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If you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), your doctor might advise you to make a few changes in your diet to treat this condition’s symptoms. Adopting a healthy diet means watching what you eat, and consuming an ample mix of nutritious foods.

However, as we approach the December festive season, people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome might notice that specific diets activate uncomfortable digestive symptoms.

It is impossible to come up with a single list of foods that trigger IBS symptoms because different people have different foods that cause these symptoms to manifest. With that said, research shows that avoiding some of the most common foods such as fried foods, dairy, and alcohol can result in:

• Less bloating

• A decrease in IBS symptoms

• Fewer cramps

• Regular bowel movements

Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome

According to medical experts, IBS is a persistent gastrointestinal ailment that happens to be the leading cause of abdominal disturbance and pain during bowel movements. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common condition that can reduce your quality of day-to-day life.

Most health experts agree that constipation, belly pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea are significant IBS indications.

This article will look at some of the common foods you need to avoid if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, keep on reading to find out which foods you need to keep off your diet.

1. Gluten

Most people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome tend to feel better when they avoid eating wheat and other foods containing gluten. Gluten is a protein composite group found in barley, wheat, and rye, which causes abdominal challenges to some people with IBS.

If you are the type of person who encounters worsening symptoms after consuming gluten products, medical experts advise you to adopt a gluten-free diet.

Luckily, the market is experiencing an upsurge supply of gluten-free products at a fast rate. If you are a fan of pasta, pizza, cookies, or cakes and would like to continue enjoying them, you can always opt for gluten-free substitutes.

Additionally, the market is flooded with many whole and nutritious substitutes to grains and flours that contain gluten. Some of them include:

• Coconut flour

• Sorghum

• Almond flour

• Oats

• Buckwheat

2. Insoluble Fiber

Always opt for dietary fibers as they assist in keeping your gut healthy while making your stomach feel full for extended periods. Foods that are high in dietary fiber include fruits, whole grains, and vegetables.

There are two types of fiber found in diets: Soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber is commonly found in oatmeal, beans, and fruits, while insoluble fiber is standard in vegetables and whole-grain products.

3. Fried Foods

French fries, fried chicken, and other fried foods are quickly emerging as the go-to foods in our fast-paced society. However, consuming too much of them can lead to serious health complications. The high-fat content found in these foods tends to be incredibly hard on the digestive system of people living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

According to health experts, frying food tends to change the food’s chemical structure, making it hard to digest, leading to digestive complications.

You can opt to grill or bake your favorite foods instead of frying for a more healthy option.

4. Dairy

For several reasons, dairy products tend to cause abdominal problems to many people suffering from IBS. Many dairy products are high in fat, which sometimes leads to stomach complications and diarrhea.

Also, many people have testified that milk plays a vital role in triggering their symptoms. However, it is unclear whether people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome are more likely to be lactose intolerant.

You can always opt for soy-based cheese and plant milk as dairy alternatives if you feel milk and dairy products give you digestive problems.

You can also opt to cut out dairy products entirely from your diet and focus on consuming calcium-rich foods such as beans, greens, seeds, sardines, and nuts.

Other Foods to Avoid

Other foods you might want to avoid if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome include:

• Garlic and onions

• Alcohol

• Processed foods

• Caffeinated drinks

• Beans and legumes

• Chocolate

• Broccoli and cauliflower

Following the dietary advice above will hopefully help to reduce the frequency and severity of your IBS symptoms. However, remember to consult a doctor if the problems persist, as there is a range of medications available to help deal with the condition.

This article explains why good dental care matters and how it can contribute to your overall health. It also touches on orthodontics for teens and why Invisalign is quite popular right now. If you want to learn everything you need to know about dental care, continue reading.

What is good dental care?

Proper dental care is a combination of regular daily brushing and flossing. It also involves regularly visiting your dental care professional to make sure any possible issues are picked up before they become a bigger problem.

