6 foods that can worsen hearing problems

6 foods that can worsen hearing problems

Research indicates that one in eight people in the country, aged 12 years or older, lives with hearing loss in both ears. Thus, loss of hearing is a prominent issue that needs to be addressed. Recent technological advancements have resulted in several interventions to enhance hearing, including hearing aids, brainstem implants, and other assistive devices. In addition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding certain types of food can contribute to healing from hearing loss. Red meat Red meat is high in saturated and trans fats, which can cause plaque to generate in the arteries and impede blood circulation. Sometimes, poor blood circulation can contribute to hearing impairments, such as tinnitus. Baked foods Baked foods contain large amounts of refined sugar and carbohydrates, especially store-bought products like cakes, pastries, and puddings. High glucose levels in the blood can damage the small blood vessels and nerves present in the inner ear. Monosodium glutamate Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an excitatory neurotransmitter that can cause neurological damage, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Thus, it is advisable for individuals at risk of or grappling with hearing loss to avoid or limit foods from restaurants or ready-to-eat foods, which usually contain MSG. Caffeine Excessive intake of caffeinated beverages such as tea and coffee can increase one’s blood pressure, triggering a ringing sensation in the ears and conditions like tinnitus. While caffeine in limited quantities has beneficial antioxidants, one must reduce excessive caffeinated beverages while recovering from hearing problems. Salt Although salt is practically unavoidable from the daily meal plan, foods containing large salt concentrations can increase blood pressure, which can impede blood circulation and contribute to hearing loss. Excessive salt content is typically found in readymade chips, fries, and ready-to-eat products, and these foods should be limited or avoided. Pickles Pickled foods also contain large quantities of salt, which can elevate blood pressure.
Avoid these foods to manage multiple sclerosis

Avoid these foods to manage multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the functioning of the central nervous system. Although it might not seem obvious, the food you eat can be a trigger for the symptoms of this condition. Therefore, being aware of the foods to avoid when diagnosed with this condition is critical in managing it effectively and preventing it from worsening. Listed below are some foods you should avoid if you have been diagnosed with this condition. Saturated fats This type is mostly found in animal products such as full-fat dairy items, although it can also be found in food items containing coconut or palm oil. These fats can raise bad or LDL cholesterol levels increasing your risk of heart disease. According to a study, if you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, then you are already at a higher risk for developing various heart problems. Therefore, avoiding these unhealthy fats might be a good idea, and opt for healthier alternatives. Trans fats This is another type of fat best avoided by those with multiple sclerosis. It is mostly found in baked goods such as pies, cookies, and other packaged food items. Trans fats can trigger or increase inflammation in the blood vessels, which can cause heart problems. When checking packaged food labels, look for terms such as shortening and partially hydrogenated oil. Milk Milk, especially cow’s milk, contains saturated fat and proteins that can affect the health of individuals with MS. The proteins in milk, in some cases, could stimulate the immune cells, which could result in the formation of lesions. According to research studies, avoiding or limiting the consumption of milk can help relieve MS symptoms. Although, you should ensure that you get sufficient protein, Vitamin D, and calcium from other food sources. Sugar Sugar is most often listed at the top among the foods to avoid to manage various health conditions effectively.
4 errors to avoid when choosing food packaging machines

