As we age, wrinkles become more and more prominent on our skin. They can be a source of insecurity and make us look older than we are. But the good news is that wrinkles do not have to be permanent; there are ways to eliminate or at least reduce their appearance. This article will explore some natural remedies and food options that help. The tips will help you achieve smoother, wrinkle-free skin. What are wrinkles? Wrinkles, characterized by lines and creases on the skin, are a natural part of aging. They form when the skin loses its elasticity and ability to stretch. They can occur anywhere on the body but are most common around the eyes, mouth, forehead, and nose. Causes of wrinkles As mentioned, the skin becomes less elastic as we age and loses its ability to bounce back after being stretched or pulled. This makes wrinkles more likely to form. But age is only one factor that can cause the condition. Many other factors can also lead to wrinkles, and it is essential to be aware of them, so you can take steps to prevent or reduce their appearance. Some common causes of wrinkles include: Sun damage Exposure to sunlight can cause premature skin aging and, thus, wrinkles. The UV rays from the sun damage collagen fibers in the skin’s dermis layer, leading to wrinkles later in life. Dehydration When the skin is dehydrated, it is more likely to develop fine lines and wrinkles. Hence, it is crucial to drink sufficient water throughout the day. Unhealthy foods Foods with high levels of sugar, salt, and processed ingredients lead to excess inflammation throughout the body and cause the skin to become thin and wrinkled over time. Too much saturated fat also contributes to the problem by blocking the absorption of essential nutrients and minerals needed for healthy skin growth.

It’s no secret that we all want pearly white teeth. A beautiful smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and it can also boost your self-confidence. While countless teeth-whitening treatments are accessible on the market, including whitening toothpaste, there are a few traditional ways you can naturally whiten your teeth at home. If you’re unaware of the same, read on for some of the best ways to ensure pearly white teeth. The science of teeth and why they go yellow? Teeth are one of the most critical parts of our body and play an essential role in our overall health. They help us eat, speak, and breathe. But teeth aren’t just for eating and talking; they also play a significant role in keeping our mouths healthy. Teeth are made up of dentin, enamel, and pulp (the white part).  Dentin is the layer that covers the tooth’s surface, the enamel is the hard outer layer that protects the dentin from damage, and the pulp is left over after we remove all dental tissue (enamel, dentin, and cementum) from around a tooth’s root.  When food gets stuck between your teeth or bacteria grows on your teeth, it can cause yellowing or browning of your teeth, which is called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can cause bone loss and gum recession, among other complications. Natural practices to whiten your teeth at home Brush using baking soda Baking soda is a safe and effective way to remove surface stains from your teeth, revealing brighter, whiter teeth underneath. To use baking soda as a toothbrush, wet your toothbrush and dip it into the baking soda. Gently brush your teeth for a few minutes, then rinse with water. You can do this once or twice a week for the best influence and outcomes.  Consume fruits and vegetables If you’re looking for a simple and natural way to whiten your teeth, look no further than your kitchen!

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders affecting daily life. Many people deal with anxiety and chronic stress and experience symptoms like agitation, nervousness, chest pain, and a racing heart. Over 18% of people in the country deal with anxiety disorders every year. In some people, an overactive thyroid might also cause anxiety disorder. Below are some of the best management options to keep anxiety in check.  Scheduling a worrying time It may seem odd, but health experts recommend picking a worrying time when you can think about all your fears on purpose. You can spare thirty minutes of your time to identify things that disturb you and have your worry session. Try doing the same every day at the same time. Do not think about the what-ifs and focus only on the things that trigger your anxiety. Indulging in mindfulness When you feel anxious, you may spend a significant amount of time around the day thinking about all the anxiety-provoking thoughts and ideas. When you become mindful, you learn how to concentrate your attention and bring it back to the present moment, unhooking from all thoughts that may trigger your anxiety. Today, mindfulness is becoming popular as people realize how beneficial it is. You can find different resources to formulate a mindful practice.  Meditate When you meditate, you slow the racing thoughts. Hence, it is easier to manage your anxiety and stress levels. Different meditation styles, for instance, meditation and mindfulness during yoga, can be helpful. Mindfulness elevates your mood and keeps anxiety in check. Cognitive therapy In cognitive therapy, a person must shift their focus onto changing the beliefs and the thinking patterns associated with anxiety or those that trigger it. For instance, if you have a social phobia that aggravates your stress, it worsens further when you feed your brain negative thoughts like ‘Everyone thinks I am a misfit.’ Mainly, the basis of this therapy is that your beliefs start the thoughts, which trigger feelings and generate behaviors.

