Foods to Eat and Avoid for Constipation

The second most common cancer in men is prostate cancer. It impacts the prostate gland, which secretes seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is usually localized and does not migrate. Early cancer detection results in less harm and more successful treatment of cancer. Although there are treatment alternatives, there are active clinical trials for more advanced treatments for prostate cancer. Read on to learn more about the warning signs and foods to eat and avoid for prostate cancer.

5 early warning signs of prostate cancer
Frequent urge to urinate
The prostate tumor exerts pressure on the urethra and the bladder, leading to a person getting an urge to urinate, especially at night. 

Weak flow of urine
Weak urine flow need not always be a sign of prostate cancer as one experiences trouble urinating as one ages. However, if one experiences a weak flow of urine or has no control over starting and stopping it, it is advisable to consult a doctor. 

Numbness or pain
As cancer advances, one might experience unexplainable pain in the hips, chest, or lower back. Some men may also experience numbness in the legs.

Burning or painful urination
Burning or experiencing pain while urinating is called dysuria. It is a common symptom of UTIs. However, it may also be a symptom of prostate cancer. It is better to get it checked.

Blood in the urine
Hematuria is a symptom of prostate cancer but can also be a symptom of health issues like UTIs. It always helps to get it checked.

Meal plan for prostate cancer
A well-balanced meal plan with ample fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates from whole grains, and healthy proteins can prevent prostate cancer and improve one’s overall health. Additionally, even when diagnosed with prostate cancer, paying attention to what is on one’s plate can go a long way in aiding your treatment. 

5 foods to manage prostate cancer
Broccoli
Broccoli contains complex compounds that can protect a person from cancer. This cruciferous vegetable boasts phytochemicals like sulforaphane that can target cancer cells while leaving out normal healthy prostate cells. Other vegetables like cauliflower, kale, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts also contain phytochemicals and can protect the prostate. 

Green tea
There must be some health benefits when a billion people have been drinking this for years. Green tea has several compounds like xanthine derivatives, antioxidants, and epicatechin that improve overall health. Researchers now believe that green tea can potentially minimize the risk of prostate cancer by targeting tumor cells and hormones that signal their growth. 

Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain a powerful antioxidant known as lycopene, which can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Several studies indicate that lycopene can potentially decrease cell damage and slow down the production of cancer cells. Additionally, research shows that people who eat more tomatoes are less likely to develop prostate cancer. Since lycopene is tightly bound to the cell wall in raw tomatoes, it is best to eat them cooked or puréed to enjoy its benefits. 

Legumes
Legumes are food items that include beans, lentils, and peanuts. These plants contain an active compound known as a phytoestrogen. This compound can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by as much as 20%. The antioxidant properties found in legumes affect hormone regulation and cell death, which can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. 

Pomegranates
Pomegranates are replete with antioxidants and can help reduce oxidative stress, thus inhibiting the growth of prostate cancer cells. Pomegranate juice impedes the production of prostate cancer cells and therefore is beneficial for preventing this disease. Including pomegranate seeds in salads or adding pomegranate juice to sparkling water to improve prostate health is healthy. 

5 foods to avoid during prostate cancer treatment
Dairy products
Consuming large amounts of dairy products tends to increase the risk of prostate cancer. Whole milk seems to accelerate the progression of prostate cancer. Skimmed milk also has a similar effect, especially in the early stages of the disease. It is best to reduce the intake of full-fat cheese, yogurt, butter, and cream. Instead, look for non-dairy options like flax, rice, almond, soy, cashew, or coconut milk.  

Red meat
Regular meat consumption can increase one’s risk of prostate cancer. Heterocyclic amines are a type of carcinogen present in large amounts in red meat. It is best to avoid beef, pork, and other red meats to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Alternatively, one could turn to lean poultry, legumes, nuts, and canned fish.

Sugary foods
Sugary foods do not provide any nutritional value to one’s body. They are high in sugar and glycemic carbohydrates. Sugar-laden foods like cakes, cookies, pies, and sugary drinks can hamper a person’s immunity and lead to other health conditions. Too many sugary foods lead to a shoot in blood sugar levels, impacting the prostate gland. 