4 errors to avoid when choosing food packaging machines

When dealing with food, its packaging requires precision and careful handling to prevent food spoilage. Further, to get the packaging right, it is important to have the right equipment in place. The right food packaging machine is one that meets all the requirements at the right price. So, while getting food packaging machines, one should do some research to find the best option. Additionally, one should avoid the following mistakes: 1. Not setting a budget With so many options in the market, it is important to look up prices of food packaging machines and then set a budget. Such equipment can be expensive, so setting a reasonable budget and looking for machines that offer good value for money can help one avoid making a costly mistake. One can also consider buying used machines to save money. However, the used food packaging machine should be well-maintained, i.e., not require a lot of repairs. 2. Choosing the wrong type of machine Different types of machines package different types of food items. When dealing with dry, powdered food, an auger filling machine is a good choice. For packaging liquid, one should get liquid pumps. One may need more than one type of machine if dealing with multiple products. So, one should first evaluate their business requirements and product type and then choose a food packaging machine accordingly. 3. Skipping research One should look up reliable food packaging equipment manufacturers and top-rated packaging machines. One can also check online reviews for the brand and machine and even ask questions that other users or the company itself can answer. This can help one learn about the machines and make an informed decision. 4. Refusing after-sales service After making a purchase, one should make the most of the after-sales service and demo (if any). This is an important part of the purchase process that can help one avoid unwanted surprises.
5 foods that worsen arthritis symptoms

5 foods that worsen arthritis symptoms

Arthritis triggers inflammation affecting one or more joints. Symptoms include pain and stiffness that worsen with age, as there is no cure for the chronic inflammatory condition. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis are the most diagnosed forms in adults. In most cases, symptoms can be managed with changes in food and lifestyle and taking pain relief prescriptions. To help ease the condition, eliminating these foods from one’s meal regimen can help. Processed, preserved, and sugary foods like baked desserts Foods bought off the shelves in supermarkets contain copious amounts of sugar and preservatives. Most ready-to-eat meals are also made with refined flour, fructose, and sucrose which can trigger an imbalance in blood sugar levels. Baked desserts, pastries, white bread, white rice, and pasta are some of the common refined foods to avoid. Sweets, candies, and sugary beverages, including flavored sodas, can also flare symptoms. Unhealthy fat sources like red meat Saturated and trans fats are the worst and most persistent triggers of inflammation linked to arthritis. Red meats, full-fat dairy products like milk, cheese, and desserts made with refined grains all contain saturated fats. Trans fats can be found in fried foods, frozen foods, and products that are mostly made with margarine or hydrogenated vegetable oils. Avoiding these fats helps, as even moderate consumption can worsen the pain and inflammation. Refined carbohydrates, like crackers, and omega 6 foods, like corn oil The body converts carbohydrates into fuel for all vital functions. However, it is necessary to avoid refined carbohydrates. These foods have a high glycemic index that triggers sudden spikes in blood sugar levels upon consumption. Avoid crackers, bread rolls, instant mashed potatoes, French fries, and even some breakfast cereals. Also, the body needs to maintain a balance between healthy omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Excess consumption of the latter can trigger an inflammatory response.
6 foods to eat for managing GERD

6 foods to eat for managing GERD

Acid reflux is a condition that causes heartburn due to the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. This is also referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although it is a common condition, it can cause problems such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, a dry cough, foul breath, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain. High-sodium meals, acidic foods, and lack of fiber worsen acid reflux. Here are the best foods to eat to avoid GERD. Best foods to consume to avoid GERD Oatmeal Oatmeal is a high-fiber, whole-grain breakfast cereal. Foods with a lot of fiber can lessen acid reflux. These foods also promote intestinal health and help general digestion by easing constipation. Oatmeal is also linked to the easy digestion of other foods and the absorption of stomach acid. Thus, including oatmeal in your breakfast meal significantly lowers GERD symptoms. Lean meat and seafood Lean meats are simpler to digest and less likely to cause GERD symptoms, such as skinless chicken breast baked or sautéed rather than fried and greasy. Other options for lean meat include turkey, leaner beef, and seafood like fish, prawns, and lobster. Fatty meats are typically higher in cholesterol and can cause heartburn, so leaner meats are a better option for GERD symptoms. Egg whites Egg whites have a high protein content and a low-fat content. It is readily digested and hence lessens GERD symptoms. However, people with GERD should avoid egg yolks as it includes fat, a common risk factor for reflux symptoms. Ginger Ginger has numerous anti-inflammatory properties. It has digestive properties and can be used as a natural GERD treatment. The most common cause of GERD is inflammation of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. Ginger relieves pain and reduces the possibility of esophageal reflux caused by stomach acid. Therefore, a few slices of ginger can be added to tea or other food preparations to help lessen the symptoms.
Best and worst foods for managing scoliosis

