Acid reflux is a condition that can cause a burning sensation in the chest, accompanied by other symptoms such as regurgitation of food or sour liquid, chest or stomach pain, and difficulty swallowing. Sometimes, it may also lead to the development of a lump in the throat. These symptoms occur when the esophageal sphincter fails to function correctly, causing digestive juices and stomach contents to rise through the food pipe. However, certain foods can help in providing relief. Bananas This fruit has low acid content and is highly alkaline, which can help neutralize the stomach acid that causes irritation of the esophageal lining during acid reflux. Moreover, bananas are a rich source of pectin, a type of soluble fiber. This slows down the movement of food through the digestive tract smoothly. Additionally, the fiber helps to keep the stomach feeling fuller for a longer period of time, which can prevent overeating, a major cause of acid reflux. Honey The viscosity or thickness of honey is relatively high. It neutralizes the stomach acids and forms a physical barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. Moreover, it can coat the mucus membrane of the esophagus to protect it against the irritating effects of the refluxed stomach acids. A teaspoon of honey can help provide relief from some of the symptoms of acid reflux. Watermelon Watermelons boast a high water content and are also enriched with vitamins and minerals. This combination of nutrients can help dilute and weaken the refluxed stomach acid, providing relief from acid reflux. Eating bite-sized pieces of the fruit instead of drinking watermelon juice is recommended to reap the best benefits. This is because chewing the fruit stimulates the production of saliva, which further neutralizes the stomach acid. Lean meat Chicken, turkey, and other lean meats are considered low-acid foods, so including them in meal plans can help maintain optimal levels of stomach acid.

Coffee can be more than just a part of the morning ritual. This pick-me-up is packed with antioxidants, one of the most beneficial nutrients for the body. Now, research suggests that regular intake of coffee might be associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. So, while one should not rely on the beverage to manage diabetes risk, regular coffee drinkers might benefit from understanding the link between coffee and diabetes. 1. Antioxidant activity Coffee is a beverage rich in antioxidants—compounds that combat oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress develops with an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, so the antioxidants in coffee may help neutralize these free radicals, shielding the body against cellular damage. 2. Influence on insulin resistance Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar. Reduced sensitivity to insulin is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. The compounds found in coffee are believed to have a positive impact on insulin sensitivity. So, by enhancing the body’s response to insulin, coffee may contribute toward improved blood sugar control. 3. Reduced inflammation Chronic inflammation is a known contributor to various diseases, including diabetes. Coffee, with its anti-inflammatory properties, might act as a shield against chronic inflammation. By calming down the inflammatory responses in the body, coffee may indirectly contribute to a reduced risk of developing diabetes. Further, new research suggests that coffee boosts levels of certain anti-inflammatory hormones and decreases levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and leptin—substances that promote inflammation. 4. Energy boost For many, a cup of coffee gives them a boost of energy to start the day. This energy spike might translate into increased physical activity, a key lifestyle habit that aids in diabetes prevention. This is because regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and helps maintain overall health, both crucial factors in reducing diabetes risk.

It’s easy to fall into a cycle of buying new products, especially gadgets, that promise to make certain tasks a tad easier. However, more often than not, they don’t live up to their hype, and customers end up with products that are quite useless and a waste of money. While many brands claim their gadgets to be must-haves, customers don’t necessarily need to invest in them. Here are some gadgets that aren’t worth the money: 1. Disposable power banks Power banks are excellent for emergencies. They can help charge a phone, tablet, headphones, and smart wearables. However, investing in a disposable power bank is not worth the money. Most of them come with lithium batteries, just without charging circuits. They are incredibly wasteful and end up in landfills because most people don’t properly dispose of electronic waste as they should. A normal power bank does the job and can be used more than a hundred times. It is environmentally friendly and easy to carry around. 2. VR headsets Virtual reality (VR) headsets are a big hit among users. However, this immersive experience comes at a cost, and a huge one at that. This is because most kinds of content are not made keeping in mind the usability of a VR headset. With limited VR-compatible content, people are left with just a few options to enjoy the experience. This means paying more than is necessary for a limited-time experience. Investing this money in another gadget that can offer better use is better. Also, those who want to view VR-compatible content can always rent a VR headset. 3. Trendy wearables Fitness bands and rings are great for keeping track of one’s health, especially one’s pulse rate, resting heart rate, sleep cycle, and more. That said, with rapid technological advancement, new wearables with advanced interfaces are being launched multiple times a year.

