Indoor air pollution is a growing problem in American households. Excessive clutter, poor cleaning hygiene, and lack of ventilation are all factors that can affect air quality. Dust, microscopic spores released from the mold, pet dander, and even chemical gases are some of the major allergens that can compromise healthy living. But worry not as the following simple lifestyle changes and preventive maintenance ideas can quickly turn things around indoors to improve breathable air quality. Change filters and install air purifiers Air conditioners filter out most of the pollutants before cooling and recycling the air indoors. You must regularly change the filters and get the appliance serviced to enhance efficiency. It is also advisable to use a good quality air purifier with high-efficiency particulate absorbing or HEPA filters. HEPA eliminates nearly 99% of the pollutants in the air, including common VOCs, smoke, carbon dioxide, spores released by molds, and even pet dander, among common allergens. These appliances help improve air quality and make the environment more breathable for anybody suffering from respiratory disorders. Proper ventilation The air quality indoors cannot be improved without proper ventilation. Open the windows and doors in each bedroom at least once a day to allow fresh air to flow freely.

Eczema is an umbrella term that describes a group of skin disorders that can lead to dermatitis or inflammation of the skin. Individuals suffering from eczema often experience redness of the skin and itching. This is because eczema damages the protective skin barrier and makes the skin sensitive and more prone to infections and dryness. Read on to find out the effect of soap on the skin and how certain soaps can trigger eczema. The relationship between soap and eczema Soaps are a great cleaning tool, but if you do not use the right one, they can cause damage to the skin. This is because most soaps and detergents eliminate the natural oils of the skin. This can make the skin itchy, red, and more sensitive to external irritants. Many soaps also contain irritants that can worsen preexisting skin conditions like eczema.  Here are some common soaps that could trigger eczema. Soaps that have surfactants Surfactants, also known as surface-active agents, are key ingredients in many soaps. But studies have shown that surfactants can actually have an adverse effect on the skin. In fact, it contributes to unhealthy skin by increasing oxidative stress and increasing redness and dryness. Soaps with strong cleaners Another type of soap that could trigger or worsen eczema is a soap that contains harsh cleansing agents.

Arthritis can affect people of all ages, including children. However, it is increasingly common in aged individuals. It causes stiffness and painful aches in the joints and muscles of the body. There is a lot of confusion about arthritis, from its causes to ways to manage the condition, but even more so related to what foods are good or bad for it. This article busts some common food-related myths surrounding arthritis. Top food myths concerning arthritis you should not believe Tomatoes can be harmful Tomatoes were previously believed to be poisonous and often associated with making arthritis worse. The myth originated because tomatoes contain solanine, a naturally produced toxin that is believed to cause inflammation, swelling, and joint pain. But there is no medical evidence of tomatoes proving to be harmful to arthritis patients. Vegetables in the same family, such as eggplants and potatoes, are also safe to eat. Citrus aggravates inflammation There is a lot of misinformation on the internet that warns arthritis patients to stay away from citrus fruits because they aggravate inflammation. This is not true. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which helps manage arthritis pain and protects against free radicals, which could damage the cartilage, flaring inflammation.

This autoimmune disease is characterized as an inflammatory disease that attacks the lining of the joints in the body. The inflammation around the joints causes swelling, tenderness, and pain. This chronic disease may affect one or multiple joints at once. Over a period, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. Given the seriousness of this long-term illness, we have enlisted things that can worsen rheumatoid arthritis. Too much rest is not a good idea Moving around with rheumatoid arthritis could get challenging, but adopting an active lifestyle is instead a smarter thing to do. Doing daily chores, going for a stroll, and picking hobbies like gardening keeps. An active lifestyle rewards the body in the long run. After all, working out is one of the most important ways to lessen the disability associated with this condition. Exercise regularly can improve strength and flexibility in those with rheumatoid arthritis. Stronger muscles can support the joints well; on the other hand, better flexibility can aid joint function. Skipping treatment It’s not wise to stop treatment or avoid taking the prescribed tablets for the condition. If a dose is missed, it’s advised to have it as soon as possible.