Saturated fats
Saturated fats are present in processed foods, baked goods, dairy products, meats, and salad dressings. Saturated fats have a direct link to increased risk of several conditions, including heart conditions, as well as several cancers, including prostate cancer. Reducing the intake of saturated fats is associated with a healthy prostate and overall improved health. 

Sodium
High salt intake is linked to increased urinary tract symptoms associated with prostate cancer. Sodium tends to affect the kidneys and the prostate, so one should avoid excess salt consumption. It is best to follow a low-sodium meal plan and reduce intake of canned foods, cured meats, and frozen bread-based dinners. 

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating the right kind of foods is important during the prostate cancer treatment period. Maintaining healthy eating habits will help prostate cancer patients feel better by aiding in relieving the symptoms. Making healthy meal changes can aid a person’s recovery from prostate cancer.

Eczema is a generic term that refers to a group of skin conditions that cause irritation. These conditions can affect infants, children, and adults. Dry skin, redness, fluid-filled boils on the skin, severe itching, and rashes of various forms and shapes are typical characteristics of eczema. It is a chronic condition characterized by phases of flare-ups and remission. Managing this condition is important as it can cause discomfort and interfere with one’s routine.

Early Warning Signs of Eczema
The condition can affect anyone, but early signs of eczema can usually be seen in infancy. Infant boys and adolescent girls are more prone to the condition than others. Infants who develop such skin issues may get cured, and their symptoms may disappear as they age. However, the symptoms could return once they reach adulthood. 

When suffering from this condition, a person can experience drastic changes in the way their skin feels and looks like. In its early stages, eczema can cause the skin to look bumpy or raised. The skin may also look inflamed, and one’s eyelids may appear swollen. Flaking or peeling of skin is another warning sign that appears early in eczema patients. Irrespective of the early warning signs, eczema can have a long-lasting impact. Some of its short-term and long-term impacts are thick leathery skin; deep lines in palms; formation of pus-filled bumps; and discoloration of skin.

Symptoms of Eczema
Since eczema is a skin condition, most of the symptoms are associated with changes in the skin. The symptoms may vary for infants, children, and adults.

In babies

• Scaly and itchy rashes on the scalp and cheeks
• Dry, scaly, itchy, and patchy skin
• Bubbled rashes that begin to ooze
• Unexplained discomfort
• Constant rubbing against bedding to find relief from the itch

In older children

• Rash in elbows, knees, ankles, legs, and buttocks
• Itchy, scaly, and patchy skin
• Lightening or darkening of the skin
• Thickening of skin
• Constant itchiness
• Swelling on the skin
• Slightly warm or hot skin
• Discoloration of skin

Eczema Symptoms in Adults
If a person has had eczema as an infant or a child, the symptoms might return when they turn 50. However, they tend to be milder than the episodes experienced previously. In a few rare cases, a person can suffer from the symptoms when they become an adult. These can be seen at the back of knees, neck, elbow crooks, and face in most adults. Sometimes, adults may also get eczema around their eyelids. Eczema in the eyes increases the risk of early cataracts. Typical symptoms noticed in adults are:

• Very dry skin
• Bumps and rashes in the affected areas
• Raw or bleeding skin
• Severe itch
• Thickening of skin

Home Remedies for Eczema
When using home remedies, it’s advisable to not discontinue formal treatment without consulting a doctor. Home remedies need to be used alongside other treatments. Make sure to use certified products to prevent the worsening of symptoms.

Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can prevent skin infections. It has healing properties and is an effective moisturizer that prevents dry skin and itching. One can buy certified aloe vera gel and apply it to the affected areas. 

Oatmeal
Oatmeal has been used for a long time to treat dry and rough skin and to reduce scaling and itchiness. One should opt for colloidal oats. Make a fine powder and add it to a warm bath. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, rinse well and apply a moisturizer after.

Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a well-known moisturizer and can prevent inflammation. Those suffering from skin irritation must continuously use coconut oil for at least four weeks to see benefits in the skin. Take a small amount of pure or virgin coconut oil on your palm and apply it to the affected areas. You can also apply it before sleeping to moisturize the skin at night.

Cool Compress
The constant urge to scratch is one of the biggest concerns of eczema. Use a cold compress in areas that are affected. Though this will provide temporary relief, it can relieve the itch almost instantly and help a person from the agony of scratching. Once the compress is removed, one should apply moisturizer to keep the area from becoming dry again.

Bleach Bath
Bleach baths with plain bleach, without any fragrance or colors, can help prevent bacterial infection in the skin. It can also help alleviate some symptoms. This can be particularly beneficial for babies. Look for mild bleaches with strength ranging between 2% and 4%. Fill a baby’s bath with water and add two milliliters of 2% strong bleach or one milliliter of 4% strong bleach. Ensure that you do not immerse the baby’s head in the water. Soak for 10-15 minutes, and wipe the skin with a soft disposable towel. Do not rinse the skin after a bleach bath, and apply moisturizer immediately after. You can do this twice a week. Remember to dilute the bleach well to avoid reactions and side effects after a bleach bath.

Management of Eczema
There is no cure or a similar treatment strategy for all patients. Doctors create a personalized approach for each patient depending on the severity of their symptoms, age, and overall health conditions. They use one or many of the following approaches to manage the symptoms:

• Understanding the triggers and avoiding exposure to them
• Use of dermatologist-recommended moisturizing creams
• Use of prescription treatments, including immunosuppressants and anti-inflammatory treatments
• Phototherapy
• Treatment with Biologics

Important Tips to Remember
Since eczema is a chronic condition, one can use the prescription treatments intermittently or continuously as per the doctor’s advice. Certain creams can cause side effects like skin thinning, acne, stretch marks, and skin lightening. Some people may experience burning and tingling when they apply the creams. Others may experience inflamed hair follicles, contact dermatitis, reddening of the skin, and hair growth in the area of treatment. Before using a product, use it in a small patch to see if it worsens the symptoms or triggers any other allergic reaction.

Today, we use the internet for almost everything: shopping, paying bills, communicating with friends, watching movies, gaming, and work. It would not be an overstatement to say that we use the internet just as much as we use oxygen. But while technology has made our lives easier, it has also increased the risk of cyber threats. Therefore, you must use the internet responsibly and take the steps necessary to prevent untoward incidents.

Ways to prevent cyber attacks
The following are a few tips to prevent cyber attacks and stay safe in the digital world:

Do not fall for phishing scams
Have you ever received an email or message saying you won a reward and asking for personal information to claim it? Such messages could contain dangerous viruses, and clicking on them could steal your data. A quick fix to such phishing scams is to avoid opening emails you are unsure about. If you do not recognize the email ID, delete the mail straight away. Also, remember to clean your trash folder periodically. If you own a small business, you could sign up for cyber security services like CrowdStrike’s endpoint software. The platform can protect every computer on your network from scams and malware in real time.

Set strong passwords
Setting passwords can be tricky. Most people set short passwords that are easy to remember and reuse them for multiple accounts. This makes it effortless for hackers to guess the password and simultaneously break into all your accounts. So, create a unique password for every profile, preferably using a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. If you think you will forget them, maintain an offline record. Do not write them online or store them on your computer.

Enable 2FA
As mentioned, you are making things easy for a seasoned hacker by using the same passwords everywhere. Accessing one account will allow them to “daisy chain” into another. If you still want to use the same password, enable 2FA (two-factor authentication). After doing so, you will have to enter one more form of identification besides a password to access your account, such as a PIN sent to your cell phone. Though it adds a few extra steps and takes more effort, it can prevent a hacker from accessing your profiles.

Be prompt with updates
If you are someone who always clicks “remind me later” on update notifications, it is time to break this habit. Browser updates typically fix flaws of their previous versions, patch security vulnerabilities, and improve existing features or add new ones. The latest version is usually safer and easier to use. So, do not delay updating your software when you have the opportunity.

