Research suggests that a significant percentage of the human body is water. Therefore, drinking water is vital to keep the mind and body healthy and to function optimally. But randomly drinking water is not enough. There are specific times when drinking water is more beneficial than the rest of the day. We suggest you sip on a glass while we tell you more about the best times to drink water for maximum benefits! Right after waking up A glass or two of water first thing in the morning is an excellent way of priming the body and mind for the rest of the day. It energizes the cells and eliminates free radicals that accumulate in the body overnight. You might be tempted to sip on other detox beverages after waking up, but don’t fall for the fads and stick with the classic glass of water. Before meals Drinking water with your meals is bad because it slows down your metabolism. So, to support the body’s metabolism, drink water about 30 minutes before mealtime. It lines the stomach and prepares the intestine for the incoming food. It also brings a feeling of fullness, preventing overeating and the subsequent feeling of bloating and cramps.

Organs in the body rely on a delicate balance of nutritional food intake and supplements to support peak performance. Sensory organs, especially the ears, are at a high risk of losing optimal function due to certain changes in daily foods and beverages. Some foods may not directly impact or trigger hearing loss. But deficiencies can certainly increase the risk of health complications that eventually affect hearing. Here are seven food sources that negatively influence hearing abilities. Foods rich in sodium Smoked, canned, and frozen cuts of meat, processed or prepackaged breads, grains, snacks, chips, and all other condiments used in cooking are all rich in sodium. Research shows that excess sodium intake increases blood pressure, restricts blood vessels, and lowers the blood flow to the cochlea (the part that converts sound into nerve impulses). These symptoms increase the risk of hearing loss associated with tinnitus and Meniere’s disease. Processed foods Salty chips, fried foods, ready-to-eat meals, packaged snacks, tinned vegetables, microwavable recipes, cakes, biscuits, and bread are commonly consumed as processed foods. These are loaded with saturated fats, trans fats, additives, artificial flavorings, colorings, and preservatives. Studies show excess intake of processed foods can lower hearing efficiency by 39% among adults.

A migraine is a condition in which individual experiences throbbing and often pulsing pain on the side of the head. It can be either just one side or both sides of the head. This can also be accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and other symptoms like vomiting and nausea. Taking lots of rest during such an episode is recommended, and some foods may be helpful in managing and relieving the pain. Avocados This fruit is extremely high in magnesium content which is essential in managing headaches caused by migraines in individuals. These fruits also have healthy fats, which is an added benefit when preparing a meal with this ingredient. Add it to a salad or make guacamole out of it. Avocado is versatile and can be eaten by simply spreading it on toasted bread. However, doctors warn that eating too ripe avocados can do the opposite of treating migraine and become a trigger due to the tyramine present in over-ripe fruit. So make sure to eat fresh avocado, and not a stale one. Bananas These fruits are packed with magnesium, potassium, vitamin B, and complex carbohydrates, which all come together to fight off the painful headaches caused by migraine.

If bones act as the body’s building blocks, then the joints connect these building blocks and maintain the body’s framework. Strong joints facilitate body mobility and prevent bone damage. Conversely, joint problems, if left untreated, can culminate in health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. However, eating healthy foods and beverages can play a key role in maintaining joint health. Therefore, here are some quick smoothies to add to your meals to relieve joint pain: Orange and turmeric smoothie Orange, a citrus fruit, contains high levels of vitamin C, which can help fight inflammation and control arthritis symptoms. Turmeric consists of curcumin, the chemical responsible for turmeric’s yellow pigmentation, which also entails anti-inflammatory properties and is used as a treatment option for lowering osteoarthritis pain. Orange and turmeric smoothie, with a dash of lime juice and some ginger, is a treat to one’s taste buds and joints. Spinach and grapefruit smoothie Spinach contains the antioxidant kaempferol, which helps fight the inflammatory agents contributing to the onset of arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is also a rich source of vitamins C and E, essential to aid joint flexibility and protect the body against pro-inflammatory molecules. A smoothie comprising spinach and grapefruit is a power-packed solution to fighting joint pain and preventing arthritis.

