The bladder helps with the storage and disposal of urine. But with time, factors like age and underlying health conditions cause the bladder to perform inefficiently. Leaving the urinary system untreated can cause health conditions such as an overactive bladder (OAB), urinary incontinence, even urinary tract infection (UTI). And although incontinence products and treatments options are available, adding certain foods to your daily meals may help cope with bladder issues and improve overall health. These four foods are highly recommended for those suffering from an overactive bladder. Bananas When bowel movements are restricted, there’s an increase in pressure on the urinary tract. This pressure reduces the urine flow and causes incontinence. The fibers and potassium in bananas promote healthy bowel movements and flush out the urinary tract. The fruit is also non-acidic, which means it does not irritate the bladder and makes for a balanced nutrient supply to the body. Pears Pears may taste sweet but they are low in sugar content and contain several antioxidants and fibers that are much required for the body. This fruit is also high in sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that helps pull water into the intestines and stimulates better bowel movements. These properties make pears a great fruit for dealing with OAB and improving bowel movements. Kiwi The high fiber content in kiwi makes it an effective food for dealing with unhealthy, restricted bladders. Studies show that this fruit stimulates the digestive tract and accelerates bowel movements. Kiwis are also praised for their ability to boost intestinal transit time, ward off constipation symptoms, and help reduce the use of laxatives. Beans Among foods that help cope with OAB, beans rank among the top owing to their high fiber content. This food is also rich in soluble fibers that are known to absorb water and form a gel-like structure that softens stool and makes bowel movements easier.

Depression is a growing concern among health care workers as well as the populace. The fact that the condition is not restricted to a demographic makes it even more difficult to deal with. Being mindful about the food being consumed or daily habits have proven to be beneficial for depression and other mental health conditions. Here are three foods that work tirelessly towards better management of depression and its symptoms. Sweet potato Sweet potatoes are a staple of many festive meals. But research shows that they may just be the perfect food for all seasons. Sweet potatoes are rich in many nutrients such as vitamin A, beta-carotene, and fiber. They are also rich sources of magnesium, which is known to reduce the levels of stress and anxiety in the body. Lower levels of magnesium have been linked to depression and insomnia. The complex carbohydrates present in sweet potatoes are also known to improve one’s mood, making it an ideal food source to manage depression symptoms. Dark chocolate Chocolates are considered unhealthy in most cases, but if it is the dark and unsweetened kind, it has several health benefits, especially for people with a mental health condition. The large quantities of antioxidants found in a bar of dark chocolate not only help manage stress but also lends a helping hand in managing anxiety and depression. A small bite of dark cocoa can also go a long way in improving one’s mood, managing depression, and its symptoms. Green vegetables Green vegetables make up for nutrient deficiencies. They also help one meet their fiber needs and lower inflammation in the body. The folate content of these vegetables is responsible for enhanced dopamine and serotonin production, helping manage symptoms of depression better. However, there are times when a multidisciplinary treatment approach is required. In such cases, health care professionals can choose to prescribe some medications to their patients.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease of the lungs. It occurs when the lung tissue gets damaged and scarred, causing shortness of breath, dry cough, fatigue, chest pain, appetite loss, and other discomforts. Unfortunately, there’s no complete cure for pulmonary fibrosis. However, proper nutrition can help manage the condition. This article lists the foods patients must eat and avoid, along with a few medications, including Esbriet®, as treatment options for pulmonary fibrosis. Foods to eat The following foods can help manage pulmonary fibrosis: Whole grains Whole grains like oats, quinoa, and brown rice are packed with fiber. They also have nutrients that can help lower cholesterol levels and decrease inflammation, improving the quality of life among pulmonary fibrosis patients. Lean protein Protein helps strengthen the chest and abdomen muscles, reducing breathing issues. One must choose high-quality lean proteins like skinless chicken breasts, eggs, and fatty fish. Some excellent plant-based protein sources include beans, peas, nuts, legumes, and tofu. Fruits and veggies Fresh fruits and vegetables like carrots, celery, spinach, berries, kiwi, and pineapple are loaded with a slew of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help support lung health and ease pulmonary fibrosis symptoms. Plus, they’re high in fiber and can boost digestion. Foods to avoid Certain foods can worsen pulmonary fibrosis symptoms. These include: Fried foods Fried foods, such as French fries, fried chicken, and potato chips, can cause throat irritation. This may trigger cough and also lead to bloating and gastric disturbances, making breathing difficult. Moreover, fried foods can cause fat gain, which can further worsen breathing problems. Cured meats Cured meats are loaded with nitrates, which act as a preservative and help meats maintain their color. Studies show that nitrates can damage lung tissue and worsen pulmonary fibrosis symptoms. Therefore, one must avoid cured meats like bacon, hot dogs, ham, and salami.