Blood sugar levels of diabetic patients can dip or peak depending on the food they consume. Hence, it is extremely important to eat right. A nutritious meal should include a balance of carbs, protein, starches, and sugar. But it can be tricky to get proper nutrition, especially with foods that sound healthy but, in reality, cause damage to overall health. Let’s take a look at some of the bad foods for diabetic patients.  Sugar-sweetened beverages Avoid drinking cola, sweetened ice tea, or lemonade as they contain an excessively high amount of added sugar and carbs. Additionally, these drinks contain fructose, which can lead to insulin resistance, belly fat, and unhealthy metabolic changes. According to studies, people who consume too many sugar-sweetened beverages have a higher risk of developing diabetes-related conditions like fatty liver disease. A surprising beverage to avoid is fruit juice. Although they contain more vitamins and minerals than sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juices have concentrated amounts of fruit sugar that can spike your blood sugar. Opt for cucumber and mint-infused water or naturally flavored seltzer with a dash of lime for a refreshing taste. White bread, rice, and pasta All these processed foods contain a high amount of carbs that can significantly raise blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

With the pandemic, diabetes is reportedly on the rise as the low-grade inflammation caused by the virus could worsen pre-existing diabetes by increasing insulin resistance. Studies also indicate that the virus can multiply within insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells and debilitate insulin synthesis and secretion. While excessive sugar intake is associated with various health concerns and must be avoided, this is another reason to understand the eight noticeable warning signs of excess sugar intake listed below. Excessive tiredness Added sugar leads to an increase in insulin production to process the excess calories. These abnormal changes can lower energy levels during the day and trigger excessive fatigue. It is essential to understand the body can only process a finite amount of sugar with the insulin produced by the pancreas to break down all carbohydrates for energy. Unexplained increase in appetite Not feeling full enough or satiated throughout the day is a clear sign of excess sugar intake. The body absorbs proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients from daily foods to support all functions. Sugar only has empty calories and does not add any additional nutritional value. To supplement this energy requirement, people resort to compulsive snacking. Skin problems like acne Clinical studies reveal that blood glucose spikes trigger the body to produce more sebum, an oily substance found in the skin.

Dementia covers a range of disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. Cognitive decline is a primary problem associated with any form of these disorders. But this decline is influenced by several factors that determine the future outlook of such conditions. Clinical studies have determined a link between early retirement and dementia risks to assess severity. Here’s why getting an early retirement may not be ideal for better mental health. Understanding the early risk Dementia is known to affect memory, communication, thinking power, and reasoning. This progressive disorder aggravates symptoms that are influenced by the decline of cognitive abilities. In layman’s terms, if the brain cells aren’t used, healthy cells will irreversibly lose their functionality. After retirement, one may cut down on daily social interactions and engaging conversations that keep the mind active. More recent research on the links between early retirement and dementia indicates that the risk is higher among those who are not working anymore. Key factors that determine the risk of dementia Studies and surveys indicate a serious rate of decline in physical and psychological abilities after retirement. At such times, daily activities that keep the mind active are replaced by a sedentary lifestyle that doesn’t challenge bodily actions.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder that can cause dementia. The condition can deteriorate one’s ability to think and affect their ability to execute daily tasks independently. Multiple risk factors can trigger Alzheimer’s, including a person’s age, genetics, and sex. Furthermore, one study indicates that the food we eat plays a significant role in developing the disease. Therefore, in this article, we will talk about the research on the link between foods and Alzheimer’s disease. The study The study was based on multiple parameters, such as the following: It was conducted with over 200 people. An average of 78 people of the 200 were living with dementia. The group was compared with another group of 118 individuals of the same age. The latter had no symptoms of the disorder. Patients were given a medical checkup every two to three years. The study group was asked to complete food questionnaires that recorded the foods they ate. The questionnaire further recorded their food consumption frequency for the past five years. The findings of the study There were two significant findings resulting from this study that showed why foods harmed those at risk of the disease. The findings were as follows: Midlife changes in eating habits The questionnaire pointed out that people who indulged in new food choices in their midlife were more susceptible to brain disease.