Chronic inflammation of the large intestine, or ulcerative colitis , is a devastating and exhausting disease that can wreak havoc on every aspect of one’s life. From physical health to mental well-being, ulcerative colitis can take a toll on overall health if left untreated. Here are simple ways to manage ulcerative colitis. By following them under a doctor’s supervision, you can take back control of life and manage the condition better. What is ulcerative colitis? Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. UC acts on the innermost walls of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It is a chronic condition that can last for months or even years. Types of ulcerative colitis Ulcerative proctitis is the most common type and accounts for about two-thirds of all UC cases. People with this type have frequent episodes of diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Ulcers may form in the rectum or anus. Proctosigmoiditis is less common than ulcerative proctitis but affects more people overall because it causes more severe symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea that may lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Extensive colitis/pancolitis occurs when inflammation spreads beyond the rectum or anus to other parts of the gastrointestinal tract (large intestine and small intestine). Left-sided colitis is uncommon, but it happens when Crohn’s disease or another autoimmune disorder attacks one side of the colon. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis Following are certain signs of the condition that need to be addressed as soon as it is experienced. Persistent abdominal pain that doesn’t subside with rest or antibiotics Diarrhea that lasts more than three days Blood in your stool Fever Fatigue Tips for managing ulcerative colitis Get screened regularly One of the most important steps you can take is to get screened regularly.

As we age, wrinkles become more and more prominent on our skin. They can be a source of insecurity and make us look older than we are. But the good news is that wrinkles do not have to be permanent; there are ways to eliminate or at least reduce their appearance. This article will explore some natural remedies and food options that help. The tips will help you achieve smoother, wrinkle-free skin. What are wrinkles? Wrinkles, characterized by lines and creases on the skin, are a natural part of aging. They form when the skin loses its elasticity and ability to stretch. They can occur anywhere on the body but are most common around the eyes, mouth, forehead, and nose. Causes of wrinkles As mentioned, the skin becomes less elastic as we age and loses its ability to bounce back after being stretched or pulled. This makes wrinkles more likely to form. But age is only one factor that can cause the condition. Many other factors can also lead to wrinkles, and it is essential to be aware of them, so you can take steps to prevent or reduce their appearance. Some common causes of wrinkles include: Sun damage Exposure to sunlight can cause premature skin aging and, thus, wrinkles. The UV rays from the sun damage collagen fibers in the skin’s dermis layer, leading to wrinkles later in life. Dehydration When the skin is dehydrated, it is more likely to develop fine lines and wrinkles. Hence, it is crucial to drink sufficient water throughout the day. Unhealthy foods Foods with high levels of sugar, salt, and processed ingredients lead to excess inflammation throughout the body and cause the skin to become thin and wrinkled over time. Too much saturated fat also contributes to the problem by blocking the absorption of essential nutrients and minerals needed for healthy skin growth.

It’s no secret that we all want pearly white teeth. A beautiful smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and it can also boost your self-confidence. While countless teeth-whitening treatments are accessible on the market, including whitening toothpaste, there are a few traditional ways you can naturally whiten your teeth at home. If you’re unaware of the same, read on for some of the best ways to ensure pearly white teeth. The science of teeth and why they go yellow? Teeth are one of the most critical parts of our body and play an essential role in our overall health. They help us eat, speak, and breathe. But teeth aren’t just for eating and talking; they also play a significant role in keeping our mouths healthy. Teeth are made up of dentin, enamel, and pulp (the white part). Dentin is the layer that covers the tooth’s surface, the enamel is the hard outer layer that protects the dentin from damage, and the pulp is left over after we remove all dental tissue (enamel, dentin, and cementum) from around a tooth’s root. When food gets stuck between your teeth or bacteria grows on your teeth, it can cause yellowing or browning of your teeth, which is called periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can cause bone loss and gum recession, among other complications. Natural practices to whiten your teeth at home Brush using baking soda Baking soda is a safe and effective way to remove surface stains from your teeth, revealing brighter, whiter teeth underneath. To use baking soda as a toothbrush, wet your toothbrush and dip it into the baking soda. Gently brush your teeth for a few minutes, then rinse with water. You can do this once or twice a week for the best influence and outcomes.