Best and worst foods for managing scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine in the coronal or frontal plane. It is generally diagnosed during adolescence and may lead to pain in the lower back, back stiffness, pain or numbness in the legs due to pinched nerves, or fatigue due to muscle strain. Treatment for this condition involves the use of braces, spinal fusion surgery, or spine and rib-based growing operations. Further, healthy food choices are an important part of recovery. Best foods Here are three foods to eat when undergoing scoliosis recovery to improve health and wellness: Fresh fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are a rich source of nutrients as well as fiber, which are important for maintaining one’s overall health. Fresh produce like broccoli, apples, tomatoes, avocados, cauliflower, carrots, kale, Brussels sprouts, pears, peaches, celery, and green beans can be beneficial during recovery. Unprocessed meats: Organic meats, such as chicken, turkey, fish, and beef, are a great way of providing proteins to the body. However, one should steer clear of processed meats, as they may have unhealthy additives and preservatives. Foods with vitamin D and calcium: Calcium and vitamin D are crucial for maintaining bone health and must be added to meals in healthy doses. Calcium can be found in beans, lentils, poppy seeds, chia seeds, and celery, while vitamin D may be obtained from fish, eggs, or mushrooms. Those undergoing scoliosis treatment must also remember to stay hydrated, as water contributes to the body’s natural functioning. Worst foods At the same time, some foods may impede recovery during scoliosis and must be avoided. These include: Soda: Sugary drinks such as soda inhibit the body’s ability to absorb calcium and can interfere with recovery when dealing with scoliosis. Fast food: Fast foods generally contain high amounts of salt, which can make one lose calcium through urine.
7 foods to avoid for better skin

7 foods to avoid for better skin

Air pollutants, seasons, and mood fluctuations are uncontrollable issues that can have a harmful impact on the skin. But one thing you can control is the food you eat. It is no secret that collagen and antioxidant-rich foods are good for the skin, but not many know the kind of foods that can ruin the skin. Here are some foods that you should avoid or limit to have healthy, glowing skin. Fried foods Deep-fried food items like french fries are cooked in refined vegetable oils such as canola, safflower, and peanut oils. While they seem healthy, these oils are loaded with trans-fat. This can cause inflammation, resulting in premature wrinkles and aged-looking skin. Processed meat Processed meats like bacon and brined chicken contain high levels of sodium. Excess consumption of sodium can lead to water retention in the body and cause puffy and swollen skin. Sodium nitrate is added to many processed foods that destroy collagen and cause premature aging. Doughnut Doughnuts are delicious and tempting, but it’s best to restrict their consumption. Such deep-fried and baked goods contain a high amount of sugar, which is probably linked to the development of wrinkles. Doughnuts also contain processed carbs that can damage the skin’s collagen and make it springy. Mayonnaise Mayonnaise contains omega-6 fatty acids, which are crucial for growth and development. But excess consumption of mayonnaise can aggravate the inflammatory process. It is best to eat omega-6 fats in combination with inflammation-fighting foods like tuna or salmon. Energy drinks Energy drinks contain an unhealthy amount of sugar and caffeine that can lead to sagging skin. Regular consumption of caffeine can increase cortisol levels, which may lead to inflammation. Energy drinks and sugary beverages can also cause zits. White bread According to studies, foods like white bread that have a high glycemic index (GI) can have an adverse effect on your skin.
11 foods to avoid when dealing with Crohn’s disease