Use social media cautiously
Many people are guilty of using social media the way they behave in the real world. Some are naturally chatty and love talking about themselves. But when this habit translates online, it invites many dangers. When you talk about yourself a lot and find someone who does the same online, you tend to trust them. Unfortunately, this is how many fall for scams, lose money, buy damaged products, or get preyed on in other ways. So, deal with people online a little skeptically.

Shop safely
As more and more businesses go online, the number of unreliable websites appears to be increasing. So, check the URL of web pages thoroughly. If discounts and offers seem too good to be true, they probably are not. Also, never save your bank details on any website. If your internet account is hacked, the hacker gets access not just to your account but also to your money. Use safe websites from brands you know or ask others for recommendations. Online reviews can also be fake, so ask reliable sources for advice.

Do not use unsafe flash drives
Backing up your files is essential, but where you back them up also matters. An external flash drive can be filled with malware that can affect your entire network of devices and steal almost all their data. Always use your own flash drive or one that belongs to someone you trust. If it is not your device, it is best not to use it. If you have no choice, install antivirus software before using risky drives to prevent a cyber attack.

Browsing mistakes to avoid
The following are a few mistakes to avoid when using the web browser to prevent a cyber attack:

Browsing with free Wi-Fi
Your local library or cafe’s free Wi-Fi is just as tempting to a hacker as it is to you. Public Wi-Fi networks can be an attractive hotspot for hackers to upload malware, and as you join it, their software can gain access to your passwords and other data on your device. So, avoid the mistake of joining public Wi-Fi. Even if you do, do not pay bills or check your tax returns while connected. The home is where the internet is safe and where you can access any account or website.

Opening multiple tabs
If you usually multi-task to complete work projects, you probably open several browser tabs. Sometimes, a site may catch your eye, so you may leave it open for later and create a new tab as you do not have time for it. Browser performance suffers when you open multiple tabs, increasing the risk of vulnerabilities. It is best to bookmark pages and open them later or spend a few minutes to finish the job instantly. You can send the link to a friend and talk about it instead of suffering from low browser performance.

Enabling all cookies
Cookies are tiny files stored on your browser. These files are usually harmless and are meant to improve the browsing experience. However, some websites can use them to track your web behavior. So, allow cookies only from the websites you trust.

While almost everyone knows the dangers of the internet and the mistakes one could make, they adopt a complacent approach to browsing and believe that none of the catastrophes could affect them. One should avoid this attitude and take the necessary steps to stay safe online. Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry.

With an overwhelming range of anti-aging products available in the market, how do you know which ones will improve your skin’s appearance? You must first understand what ingredients work best for different skin types and conditions to reduce wrinkles. For example, you may consider factors like price, product labels, and conducting product patch tests to compare different products. This blog discusses eight valuable tips to help you choose anti-aging products that suit your needs.

What are anti-aging products?
Anti-aging products include a range of face wash, body wash, toners, serums, moisturizers, body lotions, etc., that help alleviate the physical signs of aging from your body.
Anti-aging products are essential to any skincare routine. They are designed to reduce facial wrinkles and improve the appearance of fine lines on the face and neck. These products often contain various natural oils and vitamins, like retinol and collagen, that help keep skin looking younger and refreshed throughout the day.
While anti-aging products can’t stop your skin from aging, they can help protect it from further damage by imparting hydration to delicate facial areas. Whether dry or oily skin, an anti-aging product is available to meet your needs.

Eight tips for picking the best anti-aging products

Pick a sunscreen
Common skin aging signs are wrinkles, sun spots, and fine lines. They are caused by dehydrated skin and prolonged sun exposure. To avoid this, apply sunscreen on the skin, even at home. Ensure the following conditions when selecting sunscreen:

• Look for an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher for protection against UVA and UVB rays (which may cause sunburn).
• Avoid sunscreens that contain artificial fragrances, harsh chemicals (like PFOA and acrylamide), alcohol, or preservatives (like parabens) if you have sensitive skin.

