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Smoking remains one of the biggest causes of preventable deaths globally. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking accounts for 1 in about five deaths in the United States every year.
As of 2019, 14% of the adult population in the country are smokers.
The American Lung Association states that there are more than 600 ingredients present in a cigarette. Each cigarette releases about 7000 chemicals when it is burnt. Out of these, close to 70 chemicals are proven carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). Some of them are:
When a person inhales cigarette smoke, these carcinogens and other chemicals reach the lungs and are distributed throughout the body.
Once these carcinogenic chemicals enter the body, they are detoxified by the cytochrome P450 group of enzymes (CYPs).
These CYP enzymes convert these carcinogens into a more active intermediary form called DNA adducts. DNA adducts are parts of the DNA that attach themself to these cancer-causing chemicals.
The intermediaries lead to DNA damage and abnormal cell multiplication and have to be quickly detoxified by other enzymatic processes. Unfortunately, in some people, the number of cancerous intermediaries builds up at a faster rate than they are eliminated. This leads to cancer.
There are other carcinogens in cigarette smoke that directly form DNA adducts without the help of the CYP enzymes. These lead to direct DNA damage and cell abnormalities, and resultant cancer.
While smoking is a risk factor for all types of cancer, it is significantly associated with breast cancer in women.
In the United States, 1 in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Smoking increases this risk drastically.
A study published in the BioMed Central Ltd forum analyzed the risk of breast cancer in women who smoked.
102,927 women were chosen and monitored for 7.7 years. In the end, 1815 women developed invasive breast cancer. The study found that smokers had a 14% higher risk of developing breast cancer than non-smokers.
Learn More: How Genes Influence Your Risk for Nicotine Dependence?
This study also mentions that women who start smoking before 17 had a significantly higher risk (24%) for breast cancer.
Another study analyzed the risk of breast cancer in 111,140 active smokers and 36,017 passive smokers (people who don’t smoke themselves but are exposed to other people’s cigarette smoke).
According to the study, some factors that increase the risk of breast cancer are:
Secondhand smoke is also called passive smoking and is smoke that a person inhales unintentionally. For example, people can inhale tobacco smoke by just being around others who smoke. According to the California Air Resources Board, secondhand smoke is a proven carcinogen.
The smoke that is released from the burning ends of cigarettes is called sidestream smoke. Sidestream smoke is unfiltered and hence contains more harmful substances than the smoke that a smoker breathes out.
A 2013 study analyzed the risk of breast cancer in 322,988 active, passive, and non-smokers.
Compared to non-smoking women, those exposed to passive smoke at home or work had a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
The GSTM1 gene (glutathione S-transferase mu 1 gene) helps produce the glutathione S-transferase enzyme that belongs to the Mu class. The Mu class of enzymes helps in eliminating carcinogens and other environmental toxins from the body.
rs366631 is a single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP in the GSTM1 gene.
People with the GSTM1 null genotype have a higher risk of developing breast cancer when exposed to cigarette smoke.
Null genotype is the non-functional variant of the gene that results in total loss of function of the gene.
Here, the TT genotype is the null genotype.
The risk of breast cancer was also more severe in postmenopausal smokers with the GSTM1 null genotype.
| Genotype | Implication |
| TT | Increased risk of breast cancer upon smoking |
| CT | Normal risk of breast cancer upon smoking |
| CC | Normal risk of breast cancer upon smoking |
The SLC4A7 gene (Solute Carrier Family 4 Member 7 gene) helps produce a protein that transports sodium and bicarbonate ions. It also plays a role in the metabolism of different acids, ions, and amine compounds.
rs4973768 is an SNP in the SLC4A7 gene. A meta-analysis has reported an increased risk for breast cancer upon smoking in T allele carriers.
| Genotype | Implication |
| TT | Increased risk of breast cancer upon smoking |
| CT | Increased risk of breast cancer upon smoking |
| CC | Normal risk of breast cancer upon smoking |
There are so many government and private bodies that help people with tobacco addiction. You can get help from some of these rehab centers to stop or limit smoking. It takes time and effort to curb the craving. Here are some pointers that can help you with this.
For people who have been smoking for years together, some places, smells, habits, or environments can create an urge to smoke. Understand these triggers and stay away from them. Practice the below activities to make quitting smoking easier.
Secondhand smoking ends up harmful to non-smokers. Here are ways you can limit/eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.
