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Consider these pros and cons before using charcoal toothpaste

Consider these pros and cons before using charcoal toothpaste

Charcoal toothpaste has recently gained popularity as a natural alternative to traditional toothpaste. Advocates of the product claim that it can whiten teeth, remove stains, and improve overall oral health. However, before one makes the switch to using charcoal toothpaste, it’s important to know what it is, its effectiveness, and potential risks. By weighing the pros and cons, one can determine if charcoal toothpaste is the right choice for their oral hygiene routine. What is activated charcoal? Charcoal is a black odorless substance produced by heating wood, peat, coconut shells, or other organic matter in the absence of oxygen. Activated charcoal is a finely ground powder that has been treated with oxygen at a high temperature to reduce the size of its pores. The process improves its ability to adsorb or attract toxins or impurities. This makes activated charcoal useful in a variety of applications, like filtering water, absorbing toxins in the digestive tract, and in skincare products to remove impurities. Recently, it’s also being used in toothpaste as an ingredient to help whiten teeth and remove stains. Pros Teeth whitening: Charcoal toothpaste is claimed to whiten teeth by removing surface stains. It is a porous material that absorbs impurities, including plaque and stains.

4 healthiest types of water to consider

4 healthiest types of water to consider

The title “4 healthiest types of water” may seem like yet another marketing gimmick to promote specific bottled water manufacturers. However, in reality, water does come in a variety of kinds. This classification is done on the basis of the source from which the water was taken, the processing method used for purification, and its nutritional value. Based on various permutations and combinations, these factors determine how healthy a particular kind of water can be. Tap water As most urban residences across the country pay a certain fee to their local municipal water supply systems, the water that comes through their taps is super-refined and ready to consume. This water goes through multiple levels of purification, such as coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, disinfection, and filtration. This makes them one of the healthiest types of water. This kind of water is also sourced from pristine places like rivers, lakes, underground aquifers, and even oceans. This is why most people prefer to consume water directly from their taps over bottled water, which might contain undesirable additives and preservatives. Glacier water Water normally originates from glaciers and hot springs. Manufacturers then collect this water, which is already extremely pure and full of electrolytes and nutrients, in bottles, before mildly decontaminating it to make it even more refined and consumable.

4 questions to ask during a health checkup

4 questions to ask during a health checkup

Regular health checkups are an important part of preventive healthcare. You can make the most of these checkups by being proactive during the examinations. This means asking your doctor the right questions regarding all your health concerns. With this, you will have a better understanding of your health and wellness status. If you are wondering which questions to ask your doctor during a routine checkup, here are a few options to get you started: What is the impact of my family history on my health? Prior to your appointment, make sure you do thorough research on the health history of your family. Note the major diagnoses given to close family members, including your parents, paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents, and siblings. Based on this information, ask your doctor whether you should be making any lifestyle changes, undergo any tests, or keep tabs on symptoms or signs. Are your symptoms normal? It is normal to be concerned about certain changes in mental or physical health, symptoms like experiencing acute or chronic pain, a lump, changes in the sleep cycle, or extreme changes in body mass. A routine checkup is the best opportunity to ask doctors whether the changes or symptoms you are experiencing are normal or a cause for concern.

5 foods that worsen hearing difficulties in people

5 foods that worsen hearing difficulties in people

On the surface, there seems to be no link between what one eats and their hearing ability. While lost hearing cannot be restored through food alone, certain items, such as legumes, bananas, and broccoli, benefit people’s ears to an extent. Alternatively, some foods are just plain “bad” for the hearing parts of the body. This list predictably includes high-fat meals and processed foods. Some of the foods to avoid for people with hearing difficulties are: Salted nuts Foods with high sodium content cause fluid retention in the ears. It can accelerate disorders such as Meniere’s Disease, an inner-ear condition in which people experience vertigo, hearing loss, and frequent spells of dizziness. To lower the possibility of developing this disease, one must avoid foods with MSG (monosodium glutamate) as it triggers migraine. Apart from sodium, salty foods also tend to worsen the sound in one’s ears, especially in people with food allergies. Unfortunately, salted nuts contain sodium in large amounts. Therefore, people with existing hearing issues must stay away from this food. Coffee According to certain research studies, regular coffee intake can bring about constriction in the blood vessels in and around the ears. This results in reduced blood supply to a frequent coffee consumer’s inner ear.

Top 4 signs of dehydration to look out for

Top 4 signs of dehydration to look out for

Dehydration occurs when one loses more fluid than they take in, leaving the body with inadequate fluid to function properly. This condition can occur to anyone; however, it’s more dangerous in older adults and children. One of the most common causes of dehydration in young children is vomiting and severe diarrhea. On the other hand, older adults are more prone to the condition because of the naturally low volume of water in their bodies. Top 4 unusual signs of dehydration Usually, some of the most common symptoms of dehydration are constipation, fatigue, or dizziness. However, sometimes a few ignored signs could also indicate the presence of this condition. Hence, here are some of the unusual signs of dehydration to look out for. Bad breath The saliva in the mouth has antibacterial properties. However, dehydration can prevent the generation of saliva, leading to an increase in the growth of bacteria in the mouth. This can cause bad breath, which also occurs when one wakes up in the morning. Dry or flushed skin In most cases, when one is dehydrated, they may produce an increased amount of sweat. However, when the individual goes through the different stages of dehydration, they may notice dry skin.

