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4 foods that help keep GERD at bay

4 foods that help keep GERD at bay
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic acid reflux condition in which stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach. This acid reflux can irritate the esophagus lining, causing other health complications. While it is common to experience acid reflux sometimes, it is still recommended to see a doctor. It is also essential to be careful of food choices, so here are some foods which keep GERD at bay. Ginger Known for its medicinal properties, ginger is one of the best herbs to consider when managing acid reflux. It is alkaline and is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great choice of ingredient to add to vegetables, soups, and tea. It is learned that acid reflux also often happens due to an inflammation in the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, so ginger can provide some relief. Some ways to incorporate this in meals include adding crushed ginger to cooked vegetables, ginger paste, or even sliced ginger to soup and boiling a broth with this ingredient. Ginger tea is another clever way of getting the ingredient benefits without chewing on it by simply sipping on this hot brew slowly in the morning or evening.

Alarming signs of esophageal cancer

Alarming signs of esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the esophagus, which is a long, hollow tube that connects the stomach to the throat. The esophagus is responsible for transporting food from the throat to the stomach to be digested. Esophageal cancer usually starts in the cells that line the esophagus. This cancer is the world’s sixth leading cause of death from cancer. Here are a few alarming signs of esophageal cancer. Swallowing food The most common sign of esophageal cancer is difficulty swallowing, specifically the feeling that food is stuck in the throat. Some patients also experience food choking. As the esophagus narrows due to cancer spreading, these symptoms worsen over time, with a rise in pain when swallowing. In such cases, it is best to avoid consuming large amounts of solid food and instead eat softer foods in smaller portions. Chest pain This cancer also causes pain in the center of the chest, like GERD. Some patients experience a burning sensation or chest pain after swallowing food or liquid that comes into contact with the location of cancer in the esophagus. These symptoms are frequently triggered by conditions other than cancer, such as heartburn. If the discomfort persists, it is critical to consult a doctor.

Warning signs of deep vein thrombosis

Warning signs of deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot develops in deep veins, usually in the leg. It can lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism, where a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow, which can be fatal. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the warning signs of deep vein thrombosis so you can seek immediate help from professionals for treatment. Let’s discuss three warning signs of DVT. Swelling One of the most common warning signs of DVT is swelling in the affected area. This swelling is usually accompanied by pain, tenderness, and warmth in the affected leg. It can be localized (specific areas) or generalized (throughout the body), affecting the entire leg. In some cases, the affected leg may feel heavier than the unaffected leg, and you may notice that your clothes or shoes feel tighter than usual. It is essential to understand that swelling in the leg can have many causes, and not all cases of leg swelling are due to DVT. Redness and warmth Another warning sign of DVT is redness and warmth in the affected area. The redness may be patchy, spread, and more pronounced in the area around the clot.

Avoid these 5 common fishing mistakes

Avoid these 5 common fishing mistakes
Fishing may seem like a simple activity at first glance. Many people believe that all one needs to do is hang out bait underwater, and they can expertly catch a ton of fish in no time. As one can expect, fishing is much trickier than what many people can imagine. Unsurprisingly, novice anglers are prone to making certain rookie fishing mistakes. Here are some such common fishing mistakes to steer clear of: Using the wrong equipment Various species of fish respond in different ways to different bait and lures. One must keep that in mind while heading out to a water body for fishing. Once anglers know which species of fish are possibly present in a given water body they are headed towards, they must pick the right lures, bait, hooks, reel, and rod before beginning the exercise. Not checking the weather forecast New anglers often overlook the importance of checking the weather forecast before embarking on a fishing trip. The weather plays a crucial role in determining whether a particular location and time are suitable for fishing. Fishing productivity and the safety of the anglers depend on the surrounding weather conditions. For instance, fishing in heavily forested areas and mossy waterways is dangerous when the rains are too heavy.

5 types of water filtration systems

5 types of water filtration systems
Over time, the water filtration system has undergone several technological advancements to provide water access to billions of people worldwide. There are not just one but several ways pollutants can be removed from water. Depending on the location, area, and need, an appropriate type of filtration system can be used for water purification. Below are some of the different types of popular water filtration or treatment systems that are helpful. Mechanical filters This is one of the most standard and most common methods of filtering water. A physical barrier is used in the filtration system, which helps remove the dirt, particles, and chemicals from the liquid. The water usually travels through this mechanical filter, made of synthetic foam and nylon floss that helps clean out the water’s physical impurities. For this reason, this is often a prevalent method for the pre-filtration process. Ion exchange filters This is usually one of the most effective ways of filtering out the impurities from the water. In this method, the filtration system works by splitting the atoms of the contaminated particles, like chemicals and dirt, into ions, which is done using limescale. This ion water softener is also the best way to soften hard water.

