Top 6 Libido Boosting Foods to Get You in the Mood This Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us and this means a lot of food, sleep, and … SEX! The holiday season is the best time to get behind the curtains and what’s better than trying some libido-boosting foods to get you in the mood!

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Here is the list of the top 6 libido boosting foods you need to try RIGHT NOW!

  1. Black Raspberries

Not only these berries look sexy but do wonders for your sexual health as well. These berries have the highest content of the libido-boosting phytochemicals. They can give you a soaring high level of sex hormones and get you in the mood almost instantaneously.

Don’t skip on the seeds as they are equally effective. So, eat a handful of these berries or a teaspoon of the seeds a couple of minutes before the action begins.

  1. Oysters

Oysters, by all means, are overtly sexy! Sucking, slurping, and licking… all actions you do while eating oysters are sex-related. But the biggest reason to add them to your menu is due to their high content of Zinc. In fact, oysters have the highest content of Zinc among different foods.

It is a mineral that boosts the production of testosterone in males. Moreover, oysters give you a strong punch of healthy fats and B-vitamins. It will make a lot of blood rush to your genitals. This will make him hard for long and her tight for the night!

Eat half a dozen (or as much as you like) of these oysters with red wine and set the mood for the night!

  1. Figs

Figs take the things to the next level when it comes to boosting sex drive. First, figs are loaded with Magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral that helps to boost the level of sex hormones, both in males and females. More importantly, Figs are rich in amino acids.

These amino acids help increase the levels of a chemical called Nitric Oxide (NO). NO causes a massive increase in the blood flow to the genitals, keeping you hard for long!

  1. Dark Chocolate

Ladies… gather around! Here is something for you. Men can enjoy this too but dark chocolate is something that ladies love and is perfect to help you get naughty in bed. Cortisol, or stress hormone, is a major libido killer.

Dark chocolate cuts on your blood levels of cortisol and helps you de-stress. BONUS! Dark chocolate also helps release a group of chemicals in your brain called endorphins. These chemicals can mimic the feelings of an intense orgasm. Eat it, add it your drinks or enjoy it any way you like!

  1. Salmon

It is a bit chilly outside and it is a great time to enjoy a salmon steak! Not only will this make your taste buds explode but will also help improve your sexual drive. Salmons are among the few foods on the planet with the highest content of Omega fatty acids.

Almost all of the sex hormones are derived from fats and cholesterol so salmon provides the raw material needed for the production of these hormones. So, enjoy a salmon steak with a side of veggies and take your partner to the bed!

If your hormones are imbalanced it will have a great effect on your drive. Enjoy healthy foods while increasing your libido.

  1. Pomegranate

Eat it or drink its juice; pomegranate juice is the perfect recipe for a sensual bedroom experience. The reason why pomegranate is so successful is that it increases the amount of NO in your blood. Male or female both need a high amount of this chemical to increase the blood flowing to the genitals. This can help your genitals get ready for the ACT!

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There you have it. Add these foods to your holiday list of items and get ready for the experience of your life!

What Side Effects Can You Expect with Dental Implants?

There is no doubt that dental implants can represent your best option available to replace badly damaged or missing teeth. No treatment can come close in providing the aesthetics, strength, and stability as what implants does. It doesn’t matter if you are missing only one or several teeth, or even all of them, implant-supported dentures, crowns, or bridges can restore your mouth to health and proper functioning.

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If you consider replacing only one or even more missing teeth with dental implants, it can be the wisest choice you ever made. It’s one solution that is currently seen as the most effective for teeth that is missing. Dental Implants is at this time the only way to replace your tooth’s complete structure, both below and above your gum line.

The importance of this is that without any stimulation, bone of your missing tooth’s root in that area can lose its density. The titanium of implants can bond with your bone and stop the process. Thus, assisting to keep the jawbone strong.

Potential risks, problems, and complications that come with dental implants

During any kind of surgery there generally is some kind of potential risks and complications for patients. Thus, it’s important for dentists to plan carefully and make sure the patient will be healthy enough to heal properly after oral surgery.