Diabetes or diabetes mellitus is a set of certain metabolic diseases, that lead to the increase in blood glucose or blood sugar levels in the patient’s body. This increase in the blood sugar levels is due to insufficient production of insulin in the body, or when the cells in the body do not respond appropriately to insulin, and a combination of both these reasons could also be a reason that leads to diabetes. People suffering from diabetes urinate often, might have blurred vision, feel more thirsty and hungry, gain weight, feel more exhaustion, may even lose weight, cuts, and bruises hardly heal and may experience a lack of sensation in hands and feet. Diabetes is of generally three types—type 1, in which the body does not generate insulin, type 2—in which body does not produce enough insulin, and gestational diabetes, which is more common in pregnant women. There are many known treatments for type 2 diabetes, and there is no known treatment for Type 1 diabetes and it lasts a lifetime, however, it can be improved. Reversing diabetes naturally has been gaining a lot of attention for some time now, and there are a number of ways, by which one can get rid of diabetes. Some of the herbal supplements for reversing diabetes naturally are mentioned below: Indian Gooseberry: Indian gooseberry is rich in vitamin C, and thus is considered good for treating diabetes. You can take a tablespoon of gooseberry juice, mix it along with bitter gourd juice, and have the mixture for around 2 months. This can help in balancing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Mango Leaves: The leaves of mango tree are beneficial for treating diabetes. Soak some fresh mango leaves in water overnight, and squeeze them out of the water in the morning. Consume this water every morning for becoming free of diabetes.

When it comes to a person’s good health, there are three constant factors that are considered – food habits, active lifestyle, and quality sleep. This article is concerned with that last aspect. Achieving quality sleep begins from knowing how to choose the perfect mattress for your body type. If you are struggling with getting some good sleep, you might want to change your mattress. The various mattresses mentioned below should help you make an informed choice. Coir foam mattress This kind of mattress is perfect for people with back pain. It offers sufficient support to the body, and does not hamper the individual’s posture. That said, it’s very important for people with back pain to have a mattress that comfortably takes the weight of their body. Latex mattress This type of mattress is a lot softer and comfortable than spring mattresses. Latex mattresses have breathable layers. If you experience night sweats, this mattress should be your ideal choice. This type is definitely cooler than memory foam. Hypoallergenic mattress A hypoallergenic mattress is important for people with a sensitive nose. These mattresses prevent allergens, bugs, and microbes from settling onto the surface. Hypoallergenic mattresses also prevent the body oils from being absorbed, keeping the foam hygienic and fresh for recurring use. Air beds This type of mattress is ideal for people with different preferences. Air beds allow you to adjust the firmness on each side of the bed. A chamber of air exists in each side of an air bed. This air chamber helps increase or decrease the firmness of the bed. Air beds are beneficial since they cater to each sleeper’s needs. People who sleep on their back may need a slightly firm mattress, whereas people who sleep on their stomach look for a softer layer to sleep on. Orthopedic mattress This type of mattress is essential for people with multiple body ache issues.

Eating the right kind of food when pregnant is very important for both you and the baby. That being said, finding the right foods that are healthy and satisfy your cravings can be difficult without a proper meal plan. So, if you’re deciding on your eating plan and do not know where to start, here is an essential guide that can help with foods that are good for pregnant women. Read on to learn more. Dairy products like yogurt It’s incredible how the human body is capable of creating new life. Of course, to do this, the body requires tons of extra protein and calcium that support the child’s growth. To ensure that you are getting your fill of all these essential nutrients, you can try to add dairy products to your meals. This includes milk, cheese, and yogurt. These dairy products will provide you with high-quality protein like casein and whey. They are also a great source of vitamins, magnesium, calcium, and other minerals. Whole grains like oats Whole grains are packed to the brim with essential fibers and plant compounds that can keep the body healthy and even promote the health of the unborn child. They also contain some amounts of protein, vitamin B, and magnesium. You could try adding foods such as oats, brown rice, barley, and quinoa to your everyday meals. It is best to replace white bread and white rice with their healthier counterparts. Foods rich in omega-3 like salmon Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role when it comes to the development of the fetus. In fact, they are known to build the brain and eyes and even help increase the duration of gestation. To ensure that you are getting your fill of omega-3 fatty acids, you should switch to seafood such as salmon.

Having a proper mattress is an extremely important part of getting a good night’s sleep. Not investing in one can lead to several health issues along the road, making you feel unrested and resulting in chronic aches. In case you have not read about the consequences of using a poor-quality mattress regularly, here are a couple of side effects of sleeping on a bad mattress that may affect your physical and mental health. 10 side effects of using a poor quality mattress Premature aging A bad mattress leads to poor REM sleep, which affects your skin terribly. It results in dark circles, puffiness around the eyes, and dull skin. Memory issues The brain needs adequate rest after a full day of work. Sleep is an important aspect of rest and recovery, which helps in keeping the brain sharp and focused. Chronic drowsiness A lack of sleep leads to a tired mind and body. A good mattress will rectify this problem immediately. Waking up fresh and well-rested helps one stay active and not feel drowsy throughout the day. Back pain A lousy mattress interferes with the sleep cycle and creates severe physical problems. Back pain can lead to several complications, deterring you from having an active lifestyle. Lung and throat irritation This may be surprising, but all old mattresses have dust mites. You must get the mattress thoroughly cleaned, and even dry clean once every couple of months. Weight gain Due to the lack of sleep, you may start feeling lethargic or drowsy. This lethargy often leads to decreased activity and an increase in food intake. Heart conditions According to research, individuals who do not get enough REM sleep are more likely to get a heart attack than those who are well-rested at night. Weak immune system Lack of sleep is also responsible for minor illnesses like common colds and headaches, among others.

