Sugar is a soluble carbohydrate that is often added to most of our foods. This is what makes delicacies like cookies, chocolates, brownies, and cakes delicious. However, eating too many foods rich in sugars can deteriorate your overall health. The compound may cause health conditions and complications like tiredness, build-up of visceral fat, diabetes, and heart disease. So, here are eight signs of excess sugar intake to look out for. Feelings of irritability Studies indicate that eating foods with too much sugar may lead to irritability, stress, and moodiness. Sugar-rich foods contain less protein and fats which may lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. In turn, the body will rush to process the compounds and cause the energy levels to crash. Foods don’t taste sweet anymore Sometimes you may feel that the sugar-laden foods you consume are not as sweet as it once was. It may be an indication that you are consuming too much sugar. You may also find yourself less satisfied when you consume foods with low sugar content. Excess visceral fat Sugar is also known to affect leptin, a hormone that signals the brain when you have enough to eat. And processed snacks are rich in sugar but low in protein, healthy fats, and fibers.

Eczema is a health condition that triggers dry, inflamed, and itchy skin. While it may occur at any age, it is more common in younger individuals. Moreover, it is a chronic disease that may also flare up on more than one occasion. There are various types of eczema that are less common in individuals and come with unusual signs that one ought to know about. Here are six uncommon eczema types and their symptoms. Nummular eczema Coin-like spots are the result of nummular eczema. This type of dermatitis occurs on the legs, hands, or forearms. Other signs of nummular eczema include dry skin between the patches. One may also develop tiny bumps that develop after a skin injury. These patches get crusty and merge to form scaly coin shapes, a clear indicator of eczema. Stasis dermatitis Sometimes individuals may experience stasis dermatitis, which is associated with blood flow problems like varicose veins. The condition occurs in the lower legs and around the ankles. One of the first signs an individual with stasis dermatitis may experience is dry, discolored skin over the affected veins. They may also experience itchiness that spreads to the top of the foot. Another symptom associated with stasis dermatitis is swelling or discomfort in the leg or ankle that subsides when the individual sleeps but worsens during the day.

Migraine headaches are physically and emotionally taxing. While a person can withstand a single migraine headache with resilience, frequent migrainous episodes can break even those with the strongest spirits. Often, the foods a person eats act as triggers causing such headaches. Therefore, migraine experiencers need to cut out certain foods from their daily meals to keep painful headaches at bay for longer. Here are the 5 foods to avoid for people with migraine: Coffee Caffeine is a major trigger of migraines. One may find it challenging to steer clear of caffeine, as it is found in several foods such as tea, coffee, and chocolate. Coffee contains massive amounts of caffeine. Therefore, one must avoid consuming excessive amounts of coffee during the day. Caffeine is not entirely bad for people living with migraines. However, such people need to consume coffee in moderation. Instead of coffee, one can consider consuming black or green tea, which contains relatively smaller amounts of caffeine. Teriyaki Fermented soy foods also rank highly on any list of foods to avoid for migraine experiencers. Teriyaki, like miso, soy sauce, or tempeh, is a fermented soy product. This means that teriyaki has large amounts of tyramine, which commonly triggers migraine headaches not long after consumption.

Menopause is a stage at which the woman stops going through menstrual cycles. It is only considered menopause if you have not had your period for at least 12 months. In the US, the average age for it to occur is 51, but it can start as early as your 40s. It is a biological process that occurs naturally but, due to certain symptoms it causes, it can lead to disruptions in your daily schedule and life. Stages of menopause Menopause has three different stages, as given below. Perimenopause Before the actual menopause starts, the women’s body goes into the process of shifting from natural menstruation and ovulation cycle to permanent infertility. This stage is known as perimenopause. It generally starts in your 40s, but some women may experience it in their 30s too. The symptoms include irregular periods, sleep problems, and hot flashes. Menopause If you have not had your period in one year, then the perimenopause is over, and the actual menopause stage begins. You cannot get pregnant once you enter this stage. Postmenopause The years that follow are the postmenopause stage. The physical and emotional symptoms of menopause start to subside in most cases. You start to regain your energy levels and feel more emotionally stable.

Dementia is a psychological condition involving the progressive loss of cognitive abilities, including memory, reasoning, concentration, and the ability to carry out daily tasks. Many patients with dementia show behavioral changes and mood swings, hallucinate, and get disorientated and irritable. Besides early diagnosis and timely treatment, constant care, family support, and some lifestyle changes can contribute to healing from dementia. Here are some foods that can help individuals prevent and manage dementia symptoms: Spinach Spinach contains high levels of lutein, an antioxidant that helps prevent loss of cognitive functions. Moreover, several studies have drawn associations between the intake of spinach and other leafy greens and the prevention of cognitive decline. Spinach can be added to stir-fries, gravies, soups, smoothies, etc. Fatty fish Fatty fish varieties like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are packed with Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Studies have demonstrated a decline in DHA levels among individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, a leading cause of dementia. Thus, a meal plan rich in DHA can help reduce one’s susceptibility to these psychological conditions. A daily intake of 200 mg of DHA is recommended for brain health. Broccoli Being a cruciferous vegetable, broccoli is rich in carotenoids and vitamin B. These components can reduce the levels of homocysteine, an amino acid known to contribute to cognitive decline and related psychological conditions in the body.