It’s normal to be anxious about certain aspects of everyday life. You can think of anxiety as a by-product of leading a busy life. And it isn’t necessarily bad. A bit of nervousness prepares you for the possible danger and helps you calculate the risks. But, if anxiety becomes a routine affair, you must act before it snowballs. Below we list some natural methods to deal with anxiety every day. Spend time outdoors Getting outdoors and spending time amidst nature can positively impact your mental well-being. Studies prove that spending time in fresh air is an excellent mood elevator. It has significant cognitive benefits and is the perfect way to reduce anxiety. Outdoor time is also advantageous for physical health. Be physically active Exercising is necessary not only for physical health but also for mental health. Though it’s hard to understand the connection between the two, studies suggest that exercising can be an excellent way to alleviate anxiety symptoms. When you’re physically active, you take your mind off the things that bother you. It triggers your body to release endorphin, a natural feel-good hormone. Meditate Meditating slows those racing thoughts of worry and helps manage stress better. You can try various meditation styles, such as meditating during yoga. Mindfulness meditation is another successful therapy in anxiety management   and has proven effective for anyone dealing with mood-related issues.  Try gardening Gardening triggers the brain to release mood-boosting chemicals, helping ease anxiety. Moreover, it’s an excellent way to spend time in the lap of Mother Earth. It can be beneficial for your mind. You can call a local community garden and volunteer if you don’t have a personal yard or lawn. Cut down your caffeine intake Caffeine helps you stay alert, but it may trigger anxiety if consumed in high doses.

Atrial fibrillation (AFIB) is an arrhythmia that affects the heart’s upper chambers. It happens when the electrical impulses controlling these chambers go haywire, resulting in an irregular heartbeat. AFIB is not life-threatening but can aggravate the risk of blood clots, stroke, and congestive heart failure. Though there is no cure, several treatment options and healthy eating habits can help manage the condition.  Here are a few heart-healthy foods to keep atrial fibrillation at bay. Black beans Black beans have several heart-healthy compounds like magnesium, antioxidants, and folate that help reduce blood pressure, a prevalent AFIB trigger. It helps manage your blood sugar levels and keep cholesterol in check. One can add black beans to salads and soups, but rinse the canned beans to eliminate all the extra salt sticking to them.  Fruits and vegetables Veggies and fruits are excellent vitamin and mineral sources. They are rich in nutritional fiber and low in calories. Fruits and vegetables contain ingredients that help keep heart diseases at bay. Moreover, one can easily cut back on high-calorie foods like snack foods, cheese, and meat by eating vegetables and fruits. Adding fruits and vegetables to your routine is easy. Keep them handy as washed and cut, and put them in your refrigerator to enjoy as a quick snack. Keep the fruit bowl in your kitchen to always remember to eat your fruits. Pick recipes that have fruits or vegetables as the primary ingredients, like fresh fruits or stir-fried veggies in a salad. Almonds and walnuts Walnuts are rich in Vitamin E, fiber, folate, and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are all good for your heart. They also have high polyunsaturated fat content. To get the best heart-healthy meal, try to eat them unsalted. Like walnuts, almonds are crunchy, meaty nuts with a high Omega-3 fatty acid content, an excellent pick for your heart health.

Breast cancer is a cancer that occurs in the cells of the breast. There are several types of breast cancer, and the kind depends on which cells in the breast turn malignant. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in women in the country. However, breast cancer can occur in women as well as men, but is more common in women. Read on to learn more about breast cancer. Symptoms A lump or mass that feels as small as a pea Change in the contour, shape, or size of the breast Marble-like hardened area underneath the skin Redness of the skin on the nipple or breast Change in the feel or look of the skin on the nipple or breast A thickening or lump in or near the breast or in the underarm, which persists through the menstrual cycle Clear fluid discharge or blood-stain from the nipple The area looks distinctly different from other areas on the breast Newly inverted nipple Some people might not notice any breast cancer signs, so it is vital to undergo routine mammograms. Causes The precise cause for breast cancer is unknown. However, sometimes it is inherited. It is known as hereditary breast cancer. In addition, some genetic changes also aggravate the risks, such as changes in the BRCA2 and BRCA1 genes. These also put one at risk of ovarian and other cancers. Beyond lifestyle and genetics, the environment may heighten one’s susceptibility. Risk factors Being female: Women are more likely to develop breast cancer than males. Age: The risk of breast cancer amplifies with age. Personal history of breast cancer: If one has had breast cancer in one of the breasts, one may develop it in the other breast. Personal history of breast conditions: If one has undergone a breast biopsy that detected atypical hyperplasia of the breast or carcinoma in situ, one’s chances of developing breast cancer are high.

