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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

A healthy home environment involves recognizing and minimizing potential health hazards. This includes being aware of certain household items that can trigger respiratory problems. You may not be able to completely stop using some of these products, such as cleaning supplies, paints, etc. However, you can take a few precautions while using them to minimize the health risk to your lungs. Here’s a comprehensive list of household products that are harmful to lung health. Aerosol sprays Many household products come in the form of aerosol sprays. Certain makeup products at home, such as hair sprays, also are packaged in aerosol sprays. While this type of packaging makes it easier to use these products, they are harmful in the long run. These sprays usually have volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as key ingredients. These compounds release harmful chemicals into the air in your home. When there is prolonged exposure to these sprays, there can be occurrences of lung disorders and respiratory health problems. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets Fabric softeners and dryer sheets make it convenient to do laundry. However, it is important to be wary of certain brands of these products. Make sure to read the label and avoid anything that contains chemicals that release VOCs.

A trusted gynecologist can help in treating any illnesses and preventing the onset of illnesses by giving the right advice and tips on health. It is important to be honest with your doctor about any illness and symptoms that you may be experiencing that cause discomfort. While some questions may seem embarrassing, it is vital to ask them regardless to help in recovery and understanding the health condition. Here are 6 uncomfortable questions to ask your gynecologist. What does vaginal discharge indicate? Vaginal discharge is normal and healthy. A fluid flows out of the vagina daily, and this is the genital’s way of cleansing itself. This is an entirely natural process and is the body’s way of keeping the vagina healthy and bacteria-free. The discharge varies from woman to woman. Usually, the discharge is more when the woman is in her fertile phase, and it is usually milky or white and odorless. This indicates that nothing is wrong. If the discharge is too thick and white and is followed by other symptoms like vaginal itching, soreness, burning, or even pain, this could indicate a yeast infection. Sometimes if the discharge is yellow or gray and is followed by symptoms like fishy odor, vaginal swelling, and itching, it could indicate bacterial infection.