Having access to clean and safe drinking water is a necessity. However, water, in its natural form, is mixed with numerous contaminants that can lead to waterborne diseases. So, it is prudent to have a filtration system at home to avoid having contaminated water. It can be easy to maintain water quality and safety as long as people avoid making some filtration mistakes. Here are some common water filtration mistakes to avoid. Failing to monitor water quality Simply installing a water filtration system might not be enough to resolve all water quality concerns. It is important to monitor water quality periodically. Failing to do so, over time, can result in one of the biggest mistakes when using a water filtration system. Factors such as the water source, environment, and the appliance’s systematic degradation can impact the water’s purification level. To ensure the efficacy of the filtration system and that the water is safe for use, people must monitor the water quality regularly. Improper installation The improper installation of the water filtration system is a common mistake people make that can compromise the effectiveness of the system. When a water filtration system is improperly installed, it can result in leaks, improper removal of contaminants, and insufficient water flow. Irrespective of the type of water filtration system, making this mistake can undermine its ability to provide the user with clean drinking water. Choosing the wrong system Selecting the wrong filtration system is one of the most basic and critical mistakes people can end up making. Different water contaminants are dealt with with the help of different filtration methods. Choosing the wrong system could mean the purifier can fail to take care of the contaminants. Thus, it is vital to select a filtration system after assessing the water quality in the area. Neglecting regular maintenance Like any other electronic appliance, water filtration systems also require regular maintenance to function optimally.

Our laptops, cell phones, and smartwatches help us with numerous everyday tasks like booking tickets, paying bills, setting reminders, and tracking our health. However, these gadgets are sometimes expensive, especially the models from premium brands with advanced features and capabilities. Luckily, Black Friday allows consumers to bag them at highly discounted prices and save money. Here are a few popular tech devices worth checking out once Black Friday 2023 begins. Smartphones Samsung Samsung’s latest Galaxy smartphones, including the Ultra, Z, Flip, and Fold models, were offered at discounts ranging from $400 to $1,000 last shopping season. These devices have several desirable features, such as long battery life, fast charging, elegant displays, expandable storage, and excellent camera quality. Apple Apple is known to have lucrative offers on its cell phones during Black Friday. Last year, specific iPhone 12, 13, and 14 variants sold for a discount of up to 75%. OnePlus OnePlus has emerged as a household name for superior-quality smartphones with features like fast charging, long battery lives, premium-quality cameras, and affordability. Some esteemed models, such as the OnePlus Nord, OnePlus 8T, and OnePlus Pro, were available at discounts ranging from $50 to a whopping $500 last sale season. Google Google’s Pixel series smartphones stand out for using Machine Learning technology to enable features like smart replies and live captions. They’re also known for their stunning camera quality and battery-saving features. Last year, some of the latest Pixel smartphones were available for up to $200 off at various e-commerce websites like Amazon, eBay, and Best Buy. Smartwatches Apple Apple’s smartwatches have valuable health-monitoring technologies, including irregular heartbeat sensors, oxygen-level monitors, ECG monitors, crash detection, temperature sensing, and a feature to ensure mindfulness. Users bagged some of Apple’s popular smartwatches for reasonable prices last Black Friday. For example, the new Apple Watch SE was offered at $299 off its original price.

Several diseases are included under the umbrella term of heart diseases and are also called cardiovascular diseases. They lead to the blood vessels becoming narrow or getting blocked, which, in turn, can result in a heart attack or stroke or cause pain in the chest. Other heart conditions affect the heart’s muscle, rhythm, or valve. Symptoms The symptoms vary according to the condition diagnosed. The symptoms of common cardiovascular diseases are discussed below. Symptoms of atherosclerotic disease Pain in the chest or feeling a sense of tightness or discomfort in the area Shortness of breath Limbs feeling numb or severely cold if the blood vessels have narrowed in the area, as it affects blood circulation Pain in the jaw, back, upper abdomen, or neck Symptoms of abnormality in the heartbeat or arrhythmia Fluttering sensation in the chest Racing or slow heartbeat Discomfort or pain in the chest Feeling dizzy or fainting Light-headedness Symptoms of heart defects or related conditions Skin color turning blue or pale gray Abdominal swelling or swelling in the area surrounding the eyes Shortness of breath while feedings in case of an infant Symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy Breathlessness Swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles Feeling a sense of fatigue and dizziness Irregular heartbeat Symptoms related to heart infections Fever Shortness of breath Feeling weak Change in the heart rhythm Persistent cough Skin rashes Causes The causes vary depending on the type of heart disease one is affected with. The common causes include an accumulation of fatty plaques in the arteries as a result of following an unhealthy diet and not being physically active, being overweight or obese, and smoking. Read on to learn more about the causes of commonly diagnosed heart diseases: Heart arrhythmia This can be a result of heart defects since birth, high blood pressure or diabetes, smoking, excessive alcohol or caffeine intake, or stress.

