Menstrual health and hygiene can significantly impact a woman’s health and well-being. But despite its significance, many women still struggle to sift through the misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding the menstrual cycle. Some mistakes related to that time of the month can range from using the wrong type of products to neglecting proper cleaning. Knowing these common but harmful mistakes can empower women with the knowledge they need to lead healthy lives. Using scented products Scented products like toilet paper, sanitary napkins, and tampons sold with attractive packaging may feel comforting and fragrant, but they contain harmful chemicals. These chemicals are usually added to eliminate foul odor, but they also interfere with the pH level of a woman’s body during periods. Additionally, they can irritate the sensitive skin around one’s genitals and cause a burning sensation or infections due to repeated use. Instead of scented products, one can opt for natural products free of fragrance and additives. Besides that, one way to eliminate the foul smell is to use plain water to maintain vaginal health naturally. Over-washing intimate area One must remember that vaginal discharge is not always a cause for concern. At times, it may be more or less, varying from one menstrual cycle to another or even through one’s lifetime.

Consuming healthier food rich in vitamin D, calcium, and other minerals is necessary for the health of your bones and body. You should be able to receive all the nutrients in a well-balanced meal that includes plenty of dairy, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. But, if you’re not receiving these foods, you may need to supplement your meal plan with multivitamins or other treatment methods. This write-up will help you identify suitable foods for managing osteoporosis. What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis makes an individual’s bones brittle and weak, making them fragile, where minor movements like coughing or bending over can break them. Osteoporosis is the cause of frequent wrist, hip, and spine fractures. As you know, bone is a living tissue that undergoes continuous transformation, deterioration, and replacement. Osteoporosis is developed when the production of new bone is insufficient to balance the loss of existing bone. Symptoms of osteoporosis At the early stages of bone loss, no symptoms are seen. Gradually your body starts to exhibit severe signs of osteoporosis. A person with osteoporosis may experience the following signs and symptoms after developing it: Collapse resulting in back pain or vertebral fracture Height decline with time A hunched position Frequent bone fractures Top 5 foods that help manage osteoporosis Protein and calcium are crucial in maintaining bone health as they are vital to bone tissue.

Millions of people worldwide are affected by osteoporosis, a widespread medical disorder particularly prevalent in women over 50. Loss of bone density, which renders bones brittle and more prone to fractures, distinguishes it. Osteoporosis is frequently called a “silent disease” since it can progress for years before causing a fracture. In this post, we’ll learn about the signs, causes, and ways to manage osteoporosis. Read on to learn more about the condition. Signs of osteoporosis Osteoporosis is frequently called a “silent disease” since it can progress for years before causing a fracture. However, there are a few symptoms that could point to osteoporosis, such as: Loss of height Over time, osteoporosis can cause the spine’s bones to deteriorate and collapse, resulting in a loss of height. Back pain Spinal compression fractures may result in back pain that worsens when one moves. Fractures People with osteoporosis are more likely to experience fractures, especially in the wrists, spine, and hips. Poor posture A slumped or bent posture may be brought on by spinal deterioration. Dental issues Osteoporosis can also affect the jawbone, resulting in tooth loss and other dental problems. If one notices any of these symptoms, it is important that one immediately consults a healthcare provider to discuss the possibility of osteoporosis with them and get tested for bone density to confirm the diagnosis.

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the ovaries or the female reproductive organs. In this condition, abnormal cells begin developing in the ovaries or fallopian tubes and begin spreading to the pelvis and stomach. While early diagnosis of the disease can ensure timely treatment, the cancer can be challenging to detect at the initial stages. This article lists ovarian cancer’s causes and symptoms and discusses foods that can help manage it. Causes of ovarian cancer Genetic predisposition Individuals with mutations to the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are more likely than others to develop breast and ovarian cancer. Moreover, individuals having close blood relatives diagnosed with breast cancer are highly susceptible to contracting this condition. Therefore, genetic screening for mutations to the BRCA gene can help one detect ovarian cancer. Having no children or giving birth after a certain age Studies have shown that having children at an early age is associated with a lower risk of ovarian cancer. However, having children late or bearing no children may increase one’s risk of the condition. Plus, individuals having undergone certain types of treatment for child bearing or, conversely, women using birth control measures like birth control pills may also be more vulnerable to ovarian cancer.

Menstrual cramps or period pain is described as throbbing discomfort experienced in the lower abdomen for women on their period or right before they start their menstrual cycle. This cramping does not just cause discomfort but gets so severe on some days of the month that it interferes with everyday activities. Some conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids can also trigger more pain. However, some foods may help in managing this pain. Ginger This is a popular ingredient in many home remedies that help relieve pain and inflammation in the body. It has compounds known to relieve period pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins. These chemicals are known to trigger the muscle contractions that happen during the shedding of the uterus lining. During periods, this production increases; hence, taking small amounts of ginger can help inhibit its production. While taking ginger is good, always be careful of the quantity and spread out its use. For example, add thin slices or paste ginger into food recipes. You can also boil tea with some ginger to help relieve menstrual cramps. Fatty fish This includes fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies. These are all fish that contain high amounts of omega-3s.

