From cleaning supplies to food storage containers, did you know that many daily-use household items have been linked with cancer? However, it can be challenging to avoid these products, making it essential to consider the compounds they comprise, know the potential risk factors, and steps to be taken for safety. To begin with, it is vital to acquaint yourself with this list of household items that have been linked with cancer to avoid adverse effects. Cleaning products Benzene and formaldehyde are common compounds in cleaning products and these have also often been linked with cancer. They can be present in household items like disinfectants, bleach, and air fresheners. Pesticides Pesticides are commonly used in gardens and on houseplants to control the activity of pests. However, pesticides contain chemicals like glyphosate. It is important to either use natural alternatives or use these chemicals with caution to avoid the harmful effects of this carcinogenic compound. Canned foods Bisphenol-A or BPA is a commonly found chemical in canned goods. This compound that lines most canned foods is associated with cancer. It is advised that people choose frozen or fresh produce instead of canned ones. If that is not possible, look for canned foods with a BPA-free label on them. These are considered safer alternatives to cans that might increase cancer risk. Plastic containers Like canned foods, most plastic containers also contain BPA in them. They can release harmful chemicals when exposed to high temperatures on heating or after being exposed to sunlight. It is best to use stainless steel or glass containers to store food as much as possible. Non-stick cookware Perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, is a primary compound found in the coating present on non-stick cookware. This has often been linked to cancer. It is therefore recommended to stick with safer cooking utensils like stainless steel or cast iron that are free of such carcinogenic compounds.

Before leaving for a long flight, one should have a good meal, especially if not a fan of plane meals. However, instead of fast foods, one should choose nutrient-rich foods that do not cause any uneasiness while in the air. Further, avoiding certain foods can help keep health concerns and discomfort at bay, including gas in the stomach triggered by the low air pressure in the cabin, nausea, and bloating. Foods to avoid Brocolli Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower offer various health benefits; however, these veggies can also make one feel gassy. Moreover, research by the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders suggests that these green vegetables are packed with fiber and gas-forming sugar known as raffinose, which can cause discomfort during air travel. Apples Fresh fruits such as apples are considered to be extremely nutritious and healthy. However, apples are rich in insoluble fiber, which can make them difficult to digest. This can lead to discomfort in the form of gas and bloating. So, one should avoid the fruit before flying and should choose alternatives such as oranges and bananas to ease the digestion process. Chips Chips are rich in salt content, making them one of the top foods to avoid before flying. Store-bought chips also contain preservatives, which can make one extremely dehydrated and cause bloating. In addition to the above, as the airplane cabin pressure falls, gas begins to expand, which can result in increased discomfort in the gastrointestinal region. So, one can opt for healthy snacks such as unsalted nuts that contain magnesium to counter bloating. Coffee Caffeinated beverages can cause dehydration in the body. Further, caffeine works as a stimulant that interferes with the sleep schedule. This can keep one from catching up on much-needed rest while traveling. So, one can choose alternatives such as protein bars to help stay energized during layovers.

Skin disease can be caused due to a variety of reasons, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, genetic factors, contact with irritants, or even due to a weak immune system. Some skin diseases are mild, while others can cause extreme discomfort and distress and may require specialized treatment. If you are suffering from a skin disease, here are a few things you should avoid to control the spread and intensity of the disease. Avoid using strong soaps, detergents, and shampoos Skin disease can worsen when you wash your body or clothes with strongly scented soaps, detergents, and shampoos. Soaps made with chemicals remove the natural oils from the skin and make it dry and itchy. Fragrance-free, mild soaps and detergents are best, and rinse your body and clothes well. For severe skin diseases such as eczema or psoriasis, it is best to avoid using soap unless it is essential. Avoid hot water Extreme temperatures can inflame the skin and trigger a flare-up in people with skin conditions. To soothe your skin, use lukewarm or cool water for a shower. Hot water will dry the skin and cause redness, itching, and sometimes peeling. Avoid excessive sunlight Having sufficient exposure to sunlight is essential, but it can be harmful to people with skin diseases. Sunburns can cause inflammation to your skin and can lead to flare-ups. People with skin diseases should keep sun exposure to a minimum. Use mineral sunscreen to block out the burning rays. Avoid stress Stress can make skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis worse. When stressed, your body’s hormones cause inflammation, further irritating your skin. Try relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation. Also, ensure you get enough sleep to reduce stress. Avoid all types of allergens Pet dander, dust, and mold can come into direct contact with the skin and cause flare-ups.