Certain environmental factors are among the most common cancer-causing agents. However, when people discuss environment-based carcinogens, not many focus on the threats within the household. Several household items pose just as grave a danger as radiation exposure for vulnerable people. The risk is more significant as people spend more time indoors than away from home. That said, here are a few household items linked with cancer that one should vary of: Non-stick cookware Non-stick cookware is a staple commodity found in most, if not all, homes. Non-stick items are helpful to avoid soaking utensils in water overnight and scraping off stuck food from pans. However, non-stick cookware is created using a chemical compound named polytetrafluoroethylene. This chemical is the main component of such cookware’s “non-sticky” coating. Several research studies have found that polytetrafluoroethylene is a carcinogen and can cause other harmful health effects and allergies if consumed for long periods. While purchasing cookware, one can check the percentage of polytetrafluoroethylene and look for substitutes. Couches and sofas Now, couches and sofas are the default resting spots for most people. However, the health risk associated with couches and sofas goes much deeper than how they make people averse to daily exercise.

Sinus infection or sinusitis is usually triggered by colds or allergies. The condition clogs up the nasal passage with fluids, swelling the tissues and causing pain in the forehead, ears, or teeth. Additionally, one may have a fever, cough, or feel pressure on their face. Sinus infection is curable, but prompt treatment is advised to avoid worsening the symptoms. Here are some home remedies one can try to manage the condition better. Ginger tea Ginger is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve sinusitis symptoms like swelling and redness. So, a glass of hot, ginger-infused water can be beneficial. Warm compress Heat melts tough sinus infections, relieving pressure and inflammation in the affected areas like the forehead, nose, cheeks, and head. Here, one can try a simple home remedy of dipping a clean washcloth in hot water, wringing it, and placing it on the affected areas. One can repeat the process until the pain is relieved. Essential oils Essential oils are extracted from plants and are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Peppermint, rosemary, tea tree, and eucalyptus are some popular oils used to relieve sinusitis symptoms. One can add a few drops of these oils to a steam bath or a diffuser and inhale the vapor.

Nutrition is integral to keeping one’s body healthy, including maintaining respiratory or lung health. Though several healthy lifestyle changes can help keep lung health in top shape, some specific food choices can further facilitate this by safeguarding one’s lungs from illnesses. On the other hand, some food items should be avoided entirely to ensure no infections or inflammation in the respiratory tract. Here are some foods that are best and worst for one’s lungs. Safe foods High fiber foods These include whole wheat foods like brown rice, wheat pasta, and even brown bread. Also, baked beans, quinoa, chia seeds, pears, broccoli, raspberries, peas, lentils, and black beans are excellent fiber sources. Research suggests that people who add more fiber to their meals are more likely to have better lung health than those who don’t include fiber. Coffee The caffeine present in coffee is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains polyphenols which are a well-known antioxidant and are also anti-inflammatory. Research indicates that drinking some caffeine every day will keep your lungs healthy and fit. Whole grains Barley, brown rice, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, quinoa, and even oats are good examples of whole grains. Besides being fiber-rich, they contain nutrients like vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and selenium.

Seasonal allergies each year bring symptoms like sneezing, sniffling, runny nose, and itchy eyes. While treatments can help relieve some allergy symptoms, the effect is enhanced when one makes better food choices. So, it is important to know which foods can help one deal with seasonal allergies. Some nutrient-rich options can help lower inflammation in the body. However, one should consult a healthcare specialist before making drastic changes to meals. Onions Foods like onions, garlic, berries, citrus fruits, leafy vegetables, and apples are rich in quercetin. Quercetin is a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties. It helps in bringing down histamine production in the body, alleviating symptoms of seasonal allergies. The decreased production of histamine lowers the intensity of allergic reactions. Adding these foods to meal meals, especially in preparation for the allergy season, is a great way of getting nutrients and keeping symptoms at bay. These foods can also help one recover after a major allergic reaction. Yogurt Probiotics are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. They contain bacteria that improve gut health and strengthen immunity. Yogurt contains probiotics, helping the immune system fight infections. Other items rich in probiotics are fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and kombucha.