3 things to clarify during a health checkup

3 things to clarify during a health checkup

Normally many people seek medical help when they encounter any strange health symptoms or a sudden outbreak. Regular health check-ups are intended for seeking help for medical problems and identifying possible risk factors by analyzing the test results. Getting proper medical help and modifying the lifestyle would be the best advice one can get. That’s why a health check-up is necessary. One must also be aware of things to clarify with a doctor during a health check-up. Aspects of regular health check-ups Review of medical history: Your doctor will inquire about your past and present medical issues, prescriptions, and surgeries. Physical examination: Your doctor will perform a physical examination that includes checking your vital signs, heart and lung function, and any unusual lumps or growths. Counseling: Your doctor may guide healthy lifestyle practices like nutrition and exercise. Referral: If your doctor notices any anomalies or determines that you need additional testing or treatment, they may refer you to a specialist. Laboratory tests: Your cholesterol, blood sugar, and other critical health markers may be checked via blood and urine tests. Screening tests: Your doctor may advise screening tests like mammograms or Pap smears to detect cancer or other diseases early. 3 things to clarify with a doctor during a health check-up Here are a few things to consider before any regular health check-up:

5 things one should avoid before visiting a doctor

5 things one should avoid before visiting a doctor

Whether starting with a new doctor or revisiting the old doctor, one must avoid doing certain things before visiting the doctor. For example, one must avoid wearing any kind of metal while going for a scan or eating before going for an ultrasound. Taking care of things like this can help a person get accurate results. It is best to make a note of the concerns one needs the doctor to address. 5 things to avoid before a doctor’s appointment Avoid drinking coffee before checking blood pressure A person must avoid drinking coffee before visiting a doctor to get accurate results during a check-up. Consuming coffee or any beverage that contains caffeine, including energy drinks or colas, can cause blood pressure to be incorrectly higher. The same holds for over-the-counter decongestants. Reduce salt intake before going to the doctor While some people seek comfort foods like chocolate and other sweets when worried, others choose comfort foods like potato chips. If one is visiting the doctor for managing hypertension, salty snacks is one thing a person must avoid before visiting the doctor. High blood pressure, often known as hypertension, has been related to severe health problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

9 surprising signs of dehydration to watch out for

9 surprising signs of dehydration to watch out for

Dehydration can occur for various reasons, such as sweating excessively, not drinking enough water, or vomiting and diarrhea. Most people know that some common symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, and dark urine, but other unusual and hidden signs may point to this condition. Ignoring these signs of dehydration may lead to health issues in the long run. If one experiences any of these symptoms, increasing the intake of water and other fluids is best. Bad breath When the body becomes dehydrated, it produces less saliva. Saliva is important in washing away food particles and bacteria from the mouth. Without enough saliva, bacteria can thrive, causing bad breath. Muscle cramps When the body is dehydrated, it can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes, which are essential minerals that help regulate nerve and muscle function. This can cause muscles to contract involuntarily, resulting in painful cramps. Dry or dull skin Dehydration can cause the skin to become dry, dull, or less elastic. Wrinkles and fine lines may also be a result of dehydrated skin. Headaches Dehydration can cause headaches or migraines in some people. When the body is dehydrated, it can decrease blood volume, which can cause blood vessels in the brain to narrow, leading to headaches.

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Joint conditions – Symptoms, causes, and risks

Joint conditions – Symptoms, causes, and risks

Joint conditions refer to any condition or disease that affects the joints. Arthritis is the most well-known and commonly occurring joint disease, while there are several others that impact the health of individuals across the world. Diseases related to the joints can be both short-lived or they can turn chronic and require surgery and other serious treatment. This condition can be limited to a single joint or it can impact different parts of the body. There are two types in which joint conditions can be classified: inflammatory and non-inflammatory. However, one thing that is common with most joint conditions is that they’re very painful, especially inflammatory diseases. Symptoms of joint conditions There are several symptoms of joint conditions. While most of them will involve pain, some of them might just involve a difference in shape or a bulge around the joint. This will be the earlier stage of any joint condition, and if a person visits a doctor during this stage, treatment can be fairly simple. Let us understand the different symptoms of joint conditions: The area surrounding the joint is swollen or there is prominent redness in the area. If you touch it, and the area is warm, you might want to consult the doctor.