Buying delicious hot meals without leaving the comfort of the couch is a luxury everyone wants. Hence, the use of online food delivery services has seen a substantial rise in the past few years. Online delivery has become an extremely accessible and convenient option for everyone. To help you choose the best one, here are some of the best online delivery options in terms of delivery fees, reach, and seamless user interface. Grubhub Grubhub is one of the best online delivery options since it has an extensive reach and a wide variety of restaurant tie-ups. It is present in over 4000 cities across the country, and the app offers a simple user interface. Grubhub allows individuals to filter options based on fastest delivery, ratings, cuisine, and location. They also allow users to place advance orders up to four days prior. Restaurants decide their own fee and minimum order requirements. One can pay on Grubhub through cash, credit cards, Apple Pay, Andriod Pay, PayPal, and eGift vouchers. They also have special deals that are available exclusively on their mobile app. Uber Eats Uber Eats is serviceable in 24 countries across the globe. It is an extension of their ride-sharing app that facilitates users to order food on the go or make scheduled delivery. It charges a minimum fee of $2-3 on orders less than $10-15. They also charge a 15% service fee. However, a Marketwatch study found that Uber Eats was the cheapest in comparison with identical orders from other food delivery apps. Their $9.99 monthly plan offers free delivery with additional discounts. This service allows users to pay through credit cards or credit earned via the app. Individuals can track their orders in real-time and have the option to tip delivery agents. DoorDash DoorDash is one of the best options for ordering food online due to its easy interface.

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast mutate and grow out of control. They grow to form a mass of cancerous cells called a tumor. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers. Estimates suggest at least 13% women in the country face an increased risk of breast cancer. This is why it is important to be aware of its management. Such tips are listed below along with treatment options and food choices: Treatment options Before discussing management tips, it is important to know some treatment options for breast cancer. AFINITOR® (everolimus) is one such option. It is an mTOR inhibitor. mTOR is a type of protein that provides energy to cells to grow. AFINITOR® stops cancer cells from getting energy since it is an mTOR inhibitor. It is used to treat postmenopausal women that have HER2-negative and advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Another treatment option is CAR-T cell therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a process that helps T-cells specifically recognize and attack malignant or cancerous cells. It is a less toxic treatment method than conventional options like chemotherapy. Eating healthy Consuming healthy foods is an effective cancer management technique. The nutrients and minerals in our food improve the efficacy of medications. The food we eat also protects us from the toxicity caused by cancer treatments. Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and arugula contain antioxidants like beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which are known to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Citrus fruits like grapefruits, lemon, limes, and tangerine have anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial in providing relief from the side effects of cancer treatments. It is best to avoid processed foods like packed meats, chips, and junk food, as they can aggravate the symptoms of breast cancer. Exercise regularly Clinical treatments and having nutritious meals may not be enough for managing breast cancer.

A strong immune system is an essential part of leading a healthy life. A healthy immune system incorporates organs, tissues, proteins, and bodily processes that help fight infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other foreign bodies. There are multiple ways to improve and maintain a strong immune system, one of which is to eat certain foods. Read on to learn more about foods that help in boosting one’s immune system. Yogurt Yogurt and other probiotic foods are essential to improving the body’s immune system. These foods help to improve the microbiome and bacteria that reside in the gut and the digestive tract. These bacteria play a crucial role in regulating the immune system. They also help ensure that the immune system only attacks infection and harmful bacteria and viruses but not healthy cells and tissue in the body. Besides yogurt, you can add other probiotic foods like kimchi and kombucha to your meals. Fatty fish Fatty and oily fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and more contain loads of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients. Omega-3 fatty acids are linked with lower risks of developing conditions such as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and even eczema. It also helps with the prevention of certain autoimmune disorders and even cancer. Broccoli Broccoli contains tons of essential nutrients, and antioxidants such as sulforaphane, and vitamin C, among others. It makes Broccoli an important vegetable to add to your meals. Studies have found that vitamin C can help improve certain components of the human immune system, including antimicrobial and killer cell activities, chemotaxis, and more. Garlic Garlic has been used as a natural remedy since ancient times. It is filled with sulfuric compounds that act as antiseptics. Garlic also possesses antifungal and antiviral properties. Eating raw or lightly cooked garlic is recommended because high heat can deactivate the essential compounds in garlic.

