What you eat impacts your hair’s health. Hair loss affects a significant portion of the population, irrespective of age. The numbers increase as we go up the age ladder. Of course, this can be due to aging, underlying health conditions, and other things, along with a lack of nutrition. Nutritionally poor foods can cause loss of hair density, poor growth, and weaker hair strands. So, here is a list of foods to eat for healthy hair. Eggs Eggs are a superfood, and for good reason. They are rich in biotin, protein, vitamins A and E, calcium, and iron. They are also an incredible source of omega-3 fatty acids. These ingredients are excellent if you want to accelerate hair growth and strengthen it. The biotin content enhances their keratin production, leading to better hair health. Spinach Everyone knows how critical spinach and other green vegetables are for anyone who wants a healthy mind and body. Spinach is a rich source of iron and loaded with multiple vitamins, which can assist in growing a healthier mane. Iron improves the quantity and quality of Red Blood Cells (RBCs), aiding in better oxygen supply to every cell in the body. Vitamin C is known to increase the absorption and availability of iron in the body. All of these make spinach a must-have food for people who wish to improve their hair health. Sweet potato Sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy way of ensuring your meals are packed with calcium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Thanks to their long list of healthy nutrients like beta-carotene, they are also considered a superfood. The body converts the available amount of beta-carotene into vitamin A. Since it is important for cell growth, including foods rich in vitamin A or compounds that lead to increased production of the vitamin is beneficial for healthy hair.

Whether one needs to prepare for a busy day ahead or unwind after a hectic one, a warm bath is the way to go. A warm shower can be highly therapeutic, enhancing one’s mood instantly and offering several health benefits, including boosting immunity and ensuring cold and pain relief. However, not bathing right can trigger or worsen skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing or showering: Avoiding exfoliation Although the body naturally gets rid of dry skin cells and develops new ones, exfoliation removes excessive dry skin cells and facilitates glowing skin. Hence, it is advisable to use a scrub or chemical exfoliator at least once in 10 days. This product should be applied in a circular motion throughout the body for 10 seconds and then rinsed off with lukewarm water. Bathing in extremely hot water If the water temperature is too high, it can cause damage to the keratin cells located on the skin’s outer layer. Hence, it is important to regulate water temperature before stepping into the shower. Lukewarm water typically works best for one’s skin. Showering for a long time Although showering can help relax one’s body and mind, especially after a long day, bathing for too long can de-moisturize the skin and increase one’s risk of developing skin conditions. Hence, one should avoid showering for more than 15 minutes to prevent dry skin. Washing hair every day It’s best to avoid washing hair on a daily basis as this can lead to dryness and breakage in the long run. Excessive use of shampoo can strip the hair of its natural oils and spoil its texture. Thus, one must limit hair washing to twice or thrice a week. Scrubbing the scalp with fingernails The scalp typically contains oily skin, flakes, and dust; hence, washing the scalp regularly is essential to ensure a clean scalp.

Those who menstruate often deal with a heavy period flow. Heavy menstrual bleeding that lasts over 7 days is called menorrhagia—a common concern that causes blood loss and cramping. If left unattended, it can lead to complications like anemia and pain in the abdomen and pelvic region. Excessive bleeding can disrupt daily activities due to low energy levels and discomfort. However, one can manage heavy periods by making certain lifestyle changes and better food choices. Key tips Women may experience a heavy period flow once in a while; however, persistently heavy periods can interfere with daily activities and lower energy levels. One should consult a healthcare professional to understand the causes and treatment for menorrhagia. Additionally, one can try the following easy hacks to cope with heavy period flow: Make a period care kit The length of a period cycle can differ slightly for everyone. But on average, a cycle is anywhere between 28 and 35 days. So, by keeping track of the cycle, one can plan ahead to minimize discomfort during periods. One of the easiest ways to reduce the discomfort is preparing a period care kit, especially if one is away from home on their period. To the kit, one can add necessities such as tampons, pads, a change of clothes, hot water bottles, and, if needed, some comfort food. Further, sweaters or long-sleeved jackets are great additions to the period care kit, as they can be tied around the waist in case of any accidents during the day. If tampons and pads are inconvenient, one can add period underwear and menstrual cups to the kit to manage the heavy flow. Get enough rest Once the menstrual bleeding begins, it can last anywhere from 4 to 7 days. During this time, one loses a little blood (2 to 3 tablespoons), making them feel tired during the day.