Recognize your primary concern
You should combat one anti-aging concern at a time. These concerns may range from wrinkles to inelastic skin, rough skin, and dull skin. However, no single product can address all signs of aging. Additionally, multiple products designed to address different issues simultaneously can cause more significant damage than benefits. Therefore, examining your skin type, understanding your concern, and choosing your product is necessary to avoid any side effects.

Choose a retinol-based cream
Retinoids are a compound derived from vitamin A. Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that helps stimulate collagen production and elastin support resulting in brighter, smoother, younger-looking skin.
Depending on your skin type, choose between retinol cream and serum. While creams are better suited for dry skin, serums are effective for reducing excess oil, opening skin pores, and treating wrinkles and acne.

Read product labels
Choose a product that mentions the following on its package label:

• Hypoallergenic (the commodity can still cause an allergic reaction, but there is less risk).
• Non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic (it does not cause acne).
• Customer service hotline (you can ask for queries).

Conducting a patch test
Before you apply a product to your face, make sure to do a patch test. This is an easy and effective way of knowing if it’s suitable for your skin. If you notice no visible side effects, it’s safe to use.

Price
Although branded products usually assure the highest-quality ingredients and results, they may be too expensive. Therefore, you must keep your budget in mind while selecting the right anti-aging product because cheaper, more effective alternatives are also available.

Skin type
Dry, acne-prone, sensitive, oily, and combination skin have different needs and must select suitable product formulas accordingly. For example, if you have dry skin, you must focus on creams that moisturize and nourish deep within the layers of the epidermis. On the other hand, combination skin may benefit from moisturizers with essential body oils.

Drop unrealistic expectations
Anti-aging skin care products, while helpful in slowing down the signs of aging, cannot deliver drastic results. Unfortunately, those too-good-to-be-true promises of looking ten years younger in one week or getting facelift-like results are false.

Essential ingredients to look for in anti-aging products

Antioxidants
Antioxidants are one of the key ingredients in anti-aging products because they help to protect the skin from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and cause premature aging. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals and prevent them from causing damage. Antioxidants may also reduce inflammation, enabling the skin to regenerate and mend some damage.
There are many antioxidants, but some of the most common ones used in anti-aging products include vitamin C, E, and green tea extract.

Argireline
This peptide calms the muscles around wrinkles and fine lines, reducing their appearance. It helps prevent skin sagging, giving a more youthful look overall. This powerful compound may heal the skin over time by encouraging collagen production, improving elasticity, and delivering antioxidants. It also protects your skin against aging-related environmental stressors, like sun exposure and pollution.

Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies, making up about 30% of the total protein amount. It’s what gives our skin strength and elasticity. Unfortunately, as we age, collagen production slows down, and we start to see aging signs like wrinkles and sagging skin. That’s why many people turn to anti-aging products containing collagen, hoping to turn back the clock. Moreover, many people notice effective results after a few uses.

Hydroxy acids
Hydroxy acids are a compound that effectively reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They can be found in many anti-aging products, including serums, creams, and masks. These compounds work by increasing the production of collagen, helping keep skin looking firm and young. Hydroxy acids are also effective at exfoliating the skin, which may help brighten the skin complexion and reduce the appearance of age spots (small, dark skin spots).

Wrapping up
The bottom line is that there is no magic solution regarding anti-aging products. However, following the tips mentioned above, you can stack the odds in your favor of finding products that work well for you and help you look and feel the best. Thus, take your time, research, and be bold and experiment until you find a routine that works for you.

The bones are arguably the most critical element in the human body. Bones provide structure and facilitate any movement the body makes. However, many people worldwide do not think twice about their bone health. Certain foods and lifestyle habits are detrimental to one’s bone health. Every time an individual eats such foods or carries out those habits, they reduce the strength and longevity of their bones. Here are a few such habits:

Drinking too much coffee
Drinking coffee is a favorite activity for many people.  Millions worldwide drink the beverage to keep themselves awake and going while they are working. Unfortunately, caffeine, the chief component of coffee, is not suitable for one’s bones.