Organs in the body rely on a delicate balance of nutritional food intake and supplements to support peak performance. Sensory organs, especially the ears, are at a high risk of losing optimal function due to certain changes in daily foods and beverages. Some foods may not directly impact or trigger hearing loss. But deficiencies can certainly increase the risk of health complications that eventually affect hearing. Here are seven food sources that negatively influence hearing abilities. Foods rich in sodium Smoked, canned, and frozen cuts of meat, processed or prepackaged breads, grains, snacks, chips, and all other condiments used in cooking are all rich in sodium. Research shows that excess sodium intake increases blood pressure, restricts blood vessels, and lowers the blood flow to the cochlea (the part that converts sound into nerve impulses). These symptoms increase the risk of hearing loss associated with tinnitus and Meniere’s disease. Processed foods Salty chips, fried foods, ready-to-eat meals, packaged snacks, tinned vegetables, microwavable recipes, cakes, biscuits, and bread are commonly consumed as processed foods. These are loaded with saturated fats, trans fats, additives, artificial flavorings, colorings, and preservatives. Studies show excess intake of processed foods can lower hearing efficiency by 39% among adults.

Certain environmental factors are among the most common cancer-causing agents. However, when people discuss environment-based carcinogens, not many focus on the threats within the household. Several household items pose just as grave a danger as radiation exposure for vulnerable people. The risk is more significant as people spend more time indoors than away from home. That said, here are a few household items linked with cancer that one should vary of: Non-stick cookware Non-stick cookware is a staple commodity found in most, if not all, homes. Non-stick items are helpful to avoid soaking utensils in water overnight and scraping off stuck food from pans. However, non-stick cookware is created using a chemical compound named polytetrafluoroethylene. This chemical is the main component of such cookware’s “non-sticky” coating. Several research studies have found that polytetrafluoroethylene is a carcinogen and can cause other harmful health effects and allergies if consumed for long periods. While purchasing cookware, one can check the percentage of polytetrafluoroethylene and look for substitutes. Couches and sofas Now, couches and sofas are the default resting spots for most people. However, the health risk associated with couches and sofas goes much deeper than how they make people averse to daily exercise.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD, is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders among children. Its symptoms range from focus and attention problems to troubling behaviors depending on the severity of the condition. ADHD cannot be cured. But, it is possible to manage the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening during adulthood. Doctors can suggest changes in daily nutrition to eliminate certain foods to better cope with symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Sweets Refined sugar is one of the primary ingredients to avoid as it is excessively used for making all sweets, candies, baked goods, confectioneries, frosting, and whipped cream. This list also includes artificial sweeteners used in beverages like colas, sodas, and store-bought fruit juices. Basically, anything that is artificially sweet will contain excessive refined sugars, causing inflammation of vital brain cells. Several studies have been done in this regard, with results pointing to the consumption of refined sugars as triggers hyperactivity among children. However, sugar is not a direct cause or trigger. Overconsumption mainly triggers problems with anxiety, depression, memory, and focus in general, all difficulties that are associated with neurological problems like ADHD. Limiting or eliminating sugars helps improve the overall outlook with ongoing treatment. Store-bought processed foods Many foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket contain some form of additive or preservative added to improve its shelf life.

Seasonal allergies each year bring symptoms like sneezing, sniffling, runny nose, and itchy eyes. While treatments can help relieve some allergy symptoms, the effect is enhanced when one makes better food choices. So, it is important to know which foods can help one deal with seasonal allergies. Some nutrient-rich options can help lower inflammation in the body. However, one should consult a healthcare specialist before making drastic changes to meals. Onions Foods like onions, garlic, berries, citrus fruits, leafy vegetables, and apples are rich in quercetin. Quercetin is a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties. It helps in bringing down histamine production in the body, alleviating symptoms of seasonal allergies. The decreased production of histamine lowers the intensity of allergic reactions. Adding these foods to meal meals, especially in preparation for the allergy season, is a great way of getting nutrients and keeping symptoms at bay. These foods can also help one recover after a major allergic reaction. Yogurt Probiotics are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. They contain bacteria that improve gut health and strengthen immunity. Yogurt contains probiotics, helping the immune system fight infections. Other items rich in probiotics are fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an inflammation of the esophagus that is caused by a white blood cell called an eosinophil. The disease has mostly been recorded in Caucasian males and can lead to esophageal narrowing over time. The treatment for EoE is generally supported by changes in one’s food intake as well. Doctors generally recommend eliminating certain foods to discover the underlying triggers for every individual. Some common foods to avoid for those suffering from EOE include: Soy Soy is a common allergen for many people and may trigger immune system responses as severe as an anaphylactic shock. Common soy-based foods include edamame, tofu, tempeh, soy butter, soy sauce, soy milk, and miso. It is also a common ingredient in many plant-based meats. Doctors may recommend going off of this high-allergen food group for six weeks, to check if reports improve. Dairy products Lactose is notoriously known as an allergen for many people. It is the main protein in most dairy products and can be difficult to digest, thus triggering different allergic responses. Depending on the person’s sensitivity levels, some may be able to continue enjoying baked goods with cow’s milk, while others may have to steer clear of any dairy products entirely.

Having a pearly white smile is a dream for many people. Luckily, there are lots of things you can do, even on a slim budget, to achieve that smile. From routine oral hygiene and home whitening treatments to teeth alignment devices like veneers and aligners, the world of aesthetic dentistry has advanced by leaps and bounds over the years. Here are five simple yet valuable tips for getting that perfect smile. Brush with the right toothbrush Brushing is the most important pillar for maintaining oral health. When done regularly, it helps eliminate the dirt, grime, and bacteria in the mouth. However, it is essential to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle. Brushing with a hard brush or being too aggressive could erode the enamel, making your teeth appear more yellow. Make regular visits to the dentist Keeping up with your dental appointments is essential. Visit the dentist once every six months or every year to flag any potential dental risks and maintain optimal oral health. Opt for aligners or other teeth-straightening procedures There are plenty of procedures for those worried about a crooked smile, but braces and invisible aligners are perhaps the most popular for addressing the issue. If you want a quick fix to make your smile more aesthetic, check out other procedures at your dentist’s office, like shaping, veneers, or bonding.