Genetic testing helps identify genetic factors that could increase your breast cancer risk. If you do have a high genetic risk, regular screening may help.
Pain tolerance linked to working out more?
Humans often experience pain as an unwelcome barrier.
But what if there was a way to break through those barriers?
What if physical activity held the key to unlocking a higher pain tolerance?
A new study reinforces that engaging in physical activities reduces chronic pain experience.
This article reveals pain tolerance, the factors affecting them, and how physical activity is associated with pain tolerance effect with a study supporting this concept.
Read on to uncover further insights.
Your genes play a strong role in influencing your pain threshold.
Pain tolerance is the capacity of a person to handle or tolerate pain.
Individuals with higher pain tolerance can feel less pain than those with moderate or low pain tolerance.
A simple example is a person's ability to touch a hot surface. A person with higher tolerance can have higher exposure than others.
Some factors influence the pain tolerance of an individual.
Genetics has emerged as a significant factor in understanding the variation in pain tolerance among individuals.
Our genetic makeup plays a crucial role in determining how we perceive and respond to pain stimuli.
Studies have shown that certain genetic variations can affect the functioning of pain receptors, neurotransmitters, and inflammatory pathways, ultimately influencing our pain perception and tolerance levels.
Research strongly suggests that males and females differ in their responses to pain.
This is due to differences in the anatomy, genetic makeup, types and levels of hormones, nerve responses, etc., between males and females.
Each of us possesses a unique lifestyle and varying levels of exposure to different experiences. For instance, people who smoke may be more sensitive to pain.
On the other hand, athletes have a higher pain tolerance.
It’s no secret that your mind and body are connected. So, anything that affects your mental health, including conditions like depression and anxiety, may increase pain sensitivity.
Engaging in physical activities/exercises is associated with higher pain tolerance.
During exercise, the body releases chemical compounds known as endorphins.
Endorphins are the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals.
They engage with specific parts of the brain, subsequently diminishing one's perception of pain.
This decrease in pain sensation through exercise is termed exercise-induced hypoplasia.
Furthermore, repeated exposure to discomfort during exercise might lead to adaptations in the central nervous system, resulting in enhanced pain tolerance.
However, the exact mechanisms behind this connection are not yet fully understood.
Many aspects of our fitness, like injury risk, endurance potential, lung capacity, tendon strength, and pain tolerance, are influenced by our genes. Learning about how your genes impact fitness can be very helpful in achieving your fitness goals.
According to a recently published study in PLOS ONE, higher levels of physical activity have been found to decrease or prevent chronic pain sensation.
This study was conducted by nine researchers affiliated with the Department of Pain, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway, and some centers in Norway.
The study included 10,732 Norwegian adults, 51% of whom were females.
The participants’ mean age was 55.8 years.
The study measured two parameters: physical activity and pain tolerance.
The former was self-reported by the participants as “leisure-time physical activity,” which includes all physical activities done during the day, including exercise.
Pain tolerance was measured using a cold-pressor test (CPT) where the participants had to submerge their hands (till their wrists) in water (3°C) for as long as possible.
Certain workouts have shown promising results when it comes to improving pain tolerance through exercise. Here are some of the best exercises to consider:
Remember, it's important to listen to your body and start at an appropriate level of intensity that is best for your needs.
Consult a healthcare professional or fitness expert for any underlying health conditions or concerns.
Pain tolerance refers to a person's ability to endure or withstand pain.
Factors like age, gender, genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors might influence a person to experience pain tolerance.
A new study suggests that engaging in physical activity is associated with higher pain tolerance - the more intensity, the higher the pain tolerance.
Certain types of physical activities, like HIIT, resistance training, yoga, and tai-chi, in particular, are known to improve pain tolerance.
Our gut is home to various bacteria, viruses, and fungi called the microbiome.
These microbiomes can be either good or bad for the body.
When you have a healthy gut, the good bacteria balance out the bad ones.
Therefore, gut health is essential for our overall health.
Our bodies will stop functioning correctly in the absence of our gut microbiome.
In addition, our gut bacteria strengthen our immune systems.
They also help in the digestion and metabolism of nutrients present in food.
Our gut bacteria reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and obesity.
The most obvious sign that your gut is out of balance is suffering from frequent episodes of diarrhea.
It is normal to have diarrhea after you have eaten an unhealthy or undercooked meal.
But having frequent episodes of it might point to gut bacteria imbalance.