Also known as chronic kidney failure, chronic kidney disease involves gradually losing kidney function. Kidneys filter excess fluids and waste from the blood through urine. When affected by kidney disease, the organs fail to eliminate the waste, resulting in the accumulation of toxins in the body. One may not experience any symptoms in the early stages. However, if detected, the treatment focuses on slowing the disease progression by addressing the cause. Causes Some of the primary causes of chronic kidney disease are: High blood pressure: Also known as hypertension, this develops when the pressure of the blood against the vessel walls increases. If left unchecked, it might result in kidney disease, strokes, and heart attacks. Conversely, even chronic kidney disease can result in high blood pressure. Diabetes: One is affected by diabetes when their blood sugar levels are too high. If left unchecked, diabetes might cause damage to various parts of the body, like blood vessels, the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Hypertension and diabetes are the primary conditions responsible for approximately two-thirds of all chronic kidney disease cases. Additionally, the following factors also contribute to the risk of developing kidney problems: Inherited diseases: Conditions like polycystic kidney disease are prevalent causes of kidney failure. PKD leads to large cysts in the kidney that damage the surrounding tissue. Autoimmune diseases: Here, the immune system works against the body. One such disease is lupus nephritis, which causes inflammation, scarring, or swelling in the small blood vessels that filter the waste from the kidney. Glomerulonephritis : This is a cluster of diseases that causes inflammation and hampers the kidney’s filtering units.  Urinary tract and kidney abnormalities: This includes malformations, which may develop when the baby is in the womb. For instance, a narrowing might develop, which intervenes with the natural outflow of urine, resulting in it flowing back to the kidney.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative condition that affects the macula—the small central area of the retina responsible for central vision. The condition is the leading cause of vision loss in those over 50 and is a significant public health issue. Despite its prevalence, there are still many myths and misconceptions about the condition that prevent others from understanding the risks, symptoms, prevention, and management of age-related macular degeneration. Symptoms Early signs of AMD include a sudden change in vision, such as more blurriness or distortion than usual. One may also experience difficulty reading fine print or recognizing faces at a close distance. As the disease progresses, one may lose peripheral vision and eventually be unable to see anything beyond 20 feet (6 meters). Other symptoms include loss of eyesight in one or both eyes, change in color perception, and trouble driving or walking at night due to poor visibility at dusk and dawn. Common myths about AMD The condition is rare There are many myths about the disease, but one of the most prevalent one is that the condition is rare. However, millions of people experience some form of age-related macular degeneration, i.e., it affects nearly 1 in 10 people over the age of 50. So if one is experiencing any changes in their vision, they should book an eye consultation immediately. It leads to total blindness While age-related macular degeneration can cause vision loss, it does not mean that people affected by the disease will experience a complete loss of vision. AMD often affects the central vision, making it difficult to see things up close.  It cannot be treated Doctors can recommend a number of treatment options for AMD that help one deal with the symptoms. Treatment may involve wearing custom-made glasses or contact lenses that filter harmful light rays, while other options include laser treatment to remove damaged tissue from the eye.

Excessive sugar intake has been linked to several health problems, including high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If one is worried about their sugar intake, this is a common concern, and over time, there has been a growing emphasis on limiting sugar. This is possible by making minor changes to daily meals and lifestyle, helping one lower the risk of developing serious health problems. So, here are some practical ways to cut down on sugar: What is hyperglycemia? Hyperglycemia is a condition in which one’s blood sugar levels are abnormally high. There are two main types of hyperglycemia: fasting hyperglycemia and postprandial hyperglycemia. Fasting hyperglycemia is when the blood sugar level is higher than 125–130mg/dL after not eating for 8 hours or more. Postprandial hyperglycemia develops when the blood sugar level is higher than 180 mg/dL about 1–2 hours after a meal. People with high blood sugar might experience symptoms like headache, blurred vision, thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. Causes High blood sugar is a common problem that can lead to diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its cells, leading to insulin resistance and eventually diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is more commonly the result of lifestyle factors, such as poor eating habits and a lack of exercise. Here are some of the common causes of hyperglycemia: Excessive intake of sugar or carbohydrates: Here, the body starts producing more glucose, which is the main form of energy used by cells. Lack of exercise: Exercise helps regulate blood sugar levels and keep them in check, so a sedentary lifestyle can lead to high blood glucose. High cholesterol or triglycerides: This makes it harder for the body to process glucose properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. Tips for limiting sugar Sugar is not great for one’s health, and excessive sugar intake can lead to cavities and have an impact on overall health.