An extended vehicle warranty is an additional warranty that you can buy for your vehicle so the protection remains for a longer duration than what the manufacturers set. The extended warranty can be similar to the factory one, or you can get something even better. It is always a wise idea to opt for the warranty to make sure that your repairing needs remain covered. Read on to know more. What’s the procedure? The process to buy the extended warranty for your car is rather simple. You just have to decide whether you want the car manufacturer’s warranty or a third party. The warranty extension from the manufacturer can be bought from a car dealership near you. However, if you want a third-party warranty, you can buy that online. You can do a comparison among various providers to find the best deals with great benefits, which the manufacturer’s warranty may not offer. To buy the extended vehicle warranty, you need to Determine if you want factory or third-party warranty Find the best available option online when buying the third-party warranty Ask for a free quote to understand how much it will cost Customize the extended warranty plan according to your specific requirements Finalize the plan and pay online after you are convinced What determines the price? The price of the extended vehicle warranty depends on a variety of factors. Check the below list to find out what they are. Length of the warranty The duration of the warranty determines how much it will cost you. The providers offer a variety of options with the warranty length. It can be a short-term warranty or one that lasts for years. The longer the duration, the higher it is priced. Type of vehicle The type of vehicle you have will decide how much you need to pay for the extended warranty.

One of the most popular diet plans currently is the keto diet. Although it originated a few years ago, the diet has remained popular, especially among those with a specific health goal, such as gaining muscle or losing weight. It is a low-carb, and high-fat and high-protein diet; and one of the best ways to stick to it is to opt for a keto meal delivery service. Here are some options: Fresh n Lean Fresh n Lean has several diet plans, including a keto diet plan. You have the option of getting all three meals, i.e., breakfast, lunch, dinner, delivered to you for the entire week. When you are ordering your meal for the week, you can also opt for additional snacks. Their keto meal delivery plan is not only recommended by nutritionists, but is also certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Each meal is priced at $10.38, and if you are a new customer, then you can get $20 off your first order. Home Chef Home Chef caters to not just you but your family’s needs. They deliver boxes with ingredients and recipes that you can easily make at home for a family of two, four or even six. They feature weekly menus and offer a range of meal kits under the carb-conscious section. Once you sign up on their website, you will be asked to choose from the various meal plans they offer, including any ingredient that you want excluded. The costs vary depending on the meal option you choose; however, the average starting price per serving is $6.99. Ketoned Bodies One of the unique selling propositions (USP) of this meal delivery service is that they support regenerative farming, which makes their produce sustainable. They also procure organic vegetables and only use grass-fed beef and pasture-raised pork and chicken for their meal kits.

Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that impacts the quality of the everyday life of an individual. Excessive sweating can lead those affected to feel embarrassed, sad, anxious, and angry. To combat these emotional and mental feelings, one can bring some effective changes in everyday life. Mentioned below are some of the lifestyle tips that you can incorporate into your daily routine to cope with hyperhidrosis. Let’s have a look at some. Exercise Working out is a great way to help reduce stress and maintain physical health. People with hyperhidrosis should not feel embarrassed while working out, as it is normal for them to sweat during intense physical workouts. Also, regular exercise will help you keep your body in shape and help reduce sweat in normal situations. Wear light and breathable clothing Out of the many lifestyle tips for hyperhidrosis, this one is about paying attention to what you wear. Natural fibers like cotton and linen will help keep sweat to a minimum. Thick fabrics like flannel can trap sweat which can worsen your sweating. People with hyperhidrosis should wear light and breathable fabrics, which can reduce the body temperature, and in turn, stop sweat. Stay hydrated It is important for people with hyperhidrosis to maintain an adequate level of hydration. Sweating leads to the loss of electrolytes from your body. It is generally recommended to drink eight glasses of water a day; however, people with hyperhidrosis may need to drink more. Diet A change in diet can help reduce sweat levels. Certain foods and drinks can trigger sweat production. Eliminating or limiting them from your diet can help in sweat reduction. Limit the consumption of spicy food, highly processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol, which are some foods that can cause excessive sweating. Keep your feet dry You should wear sandals that allow easy air circulation in your feet, preventing them from sweating.