An unhealthy gut will affect your health and overall well-being.
When good bacteria reduce in your body, harmful bacteria usually kept in check by them get a chance to increase.
Some harmful bacteria like E. Coli are naturally present in your body.
But they cannot harm you because good bacteria keep their population under check.
But if there is an imbalance, you might suffer from an E. Coli infection.
A gut imbalance makes you susceptible to diseases like diabetes and ulcerative colitis.
If you have any of the above signs, chances are that your gut is out of balance.
To stop the bad bacteria from increasing, you have to starve them in your gut.
For that, you can take the following measures:
Our diets are destroying our bodies and our guts.
Oily fried foods and sugary snacks are a bane to our good gut bacteria.
They tend to promote inflammation in the body.
The bad gut bacteria love diet deficiencies and promote diseases in the body.
Include fresh vegetables and whole foods in your diet to prevent inflammation.
Cut down on fast and processed food as much as possible.
Having a healthy sleep schedule is very important to maintain our overall health.
Sleep helps your body heal.
But it is essential for our gut health.
Some studies show that our gut bacteria have their sleep schedule.
Another study shows that jet-lagged people have a higher density of harmful gut bacteria.
Alternately, a healthy gut promotes better sleep.
The fiber in itself is not food for us.
Unlike cows, our stomach does not have the enzyme to digest fiber.
However, there are numerous studies to prove that a high-fiber diet is beneficial for our health.
A high-fiber diet keeps diabetes and obesity in check.
It prevents ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and colorectal cancer.
It also promotes a healthy gut and good bacteria.
Do some exercise every day to keep your body; and your gut; healthy.
Movement directly affects our gut bacteria, which in turn helps improve our tissue metabolism and heart health.
However, do not over-exercise.
It might be perceived as stress, and your body might release stress hormones that harm your gut bacteria.
Overeating sugar can increase the risk of inflammation in your body.
It hurts our gut health.
Sugar has also been shown to reduce gut microbiome diversity.
Sugar can increase one group of bacteria, which disturbs the gut balance.
Chronic stress can have serious adverse effects on your gut health.
Stress can cause frequent nausea and indigestion, disturbing your gut microbial balance.
Do stress-relieving activities such as meditation, or go for a walk to keep your stress levels in check.
Always consult your doctor before starting any antibiotic medications.
Antibiotic cannot recognize between good and bacteria and tends to destroy all kinds of bacteria.
Thus, frequent antibiotic usage can cause gut imbalance.
So it is essential to use antibiotic medication carefully.
Hydrating yourself well is key to good gut health.
Drinking plenty of water prevents constipation and helps in bowel movements.
In addition, drinking plain water is the simplest way to promote a healthy gut.
Here are some additional tips to improve your gut health:
Our gut is home to millions of species of good and bad bacteria.
These bacteria are essential for our bodies to function correctly.
Our modern lifestyles can disturb the balance between good and bad bacteria, making us prone to various diseases.
If you suspect a gut microbial imbalance, you can do certain things to starve the harmful bacteria.
It will restore your gut balance and improve your health.
In a world where breast cancer continues to cast its shadow over countless women, a ray of hope emerges in the form of artificial intelligence (AI).
Picture this: a cutting-edge technology that can swiftly and accurately detect breast cancer, potentially saving lives and changing the game.
Sounds intriguing, right? Well, that's exactly what we're diving into today.
Join us as we explore the remarkable role of AI in breast cancer diagnosis, uncovering its potential, benefits, and how it is reshaping the landscape of women's health.
Get ready to witness the revolutionary fusion of medicine and AI that promises a brighter future for breast cancer detection and treatment.
It swoops in with its incredible breast imaging powers, capable of unveiling the earliest signs of breast cancer up to three years before symptoms manifest.
It's like having a crystal ball for your precious breasts! Your doctor might suggest a screening mammogram as the first line of defense. But, if your breasts have lumps or appear suspiciously abnormal, they might call for a diagnostic mammogram.
However, sometimes mammograms can be a bit too enthusiastic, giving false positive results. Especially for our young and vibrant ladies with dense breast tissue, these false alarms can be a pesky nuisance. These false positives might trigger further tests, which can be a pain in terms of time and money.
Ultrasound steps in when lumps are felt but remain invisible in mammograms. It's like a sidekick with a sixth sense! This nifty tool can help us decipher between fluid-filled cysts and solid masses that might need a closer look.