Things to know before buying a small pickup truck

Things to know before buying a small pickup truck
A small-sized pickup truck is your best bet If you plan to tow or carry light loads. With the plethora of pickup truck options available in the market, choosing the best small pickup truck can be confusing. Trucks from different automakers in various models offer different cab sizes, bed sizes, towing capacities, and features. Read on to find out the important factors to consider when shopping for the best small pickup truck. Cab size Choosing the right cab size according to your needs is very important as it directly affects the bed space available for cargo. A regular cab truck is the smallest and has 2 doors at the sides and a single row of seats with negligible space in between. Extended cab trucks are slightly bigger and have rear doors that are rear-hinged and can only be opened if its adjacent front door is open. Double cab trucks have 4 doors, but the rear seating doesn’t have enough legroom. If you’re looking to comfortably travel across the country with your family, go for a crew cab truck as it has 4 full-size forward-hinged doors and is spacious enough to stretch your legs. Bed size The bed is what makes a pickup truck stand out from other vehicles.

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4 common myths about diabetes debunked

When the glucose levels in the body are high and insulin levels are not proportionate enough to convert this glucose into energy, the risk of diabetes increases. It is basically the inability of the body to convert food into energy using insulin. The glucose is broken down into energy for cells to absorb and when this conversion doesn’t take place, blood sugar levels rise. If left unchecked, it can lead to a number of complications. However, there are certain myths about diabetes that can create confusion among the masses. Here is what you must know and understand about the condition. Myth 1: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same. The fact of the matter is that both type 1 and 2 are linked to insulin deficiency that causes diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce any insulin, and people suffering from this condition must rely on regular doses of insulin to supplement these requirements. Type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune disorder that is mostly diagnosed in children. In type 2 diabetes, the body still manages to produce insulin but the cells are unable to absorb the compound necessary for converting food into energy. Depending on the severity of the condition, people suffering from type 2 diabetes may or may not need insulin shots. Myth 2: Insulin dependence Nothing can be further from the truth that insulin is a lifesaving medication and absolutely necessary for people suffering from severe diabetes. The body cannot convert food into energy without insulin. How the supply is replenished does not matter as there is a need for the deficiency to be managed better. People with type 2 diabetes can still manage a healthy lifestyle and reduce their dependence on insulin to a great extent. However, it is a mandatory medication for those who have type 1 diabetes.

The risk factors associated with dehydration

Dehydration is the loss of fluids from one’s body. It can be caused due to something as simple as not having an adequate water intake or perhaps a severe medical side effect. The symptoms of fluid loss caused due to this condition can affect people of all ages. From toddlers and infants to older adults, one can experience mild to severe dehydration depending on the primary cause of the same. Herein, we shall try and understand the severity and risk factors associated with dehydration in people of different ages. Children and infants At a very young age, infants and children are more susceptible to bacterial infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Both result in the rapid loss of fluids. Note that infants lose more fluids in comparison to adults. Young children, especially toddlers, unlike adults, may also not realize when they are thirsty. This increases the risk of staying dehydrated unknowingly until severe symptoms indicate the same. It is one of the main reasons why doctors prescribe electrolyte-rich fluids for children experiencing a high fever to help replenish the lost fluids. Seniors and older adults Adults after a certain age face more difficulties as the body gradually loses its ability to conserve water. One’s sense of thirst also becomes acute with old age, which further increases the risk. Individuals might not feel thirsty enough to have the recommended intake of water every day, further causing problems due to the loss of fluids. Furthermore, dehydration can be a direct result of certain prescription medications used for treating diabetes. The side effects can result in a fluid imbalance as medications increase the urine output, thus resulting in a higher loss of fluids from the body. Many medications also list vomiting and diarrhea as potential side effects and both can trigger a severe loss of fluids in the body.