11 foods to avoid when dealing with Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that leads to swelling in the small intestine resulting in problems like diarrhea and stomach pain. The swelling makes it tougher for the body to absorb the nutrients in food. Certain foods can also trigger the symptoms and lead to flare-ups; the triggers can differ from person to person. Nevertheless, here are a few common foods that should be avoided to prevent worsening Crohn’s disease symptoms. Spicy food For those with Crohn’s disease who love chilies or spicy food, restricting these foods is important to manage the symptoms. This is because certain spices can worsen the pain and other symptoms associated with the condition. Alternatively, one should use mild herbs and natural flavorings such as lemon in limited quantities. Dairy products Many people with Crohn’s disease experience worsening symptoms after consuming dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk. For them, it is better to try milk alternatives, like almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, and oat milk. People with the disease can also try low-fat substitutes like kefir. Deep-fried foods People with Crohn’s are advised to limit their intake of fried and greasy foods as these contain unhealthy fats that may aggravate the symptoms and lead to problems such as loose motion and cramping. This is because foods rich in fat, including heavy sauces, are often not completely absorbed by the small intestine. Seeds and nuts Irrespective of the high nutritional value of these foods, they are not suitable for people with Crohn’s disease as they can cause irritation in the lining of the gut, worsening the symptoms. Seeds and nuts are also hard to digest for people suffering from the disease. Raw fruits and vegetables with skin The health of those with Crohn’s disease may worsen if they have apples or cucumbers along with their skins.
50 Cyber Monday Deals to Look Forward to in 2023

50 Cyber Monday Deals to Look Forward to in 2023

This year, Cyber Monday falls on 27 November 2023. Brands and retailers are gearing up to offer massive discounts to customers across categories like fashion, home appliances, travel, furniture, tech, lifestyle, and more. Reflecting on last year’s sales is a great place to start when working on getting shopping lists and budgets. Based on last year’s deals, here are 50 Cyber Monday sales one can look forward to in 2023: Technology: LG C2 42” OLED 4K TV: This LG device was marked down to $999 at Best Buy, down from its original price of $1299. One of the top-ranked televisions in 2022, the LG C2 has a stunning OLED display, an a9 Gen5 AI Processor, Dolby Atmos, and Voice Control. 10.2” iPad (64GB/2021): The iPad features Apple’s A13 Bionic CPU, a 12 MP front camera, and 64 GB of storage. Buyers can expect it to be marked down to $299 at some retailers, down from its original price of $329. TCL 65” 4K QLED TV: This TCL television packs the most value for its price. Originally $599, it is expected to sell for $549 on Cyber Monday 2023. It offers excellent performance and is compatible with various other devices. Google Pixel 6a: AT&T offered the lowest phone price ever last year – the Pixel 6a for $1 monthly. They may follow suit and offer similar discounts this year as well. Oculus Quest 2 (128 GB) Cyber Monday Bundle: An easy-to-use device packed with quality features, the Oculus Quest 2 retails for $469.99. However, shoppers may find deals as low as $349.99 this holiday season. MacBook Pro 13” (M2/256GB): Originally $1299, the MacBook Pro is expected to be marked down to $1149 during Cyber Monday sales this year. This Apple laptop features a 13.3-inch Retina display, Apple’s new M2 CPU w/ 10 Core GPU, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD.
Top 4 healthy foods to eat for seniors