People on a time crunch may not be able to cook a healthy meal instantly, and therefore, resort to eating fast foods like pizzas and burgers. They may even eat these foods because of their rich flavor. But this may lead to high cholesterol – a waxy substance that could cause chest pain, heart attacks, and strokes. So, to enjoy a quick bite and maintain cholesterol levels, consider these easy snack ideas. Tuna wraps Those who include tuna in their daily meal regime may benefit from its omega-3 fatty acid content, a type of unsaturated fat with cholesterol-lowering effects. One could make a quick tuna salad with canned tuna and a couple of other ingredients, such as onions, carrots, mayonnaise, and celery. Once this combination is ready, use nori sheets (thin, edible seaweed) or lettuce leaves to roll the mixture into wraps. The snack will also help nourish the body with a range of other nutrients such as proteins, calories, fibers, and carbohydrates. Whole grain toast topped with avocado Both whole grain and avocado are generally healthy foods. The fruit is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are known to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or unhealthy cholesterol. Avocados are also rich in fiber, so eating the fruit could introduce about 14 grams of the current Daily Value to the body.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is an allergic response in the esophagus. It can develop as a response to certain foods, and in some people with the condition, even the smell of such foods can trigger the symptoms. So, a comprehensive treatment plan for eosinophilic esophagitis involves identifying foods that trigger a reaction and removing them from daily meals. This can help control the symptoms and improve the quality of life when dealing with the condition.  What is EoE? EoE, or eosinophilic esophagitis, is a chronic inflammatory condition. Here the immune system senses an invader, making the body produce plenty of white blood cells to protect the esophagus. However, the accumulation of these cells in the esophagus causes inflammation, making it difficult to swallow the food. The condition is difficult to diagnose as it shares symptoms with other conditions like GERD and acid reflux. What is an elimination meal plan? Healthcare professionals suggest that people with EoE should remove potential triggers from their food plan for at least 8 weeks and reintroduce them individually to determine harmful foods. A few weeks later, the doctors may perform an endoscopy to examine the esophagus and analyze whether the condition has improved. One can control inflammation and other EoE symptoms by following an elimination meal plan.

Cold sores, more commonly known as fever blisters, are a group of painful blisters caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV. HSV 1 type is responsible for causing most cold sores. These sores generally appear around your lip or in your mouth. They can turn up separately or in clusters mostly. Even though people don’t usually fall sick, the painful infection can leave you feeling ill for a few days. Symptoms of cold sores The symptoms of cold sores vary since they depend on the first outbreak or recurrence. If exposed to the virus for the first time, you may not have any symptoms for up to 20 days. These sores can last a few days, but the blisters may take up to 3 weeks to heal completely. However, some common cold sore symptoms are as follows – Tingling and itching sensation Upon contracting this infection, you will experience a burning or tingling sensation in and around your lips for a few days. After that, small round painful spots start appearing, and blisters form. Blisters The blisters are nothing but fluid-filled small spots collected on the border of your lips. You may also find them on the tip of the nose or inside your mouth.

Having a T-shaped stick inserted into the uterus may sound difficult at best, terrifying at worst. However, do you know this is a preferred birth control method? IUD is a birth control device inserted into the uterus, positioned just above the cervix. IUDs can be hormonal or non-hormonal. Despite the high rate of effectiveness, both types have prominent side effects. Thus, here are some tips for managing the side effects of IUDs proactively. What is an IUD? An IUD, or Intrauterine Device, is a tiny, plastic, T-shaped contraceptive device inserted into the uterus. Once it’s positioned in place, it will work to intercept the pregnancy by preventing the entry of sperm and thus avoiding egg fertilization (non-hormonal) and thickening the cervical mucus, and modifying the environment of the fallopian tubes and uterus (hormonal). The device may also cease ovulation altogether based on the type of IUD you choose. Typically, IUDs, once inserted, remain effective between 3 and 12 years. What to expect from an IUD insertion? An IUD insertion will be performed at the doctor’s office. The healthcare professional might suggest a prescription plan to dilate the cervix or administer the local anesthetic to numb the area beforehand. During the process, the doctor will use an instrument known as a speculum and place it in the vagina.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are among the most popular and safe contraceptive options for long-term protection against pregnancy. But despite the good results and positive user feedback, some women hesitate to use them. One reason is that they believe in the myths about IUDs and do not understand how they work. Considering this, we decided to clear the misconceptions once and for all. First, let us understand what IUDs are and how they are used. What are IUDs? IUDs are long-acting T-shaped contraceptive devices placed inside the uterus. They can be categorized into two types: non-hormonal and hormonal. Non-hormonal IUDs are generally made of copper, which intercepts and kills sperm, preventing them from fertilizing the egg. Hormonal options release progestin, a hormone that thickens a woman’s cervical mucus, preventing the male reproductive cells from reaching the egg. IUDs are easy to place inside the uterus and can be removed to induce conception. Women who have concerns and questions about the procedure or find it hard to choose an IUD brand can speak to a healthcare professional. Experts always recommend products approved by the FDA. Common IUD myths debunked As a contraception method surges in popularity, so do the myths associated with it.