Although not the go-to for initial detection, MRI provides assistance once breast cancer has been diagnosed. It helps track the tumor's size and location and even lends a hand in spotting tumors hiding in the other breast.
A biopsy involves collecting tissue or fluid samples from the breast, which are then examined under a microscope or used for further tests. Fine needle aspiration, core biopsy, open biopsy—they all play a vital role in unraveling the truth and guiding our next steps.
While our current arsenal of breast cancer detection techniques is undeniably impressive, they do have their limitations. Could AI help overcome these limitations and pave the way for improved and more accurate diagnosis?
Geoff Hinton, the mastermind behind AI research, has crafted an extraordinary image recognition system inspired by the incredible human brain. It's like a digital Sherlock Holmes! This AI marvel has the power to identify signs of breast cancer hidden within mammograms swiftly.
Hungary, with its robust breast cancer screening program, serves as the thrilling testing ground for this groundbreaking technology. The AI system has the remarkable ability to spot signs of cancer that even experienced radiologists might miss.
Over in the United States and the European Union, data on the performance of AI in breast cancer screening is gradually emerging.
These real-world results will provide invaluable insights into the effectiveness of AI in this crucial battle against breast cancer.
ML algorithms are like genius mathematicians, analyzing data in ways we could never fathom.
A study conducted in the Netherlands has shown that AI, powered by machine learning, can accurately detect the spread of breast cancer. It's like having an army of brilliant pathologists working tirelessly to save lives!
In fact, this simulation test involving eleven pathologists revealed that AI was just as good, if not better, at detecting breast cancer.
AI's prowess extends to having a personalized health guru at your side! By analyzing patterns and risk factors, AI algorithms can predict which patients are more likely to develop breast cancer. This opens the door to proactive and personalized interventions, where we can tailor treatments to suit each unique situation. Talk about a game-changer!
AI is like the Flash of breast cancer diagnosis, swiftly analyzing mammoth amounts of data with lightning speed.
It can process multiple mammograms simultaneously, ensuring no potential threat goes unnoticed.
AI also will soon gain popularity among women with denser breasts. By leveraging its advanced image recognition systems, AI can penetrate the complexities of dense breast tissue. This can help with improved screening and diagnosis.
With AI by our side, we can accelerate the detection process, granting patients a better chance at successful treatment and recovery.
It's a race against time, and AI gives us the upper hand.
While AI strives for accuracy, false alarms, and false positive results can still occasionally sneak their way into the mix.
The challenge lies in refining the algorithms to minimize these false alarms, ensuring that AI becomes a trusted companion rather than a source of undue stress.
Machines still have room to grow in their ability to identify unfamiliar patterns and diseases.
With continuous fine-tuning and advancements in machine learning, we can steadily overcome this obstacle.
Another critical consideration is the potential for bias in AI systems.
As AI learns from the data it's trained on, there's a risk of perpetuating existing biases or introducing new ones.
To ensure fairness and accuracy, we must be vigilant in monitoring and auditing AI algorithms, questioning their outputs, and actively working to eliminate biases.
By promoting diversity and inclusivity in both the development and implementation of AI systems, we can strive for more equitable healthcare outcomes.
AI's reliance on data is both a strength and a limitation. While it can process vast amounts of information with remarkable speed, its effectiveness depends on the quality and diversity of the data it receives. It's like a novel that relies on a rich tapestry of experiences to create a compelling story.
In the context of breast cancer diagnosis, AI algorithms require diverse datasets that include underrepresented populations, different age groups, and various genetic backgrounds.
Additionally, the interpretability of AI algorithms poses a challenge.
The complex decision-making processes of AI systems can sometimes be difficult to understand, leading to questions about their reliability and trustworthiness.
To address this limitation, efforts are underway to develop explainable AI, where algorithms provide transparent insights into their decision-making process.
Let's dive into the exciting realm of real-world examples where AI has emerged as a game-changer in breast cancer diagnosis. These remarkable success stories highlight the potential of AI to revolutionize the way we detect and combat this formidable disease.
Breast cancer, a formidable adversary, continues to impact the lives of countless women. However, the advent of AI has brought a ray of hope, empowering us to detect and combat this disease like never before. Let's take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've embarked upon and envision the promising future that lies ahead.
AI's role in breast cancer diagnosis is nothing short of transformative.