It also includes using mouthwash to get rid of small food particles that might be left behind after you have brushed and flossed. A good idea is to get a new toothbrush at least once every three months, preferably sooner if you can see that bristles are becoming worn and splayed.

Good oral health also involves eating a healthy diet that includes only a limited amount of added sugar, not using excessive amounts of alcohol, and trying to avoid tobacco use altogether.

The price of poor dental care

Missing, crooked, or diseased teeth or even worse, a misshapen jaw, will not only make chewing your food properly more difficult (and painful) than it has any right to be, it will also interfere with proper speech. Plus it could lead to costly corrective procedures.

Cavities are painful parts of your teeth where the enamel has decayed to expose the rot inside the tooth. Cold or hot food and also liquids will quickly send a painful signal that there is something wrong. The problem with cavities is that they will often not show any major symptoms until the tooth has been significantly damaged.

This is why it’s so important to regularly visit your dentist if you want to maintain not only healthy teeth but also healthy gums and a healthy mouth. The fact of the matter is that It’s much easier to treat early symptoms of tooth decay than to do something about advanced cases. As a result of recent developments in dental technology, treating tooth decay before it has advanced too much usually involves only slight discomfort. Modern medications numb the region of the decay and therefore eliminate any possible pain associated with filling the cavity.

Gum disease is another complication that can be caused by poor oral health. During the initial stages, it often appears to be mild, but if left untreated it can lead to much more serious problems. it could, for example, eventually cause infections, loss of teeth, and similar complications.

More serious health problems. Apart from complications to your gums and teeth, scientists have now discovered links between periodontal disease and other health issues such as strokes, heart complications, respiratory issues, and even diabetes. Read on to find out more.

How oral health is linked to your overall health

Few people realize exactly how important their oral health is. Are you aware that your oral health can often provide experts with a fairly good idea of the state of your overall health? Or that issues that start in your mouth can eventually affect your whole body?

Similar to other parts of your body, your mouth is literally teeming with bacteria. Most of them are harmless but not all of them. And since your mouth is a pathway to your respiratory and digestive systems, the bad ones can carry disease to those systems.

Normally proper dental care such as regular brushing and flossing combined with your body’s natural defenses can keep these bacteria under control. Without proper oral care, however, bacteria levels can escalate so much that it not only leads to tooth and gum disease but also infections in other parts of the body.

Something important to know at this stage is that some medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, antidepressants, and diuretics can reduce saliva flow. And saliva is what washes down any food particles left in your mouth and neutralizes acids. This helps to protect your body against microbes that could cause disease.

Diseases and conditions that might be worsened by poor oral health

Research shows that oral bacteria combined with inflammation caused by periodontitis could actually play a role in numerous diseases. This can in turn increase the severity of oral health problems. Examples include:

Cardiovascular disease. Although scientists do not yet fully understand the connection, some research indicates that clogged arteries, heart disease, and strokes could be linked to the infections and inflammations caused by oral bacteria.

Endocarditis. This refers to when the inner lining of the heart valves or chambers become infected. It typically happens when germs or bacteria from other parts of the body (including the mouth) spread to certain regions of the heart via the bloodstream.

Complications during pregnancy and giving birth. Links have been found between periodontitis, premature birth, and reduced birth weight.

Diabetes. Researchers have found that individuals who suffer from gum disease have a more difficult time controlling their blood sugar levels.

With changing trends and needs, a variety of materials have been used over the years for kitchen countertops. But laminates have stirred a debate for quite some time now.

Laminates are made of wood byproducts and resin glued together, passed through heat and a hydraulic press, later laminated with plastic sheets. They have made a quick reputation in kitchen countertop options because of their low price and variety of designs. However, they aren’t durable in the long run, so they are a good option for someone who’s looking for a low budget kitchen remodelling.

But if you’re looking for something long term then here’s why you should keep laminate countertops are your absolute last option: 

1. Less Durability

Laminate countertops tend to last long when properly cared for but their durability is still way less than PVC and wood cabinets. Once the edges and corners of the laminate countertop start to tear off, it is extremely difficult to repair them and stick them back on. You might need to replace the whole thing which is just a dent in your budget! 

