Laundry detergents and fabric softeners are key items on one’s shopping list as people regularly wash clothes, bedding, and even furnishings. However, even the major brands in the business heavily rely on certain chemicals and additives that increase the potency and efficacy of their product. This, of course, can come at the cost of irritating sensitive skin. So here are six common ingredients in detergents that you should avoid if you have sensitive skin: Preservatives Soaps, detergents, and laundry cleaners are laced with preservatives that increase the shelf life of the product. Phenoxyethanol and formaldehyde are common preservatives that kill bacterial growth and stabilize the solution for long-term effectiveness. However, their direct contact with sensitive skin can result in harsh flare-ups and inflammation, especially among those who already suffer from skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis. Fragrances Artificial fragrances are added to cosmetic products and laundry detergents to make fabric smell great after a thorough wash. However, most artificial fragrances are made using an ethanol base that can cause irritation once the detergent comes in contact with the skin. Fragrances also release harmful fumes that should not be ingested. Parabens Parabens are the most common chemicals in water-based laundry detergents, as they increase the product’s shelf life and prevent mold from affecting the formula.

If you are an asthma patient, exposure to environmental triggers can lead to severe breathing problems. Being inadvertently exposed to these triggers for long periods can result in aggravated symptoms compromising your quality of life. Statistics suggest more than 26 million people in the country live with asthma. And if you are one of these people, you know how much the environment of the city you live in contributes to your daily life and health. Louisville, Kentucky Louisville is one of the cities in the country with the biggest red flag for people with asthma. It is also ranked high on the list of cities in the use of treatment for long-term asthma control and management. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Philadelphia is ranked 11th on the list of cities prevalent in asthma. It also ranks high on the list of places with a substantial number of asthma-related deaths. Philadelphia also is home to a greater amount of the population that is struggling to make ends meet. This directly or indirectly impacts the patient’s ability to seek treatment for their asthma and is a cause of poor lifestyle. Dayton, Ohio Dayton, Ohio, is ranked one of the worst cities for asthma patients. It is largely believed that the entire midwestern belt of the country is unhealthy for people with asthma to live in.

Acid reflux is a condition that causes heartburn due to the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. This is also referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although it is a common condition, it can cause problems such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, a dry cough, foul breath, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain. High-sodium meals, acidic foods, and lack of fiber worsen acid reflux. Here are the best foods to eat to avoid GERD. Best foods to consume to avoid GERD Oatmeal Oatmeal is a high-fiber, whole-grain breakfast cereal. Foods with a lot of fiber can lessen acid reflux. These foods also promote intestinal health and help general digestion by easing constipation. Oatmeal is also linked to the easy digestion of other foods and the absorption of stomach acid. Thus, including oatmeal in your breakfast meal significantly lowers GERD symptoms. Lean meat and seafood Lean meats are simpler to digest and less likely to cause GERD symptoms, such as skinless chicken breast baked or sautéed rather than fried and greasy. Other options for lean meat include turkey, leaner beef, and seafood like fish, prawns, and lobster. Fatty meats are typically higher in cholesterol and can cause heartburn, so leaner meats are a better option for GERD symptoms.

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes swelling and tenderness in one or more joints in the body. The main symptom of this condition is joint pain and stiffness, making it difficult to function in daily life. There are many different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While there are many treatments to tackle this condition, individuals can also aid their treatment by eating the right foods. Here are some smoothies to try for managing arthritis. Fresh fruits It is one of the best smoothies to help with arthritis and joint pain. It is also suitable for those who are fans of sweeter foods. You can add pineapples, mango, and bananas to the grinder. Don’t forget to add some unsweetened coconut milk to get that creamy and delicious base. Each of these foods contains tons of antioxidants that can help fight inflammation in the body and reduce the signs and symptoms of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. You also have the option to choose from fresh fruits or frozen fruits. Leafy greens If you’re a fan of leafy greens, you can try this green smoothie. One of its main ingredients is spinach, a rich source of many nutrients.

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.