Kidney disease is a severe health condition that can lead to kidney failure. The organ helps to refine and remove waste products from the blood. When kidney disease occurs, it can damage different organs of the body and lead to serious health problems. This condition causes toxins to accumulate in the blood, causing kidney damage and impairing their function, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. What are the causes of kidney disease? High blood pressure Elevated blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time by causing them to lose their ability to filter toxins and fluids from the bloodstream properly. Diabetes Diabetes increases your risk for kidney disease because it damages the blood vessels in your body, including those that supply blood to the kidneys. Pyelonephritis (a type of urinary tract infection) This can cause inflammation and scarring in the renal tissue, leading to kidney failure. Vesicoureteral reflux This is when urine backs up into the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the bladder to the outside world. It often leads to renal failure if it’s not treated on time. Interstitial nephritis This is an inflammation of the kidney cells that results in decreased function or even loss of kidney function over time. It can be caused by various factors, such as infection with bacteria or viruses, exposure to toxins or chemicals, and autoimmune diseases like lupus. Glomerulonephritis It is an inflammation of the glomeruli (small cells in the renal pelvis that filter waste from the blood). It can be caused by infection, injury, or autoimmune diseases (such as lupus), and it often progresses slowly over time. Autoimmune diseases These involve your immune system attacking your body tissues (including your kidneys). This damage can lead to a gradual decline in kidney function over time, even without apparent symptoms.

A healthy kidney function is pivotal for maintaining good health. Every thirty minutes, they filter the blood and remove excess fluids, poisons, and waste from the body. Kidneys also produce vital hormones and control blood pressure. Every one in seven adults in the country suffers from kidney disease, which impairs kidney function. Consequently, excess waste and fluid accumulate in the body. It might cause several health problems like stroke and heart disease. Read on to know more. Causes Acute kidney disease If the kidney suddenly stops functioning, the doctors refer to it as acute renal failure or kidney injury. Its primary causes are: Urine backing up in the kidneys Not enough blood flow to the kidneys Direct kidney damage These things may happen when: A woman experiences pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and eclampsia. One undergoes a traumatic injury involving blood loss, like a car accident. A person inhales toxins that cause damage to the kidney. One has kidney stones or an enlarged prostate that hinders urine flow. One gets into shock because of sepsis. Muscle tissue breaks down, or one is severely dehydrated, which sends excessive kidney-toxic protein into the bloodstream. One has an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body. One experiences liver or heart failure. Chronic kidney disease If the kidneys do not work well for over three months, it is called chronic kidney disease. It might not show any signs in the early stages, but that is also when it is the easiest to cure. Some prevalent causes include: High blood pressure Type 1 and 2 diabetes Lupus or other immune system diseases Long-lasting viral illnesses like hepatitis C, hepatitis B, AIDS, and HIV Polycystic kidney disease or a genetic condition where fluid-filled sacs develop in the kidney. Inflammation in the kidney filters usually from a strep infection A urinary tract infection within the kidneys results in scarring when the infection heals.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a skin disease that causes significant discomfort. The dry and itchy skin can make life difficult for those who suffer from the condition. Hence, this article will discuss everything one needs to know about atopic dermatitis. It will discuss AD’s symptoms, triggers, and management. Therefore, this information is vital to help manage the condition if you or anyone you know has atopic dermatitis. What is atopic dermatitis? Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that can cause intense itching and inflammation. It is most prevalent in children but can arise at any age. It often runs in families and may be aggravated by environmental factors such as stress, cold weather, and harsh chemicals. It can also be debilitating, causing immense physical discomfort and psychological distress. Flares (episodes of intense symptoms) are common with atopic dermatitis. However, remission (when the symptoms are milder than usual) usually lasts for several months but can last for years in some cases. Symptoms If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, you likely have atopic dermatitis (AD). AD is a chronic skin condition that can be highly frustrating, as it often involves recurring episodes of eczema or dermatitis involving both dry and wet phases. Additionally, your skin becomes red, swollen, or tender when you scratch or rub it. You may also experience recurrent bacterial infections in your skin. And finally, you find it challenging to tolerate clothing made from synthetic materials. If you have AD, please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Causes There are many different causes of atopic dermatitis, and it is often a complex combination of factors that leads to the condition. The most important factor is a weakened immune system, which can be caused by mutations or exposure to certain environmental things. This weakened state makes the skin more susceptible to inflammation and irritation.