Laminate is being used for countertops, but according to the following quartz vs. laminate countertop comparison chart, laminate is less durable for countertops as well as cabinets:

• Loses firmness in a humid environment but quartz, wood and PVC materials retain their structure. 
• Contain particle board shelves and jambs which are less durable than plywood used in wood cabinets. 
• Can’t be repaired once the edges lift off, unlike wood that can be sanded. 

Now that we know laminate is definitely not the right choice for you in you are looking for durability or live in a humid environment, let’s take a look at the textures and visual appeal:

2. Limited Visual Appeal

If you are an admirer of classic and traditional kitchen design styles, nothing can beat wood! Laminate countertops come in a variety of styles and finishes at a cheap price, but they lack depth and it can be easily distinguished from real wood.

There are some high-end expensive laminate countertops that are really similar to wood but they are definitely not budget friendly and why bother when you can get the real wood at the same price? Similarly PVC can be customised to a variety of designs and comes with a better durability and fire resistance than laminate. 

3. Cost and Resale Value

We get it, saving money on kitchen countertops sounds really tempting, and laminate countertops provide you with just the thing, But here’s the catch, they don’t add to your home’s resale value in any way. Whereas wood and other materials might be a little pricier, they are a top tier material and the extra money you spend on them will add to the resale value of your home.

On the other hand, if you save money and get yourself laminate countertops , they will wear out sooner and might just end up decreasing your resale value if anything. 

4. Maintenance & Care

Laminate countertops are no doubt really low maintenance and easy to clean. They can be cleaned with mild cleaning agents and don’t need any high end maintenance. But caring for laminate countertops is not as easy as cleaning them. As already established, they are prone to damage with humidity and also get damaged with heat and start to peel off. The repair costs on laminate countertops can be too high and you can’t save the edges from peeling off over time even with extreme care. It makes more sense to just get a good quality wood or PVC structure that will last you a long time and save you repair costs. 

Now that we have established that Laminate countertops are not the right choice for your kitchen given their less durability and visual appeal as compared to wood and PVC. They might be easy maintenance, and save money on kitchen remodel, but it is only for a short time and they’ll start to wear out sooner than wood and PVC. What’s the point of saving that money on something that isn’t going to last long? So don’t get yourself something that isn’t durable just to save yourself money on your remodel and end up spending more money on repairing it! Remember to only choose laminate countertop if you REALLY have to in case of unavailability of other options!

Christmas Day is one of the holidays that almost all people across the globe await. It’s the season of gift-giving, joy, and thanksgiving of the successes and surpassed struggles that had happened in the previous months. Moreover, it’s the time where every family member gathers at the table, exchanging happiness and enjoying the hearty and satisfying Christmas’ iconic dishes.

A typical full-course meal ends with a dessert. It can be chocolate or fresh fruit treats. Although it’s easy to say, the preparation for the best meal-ender dessert is actually tough, especially if you want to impress your family with your heart-warming decadent dessert. Now that Christmas Day is almost near, there’s no need to falter about the dessert because we’ll provide you 10 of the fantastic meal-ender desserts perfect for Christmas fest!

1. Pumpkin Pie

The pumpkin pie is a classic dish served during Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. It’s a dish that uses the fresh seasonal ingredient, the pumpkin, as the primary filling in the pie. This dessert also utilizes the fall flavors that complement winter’s ambiance, such as the pumpkin pie spice that gives warmth. Moreover, it’s a very simple dish that’s heartwarming because of its familiar taste. To grab the full recipe of this classic dessert, click here.

2. Fruit Cake

Another iconic dish during Christmas is fruit cake. This cake is popular as a centerpiece-dessert and present. Generally, it’s a sweet cake containing mixed dried fruits, such as cranberries, dates, and plums, and nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, pecans, and macadamia. It has an intriguing yet satisfying aftertaste because it has been soaked in sherry, whisky, dark rum, brandy, or orange liqueur.

