Studies show that a person’s emotional and mental health are closely related to what they consume. A change in eating habits and lifestyle is frequently the first line of treatment for patients suffering from depression or other mental health conditions. Every individual’s nutritional needs are distinct. But barring allergies, everyone can rely on food to improve their cognitive functions and emotional state. Here are some ways that show how food impacts one’s mental health. Brain chemicals and the gut Science has termed the gastrointestinal tract the body’s “second brain.” Trillions of bacteria in one’s gastrointestinal tract help the brain produce dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals are mood stabilizers responsible for regulating one’s feelings of calmness, happiness, motivation, and rewards. It is believed that gut bacteria produce 95 percent of the body’s supply of serotonin. Nutrition-rich food promotes the growth of good bacteria that support the production of these chemicals. Insulin resistance On the contrary, processed and sugary foods are toxic to brain functioning. The high sugar content in foods strains the pancreas and results in insulin resistance. This, in turn, increases cortisol and glucagon levels. These neurotransmitters make one feel more anxious, fatigued, hungry and irritated. Nutrient deficiency and mood The nervous system and brain depend heavily on nutrition to produce new proteins and repair cells and tissues.

Cold sores or fever blisters are common skin conditions wherein people develop small, liquid-filled blisters on and around their lips or other areas. These blisters are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Usually, cold sores are contagious and can be controlled through treatment. However, certain foods can worsen symptoms in individuals. Here are some foods that are best avoided while managing cold sores. Peanuts Nuts are among the biggest triggers of cold sores as they contain a large amount of arginine. This chemical causes flare-ups and worsens cold sores in people with the condition. Among nuts, peanuts and hazelnuts contain the largest reserves of this chemical, and, therefore, they must not be eaten when dealing with cold sores. Additionally, peanut butter must be avoided entirely for two to three weeks, the normal lasting period for cold sores. Oranges Citrus fruits are another big no-no when it comes to foods to eat when one is coping with cold sores. Oranges and grapefruits are known for their citrus-filled refreshing flavor; therefore, one must avoid them at all costs. Such fruits contain an acidic element that will cause pain and a burning sensation when they get into contact with a cold sore blister.

The prostate gland is a part of men’s urinary and reproductive systems. It is responsible for making and releasing fluids that provide nutrients and lubrication for the sperm. When these cells that make these fluids develop cancer, they lose out on the normal control processes that the regular cells in the body have. If caught at an early stage, prostate cancer is curable. In rare cases, prostate cancer may have silent signs and symptoms, such as: Bladder or urinary troubles A prostate tumor that has enlarged significantly may begin to press on the bladder and the urethra, causing trouble in passing urine. This may include urinating more frequently, spotting blood in semen or urine, or incontinence. However, urinary symptoms alone may not signal cancer. They could result from benign diseases such as prostatitis or Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH), which cause similar symptoms. Losing bowel control Prostate cancer may also spread to the bowel, leading to stomach pain, constipation, or passing blood in the stool. Soreness in the groin The spread of cancer in the body impacts the functioning of lymph nodes. With the advancement of prostate cancer in the body, the nodes around the groin are often the first to be affected, causing pain or soreness.

Hemophilia is a rare, inherited condition in which a person lacks certain blood clotting proteins. The absence or low levels of these clotting factors means their blood won’t clot after sustaining any injury. Several symptoms of hemophilia may seem harmless and quite common on the surface; however, these are some underrated indications of this disorder in individuals. Here are a few silent symptoms of hemophilia that one must not ignore. Frequent nose bleeds Nosebleeds are common among many people during the winter months. During this period, people get nosebleeds as they spend time indoors often. The heated indoor air dries out one’s nasal passageways, making blood vessels weak. Eventually, the blood vessels rupture and cause nosebleeds. Sudden nosebleeds are a critical indicator of hemophilia. So, one must consult their local healthcare expert when they experience this symptom. Joint pains Frequent instances of internal bleeding can indicate hemophilia. This bleeding is caused by internal cellular and tissue fragility that causes frequent internal bruising and blood loss. These factors lead to joint pains in a person’s knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, elbows, or other areas. Most people may ignore joint pains as just another injury or sprain; however, one must consult a healthcare expert if one experiences prolonged joint pain.