A long-haul flight is any non-stop flight that covers a journey time of 6-12 hours. However, after boarding such flights, one might come across many bizarre experiences, such as food tasting worse than normal flights, losing perception of time, and more. But, even after considering these, long-haul flights are still the box of surprises that keeps on giving. Some astonishing facts about long-haul flights that many don’t know are listed below. Food served onboard contains massive amounts of salt In-flight food is known for tasting worse than regular food. At a high altitude, an individual’s senses of taste and smell are weakened. It makes it difficult for passengers to smell or taste the meals served onboard. This effect is significantly amplified on a long-haul flight. To compensate, the meals on such flights contain large amounts of salt, sugar, and extra fat. Besides making the food much more edible, these elements make in-flight food incredibly unhealthy. Increased risk of falling ill Spending large amounts of time on a long-haul flight can make people vulnerable to airborne diseases. Additionally, several research studies have found that long-haul flights negatively affect the immune system. Therefore, people who fly long-distance frequently tend to fall ill more often. Autopilot does about 90% of the flying It may not seem the biggest surprise, but many people will not be aware of it. Trained pilots only involve themselves during the most critical phases of flight, such as landing, taking off, changing directions, and making emergency maneuvers. For example, if a long-haul flight lasts 15 hours, it will likely fly on autopilot for over 10 hours. Easier to get dehydrated The low humidity and dry air circulating inside the cabin of a long-haul flight can cause dehydration in travelers. Therefore, it is always advisable for flyers to keep enough drinking water in stock.

If one has high cholesterol levels, they may have to monitor their meal plans. Neglecting what they eat may have adverse effects on their health and increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. While certain foods can help reduce cholesterol levels, eating the same thing regularly could get boring. So, here are six healthy snack ideas to diversify meals and control the levels of cholesterol – the waxy, fat-like substance made by the liver. Almonds These nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, which may fight against the effects of high cholesterol levels in the blood. It is suggested to have about one-quarter cup of almonds throughout the day. Other healthy sources of nuts to add to meals include walnut halves and hazelnuts. Popcorn The snack choice that most people enjoy during a movie is also beneficial for those with high cholesterol. The fiber content of the food contributes to lowering the waxy buildup in the blood. However, one should avoid adding flavors like butter and salt to popcorn as these may worsen cholesterol levels. Greek yogurt dip The snack is higher in proteins when compared to plain yogurt and is also low in sugar. So, Greek yogurt dip could make a suitable addition to heart-healthy foods. One could dip foods like sliced carrots or even enjoy Greek yogurt with unsalted pretzels and whole-grain crackers, which will help lower unhealthy cholesterol. Oatmeal Adding oatmeal to breakfast or other meals throughout the day is beneficial for one’s overall health. The snack is rich in soluble fiber, which may absorb cholesterol as it moves through the digestive system. Moreover, the healthy fibers in oatmeal may help increase the bile produced by the liver, which may also help reduce LDL or bad cholesterol levels. Apple slices Apples are rich in pectin, a type of fiber known to lower unhealthy cholesterol levels.