The same as with any other procedure of oral surgery factors like allergies, infections, bleeding disorders, medications and existing medical conditions needs to be reviewed carefully before doing the procedure. Fortunately, implants have quite a high success rate.

Typically, failures could occur due to the following unlikely events:

Poor bone quality or quantity.

When the dental implant is poorly positioned.

Damage of surrounding areas of the teeth, blood vessels or nerves.

By overloading the implant.

Fractures of the implant.

Infection.

Most typical dental implant side effects with surgery

Bruising

Discoloration or bruising on your gums, jaw line, and neck after surgery might be noticeable.

Swelling

It’s very common to have swelling after this kind of surgery. Swelling may be noticed on the cheeks, jaw, and gums. For minimizing swelling, ice packs can be applied for a period of forty-eight hours with fifteen minute intervals after surgery. The swelling and bruising can last for about one week.

Soreness

Pain will be experienced in the gums and jaw but you can receive painkillers with a prescription to manage it.

Other side effects you may experience

Build up of bacteria

If you have a problem with receding gums, the screws from the implant can be visible. Except for being unsightly, it might also collect some bacteria which most likely can cause infection. In cases where it’s severe, you can lose your implant.

Inflammation and infection

Inflammation and infection may well be in the surrounding areas of your implant. It could be caused if you have a virus or you don’t keep your teeth very clean. Yet, most of the time, it occurs in patients that smoke or if they are diabetic.

In the case of rejection

Implants can be rejected due to a problem with your immune system. It’s not sure why this happens. If you smoke you can be at a higher risk of implant rejection. Therefore, it is wise to try and stop smoking prior to your surgery. Patients with titanium allergies or who grind on their teeth can also be at risk of implant rejection.

Nerves that is trapped

Damage to your nerves can happen when your dentist injects you with local anesthetic. Compression of the nerve can occur during your implant placement, and it may result in pain or numbness. This can become very challenging going forward with things such as kissing, drinking, eating, and talking, as well as shaving. Make sure to use a dentist with implant experience in order to avoid any of these risks.

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Follow-up care is important after dental implants

There is a risk after dental implants to develop a condition known as peri-implantitis. It’s caused due to inflammation of your bone and gum in the surrounding area of the implant. This inflammation in surrounding tissues are caused by bacterial infections or excessive biting forces. If the problem is left untreated it may result in you losing your implant.

After you received your implants, follow-ups with your dentist and regular maintenance care procedures at home can avoid this condition. Home care of your implants includes flossing and brushing to keep plaque and food debris away. With your dentist visit, he/she will examine your surrounding hard and soft tissues with special tools. These tools are used to remove any calcified harden deposits from around your implant.

If there are any issues your dentist can discuss these with you immediately.

Insomnia During Pregnancy

Sleep problems, including insomnia, are very common among pregnant women due to various reasons. Many say that they are just not comfortable enough to have a good night’s sleep, while others complain about the frequent necessity of going to the toilet. Restless legs or leg cramps as it is commonly known is a regular problem among pregnant women and can have a great impact on their sleep quality. However, it should not be accompanied by any abdominal pain or cramping in the legs.

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Add to that all the anxiety and excitement about the arrival of a new baby. Every pregnant woman or every woman who has been pregnant once in her life know too good what I am talking about. It has been estimated that 8 out of 10 pregnant women at some point in their pregnancy have to deal with sleep problems, including insomnia.

With all the physical and emotional changes that a woman undergoes during these nine months of sweat waiting there is no wonder that sleeping can be quite difficult.

How to deal with sleep problems and insomnia?

As mentioned, sleep problems and insomnia are very common during pregnancy. It is quite frustrating and nerve wrecking when you need to count the minutes. Even rolling from one side to the other and having difficulty falling asleep can be frustrating even though that is the only thing in the world you would do.