All you need to know about kidney and liver failure

Hepatorenal syndrome is a condition that is identified as a type of kidney failure that occurs in people who have serious damage caused to the liver, commonly due to cirrhosis. When the kidney stops functioning, toxins begin to accumulate in the body which leads to liver failure as well. Therefore, kidney and liver failures are co-dependent in this case. This condition is of two types: 1 and 2. In Type 1 the kidney failure is more rapid, while type 2 patients tend to move gradually toward renal failure and the symptoms are less aggressive. Symptoms The symptoms caused by the hepatorenal syndrome are a cause of medical emergency in most cases. If any of the symptoms associated with the condition occur, the patient must be rushed to a doctor without any delay. The common symptoms associated with the condition include Nausea Increase in body weight Confusion Reduced urination Change in the color of urine, which usually becomes dark-colored Swelling in the abdomen area Jaundice Dementia Vomiting Delirium Causes and risk factors In most cases, the hepatorenal syndrome is a complication associated with liver disease. Almost in all patients, the condition is caused as a result of liver cirrhosis. When a person suffers from cirrhosis of the liver, there are several factors that can cause the hepatorenal syndrome, such as Infections, especially the ones that affect the kidneys Digestive tract disorders such as gastrointestinal bleeding Use of diuretics, the substance used for increased production of urine The primary reason behind the condition is mostly any kind of disease related to the liver.

Menopause – Symptoms, causes, and risks

Menopause is a stage that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles and fertility, and it is diagnosed when a woman doesn’t menstruate for 12 consecutive months. Usually, menopause occurs in women between the ages of 40s and 50s, but in some cases, early onset may cause a woman to reach menopause in her late 30s as well. Menopause can lead to the development of several symptoms and can cause a lot of discomfort, but no medical attention is required in most cases. This article outlines what you need to know about menopause. Symptoms of menopause The time that leads up to menopause is also known as perimenopause, and it can be accompanied by various symptoms, including the following: Irregularities in the menstrual cycle Vaginal dryness Hot flashes and night sweats Cold chills Sleep-related problems Mood swings Increase in body weight Reduced metabolism Hair thinning Skin dryness Reduced breast fullness The symptoms caused by menopause, including the irregularities in the menstrual cycle, can vary from one woman to another. During perimenopause, it is common as well as expected for a woman’s menstrual cycles to be irregular or skipped. Some women do not get their cycles for several months, followed by normal cycles for a few months.

Symptoms, causes, and risk factors of mental health issues

Mental health is a term that is collectively used to understand illnesses that include symptoms that might have an impact on the thinking, mood, and behavior of a person. Mental health problems might make it difficult for people to concentrate on work or maintain a positive work-life balance. There might even be problems pertaining to relationships when a person is dealing with mental health problems. While mental health and stress have a complex but definite relationship, the latter can gravely be worsened by the former. What is the solution? While some people resort to counseling for mental health problems, some might turn to medication. A combination of both can also be a good and effective solution for some. Symptoms of mental health problems The symptoms of mental health illness can vary depending on the individual, the depth of the problem, and how a person is looking to cope with the problem. There can be emotional and behavioral repercussions of mental health illness, and the best way to cure is to identify it early on and support the person suffering from mental health issues as well as possible. Some of the known symptoms of mental health illnesses include: Feeling sad or low Inability to concentrate on the job or even on leisure activities like watching TV or reading the newspaper Extreme feeling of guilt Irrational fears or worries, especially about the future Mood swings Withdrawal from family, friends, and all sorts of social activities Detachment from the real world and a sense of delusion or hallucinations Inability to keep up with daily tasks or powerlessness in handling the stress of simple jobs Difficulty in understanding people and situations Excessive alcohol use Sudden change in eating habits Change in sex drive for the worse Change in temperament and sudden hostile behavior and loss of patience Suicidal thoughts Physical symptoms such as stomach ache, back pain, and headaches Causes of mental health problems Multiple causes can be associated with the occurrence of mental health illnesses.

Oral health issues – Causes and tips to prevent them

Although maintaining oral hygiene is important for overall health, several mouth and teeth diseases can make it difficult to have the pearly whites you desire. This makes it important to be careful about oral hygiene and make regular efforts to maintain oral health. This article discusses the symptoms and causes of mouth and teeth diseases, followed by a few tips to maintain good oral hygiene. Symptoms Several mouth and teeth problems can be caused by oral health issues. Here are some symptoms that you need to keep in mind to help prevent oral diseases: Foul breath Bleeding gums Loosening of teeth Aches in the tooth, jaw, or gum These are the most common symptoms that are often overlooked, but ignoring them can worsen the pain and aggravate mouth and teeth problems. It’s best to consult a dentist at the earliest if any of these symptoms manifest. Causes The causes of mouth and teeth problems may vary from person to person, but let’s look at the most common causes: Smoking Smoking causes several health issues, and mouth and teeth problems are just one among those. It harms the tissues of the gums and the nicotine also stains the teeth. Poor dental history in the family If your family has a poor dental record, you should take extra precautions to maintain oral health as you face a greater risk of developing mouth and teeth problems.