Arthritis is a condition that causes severe pain and stiffness in the joints. Its types are varied but widely divided into two categories – inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common form of inflammatory arthritis. The degree of stiffness or inflammation is affected by many factors, the primary being the food you eat. Its symptoms can be managed by limiting foods that trigger inflammation. Here are seven things rheumatoid arthritis patients should avoid. Foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids The intake of excess foods with omega-6 fatty acids can trigger inflammation in arthritis. These foods are soybeans, corn, safflower, sunflower, canola oils, nuts, and meat. It is best to switch to mono-saturated fats like olive oil and fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, or cod to provide the body with healthy calories. Excessive sugar Patients with arthritis should limit the consumption of excessive sugar items such as candy, ketchup, barbecue sauce, soda, chocolates, and pastries. Sugar flares the release of cytokines, a form of protein in the body that results in inflammation. Avoid forms of sugar like corn syrup, fructose, maltose, and sucrose. One should also limit the intake of certain carbonated or fizzy drinks. They contain high levels of phosphoric acid, which promotes calcium excretion through urine.

Many people use vacuum cleaners but still can’t figure out how to use the appliance properly. If you don’t use a vacuum cleaner the right way, you’ll never get the desired results, plus you’ll end up damaging the machine. Regardless of the type of vacuum cleaner you own, there are certain mistakes you must avoid while using it to improve its efficiency and longevity. Read on to know what these mistakes are. Emptying the dust bag only when overfilled Although inconvenient, it’s necessary to empty the dust bag well before it’s full or after each use. If you operate a vacuum cleaner while its dust bag or container is full, performance drops drastically. It doesn’t pick up dust and dirt as effectively as it can. Moreover, a full dust bag can restrict airflow within the appliance, increasing the risk of overheating and damage. Don’t want to empty the dust bag frequently? Consider buying a vacuum cleaner with a bigger dust bag. Assuming it’s broken If your vacuum cleaner stops working suddenly, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s broken. Vacuum cleaners often lose suction when the dust bag is full, or the hose is clogged. Also, many models today come with a feature that makes the appliance shut off automatically when the motor becomes too hot.

Statistics suggest that more than 30% of the country’s population fails to get quality sleep. This could be due to poor lifestyle choices. Improvement in these lifestyle choices may include avoiding stimulants and switching to branded mattresses. However, at times even mattresses from Tempur-Pedic, Saatva, Sleep Number, Serta Mattress, and Essentia Mattress may not be enough to improve sleep quality. To improve your sleeping patterns, here are some mistakes you should be avoiding: Habits to avoid before going to bed for better sleep Using electronic devices Modern lifestyles require the constant use of electronic gadgets. Unfortunately, phones, iPads, laptops, and even televisions emit blue light, which reduces the production of sleep hormone when it falls on the retina. Although you can install a blue light filter on most devices, it still adversely affects melatonin production. Switch out staring at your phone to reading or meditating to improve sleep quality. Indulging in stimulants Consuming caffeinated beverages or other harmful stimulants can disrupt sleep. While sweets may promote sleep, eating chocolate that contains high amount of caffeine may make it difficult to fall asleep. Although dark chocolate has its benefits, sleep experts recommend consuming it and caffeinated beverages at least four to six hours before bedtime.

Grilling is one the best ways to prepare delicious food while cooking outdoors. But there are many aspects that influence outdoor cooking. Get them wrong, and you could have friends and family leaving with a not so pleasant experience. After all, no one loves an excessively burnt piece of chicken. So whether you enjoy cooking outdoors, or are trying it out for the first time, here are four cooking mistakes to avoid. Not accommodating for the weather If you live in a colder location, you won’t be able to use the griller all year long. Not planning for the rains and snow can set you back on a day when you decide to cook outdoors. Take appropriate measures in the cooking space, such as installing a roof to protect the griller from water. Not preheating the griller Failing to preheat the grill before placing the meat is another common mistake most people make. Preheat the grill for at least 20 minutes before starting to cook. By preheating the appliance, the meat develops a deep smoky, delicious flavor. Poor cleaning A lot can go wrong if you cook food without cleaning the outdoor appliance. The burnt residue may fuse with the food and make it unhealthy to eat.