Add to that all the daily stress and hard work a pregnant woman deals with every day. If you are having difficulties sleeping or can’t sleep at all during the night, try any of the following tips as they might be helpful:

  • Try to relax as much as possible before you go to bed. Take a warm bath, let your partner give you a massage, listen to music, read a book, or have a cup of chamomile tea, anything that will relax you and help you sleep faster.
  • Once you lay down in bed apply progressive muscle relaxation which can improve your sleeping quality. Remember, you should not feel discomfort or pain.
  • Make sure that the room you are sleeping is dark enough, quite enough and the room temperature is comfortable for you.
  • Use supportive pillows to get yourself into a comfortable position. Sleeping on the back is not recommended due to all the weight of your stomach to the major blood vessels. Sleeping on the stomach is impossible as your belly is getting bigger every day. So, the only option for you now that you are pregnant is sleeping on the sides.

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Pregnant women are recommended to sleep on their left side as the blood flow toward your uterus will not be compromised. However, sleeping on your right side is just fine as well. Alter sleeping on the right side and the left side.

Use supportive pillows placed between your knees for back support, or behind your back as well. If you experience lower back pain or pain in your legs or pelvis, it is best to consult your doctor. You may even need to get a sonogram or pelvic exam done to determine the cause.

You can use some extra pillows which you have at home, or you can buy pregnancy pillows which have a C- shape or a U – shape, whichever you prefer.

  • If you can’t sleep within the first half an hour after you have laid down into your bad, a good idea is to get up, change the room and do something else that relaxes you. Relax this way until you feel drowsy and then get back to bed again. Hopefully, you will be luckier this time and fall asleep easily.
  • Try to relax and don’t become anxious even though it might be very difficult for you to sleep. The more nervous or anxious you get, the longer it will take for you to fall asleep. The next morning you will feel totally wrecked because you just couldn’t sleep enough the previous day.
  • If none of the above – mentioned tips haven't helped you sleep better during the night, take naps during the day. Take a nap whenever you have the chance, so you can compensate as much as possible the lack of sleep. However, keep in mind that long naps can interfere with your night sleeping schedule.

If you are worried about your sleep problems, or if you are constantly dealing with insomnia during pregnancy, you can consult your medical practitioner. However, keep in mind that insomnia is a common problem during pregnancy and that you are not alone. Perhaps this is just a way of how your body is getting prepared for all those sleepless nights once the baby is born.

How to Promote Bone Health?

The skeletal system is literally your support system, and the foundation onto which your muscles are attached. Simply explained, we would not be able to do most of the things and movements that we do without the skeletal system.

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Yet, most people barely consider the health of their bones when thinking about their diet. If you want to remain healthy for longer, even in your old ages, you will have to consider the health of your bones. If not, you could end up with a variety of painful conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis or sciatica and many others.

Here are some ways how to keep your bones healthy for longer and how to promote bone health.

Calcium and vitamin D

You probably already know that calcium is essential in the building of bone tissue, and this is the most important nutrient in bone health. We need to keep on taking in calcium because the bone is constantly being destroyed and new ones are being created. This process takes place rapidly from childhood up to early adulthood, around the age of 30 when we reach the peak of our bone mass.

During this time, calcium is required to build the new bone tissue in order to replace the old ones. About 1,000 mg of calcium is recommended daily for anyone below the age of 50, and that level rises to 1,200 mg for those above 50.

This is because starting from the age of 30, on average, bone rebuilding slows down, and we start to lose more bone mass than we generate a new one. By about the age of 50, the process of bone rebuilding is usually slowed down significantly, and this is why calcium intake needs to be higher.

By taking plenty of calcium, especially below the age of 30, you get to build up a higher bone mass that will deplete slower. As we lose more bone mass, we start to develop problems like osteoporosis. The good news is that even for those who already have osteoporosis, high calcium intake can slow down the subsequent bone mass loss and slow the progression of the disease.

Foods high in calcium include eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, seafood like sardines and tuna, leafy vegetables like spinach, etc.

When talking about calcium, it’s easy to forget vitamin D, which is responsible for the actual absorption of calcium into the body. Without it, even the highest calcium diet will do you no good. We get most of our vitamin D from the sun, but this may not be enough especially in winter. Foods like sardines, eggs, cereal all have vitamin D and you can also take vitamin D supplements.