With its remarkable accuracy and speed, AI acts as a vigilant ally, working hand in hand with healthcare professionals to detect cancerous signs that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Through AI-enhanced mammography, ultrasound imaging, and pathologist-assisted analysis, we've witnessed a surge in accuracy and efficiency, enabling early detection and timely interventions.
But the impact of AI goes beyond the realm of diagnostics.
By integrating multi-modal data and employing predictive modeling, AI paves the way for personalized risk assessment and tailored treatment strategies.
It's like having a personalized compass that guides healthcare professionals toward the most effective interventions, ensuring better outcomes and improved patient care.
At the same time, it's essential to acknowledge the limitations and challenges we face. We must navigate the delicate balance between false alarms and false positives, refining AI algorithms to minimize unnecessary anxiety.
Additionally, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and the elimination of biases in AI systems, ensuring equitable healthcare outcomes for all.
Are you tired of waking up each morning with an achy lower back, robbed of the restful sleep you desperately crave?
Then it's time to delve into the realm of sleep positions and unlock the key to a blissful night's slumber.
Discovering the ideal sleeping position could be your ticket to a pain-free night and a revitalized morning. This article unlocks the secrets of the best sleeping position for lower back pain.
Lower back pain is a prevalent and often bothersome condition affecting people of all ages.
It's an issue that many of us have encountered at some point, and understanding its causes can shed light on potential solutions.
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there can be other causes of lower back pain. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional to evaluate your specific situation.
The relationship between sleep and lower back pain is a two-way street.
Severe pain in the lower back can make it difficult to find a suitable position to sleep. Extreme pain can also interfere with a good night’s rest.
At the same time, inadequate or low-quality sleep can lead to back pain. While experts are not sure why this happens, it may be due to insufficient tissue repair.
The quality and suitability of your mattress and pillow also play a role. An unsupportive or sagging mattress can lead to improper spinal alignment, exacerbating back pain.
Additionally, certain sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or insomnia, can disrupt normal sleep patterns and have been associated with an increased risk of developing or worsening chronic pain conditions, including lower back pain.
According to the Sleep Foundation, the best sleeping position for lower back pain is sleeping on the side with a slight bend in the knees.
A pillow between your legs can further help with comfort.
If your lower back pain is due to a herniated disk, sleeping on the side in a fetal position can help relieve the pressure by opening up the space between the vertebrae.
If you want to sleep on your back
If you are a seasoned back sleeper and cannot break out of the habit, a pillow under your knees, legs, and/or lower back can help with the pain by relieving lumbar pressure.
If you want to sleep on your stomach
According to experts, sleeping on your stomach can be the worst position for back pains as they add stress to your neck.
But if you cannot sleep in any other position, go for only a thin pillow under your head.
A pillow under your pelvis and lower abdomen can also prevent the lower back from sinking into a U-shape.
This ensures that your spine is not pulled out of alignment.
Sleep plays a crucial role in the healing process of lower back pain.
During sleep, the body undergoes restorative processes that promote tissue repair and recovery.
Adequate sleep allows damaged tissues, including those in the lower back, to heal more effectively.
It also helps reduce inflammation, which can contribute to lower back pain.
Therefore, getting sufficient and quality sleep can support the healing of lower back pain.
However, it's important to note that sleep alone may not address chronic or severe lower back pain.
Thus, consulting with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment options is recommended.
If you constantly suffer from lower back pain after sleeping, it is best to avoid sleeping on your stomach.
However, getting adequate and good quality rest is more important to relieve lower back pain sleep position.
So, if you cannot sleep well in any other position, follow the tips given in the previous section for sleeping on your stomach.
Whatever your sleep position, it is important to ensure that your spine has a proper alignment.
This can be done by aligning your ears, shoulders, and hips.
Other than while sleeping, here’s how you can ensure a good spine alignment:
While these tips can promote spine alignment and reduce the risk of lower back pain, it's essential to listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional if you have persistent or severe back pain.
Lower back pain can be caused by muscle strain, disc problems, degenerative conditions, poor posture, and a sedentary lifestyle. The relationship between sleep and lower back pain is reciprocal, as pain can disrupt sleep, while insufficient sleep can contribute to back pain.
The best sleeping position for lower back pain is on the side with a slight bend in the knees and a pillow between the legs. If sleeping on the back, a pillow under the knees, legs, or lower back can help.
Sleeping on the stomach is generally discouraged, but if necessary, a thin pillow under the head and a pillow under the pelvis and lower abdomen can help maintain spinal alignment.