Metabolism is the chemical process by which food is converted into energy. There are multiple chemical processes involved in metabolism. Certain minerals and vitamins can boost this process. Also, what one consumes greatly influences the speed and quality of their metabolism. Therefore, consuming foods rich in certain minerals and vitamins can seriously increase one’s energy throughout the day. Here are some of the vitamins and minerals that boost one’s metabolism: 1. B vitamins This family of vitamins is critical for energy metabolism in the body. Essentially, if one does not consume these vitamins, they may have digestive issues. The various B vitamins are B-12, biotin, folate, B-6, pantothenic acid, or B-5, niacin, or B-3, riboflavin, or B-2, and thiamine, or B-1. Out of these vitamins, B-12 is responsible for the metabolism of fats and proteins. Vitamins B-6 and folate help facilitate this process. Thiamine enables metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, while B-6 helps metabolize some key proteins. Vitamin B-rich foods include whole grains, dairy products, eggs, lean meats, seafood, nuts, seeds, spinach, potatoes, squash, bananas, apples, grapes, and watermelons. 2. Vitamin C Vitamin C is used up by the body when a person is stressed. At the same time, the body releases a lot of cortisol when a person is stressed. Cortisol tends to put a person’s body into fight or flight mode and pauses several bodily functions. Effectively, a lack of vitamin C can result in stress and greater percentages of cortisol in a person’s bloodstream. To address stress and prevent the body’s metabolism from grinding to a halt, one needs to consume more vitamin C daily. Oranges and fresh or frozen berries are rich in vitamin C. 3. Iron This chemical is essential for revving up an individual’s metabolism. Iron is responsible for transporting blood and oxygen to various body parts.

Water retention is a health problem where the body can’t flush out excess fluids, which begin to build up in the tissues. The ailment leads to swelling in the hands, legs, ankles, feet, and other body parts. Water retention can result from several factors, including underlying health conditions. However, nutrition also plays a significant role in its development. The following foods are known to cause water retention and should be avoided. Carbonated soda Carbonated beverages contain a lot of carbon dioxide and artificial sweeteners, which cause the body to retain excess water. When thirsty, individuals should avoid these and opt for natural fruit juices and healthy fluids. Sausages Deli meats like sausages, bacon, pepperoni, and salami have high sodium. Sodium helps preserve the meat and gives it a unique flavor. However, an excess can cause the body to retain more water. Hence, one should limit deli meat intake to maintain a healthy sodium-to-water ratio. Mozzarella sticks Appetizers like mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, potato boats, and chicken nuggets taste great and satiate cravings. However, these foods are likely to cause water retention owing to a higher amount of unhealthy fats and sodium. Salted nuts Seasoned flavored nuts like chili almonds and salted mixed nuts are often staples during snack time. However, eating too many of these over an extended period can cause the body to retain excess water, increasing the risk of swelling. Pasta Pasta varieties made from white refined flour are high in simple carbohydrates. The body converts these carbohydrates to glycogen to supply energy to the cells. For each gram of glycogen, the body retains at least three grams of water. So, the more one eats pasta, the higher the water retention. Cookies Baked goods like pastries, cookies, and cakes contain an abundance of simple carbs and refined sugar.

There is nothing like eating a perfectly charred piece of meat or vegetable after searing it just right on an open fire or an outdoor grill. Unfortunately, cooking outdoors is no easy task, and it is very easy to cause accidents or burn the food one is cooking. And no one likes to eat burned food, no matter how hungry they are. So, on that note, here are a few outdoor cooking mistakes to avoid. 1. Cooking on stainless steel surfaces Stainless steel is widely used to cook meals in kitchens. However, it is not weatherproof, which means that it can easily start to rust when exposed to moisture, wind, and other external elements. To avoid this problem, one can use HDPE kitchen cabinets and surfaces. HDPE is a durable material that is extensively used for outdoor cooking. It is resistant to harsh temperature changes and doesn’t rust easily, making it an excellent material for utensils to be used for campfires and other outdoor cooking appliances. 2. Burning food Cooking over an open fire is incredibly difficult, as it is not easy to regulate the heat, especially if one is doing it for the first time. Getting the temperature just right is essential to not getting the food burned. For that, it is important not to put all the wood at once into the fire. Instead, add a couple of sticks at once to keep the fire going steadily and ensure the food cooks evenly. Those who are planning to go camping and want to cook on the fire should practice a few times in their backyard to get a few techniques right. Not only that, one must also know how to douse a fire in case of an emergency. 3. Using the wrong fuel As is the case with cooking appliances and utensils, even the fuel used for cooking needs to be suitable for outdoor cooking.

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 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, which a sugar alcohol that help pulls water into the intestines and stimulates better bowel movements. These properties make for 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 thos 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 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.