Maintaining healthy blood count levels and circulation is vital for all organs to function optimally. A drop in blood count reduces oxygen supply to the tissues and may lead to anemia, fatigue, concentration issues, and other serious health concerns. Similarly, poor blood circulation causes cognitive dysfunctions, digestive problems, and muscle cramping. Studies show that certain foods help to maintain healthy hemoglobin levels. Women, especially during pregnancy and menstruation, can benefit from consuming them. What improves blood count and circulation? Foods rich in iron and vitamins A, B12, B9, and C, help maintain hemoglobin levels. Vitamin C aids in iron absorption. Additionally, vitamins B, K, C, and E and omega-3 fatty acids have shown to improve blood circulation. Potassium or vitamin K, in particular, keeps the walls of the blood vessels strong and prevents bulging veins. Apart from food, an effective way of instantly improving blood flow and oxygen levels is to indulge in physical activity daily, like running, biking, walking, or stretching. Top foods that improve blood count and circulation Here are some superfoods that support heart health, boost blood count, and improve blood flow: Beetroot Beetroot is a powerhouse of nutrients with iron, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, and several vitamins.

It is no exaggeration to say that, at least biologically, people are what they eat. Bone health, especially, depends heavily on what one consumes. Certain foods, such as milk, soya beans, walnuts, salmon, broccoli, and spinach, strengthen one’s bones and joints. On the flip side, certain foods are terrible for the bones, making them brittle, porous, and vulnerable to damage. Some of the worst foods for the bones are listed here. Salt As much as salt benefits one’s health as a stabilizer and an antibacterial agent, excessive salt consumption saps the calcium from one’s bones over time. For instance, nutritionists believe that one loses approximately 40 milligrams of calcium for every 2,300 milligrams of sodium consumed. Sodium is one of the worst elements possible in this regard. Hence any foods containing it will be detrimental to one’s bone health. Excessive salt is usually found in canned vegetables, frozen meals, canned soup, store-bought baked goods, and other processed and over-packaged edibles. To counter such an excessive intake of salt, one can avoid processed food entirely, consume home-cooked meals, and control their salt content. Coffee Like sodium, caffeine also takes out calcium from all the bones in the body, making them brittle.

Before the advent of texting, emailing, or even calling, people used flowers to communicate. The language of flowers is known as floriography and was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Even though communication has evolved in recent years, here’s how you can use flowers to say something special to your loved ones or to bring them a personalized gift. Check out this guide to find what your birth month flower type reveals about you: January: Carnation and Snowdrop Carnations are distinctly strong to bloom in winter and symbolize admiration, love, and distinction. Snowdrops are symbolic of hope and rebirth. February: Violet and Primrose While many associate roses with the month of love, violets, and primrose are the birth flowers for February. Violets symbolize modesty, faithfulness, and virtue, whereas primrose symbolizes young love. March: Daffodil Daffodils represent spring’s first month, symbolize unparalleled love, and are also associated with new beginnings, prosperity, and faithfulness. April: Daisy and Sweet Pea Daisies symbolize purity, true love, and innocence and are great for showcasing undying love. Sweet peas symbolize blissful pleasure and are known for their sweet fragrance. May: Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn Lily of the Valley signifies sweetness, humility, and motherhood and are great presents for your mother on her birthday or Mother’s Day.

Flowers and flower bouquets are one of the most loved gifts. They convey messages and emotions to your loved ones. Statistics from a recent survey indicated that 86% of people said that receiving flowers made them feel special. However, sending flowers is a more complicated task than receiving them, and some people make certain mistakes in the process. Keep reading to know more about these errors and how to avoid them. 5 mistakes to be avoided while sending flowers Sometimes, when one sends over a flower bouquet, it’s done with the best intentions. However, in the process, some things can go wrong. For example, a few common mistakes include sending to the wrong person, not adding a message, and more. Sending to the wrong address One of the most common mistakes people make while sending flowers is getting the recipient’s address wrong. Even the slightest mistake, such as getting the pin code wrong, can lead to disappointment. Moreover, a mistyped address can also lead to problems with the localization system used by courier companies. So, if the address cannot be traced, the courier might not even leave the logistics center. Hence, it is necessary to re-check and confirm the address before sending the flowers.

