Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a modern form of birth control that are long-lasting, effective, and safe. They are shaped like a ‘T’ and fit inside the uterus. Their primary role is preventing sperm from reaching and fertilizing the eggs. IUDs may be hormonal or non-hormonal. However, there are several myths associated with IUDs and their usage that need to be debunked for the safety of women’s health. Here are six common myths to note. IUDs can only be used by older women IUDs are a safe and effective option for women of all ages. They are available in different sizes to suit the size of a woman’s uterus; it is not a one-for-all device. If a doctor recommends that one is too young to get an IUD, try getting a second opinion. IUDs can cause infertility While this may have been true for some intrauterine devices in the 70s, modern IUDs pose no risks to one’s fertility and are perfectly safe to use. IUDs lead to infections Earlier, IUDs (in the 1970s) were linked to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and had to be recalled for the same. IUDs today do not cause any infections. However, they also do not protect against sexually transmitted infections or diseases, so it is advised to always use a condom, even with the implant.

Acid reflux is an increasingly common digestive disorder affecting many people worldwide. The condition is characterized by a burning sensation in the throat and chest caused by the backflow of stomach acid. People with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) can have a more challenging time managing acid reflux as it causes inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus. To manage this condition, eating certain healthy foods is advised. Keep reading to learn more about them. Ginger A natural anti-inflammatory food, ginger can also help relieve the inflammation in the esophagus and alleviate acid reflux symptoms. Ginger has also long been used to help with digestive disorders and manage an upset stomach. Adding ginger to daily meals can prevent the acid from backing up into the esophagus and triggering EoE symptoms.  Oatmeal Oatmeal is high in fiber and low in fat content. It is a great breakfast choice for people with acid reflux and helps reduce the amount of acid that finds its way into the esophagus. In addition to that, it also provides a better satiety value and absorbs the excessive quantity of acid present in the stomach.  Bananas Bananas are one of the fruits people with acid reflux can eat without concerns.

The pain caused by arthritis is often agonizing. It is a broader term for joint pain or joint diseases, and its effects can be disabling and prevent one from indulging in regular activities. Eating certain foods may also help one tackle the symptoms of arthritis. However, constantly having limited meals can be tiresome. Therefore, here are six healthy and delicious smoothie ideas to help one manage arthritis and joint pain. Pineapple anti-inflammatory smoothie Pineapple juice is rich in enzymes like bromelain that can reduce pain caused by arthritis. You can make a delicious smoothie by mixing other ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, like romaine lettuce, cilantro, and ginger, to create a healthy smoothie. Add water occasionally until the blend reaches a consistency of your liking. Blueberry kale smoothie Berries like blueberries are known for their rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Blend three-quarters of the food with a cup of kale, bananas, two pitted dates, and half a tablespoon of almond butter, and top it with low-fat milk. This combination may help fight the effects of arthritis pains. One can also try making a smoothie with other berries, including blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries, as they have similar properties that may help curb arthritis inflammation.

A bunion is a bony bump at the intersection of the big toe and the foot. It usually develops when constant pressure is applied to the big toe, causing it to push against the second toe. Individuals with bunions experience intermittent pain in the affected area and restricted mobility of the big toe. Besides seeking treatment and practicing natural remedies, adding certain foods to the meal plan can help control bunion symptoms better. Garlic Garlic contains high levels of diallyl disulfide, an anti-inflammatory compound that helps alleviate the symptoms of joint and muscle inflammation. Using up to two cloves of garlic in meals every day may be highly beneficial in controlling bunion symptoms. Berries Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are rich in anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation. Consequently, they may relieve bunion symptoms. Patients may eat these fruits directly or add them to muesli, oatmeal, porridge, or fresh fruit juices and smoothies. Turmeric Curcumin in turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory properties, which help regulate bunion symptoms. Many studies also demonstrate the role of curcumin in reducing joint pain and promoting bone and joint health. Turmeric may be added to stir-fries, soups, and smoothies not only for health purposes but also for natural flavor enhancement.

Bunions or hallux valgus is a condition in which a bulge develops on the side of the foot along the joint of the big toe. This happens due to the wrong alignment of the bones and muscles surrounding the joint, leading to this bump. Bunions are very common and affect one in every third of individuals in the country; however, there are ways to handle pain without surgery. Here’s how. Hot and cold therapy This is a great way to manage the pain caused by bunions. These are natural treatments with no side effects and can easily be administered in the comfort of your home. Here’s what you need to know – when the bunions are swollen, you should apply cold therapy, like soaking your bunion in cold water to help reduce the inflammation. Cold therapy helps constrict the blood vessels, which is helpful. The cool water will also help relieve the foot, which has been irritated because of the bunion swelling. Heat therapies are helpful when the blood vessels don’t need constricting but need better blood flow and help relax the sore muscles and joints. Heat therapy should be applied if soreness and cramping are the pain symptoms in the bunion-affected area.