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Vitamin K and potassium

These nutrients also have a positive effect on bone health, even though it may be an indirect one. They both reduce the amount of calcium removed from the body, thereby leaving most of the calcium to rebuild bone and maintain bone mass. Foods that are rich in potassium include bananas, sweet potatoes, yogurt, etc.

Foods that are rich in vitamin K include broccoli, spinach, etc. Try to consume as much as possible the above – mentioned food types which are rich in potassium and vitamin K as well as they promote bone health and will keep your bones healthy and strong.

Lifestyle changes

Exercise is crucial in keeping bones healthy, as can be seen with high bone mass in athletes. Walking, running, skiing, stair climbing or even rope jumping promote bone health. It also improves a person’s balance, thus reducing the risk of falls and subsequent fractures.

You should also quit smoking as it can reduce calcium absorption and reduce bone mass. Avoiding alcohol or a moderate consumption of alcohol is also recommended when looking for the health of the bones. A heavy consumption of alcohol, especially over a long period of time promotes and increases bone loss, while moderate alcohol consumption is considered as safe.

Know your family history

Osteoporosis runs in the family, and you should know whether you’re at risk so that you can start taking measures early. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis or osteoporosis after menopause, especially after the age of 65 years old. Men are more likely to develop osteoporosis or osteoarthritis after the age of 70 years old. 

How to Cope with an Early Menopause

As women approach menopause, menstruation becomes less regular as the production of hormones such as progesterone and estrogen slows down. Most women begin to experience signs of the menopause during the late 40s and early 50s.

Some woman will begin this process much earlier, sometimes even before the age of 40 and this is termed as being in early menopause. Sometimes early menopause may be due to medical treatments but other times it can be caused by unknown factors.

If you do begin to experience some of the signs of early menopause, then it’s important to talk to your gynecologist or doctor. This is because this could affect your general health.

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Understanding Possible Causes of an Early Menopause

It Could Be Due to Your Genetics

If close relatives underwent an early menopause, you’re more likely to experience this condition yourself. It’s worth asking to see if your mom or grandma went through an early change.

Autoimmune Disease Increases Your Risk

Diseases that cause your immune system to attack the body can damage the ovaries. This, in turn, can affect their ability to produce the hormones necessary to keep ovulating which may result in an early menopause.

Undergoing Surgery

An operation to remove your uterus or ovaries can induce what’s known as a surgical menopause. When the ovaries are removed it results in hormone levels falling. Removing the uterus may be less immediate but it is still possible that this could cause an early menopause.

Having Treatment for Cancer

Chemotherapy or radiation therapy to treat cancers located in the pelvic region can damage the ovaries. However not every woman who undergoes treatment for pelvic cancers will experience this problem.

Understanding the Symptoms of an Early Menopause

As hormone levels fall it can cause a number of symptoms. These include difficulty in sleeping, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and irregular periods. Once you have ceased to have a period for 12 consecutive months, you are considered to have had an early menopause. In spite of this is important to remember that many women will miss a period from time to time and this may not be due to pregnancy or the menopause.

Getting Tested to See If You Are Menopausal

Your gynecologist or physician can carry out various tests that will help determine if you are going through the menopause although these tests are not definitive. One particular test is used to determine the presence of follicle-stimulating hormones as these hormones control the production of eggs in the menstrual cycle. Even so, these hormone levels may register as being low depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. A low level may not necessarily indicate you are going through the menopause.

Possible Problems Caused by an Early Menopause

The symptoms of the menopause have a reputation for being unpleasant, particularly hot flashes although these are temporary. However, there may be other long-term side-effects that could impact your health. Although the hormones produced by the ovaries are important for sexual function, they also play a part in overall health. An early menopause may result in a woman being unable to get pregnant which could have psychological implications.

Other possible side-effects on general health include an increased risk of osteoporosis because a lack of estrogen increases the risk of brittle bones. Reduced estrogen levels are also associated with heart disease.