Monthly periods can last from two to seven days and can cause some manageable discomfort. However, an increasing number of people are being diagnosed with conditions that make their menstrual cycles painful and unmanageable. Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common experience for most people, which includes pain, lack of focus, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, nausea, and more before their period. Certain habits could be contributing to this discomfort on a regular basis. Not taking pain relievers proactively The time to reach for a pain relief remedy is when one feels the first twinge of pain when the period is due. However, most people tend to wait until the pain is on the verge of governing the rest of the day. Reaching for the prescribed painkiller when the lower stomach or pelvis area is on the initial hint of discomfort is far more effective than losing the energy and draining oneself with pain before considering taking something for it. Remedies and treatment are far more likely to be effective when the pain is mild rather than when it has intensified, curving one into the fetal position. This is especially important if one has conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, adenomyosis, or other complications that worsen the periods. Using too many feminine hygiene products Our bodies are capable of maintaining their pH levels and fighting off infections without the use of feminine hygiene products. Using these products, such as fragranced tampons, pads, and cups, can disrupt the vaginal pH balance and increase the risk of painful and itchy yeast infections. Instead, it’s best to use products that simply soak up period blood and avoid anything that could lead to bacterial vaginosis. Remember, the vagina can balance itself naturally, so it’s best to let it do its job without interference from unnecessary products. Not changing the tampon often Irrespective of the type of period product one uses, leakage mishaps are a constant concern.

Cholesterol is a wax-like substance that is naturally present in every body cell. It supports cell-building function, is necessary to produce certain vitamins, and regulates hormones linked to various body functions. However, excess blood cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Changing one’s daily nutritional intake is one of the ways to control high cholesterol; this can be done by introducing the following foods and snacks to the meal plan. Whole grains Oatmeal is a rich and nourishing breakfast choice that can help lower cholesterol levels with regular consumption. The grain is rich in soluble fibers that naturally help reduce the absorption of bad cholesterol into the blood circulation. This lowers the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the bloodstream and prevents the arteries from clogging. It helps lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and stroke. Oatmeal is also one of the simplest snacks to make, and it can be topped off with fresh fruits and your favorite condiments. Apples Daily eating a few apple slices can considerably decrease low-density lipoprotein. Apples contain a soluble fiber called pectin that helps foods bind and increase stool density to improve bowel movement. This type of soluble fiber also lowers and controls the amount of fat released into the bloodstream. Essentially, these functions ensure the LDL levels don’t spike due to the over-absorption of fats from foods and beverages consumed. Fatty fish Omega-3 fatty acids play a critical role in lowering triglyceride levels in the bloodstream. This is a type of fat that triggers an increase in cholesterol. So naturally, lower levels of triglycerides manage to keep cholesterol levels in check. At the same time, omega-3s boost the production of healthy fats called high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL absorbs excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and carries it back to the liver to be processed out.

According to statistical data, over two million women in the country go through menopause annually. Menopause is a significant biological phase in the lives of menstruating individuals, impacting their physical, mental, and emotional health. This phase typically occurs between 45 and 55, with the average age being 51 years nationwide. Consulting a gynecologist can help one understand menopausal symptoms and seek timely treatment if required. Here are the stages and early signs of menopause: Stages of menopause Menopause is often classified into three major stages: Perimenopause Perimenopause is the phase in which the body naturally transitions to menopause. The perimenopausal phase typically lasts from 40 to 44 years of age. However, the duration of perimenopause differs between individuals. While some people may experience perimenopause only for a few months, others may have a perimenopausal phase over the years. Menopause Menopause typically starts a year after one’s last period. Sometimes, it may also begin after a clinical procedure to terminate one’s period, such as a hysterectomy or removal of the ovaries. Postmenopause Postmenopause refers to the years following menopause. In this phase, women may continue to experience menopausal symptoms briefly, even while not menstruating. Early signs and symptoms of menopause Here are a few early signs of menopause, of which one should be aware: Irregular periods During the perimenopausal phase, the ovaries typically release fewer hormones than usual, leading to irregular periods. Hot flashes A reduction in estrogen levels during perimenopause results in the excessive secretion of other body hormones, causing an increase in body temperature and triggering hot flashes. Hot flashes refer to sudden, intense flashes of warmth in several body parts, including the neck, chest, and face. These flashes may be accompanied by sweating. Night sweats An increased body temperature due to hormonal imbalances during perimenopause can also lead to bouts of profuse sweating, particularly at night.