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders affecting daily life. Many people deal with anxiety and chronic stress and experience symptoms like agitation, nervousness, chest pain, and a racing heart. Over 18% of people in the country deal with anxiety disorders every year. In some people, an overactive thyroid might also cause anxiety disorder. Below are some of the best management options to keep anxiety in check. Scheduling a worrying time It may seem odd, but health experts recommend picking a worrying time when you can think about all your fears on purpose. You can spare thirty minutes of your time to identify things that disturb you and have your worry session. Try doing the same every day at the same time. Do not think about the what-ifs and focus only on the things that trigger your anxiety. Indulging in mindfulness When you feel anxious, you may spend a significant amount of time around the day thinking about all the anxiety-provoking thoughts and ideas. When you become mindful, you learn how to concentrate your attention and bring it back to the present moment, unhooking from all thoughts that may trigger your anxiety. Today, mindfulness is becoming popular as people realize how beneficial it is. You can find different resources to formulate a mindful practice. Meditate When you meditate, you slow the racing thoughts. Hence, it is easier to manage your anxiety and stress levels. Different meditation styles, for instance, meditation and mindfulness during yoga, can be helpful. Mindfulness elevates your mood and keeps anxiety in check. Cognitive therapy In cognitive therapy, a person must shift their focus onto changing the beliefs and the thinking patterns associated with anxiety or those that trigger it. For instance, if you have a social phobia that aggravates your stress, it worsens further when you feed your brain negative thoughts like ‘Everyone thinks I am a misfit.’ Mainly, the basis of this therapy is that your beliefs start the thoughts, which trigger feelings and generate behaviors.

It’s normal to be anxious about certain aspects of everyday life. You can think of anxiety as a by-product of leading a busy life. And it isn’t necessarily bad. A bit of nervousness prepares you for the possible danger and helps you calculate the risks. But, if anxiety becomes a routine affair, you must act before it snowballs. Below we list some natural methods to deal with anxiety every day. Spend time outdoors Getting outdoors and spending time amidst nature can positively impact your mental well-being. Studies prove that spending time in fresh air is an excellent mood elevator. It has significant cognitive benefits and is the perfect way to reduce anxiety. Outdoor time is also advantageous for physical health. Be physically active Exercising is necessary not only for physical health but also for mental health. Though it’s hard to understand the connection between the two, studies suggest that exercising can be an excellent way to alleviate anxiety symptoms. When you’re physically active, you take your mind off the things that bother you. It triggers your body to release endorphin, a natural feel-good hormone. Meditate Meditating slows those racing thoughts of worry and helps manage stress better. You can try various meditation styles, such as meditating during yoga. Mindfulness meditation is another successful therapy in anxiety management and has proven effective for anyone dealing with mood-related issues. Try gardening Gardening triggers the brain to release mood-boosting chemicals, helping ease anxiety. Moreover, it’s an excellent way to spend time in the lap of Mother Earth. It can be beneficial for your mind. You can call a local community garden and volunteer if you don’t have a personal yard or lawn. Cut down your caffeine intake Caffeine helps you stay alert, but it may trigger anxiety if consumed in high doses. So, if you’re susceptible to anxiety, be cautious of how much caffeine you consume daily, especially if your intake is doing you more harm than good.

Atrial fibrillation (AFIB) is an arrhythmia that affects the heart’s upper chambers. It happens when the electrical impulses controlling these chambers go haywire, resulting in an irregular heartbeat. AFIB is not life-threatening but can aggravate the risk of blood clots, stroke, and congestive heart failure. Though there is no cure, several treatment options and healthy eating habits can help manage the condition. Here are a few heart-healthy foods to keep atrial fibrillation at bay. Black beans Black beans have several heart-healthy compounds like magnesium, antioxidants, and folate that help reduce blood pressure, a prevalent AFIB trigger. It helps manage your blood sugar levels and keep cholesterol in check. One can add black beans to salads and soups, but rinse the canned beans to eliminate all the extra salt sticking to them. Fruits and vegetables Veggies and fruits are excellent vitamin and mineral sources. They are rich in nutritional fiber and low in calories. Fruits and vegetables contain ingredients that help keep heart diseases at bay. Moreover, one can easily cut back on high-calorie foods like snack foods, cheese, and meat by eating vegetables and fruits. Adding fruits and vegetables to your routine is easy. Keep them handy as washed and cut, and put them in your refrigerator to enjoy as a quick snack. Keep the fruit bowl in your kitchen to always remember to eat your fruits. Pick recipes that have fruits or vegetables as the primary ingredients, like fresh fruits or stir-fried veggies in a salad. Almonds and walnuts Walnuts are rich in Vitamin E, fiber, folate, and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are all good for your heart. They also have high polyunsaturated fat content. To get the best heart-healthy meal, try to eat them unsalted. Like walnuts, almonds are crunchy, meaty nuts with a high Omega-3 fatty acid content, an excellent pick for your heart health.