Who wouldn’t want clean, bright, and white teeth? However, certain DIY teeth whitening techniques and home remedies may do more harm than good if one doesn’t exercise caution. This is why one should always consult a dentist and opt for professional teeth whitening procedures and avoid doing it without expert supervision. So, here are a few risks of at-home teeth whitening that one should consider before opting for DIY techniques: Weakening the enamel This is a common risk involved with teeth whitening techniques. The enamel is a thin but tough outer layer on the tooth that protects it from decay or cavities. However, frequent at-home whitening solutions can weaken or even erode the enamel, especially if extremely abrasive options are used. Certain harsh products or ingredients can chip away at the enamel, leaving the tooth bare—a huge reason why teeth whitening at home may be a bad idea. Uneven whitening There is a clear difference between professional teeth whitening and at-home solutions. Not following precise instructions or overdoing the procedure can lead to unsatisfactory results like uneven whitening, defeating the whole purpose of the process. While uneven whitening may not indicate any effects on oral health, DIY procedures may not do a thorough job of giving one sparkly white teeth.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a condition that causes inflammation in the esophagus. This chronic immune system disease is characterized by the aggressive growth of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the lining of the esophagus. EoE flare-ups can resemble allergic reactions. So, certain triggers, such as specific weather conditions, other disorders, and foods, can worsen symptoms of EoE. Here are some of the foods to avoid when dealing with the condition: Milk Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, butter, cheese, and cream can trigger EoE flare-ups. These products are made up of components like casein, diacetyl, lactalbumin, lactose, tagatose, whey, rennet casein, and more that cause undesirable chemical reactions in the esophagus of those with dormant EoE symptoms. Once that happens, the growth of eosinophils becomes even more aggressive, causing symptoms like pain and discomfort. Pasta Most types of pasta contain gluten, another protein that triggers or worsens EoE symptoms. Gluten or wheat sensitivity and inflammation are observed in people with EoE. As wheat and gluten are the building blocks of pasta, cereals, white bread, and crackers, these foods must be avoided when affected by EoE. Alternatively, one can opt for foods like rice, quinoa, tapioca, beans, barley, and legumes, as they offer similar nutritional value without gluten.

Food is fuel for the body. Therefore, maintaining a balance of essential vitamins, nutrients, and minerals sourced from daily foods is necessary to ensure proper bodily functions. Take the case of skeletal structure; there are 206 bones in the human body. It means a significant portion of daily nutrition intake goes into bone maintenance, growth, and repair of connector joints. Bones require calcium, protein, and vitamin D, which are abundant in the below foods. Dairy Dairy is one of the richest sources of calcium necessary for maintaining bone health. Full-fat milk, skim milk, buttermilk, plain yogurt, and Greek yogurt are all nutritious sources of calcium that can be easily incorporated into one’s daily meal plan. Even different types of cheese contain enough calcium to supplement bone health. Parmesan cheese tops the list, with cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, ricotta, and cottage cheese following suit. People who are lactose intolerant can substitute these products with soy milk, soy-based yogurt, almond milk, or even rice milk to get the daily dose of calcium and vitamin D. Seafood Sardines, salmon, and tuna are the top picks among seafood, being rich sources of calcium and vitamin D. Sardines can be consumed directly from the can in many ways.