Dementia is incredibly common, with more than 10 million new cases registered every year globally. People with this mental health condition suffer from a gradual weakening of brain functionality. This results in a host of issues, such as difficulty memorizing things, struggle with simple movements, and an inability to communicate thoughts. Certain silent signs can help doctors diagnose this condition in its initial stages. Some of these early signs are: Frequent mood shifts Abrupt mood shifts are one of the early signs of dementia. A person with the condition may go from extremely irritated to happy in a matter of minutes. Identifying such mood shifts may be hard for the patient, but those around are likely to notice them. Misplacing things Forgetfulness is another early indicator. Individuals with dementia may misplace their belongings more frequently and in unusual areas. For instance, one may place a spoon inside their wallet, a set of house keys inside a sugar bowl, or an iron inside the refrigerator. Speech and language problems While speaking, it is common for everyone to sometimes struggle to find the right words. However, people with dementia often use incorrect words, or words with a different meaning and context, in any situation.

Dementia is a psychological condition involving the progressive loss of cognitive abilities, including memory, reasoning, concentration, and the ability to carry out daily tasks. Many patients with dementia show behavioral changes and mood swings, hallucinate, and get disorientated and irritable. Besides early diagnosis and timely treatment, constant care, family support, and some lifestyle changes can contribute to healing from dementia. Here are some foods that can help individuals prevent and manage dementia symptoms: Spinach Spinach contains high levels of lutein, an antioxidant that helps prevent loss of cognitive functions. Moreover, several studies have drawn associations between the intake of spinach and other leafy greens and the prevention of cognitive decline. Spinach can be added to stir-fries, gravies, soups, smoothies, etc. Fatty fish Fatty fish varieties like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are packed with Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Studies have demonstrated a decline in DHA levels among individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, a leading cause of dementia. Thus, a meal plan rich in DHA can help reduce one’s susceptibility to these psychological conditions. A daily intake of 200 mg of DHA is recommended for brain health. Broccoli Being a cruciferous vegetable, broccoli is rich in carotenoids and vitamin B. These components can reduce the levels of homocysteine, an amino acid known to contribute to cognitive decline and related psychological conditions in the body.

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) occurs when there is a breakdown in the functioning of the atria or the heart’s upper chambers. Instead of beating at an average rate, the pulse begins to fibrillate, beating at a fast or irregular pace. AFib can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure, which can be fatal. To manage this condition, it is recommended to implement some lifestyle changes in addition to medical therapies. Based on available evidence, avoiding certain foods can help manage AFib better, as these have been shown to affect health and increase the risk of heart complications negatively. They may also lead to other health issues such as diabetes, cognitive decline, and certain cancers. Therefore, common foods to avoid with atrial fibrillation include: Energy drinks Energy drinks contain a large amount of caffeine, excessive sugar, and stimulants, which can negatively affect the cardiovascular system. Observational research has linked the consumption of energy drinks with serious cardiovascular events, including arrhythmias and sudden cardiac deaths. It is suggested that people with AFib avoid energy drinks. Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and margarine According to studies, foods high in saturated and trans fats are associated with a high risk of AFib and other cardiovascular conditions.