Top 4 healthy foods to eat for seniors

Age is a crucial factor that determines a person’s food habits. For example, a certain food, which one can digest easily in their twenties, might not suit them after 50. So, older adults must be careful about their nutritional habits to maintain optimum health. Such individuals need a meal plan that involves nutritious foods that do not take much effort to digest. Keep reading to learn about the best foods for people over 60. Eggs High-protein foods are needed to stabilize the metabolism of the eaten meals in the digestive system. As people age, their caloric requirements decrease while their protein needs are enhanced to minimize muscle loss, a decrease in strength, and deterioration of vital body functions. Foods such as eggs are rich sources of naturally occurring protein. Usually, the recommended protein intake for people is about 0.8 grams of kilograms of their body weight per day. People over the age of 60 will require way more protein than that. Health and nutrition experts suggest that the figure should be at least 1.2 kilograms daily for effective metabolism and functioning. Oatmeal Like protein, fiber is essential for reinforcing the defense mechanism of one’s body as it ages. After 60, one must eat high-fiber foods such as oatmeal, chickpeas, quinoa, flaxseed, and chia seeds to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, metabolic disorders, diverticular disease, and other health conditions brought about by a weakening of the immune system. All these reasons make oatmeal one of the best foods for people over 60. Salmon Vitamin D is a vital nutrient needed to strengthen bone strength as people age. Dairy is a good source of vitamin D. However, fatty fish is arguably the best source of this vitamin. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and others also contain essential omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation, yet another health risk associated with advancing age.
6 helpful tips to vacuum seal food safely

6 helpful tips to vacuum seal food safely

Vacuum sealing is a packaging method that has been gaining popularity of late due to its ability to keep food fresh and tasty for longer. This technique employs a machine that limits exposure to oxygen by creating an airtight seal surrounding the food. However, not many people pay attention to how they vacuum seal their food. Keep reading to learn some simple tips to extract the most out of food vacuum sealers. Allow items to cool before vacuum sealing- One of the most important tips to remember when vacuum sealing food is always to let it cool down to room temperature before packing it away. Ignoring this step could trap moisture inside the bag, even with proper air removal, causing freezer burn. Leave space at the top- One must avoid filling their sealable bags to the top. Instead, leave some space for the air removal and make a seal. Some machines may require more space than others, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Freeze meats before sealing- When it comes to vacuum sealing raw meat, it is always a good idea to freeze it beforehand. It prevents bacterial activity during thawing and preserves all the meat’s natural juices, allowing one to cook safer, more succulent cuts of meat. Use folded wax paper for foods with sharp edges- Foods with sharp edges, such as meats, beef jerky, and dehydrated foods, can tear through or rupture sealable bags. To avoid this from happening and ensure a tight seal, cover the sharp edges with folded wax paper. Blanch bright veggies before sealing- To help fresh vegetables retain their nutritional value and bright color, one should blanch them before vacuum sealing them. Alternatively, arrange fresh fruits and vegetables on a baking sheet and flash-freeze them for a few hours before sealing them. This is also a great way to preserve their nutrients and avoid freezer burn.
Lung cancer – 8 foods to eat

Lung cancer – 8 foods to eat

Following a nutritious regime is essential for the body to maintain immunity and stave off infection. Cutting out a single nutrient, or even overdoing on any can harm the body in the long run. When it comes to lung cancer, there are few foods that one must avoid and must include for daily consumption. Below is the list of foods that need to be included in one’s food regimen when recovering from lung cancer. Chicken Protein-rich foods are essential in the fight against cancer as they are a necessary building block in cell and tissue repair. In fact, lean meats like fish and turkey in addition to chicken are a great option. However, ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly to avoid food-related illness. Ginger Intake of ginger as an ingredient in food may lower the risk of metastases of an existing cancer and it is also known to reduce chronic pain. Whole grains Whole grain anything is a good choice because the carbs and fiber help keep energy levels stable. Choose from whole wheat breads, brown rice, and whole grain pastas. Apples Apples are packed with flavonoids that are powerful antioxidants and can help boost immunity, which is just what one needs. Avocado This superfood is chock full with good fats and is low in sugar. It is a good snack option and is useful in digestion. Moreover, avocados help control blood pressure and cholesterol. Salmon Salmon is an excellent source of vitamin D. While the major source of vitamin D is the sun, getting that kind of light is not always possible, especially in colder climates. A healthy dose of vitamin D may help increase immunity. Tomatoes Tomatoes and sauces have a compound called lycopene that is known to be potent enough to fight cancer. Adding this to food regimes can give the body the anti-inflammatory boost it needs.