Hair growth is influenced by several factors, such as age, health, genetics, environmental exposure, nutrition, and medical intervention. Maintaining a healthy nutrition plan can positively impact hair follicle growth and cellular turnover, which improves overall hair health, strength, and shine. According to certain studies, deficiencies of vitamins B12 and D, biotin, riboflavin, and iron can lead to hair loss. To maintain hair health and encourage growth, here are some foods to consider: Eggs Hair follicles are mostly made up of protein. To maintain their quality, it is essential to get the required amount of protein every day. Eggs are a rich source of protein as well as biotin, zinc, and selenium, which play a vital role in promoting hair growth and improving hair health. Berries Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries are rich sources of antioxidants and vitamin C, which the body uses to produce collagen. Collagen supports hair strength, which is key for getting luscious locks. Vitamin C also helps absorb iron from food, and iron deficiency (anemia) has also been linked to hair loss. Greek yogurt Greek yogurt is packed with protein and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), which are important agents in the fight against hair thinning and loss.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulcers and inflammation in the digestive tract. It usually affects the innermost lining of the large intestine and the rectum. In most cases, the symptoms develop over time and can be uncomfortable and draining. If left untreated, ulcerative colitis may even lead to further life-threatening complications. While the condition does not have a known cure, there are various methods to manage it. Managing ulcerative colitis – Foods to eat In addition to treatments and lifestyle changes, patients can alter their meal plans to manage ulcerative colitis. This includes adding healthy foods and avoiding ones that can trigger a flare-up. Here are some nutrient-rich foods to consider: Bananas Although doctors recommend avoiding raw fruits with this digestive disorder, one may benefit from ripe and soft bananas. Bananas are good sources of carbohydrates, which blend with protein and fats to produce energy. Patients can also consider other soft fruits, such as pears and peaches, to ease the digestive process and manage the symptoms. Applesauce Like soft bananas, applesauce can be easily digested and is, hence, recommended for those with this disorder. However, one must carefully check the labels of store-bought applesauce and choose unsweetened varieties, as added sugar can increase inflammation.

Having pearly white teeth and maintaining them is easier said than done. In order to keep them looking good, one must ensure proper oral hygiene. Moreover, maintaining good oral hygiene can aid in avoiding any dental problems and their associated treatment. There are numerous options available that can help one get the perfect smile. While some options are natural, one can also opt for other dental treatment methods to achieve the goal. The perfect smile makes up of healthy teeth and gums. Therefore, if your want to keep your pearly white teeth stain-free, and perfectly aligned, here are four valuable tips that can help you achieve the goal. Brush and floss regularly Following a routine of brushing and flossing regularly may help one maintain oral health at an optimum level. Furthermore, using good quality brushes for brushing will also help get rid of the dirt and sediments on the teeth. Additionally, flossing also prevents bacterial growth or infections in the oral cavity. Hence, experts advise brushing and flossing after every meal to get rid of the food particles stuck between the teeth. Avoid eating many sweets Eating sweets regularly can lead to dental problems such as tooth decay and tooth discoloration.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a modern form of birth control that are long-lasting, effective, and safe. They are shaped like a ‘T’ and fit inside the uterus. Their primary role is preventing sperm from reaching and fertilizing the eggs. IUDs may be hormonal or non-hormonal. However, there are several myths associated with IUDs and their usage that need to be debunked for the safety of women’s health. Here are six common myths to note. IUDs can only be used by older women IUDs are a safe and effective option for women of all ages. They are available in different sizes to suit the size of a woman’s uterus; it is not a one-for-all device. If a doctor recommends that one is too young to get an IUD, try getting a second opinion. IUDs can cause infertility While this may have been true for some intrauterine devices in the 70s, modern IUDs pose no risks to one’s fertility and are perfectly safe to use. IUDs lead to infections Earlier, IUDs (in the 1970s) were linked to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and had to be recalled for the same. IUDs today do not cause any infections. However, they also do not protect against sexually transmitted infections or diseases, so it is advised to always use a condom, even with the implant.

The pain caused by arthritis is often agonizing. It is a broader term for joint pain or joint diseases, and its effects can be disabling and prevent one from indulging in regular activities. Eating certain foods may also help one tackle the symptoms of arthritis. However, constantly having limited meals can be tiresome. Therefore, here are six healthy and delicious smoothie ideas to help one manage arthritis and joint pain. Pineapple anti-inflammatory smoothie Pineapple juice is rich in enzymes like bromelain that can reduce pain caused by arthritis. You can make a delicious smoothie by mixing other ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, like romaine lettuce, cilantro, and ginger, to create a healthy smoothie. Add water occasionally until the blend reaches a consistency of your liking. Blueberry kale smoothie Berries like blueberries are known for their rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Blend three-quarters of the food with a cup of kale, bananas, two pitted dates, and half a tablespoon of almond butter, and top it with low-fat milk. This combination may help fight the effects of arthritis pains. One can also try making a smoothie with other berries, including blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries, as they have similar properties that may help curb arthritis inflammation.