Smoothies are so much more than just refreshment drinks, with their long list of health benefits almost always overlooked. One can concoct delicious smoothies for uses as varied as keeping the immune system healthy or strengthening one’s bones. In the cold and flu season, certain smoothies can help prevent the onset if consumed regularly. And the best part? The smoothies listed here are incredibly easy to make with daily groceries. Green tea and pineapple smoothie The first anti-flu smoothie combines an unlikely pair of green tea and pineapple to optimize the consumer’s health during the winter when most people are down with a cold or fever. To make this, one has to blend two cups of freshly-cut peeled pineapple slices, a tablespoon of honey, a cup of crushed ice, a cup of green tea made using loose leaves, and a finely chopped half ginger. One can serve this smoothie after decorating it with several different garnish combinations. Cold buster green smoothie As its name suggests, this smoothie contains loads of leafy green vegetables. To make this drink, one needs to blend 2 cups of spinach, three baby carrots, a banana, half an orange after peeling it, a cup of orange juice, half an apple slice, half a cup of ice, and half a cup of frozen pineapple.

An intrauterine device (IUD) is an effective and practical method of contraception used by many women across the world. However, some may experience side effects like irregular bleeding, cramping, and hormonal fluctuations. Although these reactions are usually brief and temporary, they can cause discomfort and uneasiness. In this article, we’ll offer five tips to tackle IUD side effects. If a side effect lasts for an unusually long time, one should speak to a doctor immediately. Use heat therapy If one is experiencing intense cramping or backaches after inserting an IUD, they can try using a heating pad. Using heat can help relax and increase the blood flow to the muscles that contribute to cramping, thus reducing any painful sensation. Although this method can be comforting, one should avoid hot baths for 24-48 hours after insertion, as it may cause IUD expulsion. Give your body time to adjust Giving yourself some time allows your body to adjust and make changes for transitioning to a new method of contraception. It’s normal for the body to get used to a new method like an IUD. During this period, a woman may experience mild side effects like bleeding, cramping, or discomfort. Generally, the body can take roughly six to eight months to completely adjust to an IUD.

The human body has a complex network of veins and arteries that transport blood to different parts. It is a crucial function because blood contains oxygen and essential nutrients to keep a person healthy. Sometimes, clots can form in the veins and arteries, restricting blood flow and leading to severe complications. When this happens, doctors may recommend treatments, foods, and lifestyle changes to eliminate such clots and improve blood circulation. Signs of blood clots Identifying blood clots in time is vital to prevent the condition from worsening. Here are the signs to look out for: Swelling A swelling in the legs, arms, or other body parts that does not go away may be a sign of a blood clot. Pain or tenderness Pain or tenderness in the affected area may also be a warning sign. The pain may be localized or spread over a larger area. Warmth or redness Blood clots can cause warmth or redness in the affected area, which should not be ignored. Shortness of breath Blood clots in the lungs may cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. Dizziness or confusion Clots in the brain can cause dizziness, confusion, and difficulty speaking or understanding. Foods to manage blood clots Besides using the proper treatment, one may add the following foods to their meals to manage the condition after consulting a health expert:

Food allergies are unpredictable and can have mild to severe symptoms, such as bumps, rashes, choking, or breathing difficulties. One approach to managing food allergies is through adopting an elimination meal plan. This plan involves temporarily removing certain foods from your regime to identify which ones are causing your symptoms. There are several types of food-elimination nutrition plans for allergies. This article will discuss the most common ones that are used by individuals. Food elimination nutrition plans for allergies Traditional elimination plan The traditional elimination meal plan involves removing common allergenic foods from your meals for a while, typically for two to four weeks. These foods often include dairy, soy, wheat, corn, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. After this period, one food is reintroduced, and any reactions are noted. Then, you repeat the same for other foods. The traditional elimination nutrition plan is typically used for people with conditions such as eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), which is caused by an allergic reaction to certain foods. This condition may manifest as chest pain, heartburn, abdominal pain, vomiting, trouble swallowing, and stunted growth in children. Modified elimination plan The modified elimination plan is similar to the traditional one but more restrictive.

Our lungs help us breathe in oxygen and filter out harmful pollutants from the air. Therefore, it is essential to care for the lungs and keep them healthy. Poor lung health can increase the risk of several respiratory conditions that impact a person’s quality of life and lead to other complications. Keeping this in mind, we have put together a few simple tips to ensure your lungs remain healthy and functioning properly. Reduce exposure to air pollution A great way to maintain healthy lungs is to reduce exposure to environmental pollutants. Stay indoors as far as possible on high air pollution days and wear a face mask before leaving the house. While we cannot always control our environment, these steps will help prevent you from inhaling tiny particles that can harm the lungs. Regular exercise Another way to keep your lungs healthy is to exercise and indulge in physical activity regularly. Taking long walks amidst nature or practicing yoga can improve lung function and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases. Managing stress Research suggests stress can impact respiratory health by causing rapid breathing and inflammation. Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and pursuing a hobby are two ways to cope with stress and thus support the lungs.