Maintaining good posture, using ergonomic support, lifting objects correctly, engaging in regular exercise and stretching, and taking regular breaks to move are additional tips for avoiding lower back pain.
It's important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment options if experiencing chronic or severe back pain.
If your tooth is a bank account then calcium is the currency.
Without enough calcium, your teeth may suffer from a 'financial crisis,' leading to various dental problems.
Let's explore how calcium deficiency affects teeth and what you can do to keep your pearly whites healthy and strong.
Calcium is vital for healthy teeth and bones for children and adults.
For children aged 1-3 years, 300 mg of calcium in their diet is sufficient.
This amount can be gradually increased up to 1300 mg for adolescent children.
Adult men and women should take 1000 mg of calcium daily.
This amount should be increased up to 1300 mg in women aged 51 years and above.
Hypocalcemia is a condition where your body is deficient in calcium.
It is usually due to reduced calcium resorption in the blood, dietary deficiency, or genetic disorders.
Some causes of hypocalcemia are:
They release a hormone called parathormone (PTH).
PTH helps regulate calcium levels in the body.
An under-secretion of PTH can result in low calcium levels in the body.
Genetic disorders like DiGeorge syndrome can result in a more minor, more rudimentary parathyroid gland.
A deficiency of this nutrient can interfere with calcium metabolism, resulting in low levels in the body.
Some antibiotics and anti-seizure medications interfere with calcium uptake.
Medication used to treat bone cancer can reduce calcium resorption in bone.
Calcium deficiency in teeth can be due to a diet low in calcium and phosphorus.
How much calcium you consume as a child plays a part in determining your oral health in adulthood.
Calcium is essential for the normal development of teeth.
A deficiency of calcium can cause tooth decay.
Calcium is the primary mineral contained in enamel.
It is present in the form of hydroxyapatite crystals in enamel.
Calcium prevents our teeth from cavities.
It also helps to hold the teeth firmly in the jaw bone.
Enamel, the outermost layer of your teeth, is formed before birth.
Since it is a dead tissue, enamel does not regrow.
But enamel can be remineralized.
Fluoride-rich toothpaste can remineralize enamel to some extent when used regularly.
Eating calcium-rich foods can strengthen teeth but is unlikely to regrow lost enamel.
Calcium deficiency can weaken your teeth and jawbone.
The jaw bone holds your teeth in place, and when it weakens, your teeth start to fall out.
You might also notice gum diseases and bleeding when your body runs low on calcium.
A study conducted in 2015 also showed a link between calcium deficiency and an increased risk of oral cancer.
It can make you more prone to fractures, even minor injuries.
Menopausal women tend to develop osteoporosis, where bones become extremely brittle and fragile.
When your body is running low on calcium, you might develop arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat pattern.
It might cause depression and seizures.
Maintaining your oral hygiene is essential for healthy teeth and gums.
Brushing and flossing twice daily helps remove any food particles stuck in your teeth.
Rinsing your mouth after every meal reduces the chances of developing caries.
Avoid frequently eating highly acidic foods, sugary sweets, and candies, as they can damage your teeth.
Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco, as it can compromise oral health and cause cancer.
Get yourself checked every six months with the dentist to rule out any possible tooth or gum disease.
Some studies have shown that calcium and vitamin D supplements may improve oral health.
However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before starting supplements.
Milk, yogurt, and cheese all contain sufficient amounts of calcium.
Therefore, consuming two daily dairy products can meet the body’s calcium needs.
Tofu has about 832 mg of calcium per cup.
Spinach contains as high as 245 mg of calcium per cup.
In the long run, calcium tablets can make you susceptible to developing kidney stones.
However, if you are calcium deficient and cannot meet your needs through your diet, consult a doctor before starting any supplements.
It also helps maintain bone density.
It also works alongside magnesium to reduce excess acidity in the blood.
Too acidic blood can leach calcium from bones and teeth.
It works with calcium to create hydroxyapatite, the main component of enamel.
Calcium is one of the essential minerals required by the body.
It helps proper bone and teeth formation and is required for blood clotting and nerve impulse transmission.
A calcium deficiency in the diet can cause many health problems, such as osteoporosis, irregular heartbeat, and mental retardation.
Calcium supplements help counteract deficiency, but it is always advisable to consult a doctor before starting any supplements.
Foods like milk, cheese, and other dairy products naturally contain calcium and should be included in your diet.