Oral health is essential, but despite that, most often easily neglected by individuals. While it is recommended to visit a dentist regularly, there are some tips and tricks that we can use at home to make sure our teeth are healthy, clean, and white! Here are some ways on how you can keep your teeth shiny and white through safe and tested methods. Do speak to your dentist before using these tips regularly at home. Easy at-home teeth whitening tips Whitening trays and strips You can easily find reputed whitening strips and trays which contain a bleaching agent called hydrogen peroxide. These strips are applied directly to the enamel to see desirable results. Activated charcoal whitener Charcoal whiteners have three very effective ingredients, namely activated charcoal, bentonite, and an oil like orange seed oil. These whiten the teeth by getting absorbed into them. Teeth whitening pastes These pastes contain ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate, hydrated silica, and calcium carbonate that remove stains from the teeth and polish them. Whitening packs These whitening packs are to be applied directly onto your teeth. You can do so at night after brushing your teeth. The pack is to be used as per instructions. Teeth whitening light In this, a whitening agent is directly applied to your enamel, and a blue LED light is held above to let the enamel absorb the ingredient in a slow and effective manner. Coconut oil pulling Another popular teeth whitening tip at home is to take 1tbsp of coconut oil and swirl it around your mouth for 10-15 minutes. Spit it out after and just do a quick rinse. Smart whitening brush A mix of whitening toothpaste and gel is the trick to get bright, clean teeth. It is advised to use this combination daily till the desired results are achieved.

Hemophilia is a rare, hereditary bleeding condition in which blood may not clot normally when wounded. People with this illness have prolonged or spontaneous bleeding and bruising after an accident, surgery, or other injuries. Even minimal trauma can cause continuous bleeding in hemophilia patients. It can also result in internal bleeding in joints, muscles, brain, or other organs. This article throws light on the ways to manage hemophilia: Treatment options Recombinant factor VIII (8) concentrate The most effective technique to manage hemophilia is to restore the deficient blood clotting factor, allowing the blood to clot normally. Earlier all factor replacement products were made from human plasma. But in 1992, the FDA approved the recombinant factor VIII (8) concentrate, which is genetically engineered through DNA technology and used to treat hemophilia. Hemlibra® This may also be used to manage it. It works on replacing the function of factor VIII (8) rather than replacing the said missing clot directly. This treatment product is given to patients through an injection. Kovaltry® Another treatment option is Kovaltry. It helps in replacing the missing clotting factor in adults and children. Kovaltry ® reduces the frequency of bleeding episodes and is sometimes given after surgery. Foods to eat Hemophilia patients should fill their plates with fruits and vegetables. Dark and green leafy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, kale, bok choy, and fruits like strawberries, pears, and apples are excellent sources of vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Include orange juice, lean red meat, poultry, fortified cereals, raisins, and apricots as they are rich in calcium and iron. Foods to avoid Avoid oily foods especially deep-fried meats, chips, and junk foods, as they contain saturated fats, which are unhealthy for the body. High sugar items like cookies, pie, soft drinks, energy drinks, candy, and chocolates should also be restricted. Fish oil and vitamin E supplements should not be consumed by hemophilia A patients as they can prevent the clumping of platelets.

As far as charity is concerned, people usually think of it in linear terms. Donations help those in need, and it’s normal to believe this is the only goal. But many people are unaware that there is so much more to the act of giving. Lending a helping hand is only one of many benefits of making charitable donations. Individuals who share their wealth may also have rewarding personal, emotional, and mental experiences. Helping those in need One of the biggest benefits of donating money is helping those in need. The world isn’t perfect or even fair, for that matter. What makes a difference is a surplus sharing with those who don’t have privileges to bank on. Providing a positive experience A National Institute of Health study found that people who chose to donate would activate the pleasure centers in their brains. While there is more research to be conducted to understand this link, sharing is an undeniably satisfying experience. Taxes are deductible Donating to charity also comes with the benefit of a tax deduction. If you’ve contributed to an IRS-approved non-profit organization, you’ll get a write-off on the donation sum while filing returns. Setting an example Donating to a local or international community allows you to set a good example for the youth in the community. After all, children do what they see. Making an impact Charities impact the community at large by uplifting those in need of help. Donations provide a better standard and quality of life, access to education, and even healthcare to improve the community’s standing. Making life more meaningful Contributing and sharing your wealth allows you to meet and mingle with other like-minded individuals. You get to share your passions and bring about a positive influence on the issues at hand. Helping everyone feel happy Spending your hard-earned money on yourself is thrilling, but sharing your wealth with others can also feel rewarding.