Most flagship phones can claim a small fortune out of your bank account. This is truer if you are looking for smartphones with the best camera specifications. Modern-day smartphones are nothing short of engineering and design marvels; they have us all wrapped around them. That said, they are still expensive for the majority of the population. Which makes buying a new smartphone nothing short of an investment. And you never want to go wrong with an investment choice. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra If you are looking for a new smartphone with the best camera, it can contain, look no further than the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. The company has loaded this phone with a whopping 108 MP primary camera, speedy multi-frame, and enhanced AI processing. The 108 MP camera combines a 12 MP ultra-wide lens, a 10 MP telephoto lens with 10x zoom, and another 10 MP telephoto lens with 3x zoom. And for all those that cannot go a day without their front cameras, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has a 40 MP camera that can take high-resolution selfies even in moderate lighting. iPhone 14 Apple’s newest launch for the 2022 smartphone lineup has the best camera to boot. Of course, if you are looking for the best of the best, iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max take the prize.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in our country, with nearly 9,500 people diagnosed every day. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about one in five of our population is projected to develop the condition by the age of 70. But despite its prevalence, skin cancer is one of the most treatable cancers if caught early. Some subtle and silent signs to keep an eye out for include: Translucent, waxy bumps Skin cancer can show up as a clear or skin-colored bump. According to doctors, a translucent, waxy bump could be a sign of early-stage basal or squamous cell skin cancer. This bump may never bleed, hurt, or cause other symptoms. Scaly patches If a dry patch does not go away even after moisturizing or using other treatments, it could be basal or squamous cell carcinoma. Scaly patches could also indicate seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis. Red or purple lesions Common skin lesions or lesions showing up as blue, purple, or red nodules could be a sign of a rare skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma. These bumps grow within a few weeks, often in areas that have received a lot of sun over the years. Another rare cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, may also develop as discolored skin.

Skin cancer is a common condition primarily brought on by excessive sun exposure. It can appear as a variety of symptoms, such as darker speckles, a mole, etc. Although the disease can be treated, there are ways to prevent and avoid it through lifestyle and food changes. Spending less time in the sun and eating certain foods may reduce the risk of developing this condition. Here are some foods that can help with related symptoms. Fatty fish Fatty fish, which are high in good fat and omega-3 fatty acids, can protect against melanoma. This type of fatty acid is beneficial to overall health and does not increase the risk of any other types of cancer. An average of one serving of oily fish, such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and trout, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, should be consumed every five days. They have anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the prevention of a variety of illnesses. Colorful fruits and vegetables Strong antioxidants in colorful fruits and vegetables, such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and other bioactive compounds, may reduce the risk of melanoma. Include a lot of orange and dark green fruits in your daily meals. Eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale is recommended at least three times per week.

As the end of the financial year closes in, many people find themselves scrambling to file income tax returns in time this year. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues strict guidelines for ensuring a smooth and quick tax filing process. The last thing you want is a notification from the IRS citing an issue with the income tax return submission. So, here are six mistakes to avoid when filing your income tax return: Filing returns prematurely You might receive documentation regarding your current financial status, and this information has to be updated with the IRS. Filing prematurely can result in mistakes like omissions that only delay the processing of returns. Choosing the wrong form or filing status The IRS issues several forms for individuals, businesses, commercial establishments, and government entities to file returns. Ensure you choose the correct form and update the filing status on the official website. If there are dependents in the house or you are filing for a joint return, your filing status can vary accordingly. Making calculation errors Adding the wrong amount, excluding critical tax breaks, or even making mathematical errors while computing your income tax return are issues that IRS software can detect. However, miscalculating the return can delay the process.

The Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, is the governing authority that processes tax returns filed by individuals and businesses and issues refunds. The IRS has issued sizeable refunds worth thousands of dollars in recent years. Individuals can use the money to meet daily expenses and pay pending bills. But to be eligible for prompt refunds, here are some common mistakes you should avoid while filing your tax returns this year. Updating the wrong filing status The IRS lets you file as a single taxpayer, a married taxpayer filing jointly/separately, a qualifying widow/widower, or a sole head of the household. Entering this information correctly is critical while updating the return. Filing under the wrong section can delay processing and refunds. You might even be subject to penalties if there are errors in the calculation. Not reporting all taxable income Salaried employees working for an organization should properly mention any income subject to taxes on Form W-2. Freelancers can report their income using Form 1099. Different kinds of employment and earnings are subject to different tax slabs. The bottom line is that you should never underreport your earned income in the said financial year. If the IRS notes discrepancies, it can order an audit that will lead to subsequent penalties and interest.