Morning routines are ingrained in our systems—waking up, turning on the coffee/tea machine, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and so on. The coffee/tea is then accompanied by a range of choices— books, news, or the ever-present phone. But here is our question: while we have been at it for ages, how good a shape are our mouth and teeth in? And what can we do to make it better? Our mouth is home to about a billion different bacteria. These microorganisms that live inside our oral cavities can prove to be dangerous to the mouth and teeth. That is exactly why parents around the world keep reminding their kids to brush their teeth before getting into bed as well. The last time we learned how to brush our teeth was when we were toddlers and we more or less know how to go about it. But how often do we floss? It’s important to remember that flossing is just as important as brushing. The best means of maintaining impeccable oral health is by keeping your mouth and teeth food-free. Sugar acts as a storehouse of bacteria in our mouth and teeth. Similarly, there is a range of food products or ingredients that help in maintaining oral health.

As the name suggests, bladder incontinence is a condition in which it becomes difficult for a person to hold their urine. Due to its embarrassing nature, many are affected emotionally and mentally and often find it difficult to be involved in outdoor activities, as they may want to use the restroom very often. Thankfully, some foods and products can help manage urinary incontinence symptoms. Let’s take a look at them. What to eat Vitamin C-rich foods According to a study published by the National Association for Continence, a moderate dosage of vitamin C received from less acidic foods helps manage bladder health. However, ensure that you are not overeating eating highly acidic or citrus fruits, as they can cause you to frequent the bathroom. Consider fruits and vegetables like pears or blueberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or white potatoes. Magnesium-rich foods Foods like bananas, dark leafy greens, quinoa, black beans, nuts, and avocado are all excellent sources of magnesium and are essential for those dealing with bladder health. According to a study published by the National Association for Continence, magnesium helps reduce muscle spasms caused in the bladder that make one want to urinate. Foods rich in this mineral should be consumed more to manage overactive bladder symptoms.

The eyes are a vital sensory organ of the human body that helps us interpret our surroundings and respond to them. Hence, investing time and effort in eye care is necessary. Not doing so can increase the risk of several eye ailments, especially with age. While there are many ways to maintain eye health, nutrition plays an important role. Specific vitamins replenish the body and are required for healthy eyes and good eyesight. Vitamin E Vitamin E helps prevent age-related eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. Besides using chewables that have this vitamin, one can avoid dark circles by applying vitamin E-oil under the eyes. Some foods rich in this nutrient are peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, leafy greens, pumpkin, and wheat germ oil. Apart from promoting healthy eye lenses, vitamin E helps deal with various health conditions, thanks to its antioxidant properties. Vitamin A Night blindness is an eye disorder caused by a lack of rhodopsin, a photopigment activated by vitamin A. Therefore, the body requires sufficient vitamin A to prevent the problem. This nutrient also helps maintain the cornea. Carrots are among the richest sources of vitamin A, and they also have high levels of beta carotene, a natural compound that helps fight many ailments.

Water is one of the most essential components for the survival of all living organisms. However, rapid urbanization and industrialization over the last few decades have led to an increase in the contamination of water sources in the country. Even with multiple facilities designed for filtration and purification, drinking water can have hazardous elements that increase the risk of known chronic diseases and severe illnesses. Here is a look at the consequences of water contamination: Health concerns As the human body is made up of nearly 70% water, most organs and functions are affected by consuming contaminated water. Here are the common consequences: Heavy metal contamination issues Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury increase the risk of developing cancer in the liver, bladder, or lungs. Long-term consumption can affect neurological development among kids affecting their cognitive skills. Women drinking contaminated water during pregnancy are at substantial risk of developing fetal malformations. Heavy metals like arsenic can also be introduced into breast milk, affecting the health of breastfed newborns. Respiratory issues and autoimmune disorders Byproducts of chlorine and other chemicals used for disinfection can mix with groundwater. These chemicals adversely affect the upper respiratory tract, causing chest pain and lung irritation.