3. Trifle

Trifle is a layered dessert dish that’s perfect for impressing people. The primary components of the trifle are cream, pastry cream, fruits that you like, sponge cake, and you can add some nuts. The first layer on the bottom would be the sponge cake that’s been soaked in simple syrup or the syrup you prefer. Add a dollop of cream and arrange the sliced fruits neatly so that it’s visually appealing on the sides of the tall glass container. You’ll just have to repeat the process until it reaches the top.

4. Chocolate Fudge Brownies

Chocolate fudge brownie is a classic dessert that’s available all year round. Indeed, chocolate will never get out of style, and when you pair it with a dessert, it becomes a match made in heaven. This heavy, fudgy, and chewy chocolate brownie is a great meal-ender dessert and can be best enjoyed when topped with mixed nuts or a scoop of ice cream.

5. Raspberry Soufflé

The soufflé is a classic French dessert that means “to breathe.” It’s a light and fluffy dessert because of the egg whites that have been whisked until soft peaks. Although this dessert only contains a few ingredients, it’s complicated to master. But, if you have been practicing this

dessert for years, well, it would be a fool-proof dish. Instead of using chocolate, substitute it with raspberry puree for a fresh and tart taste to cut the fatty meal.

6. Gingerbread Cookies

Who doesn’t love gingerbread cookies?

The gingerbread cookie is a baked good that’s flavored with a potpourri of warm spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and uses sweetener like molasses, honey, and brown sugar. It can be shaped using various cookie cutters and decorated by using icing. It’s a perfect family activity before Christmas Day because everyone can participate in the baking and decoration process.

7. Poached Pears

If you want a fresh take on desserts, poaching the pears is an exceptional choice. The skin of the fruit is peeled first before cutting it in half and removing the core. After that, prepare the poaching liquid. An Asian-inspired poaching liquid would include miso, ginger, honey, and star anise. Place the pears in the poaching liquid and wait until the flesh is softened. Poached pears are a flawless dessert after you had a heavy meal.

8. Mint-Chocolate Ice Cream

Mint and chocolate is a familiar flavor combination that appeals to every palate. The subtle spice and coolness that the mint exudes and the bitter yet velvet taste that chocolate has, are just comforting, perfect for Christmas eve. Moreover, using a mint-chocolate flavor for your ice cream will not embarrass you in front of your family.

9. Mini Pavlovas

Mini pavlovas are a smaller version of meringues that have been baked until it’s crunchy on the outside and chewy in the middle. It is typically topped with fresh tropical fruits such as mango, kiwi, pineapple, and passion fruit, on a dollop of lemon curd or pastry cream. But, baking the pavlova itself is extremely complicated and needs precision in measurement, handling, and temperature. That’s why you must use a recipe that you’re comfortable with.

10. Macarons

The macarons are a classic Italian dessert that, amid its difficulty in level of baking, people still manage to create crunchy and chewy cookies. It’s the dessert that even professionals are afraid of. Moreover, if you’re able to bake high-quality macaron cookies, you’ll go far. Serving macarons with a bunch of flavors like matcha, chocolate, hazelnut, and strawberry would surely create an impact.

Takeaway

Indeed, desserts are a perfect ending to a full-course meal at Christmas, and nothing beats the sweet treats that embody the spirit of Yuletide season. And remember, when you are eating your meal, be grateful, because there are starving kids and people outside who haven’t anything and everything.

When choosing kitchen and bathroom countertops, most homeowners want a beautiful surface that can withstand the demands of heat, water, wear, and tear. Quartz is a high-end surface composed of stone-like materials that has the durability and porosity of natural stone. It has few imperfections and is easy to work with because it is manmade.

How Is Quartz Produced?