Many studies have found that coffee drastically reduces bone density in postmenopausal women. About six milligrams of bone calcium are lost for every 100 milligrams of caffeine one consumes. Therefore, to avoid osteoporosis, a health condition in which the bones become incredibly weakened and porous with time, one must stop drinking caffeine-rich foods or consume them in moderation.

Failing to get enough sunlight
Vitamin D is a vital element when it comes to keeping the bones healthy. Sunlight is an abundant source of vitamin D. Therefore, people must go outdoors more often to expose themselves to early morning sunlight, arguably the richest source of vitamin D. This habit can keep their bones strong and healthy for many years.

Conversely, people who do not get sunlight or cannot step out of their house long enough to expose themselves to the sun are vulnerable to weakened bones and joints.

Sitting on the couch for too long
The body needs frequent movement to prevent stiffness and other flexibility-related issues. If an individual sits on a couch or a chair for too long, they are depriving their body of this all-important movement. Over time, their bones weaken and become less resilient to strain. Also, just as with bad posture, sitting or sleeping for too long can affect the shape of bones in the long run.

Many workplaces have employees sitting in one position for hours before a computer screen. In such workplaces, such individuals must be encouraged to take a quick walk or some rounds of exercise after every few productive hours. Doing so will keep their bones and the rest of their body healthy for a long time.

Consuming too many sugary snacks
Having a sweet tooth is not a problem; however, one needs to keep their sugar consumption in check to keep their blood and bones healthy. When people consume too many sugary snacks, such as donuts and pastries, they may skip other meals because sugary snacks are pretty heavy. This, in turn, means that such individuals are not eating as much nutrient-rich food as they should. Over time, this causes significant bone issues in individuals.

Not performing weight-bearing activities
A weight-bearing activity, as the name implies, is an exercise in which an individual uses their body weight to create the resistance that drives the workout. So, activities such as jogging, hiking, weight training, and walking are considered effective weight-bearing activities. These activities are crucial for boosting one’s bone intensity and mass. Missing out on these activities can come at a cost for individuals. After all, not doing these activities often keeps one’s bones from becoming sturdier and more resilient to knocks and blows.

Spending too much time indoors
Staying perpetually indoors, even if one moves around frequently, is not just detrimental to one’s bones because they are not getting sunlight exposure. Keeping oneself inside a house for long periods deprives them of pure, fresh oxygen and increases their chances of developing weaknesses and sicknesses. Not experiencing the sights and sounds of the external world can cause people to lose interest in any movement or exercise.

Eventually, this can result in poor health and immunity. Ultimately, not stepping out of one’s house is very likely to make one’s bones weaker and more susceptible to osteoporosis due to the sheer lack of sunlight and the other nutrients one can get by breathing fresh air outdoors.

Not working out regularly
Exercise is linked to increasing one’s strength in every way imaginable. Additionally, exercising regularly (if not daily, at least two to three times a week) builds a person’s stamina and strength. The exercise does not have to be overly complicated or taxing on the body. All one needs to do is walk a few rounds in a nearby park or do stretching exercises. Exercising speeds up the process of breathing in and out.

Additionally, workouts help increase the rate of blood circulation in the body. This causes oxygen and nutrients to travel to different vital organs and bones of the body on a much quicker basis. As a result, the bones get nourishment and proper testing regularly, maintaining strength.

Having a poor posture
Many people cannot sit with a straight back due to laziness or back pain. A person develops bad posture when sitting with a bent back in front of their TV or while playing video games for hours daily. This is arguably an even worse problem than insufficient movement throughout the day. While that problem makes the bones weaker, this one can cause bone deformation if kept up for a long time.

Eating food that has too much salt
Salt is a bad food when it comes to blood pressure or bone health. The more salt a person eats, the more calcium they lose. This element extracts calcium from one’s bones and teeth, leaving them brittle and porous. Therefore, while salt is unavoidable, consuming it in moderate proportions daily is still recommended.