Must-have nutrients and foods for optimal eye health

Our sensory organs are extremely essential in our daily life. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to stand straight, see things, taste, communicate, and live the way we do. But the power of sight is one of the most important of them all. Maintaining good eye health is necessary, and, unsurprisingly, making healthy lifestyle and dietary choices is crucial for this. So, here are a few nutrients you should add to your daily diet to keep your vision in top-notch condition: Vitamin A The deficiency of vitamin A is one of the most common causes of blindness across the globe. Why is this vitamin so important? Well, for starters, it helps manage and maintain the light-sensing cells in your eyes. A lack of vitamin A can cause dry eyes and other serious eye conditions. Best food with vitamin A content: To get the right amount of vitamin A in your diet and maintain optimal eye health, include foods like apricots, carrots, spinach, and yam in your diet in plenty. Vitamin C Vitamin C is present in high concentration in the aqueous humor (the liquid in the outermost part of the eye). The amount of this vitamin in the aqueous humor is proportional to the amount in your diet, and research has proved that people with cataracts tend to have low amounts of vitamin C in their bodies. Best dietary sources of vitamin C: Citrus fruits like oranges, kiwi, lime, and strawberries are all great sources of vitamin C. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are also healthy sources of this vitamin. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are essential to maintain good eye health. DHA aids eye function. It is present in the retina and is an integral part of brain and eye development in children. Evidence also proves the benefits of omega-3 supplements for people with dry eyes.

Understanding the different aspects of a flu outbreak

Flu or influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can result in mild to severe illness and health complications. A severe flu infection can result in hospitalization and can even prove to be fatal, especially in young children, older people aged above 65, and people with underlying health conditions. There are two main types of flu viruses: Type A and Type B virus. The illness can be periodical and result in seasonal flu epidemics each year. The cold, flu, and its symptoms such as cough is caused due to the type of the viruses mentioned above. Influenza may not always be considered by most people as a serious illness, its symptoms comprising a runny nose, headaches, cough, and muscle pain can be confused with those of a heavy cold. Yet reports suggest that seasonal influenza can claim up to 650,000 lives every year. That is why influenza vaccinations are important because they protect people, especially those in at-risk categories, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with vulnerable immune systems or underlying health conditions. What most of us call “the flu” is essentially seasonal influenza because it comes around in the coldest season twice a year, once in the Northern hemisphere’s winter, and once in the Southern hemisphere’s winter in temperate zones of the world. The flu circulates year-round in the tropics and subtropics, which makes it more contagious. The worst part about the influenza virus is that it constantly mutates, enabling it to evade the mechanisms of our immune systems. The virus learns from the responses of the human body and creates a suitable defensive mechanism to survive the attack by the immune system. When a new virus emerges, it can easily infect people and spread due to its contagiousness. Very little to no immunity to a new strain can lead to a simple outbreak becoming an epidemic or a pandemic within no time.

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9 most common types of depression you should know about

9 most common types of depression you should know about

All of us feel low, upset, and unmotivated at some point in our life, but this isn’t classified as depression. Depression is a mood disorder that overshadows a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Signs and symptoms of this grave disorder can range from feeling hopeless and tired to completely losing the will to live. There are several types of depression and they are listed below so you can understand depression and people suffering from it better. Major Depression (Clinical Depression) The hallmark trait of this type of depression is the constant feeling of sadness or loss of interest in social life or any outside stimuli. It often lasts for two weeks or more in which a person can experience symptoms such as hopelessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) Dysthymia lasts for years and can disrupt daily life and interfere with personal and professional relationships. Individuals with dysthymia are often seen as dark, pessimistic, or complainers by others, and they have a hard time being happy in typically pleasant situations. Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) People with manic depression experience high degrees of mood swings. Their train of thought can take them from feeling euphoric to feeling suicidal in just a few weeks.
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Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Pregnancy is a new experience in every couple’s life, and one should understand a few things to ensure that the nine months are smooth and stress-free. Simply being prepared for pregnancy and looking forward to the joy of parenthood is not all there’s to childbirth. As a couple, you must understand, review, and adjust your lifestyle. Expecting mothers become their child’s nurturers and supporters from day one, but the expecting fathers, close relatives, and friends must also understand the key roles they will play right up to the due date. Here are a few simple family and pregnancy guide points to help you and your folks get started: Staying healthy Physical and mental wellbeing is extremely crucial for the expecting mother to ensure both her and the baby’s health. Diet plays a crucial role in this process, as the mother is now providing nutrition for the developing fetus as well as herself. As a family, you can take turns to ensure that the to-be mother is staying physically active, eating healthy and regularly, and not cultivating any bad habits. More importantly, family and loved ones should be prepared for the changes to come in the upcoming trimesters. Coping with changes – what to expect Morning sickness in the first trimester is quite common and can put a woman’s body under tremendous stress.
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