An adage states, “you are what you eat,” which might be more accurate than we believe today. The food you eat has much more to do with your health than you would like to give it credit. Your eating and lifestyle habits dictate the kind of health you live with. It also impacts the health of all your organs. Hence, it is evident that eating harmful foods will undoubtedly harm crucial health factors like vision. Saturated fat Frequent and unchecked intake of fatty foods is one of the biggest reasons for the rise in health conditions. It is responsible for serious health issues in the long run. Saturated fats are present in everything from your favorite pack of chips to burgers and baked food. Therefore, replacing saturated fats in meals with unsaturated fats is advised as it increases the risk of developing conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Lean protein sources, vegetables, and dry fruits are some of the healthiest sources of good-quality fat. Margarine Marketing strategies have made everyone believe margarine is a much healthier alternative to butter. However, contrary to such beliefs, it is loaded with trans fats. Continued use of margarine in meals is a source of increased cholesterol levels in the body and can result in clogged-up blood vessels in the body.

Food plays an important role in managing health issues. A deficiency of certain vitamins and nutrients can lead to complicated health conditions that need to be treated and managed through lifestyle changes, including better food choices. Such modifications can help one prevent complications and avoid triggering symptoms. So, one can opt for the following nutrient-rich foods, along with a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, to help them manage common health conditions: Food and heart health Studies suggest that a heart-friendly meal consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil and olive oil are known to be beneficial for managing and reducing inflammation that could lead to heart diseases. Nuts and seeds, like almonds and pumpkin seeds, are known to reduce one’s risk of developing blood clots. Nuts and seeds can also lower the LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. One should, however, watch out for excessive salt in packaged nuts and ensure that they only have a handful of nuts and seeds in the day. One should consider adding whole grains rich in vitamin B, like oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice, along with various antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like cantaloupe, spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, and cod liver oil.

Respiratory health is one of the most important aspects of living a healthy and fulfilling life. Air quality has been deteriorating over time with the increasing threat of climate change and natural and man-made disasters. So, here are some tips for maintaining lung health and ensuring healthy breathing practices. If one experiences changes in breathing patterns or any such issues, consulting a doctor is crucial for ruling out respiratory illnesses. Limit exposure to pollutants With the Air Quality Index being compromised every day, it is important to make sure that one does everything necessary to maintain respiratory health. This includes avoiding not just air pollutants like dust particles but also smoke from industries and chemicals from cleaning products at home or workplaces. One of the ways to avoid exposure is to be around those who follow a healthy, smoke-free lifestyle at home and work. If one resides in a city that frequently has poor AQI, then it is important to limit going outside too much and instead spend time at home or indoors. Further, one should check the AQI before stepping out every day and limit exposure to only necessary outdoor activities. Prevent infections Getting a cough or a cold occasionally may be inevitable, however, frequent infections indicate a weakened immune system.

The foods we eat play a significant role, and that dictates how our organs function. The eyes are vascular, and it is necessary to eat nutritious foods to keep the blood vessels in good health. Eating unhealthy foods may block the veins that provide the eyes with the essential nutrients and oxygen. Such restrictions may affect one’s vision. Keeping this in mind, here are five foods that can worsen eye health. Margarine Margarine is considered a healthy alternative to butter, as it is made from vegetable oils. However, it still contains trans fats. These fats may increase a person’s cholesterol levels and put them at risk of heart diseases and eye problems. Red meat Red meat contains preservatives like salt, cholesterol, and fat, making them tasty and increasing their shelf life. However, these chemicals may harm one’s health and lead to high blood pressure. Such pressure spikes can lead to Choroidopathy, a fluid buildup below the retina. Fish Several fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may offer health benefits. However, fish also contain hints of mercury. People who eat lots of fish may be at risk of eye damage because of the chemical element. Coffee Coffee contains caffeine, an energy-boosting component that helps people stay active.