Dogs tend to chew and nibble on anything and everything they come across. But this habit can be rather dangerous when it comes to plants. Certain plants contain toxic elements and can lead to severe symptoms and make your pet pooch ill. Dogs do not know which plants can be toxic to them, and therefore, it is safe to just remove or avoid having such plants in your household. Read on to find out more. Aloe vera Aloe is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Not to mention, it can work wonders for your skin and makes for a great indoor plant. But, what many do not know is that aloe vera can be toxic to dogs. This is because of the saponins in the succulents. Consuming even small amounts of the aloe vera plant and gel can cause severe poisoning in dogs. It can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even cause general central nervous system depression. Sago palm Another popular houseplant that is toxic to dogs is the sago palm. Commonly known as cardboard palm or coontie palm, this plant contains the toxic element cycasin. Consuming even small amounts of any part of this plant can lead to poisoning and cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even liver failure.

Urinary tract infection or UTI can cause persistent itching, a frequent and strong urge to urinate, abdominal pain, cloudy urine, burning sensation, fever, and even leakage. These symptoms can interfere with the daily lives of those affected and make them extremely uncomfortable. One can get a UTI multiple times during their lifetime. However, adding certain food items to one’s meals and following an appropriate treatment plan can help fight the symptoms and prevent reinfection. Cranberry This is one of the most popular food items to combat UTIs. Doctors may recommend cranberry supplements to UTI patients as the fruit contains chemical compounds that keep bacteria from developing and accumulating in the lining of the urinary tract. Even after the infection has been treated, the berry can help prevent reinfection. The most effective way to utilize cranberries is to have the whole fruit instead of buying cranberry juice or drinks that contain a lot of sugar. Cinnamon This spice is loaded with antibacterial properties and so can help fight inflammation. Cinnamon is known to keep the bacteria E. coli from developing and sticking to the walls of the bladder and urethra. You can add this spice to many recipes or even use it in tea to make it a part of your daily routine.

With fashion trends changing so quickly, be it jeans, dresses, or shoes, it is hard to keep up on what’s cool anymore! But here we are with some fashion trends that may save you from creating a faux pas this season. From handbags to sunglasses to trendy apparel, we’ve got you covered with different fashion elements that enhance your look. So invest in some classic pieces that can fit your style statement in any season. Big handbags Handbags will always be a part of fashion as our pockets can be able to hold all the essentials! But an oversized handbag for all your stuff? Yes! You don’t have to fill the bag to make it too heavy and difficult to carry around; just enough. While small, next-to-nothing bags were a style statement, these big handbags look great and are also essential for all the important things you need to travel with daily. Find some good options at Madewell, SSENSE, STAUD, Free People. Trench coats Sort of a staple fashion trend that is bound to be around, trench coats make for great style statements without having to carry a heavy, oversized coat or a jacket that is part of a look.

The importance of staying hydrated for the smooth functioning of our bodies cannot be overstated. This is why having at least eight glasses of water every day is recommended. However, when and how you have water throughout the day is just as important as ensuring that you meet your hydration goal. Here are the best times to have water can help you get the maximum benefits and avoid feeling tired and drained: Right after waking up A glass of water first thing in the morning has numerous benefits: This not only rehydrates the body, but also prepares the stomach lining for the day, gives the body and brain a kickstart, and keeps the drowsiness at bay. Research also suggests that the first glass of water can boost skin and hair health, along with the health of other vital organs. In fact, you should get reusable water bottles and keep one on your nightstand so that you can get your first 8 ounces as soon as you wake up. 30 minutes before a meal A glass about 30–45 minutes before a meal can help you feel fuller and avoid overeating, thus keeping your calorie intake in check. This can also improve digestion as it prepares the stomach and intestinal lining for the food.