintroducing them to see if they cause any adverse reactions. The six most common foods that people with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), asthma, bronchitis, etc., are usually allergic to and which are eliminated are: Milk and dairy products Wheat and gluten-containing products Soy and soy-containing products Eggs and egg-containing products Fish and shellfish Tree nuts and peanuts Here’s a sample six-food elimination meal plan: Week 1 Eliminate milk and dairy products from your meal routine. Read food labels carefully and avoid anything that contains milk, cheese, yogurt, cream, and butter. Week 2 Eliminate wheat and gluten-containing products.