One of the most important pieces of equipment to facilitate a good night’s sleep is a mattress. However, if you’re not using the right mattress, or if your mattress is too old, it could harm you in ways you probably can’t imagine. Numerous studies show that mattresses are responsible for poor sleep and a range of health problems. Here, we discuss some ways in which a mattress can negatively affect your overall health. It can trigger allergies When a mattress gets old, it tends to attract dust mites. These microscopic creatures live off dead skin cells and thrive in a warm environment. People who are allergic to dust mites can experience coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. Dust mites are especially problematic for people with asthma, as they can trigger shortness of breath, chest pain, and wheezing. It can cause pain Not using the right mattress can lead to pain in the back, neck, and joints. Back pain occurs when the mattress is excessively soft or saggy and doesn’t support your spine. A mattress with many lumps and saggy parts can contribute to neck pain. If your mattress is too firm, on the other hand, it can cause joint pain. It can result in night sweats Night sweat refers to excessive sweating while asleep. Although several health conditions can cause night sweat, one factor that is often overlooked is the mattress. If your mattress is made of material that can trap heat, it can cause excessive sweating. It’s advisable to choose a mattress that promotes airflow and dissipates heat. It can promote snoring An old mattress or one that doesn’t support the body properly can put excess pressure on your airways, contributing to snoring. While snoring sometimes may not be a severe problem, it can decrease sleep quality and disrupt the sleep of those around you.

You may experience nights where no matter how tired you feel, your mind refuses to let you sleep. This could happen despite a busy day and having gone to bed at a reasonable hour. Research shows that the secret to good sleep is more than just hitting the sack early. Your activities and habits before bedtime are crucial. So, here is a list of five things you must avoid before going to bed. 5 things to stay away from before going to bed Using electronics Nine times out of ten, people scroll through various social media sites after getting into bed. The blue light from the gadgets and the constant stimulation from the media keep your mind awake and make it difficult to fall asleep early. Instead of reaching for your phone or laptop before bed, reach for a calming book to get a good night’s sleep. Eating a large, heavy meal Consuming an entire pizza or a couple of tacos may not be the best idea to eat right before hitting the bed. Our digestive system is meant to rest while we sleep. The process of digestion is also the slowest at night, and a heavy meal can cause complications like disturbed sleep. Avoid having more than a few drinks five to six hours before bedtime if you have bladder problems. Sipping on caffeinated drinks A cup of coffee may make you feel energized in the morning, but as the day ends, it could result in restless nights. Caffeine has a half-life of about six to eight hours, which means any caffeinated drink you drink after 3 pm could make your nights uncomfortable and leave you will a feeling of tiredness when you wake up. Watching horror films You may want to end your tiring day by watching a movie, but avoid watching slasher or horror genres.

Several conditions can cause poor circulation in the body, including stress, diabetes, and peripheral artery disease. Poor circulation may also result from low blood count, wherein the body fails to produce the necessary red blood cells (RBCs) in a day. Furthermore, a low blood count can lead to symptoms like numbness, digestive problems, and cramps. So, here are a few healthy foods that help increase blood count and improve circulation. Foods to increase blood count Eating healthy results in several health benefits. Here are some foods that can help raise the red blood cell count in the body: Cherries Cherries are rich in vitamin C, which compliments iron absorption by the body. Eating cherries can result in an increase in red blood cells in the body. Egg yolk Yolks contain folic acid, which is essential as it helps maintain hemoglobin levels in the body. Red meat Red meat, like beef, lamb, and pork, promotes healthy blood levels. These foods contain iron that is easily absorbed by the blood. The process helps improve hemoglobin levels, which improves the production of red blood cells. Dairy products Moderately having cheese and milk benefits the heart and regulates blood levels. Milk alternatives like soy and almond milk also help improve blood count. Foods for better blood circulation It is equally important to eat foods that improve blood circulation. Some of these foods include: Garlic One should add garlic to their daily meals because it is rich in allicin, which boosts immunity. Studies show that the regular habit of adding this allicin-rich herb soothes the blood vessels and promotes blood flow in the tissue. Beetroots Beetroots are known for their nitrate content, which helps blood circulation. The element helps improve the flow of blood and compliments blood pressure. Beetroots are also known to reduce inflammation of the blood vessels and increase nitric oxide levels in the body.