A quartz countertop is considered an engineered stone because it is made from natural minerals mixed with resin. Ninety percent of the countertop is a mixture of natural stone, marble, and granite. It often includes recycled materials such as glass, ceramic, mirrors, and silica. This combination creates a hard surface ideal for use in kitchens where food is prepared and in bathrooms where water intrusion is a concern.

The process of creating quartz starts with pulverizing national stone. It is then mixed with the resin and other materials and pigments to create unique designs. After this, the mixture is heated and shaped into slabs that are ready for installation.

What Are the Benefits?

Quartz is an excellent countertop choice because the nonporous surface doesn’t allow for the growth of bacteria, germs, and mold. It is easy to clean with mild soap and water. The use of harsh chemicals should always be avoided. Unlike other surfaces, quartz doesn’t require ongoing maintenance such as sealing and polishing. It is the ideal option for homeowners looking for a surface that will last thanks to its resistance to heat, stains, and scratches.

Another benefit of this engineered surface is that virtually any color can be chosen to match the décor of your home. Even glass or metallic flecks can be incorporated into the production of a quartz countertop to give it a sparkly look for a more modern, edgy design. The sporadic patterns that are characteristic of granite can also be achieved with quartz.

What Should You Consider When Buying Quartz?

Because of its durability, quartz may not be the cheapest option when it comes to countertops. However, it is one of the surfaces with the most design choice. You can select decorative finishes such as beveled or rounded edges to achieve the exact look

you desire. You can also choose a textured, glossy, or matte finish. Quartz is easy to shape into sinks or to conceal seams when two slabs are joined because the resins make it more flexible.

There are some downfalls to quartz, but these are minimal. For example, it is heat resistant, but only up to 400 degrees. Anything hotter will damage the surface. It is also a poor choice for outdoor use because the sun can cause it to fade and warp.

Quartz countertops check all the boxes for homeowners looking for stylish yet sturdy surfaces for their kitchen and bathroom. With so many design options available, achieving a unique look while enjoying the durability of natural stone is attainable. Plus, installation is a breeze, and many manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty because of the surface’s indestructibility. With all these benefits, the final product will add a welcome aesthetic and value to your home.

The living room is considered to be the core of your house. It is a room where you attend your guest and dearest ones. Decorating your living room with eye-catching art pieces will just make it flaunt. After all, your living room reflects your choice. To make your room look professionally designed, all you need is just some artwork and boom! Your room is ready to present.

From the journey of bare walls to giving an entirely enticing and cohesive look, your selection matters the most. Follow your instincts to obtain flawless results. There are many options available where you can place the art in the living room. You can use the space above the sofa while considering the artwork, and empty spaces behind the wall can also be a good option to consider.

Wall art is the best option

Walls are the most ignored space present in your house, but just by giving some attention to your walls, you can make them look glamorous. Wall art is the best option. Wall art enhances your home appearance and makes it look more attractive and stunning. It gives aesthetic charm to your house. Additionally, wall art is trending these days, so invest in different sorts of wall art and enhance your interiors.

Wall art gives you the art you want. It makes a space look complete and the house turns into a furnished and designed one. There are multiple options available on wall art, you can select any of your preference.

Frame prints for your living room

Either you want to refresh your space or you want to create an entirely new one, Frame prints are an amazing idea to go for. The artwork itself is a masterpiece, but if framed turned into an astonishing one. It looks more impressive and charismatic. The kind of art you will put on your walls will reflect your creativity.

Be ready to turn your bare walls into stylish space with frame prints. Here you will find frame prints of your choice. A good choice will leave an aesthetic impact on visitors’ minds while with a bad choice the viewers will scratch their heads thinking why such a bad idea.

Choose the right color for your frames that goes up with the wall. The color of the frame and wall should coordinate with each other, it will enhance the beauty of your house and won’t make it look odd. By adding wall art frames you can grab viewers’ attention easily and can provide a finishing touch to your room. Also, frames carry your hidden messages; if someone has artistic frames, you will get the message for their love towards art. The picture can speak words you can’t say so be vigilant while choosing one for you.