This problem may be worse if you already have existing conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels, or diabetes. As estrogen levels fall the vaginal tissues can become thinner. This increases the risk of urinary incontinence, particularly during exercise or when coughing or laughing.

The menopause can also slow down the metabolism, resulting in weight gain. It’s been suggested in some studies that an early menopause can affect a woman’s ability to think clearly. It’s also been associated with an increased risk of dementia.

Treating the Symptoms

Often these unpleasant symptoms created by an early menopause can be treated with hormone replacement therapy. Your gynecologist or physician may recommend taking this medication until you reach the normal age for the menopause.

This type of therapy involves taking hormones that are similar to the hormones naturally produced by the body and which will help to reduce symptoms. Self-help measures include exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and dressing in layers.

This means if you do have a hot flash it’s easier to call down more quickly. Some women also find it helpful to avoid spicy foods.

Oral Cancer: What You Need to Know and How Your Dentist Can Help

Oral or mouth cancer can appear as a lump or sore spot that will not heal or go away. This cancer can affect the roof and floor of your mouth, the throat, and your lips, tongue, and cheeks. Like most cancers, the prognosis is much better, the earlier the diagnosis.

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Unfortunately, the first symptoms of mouth cancer are often ignored. It is frequently diagnosed at a stage when treatment is much more difficult and where the condition may have become life-threatening.

This is why regular checkups with your dentist are absolutely vital. Dentists are trained to spot the early signs of oral cancer and your regular checkups do include a screening for this disease. Regular checks can be especially important if you are more at risk of developing oral cancer.

So, what are the signs you should look out for?

Common Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can cause lots of different symptoms. You may notice a swelling or thickened area in your mouth that may feel rough or lumpy. Oral cancer can cause red or white, or speckled white combined with red patches developing in the mouth. Additionally, these may feel velvety to touch. Other common symptoms include unexplained oral bleeding and unexplained loss of feeling. Furthermore, you may also notice a numbness or tenderness in any area of your mouth, face or neck.

Persistent sores on your face, neck or in your mouth and which bleed easily and fail to heal within a couple of weeks should always be investigated. Oral cancer can cause soreness or a feeling that something is caught in your throat, making it difficult to comfortably chew and swallow food or to speak. It can also affect your jaw, making painful or awkward to move properly or to move your tongue.

You may develop a chronic sore throat or notice your voice sounds hoarse or has changed. Oral cancer can even cause ear pain. If you wear dentures or other dental appliances, oral cancer can change the way they fit or may change the way your teeth occlude or bite together. It’s likely your dentist is the only medical professional who regularly examines the inside of your mouth.

If you notice any of these symptoms or are at all worried, it’s always best to make an appointment for a checkup. It’s likely that the problem is caused by something completely different such as gum disease, a sinus infection or something similar. A dentist would certainly rather offer reassurance to a patient than have to make a late diagnosis.

What Are the Risk Factors for Oral Cancer?

If you are a man then you’re twice as likely as a woman to develop oral cancer, with men aged 50 and over facing the greatest risk. Other risk factors include smoking, with smokers six times more likely to develop some form of oral cancer compared to non-smokers. If you use smokeless tobacco such as snuff or chewing tobacco, you’re 50 times more likely to develop cancer of the cheeks, gums or the lips.

People who consume alcohol to excess are six times more likely to develop some form of oral cancer compared to teetotalers. Being exposed to an excessive amount of sun at an early age will increase your risk. Being exposed to the human papillomavirus and having a family history of cancer will also increase your risk. In spite of this, it’s important not to forget that a quarter of all oral cancers are diagnosed in people who do not have any known risk factors.

People who do not smoke and who only have the occasional drink also get diagnosed. This does highlight the fact that everyone should have regular screenings for this disease.

What Happens during a Regular Screening for Oral Cancer?

A regular screening for oral cancer is extremely non-invasive and often you may not realize it is happening. Your dentist will closely examine the inside of your mouth for any changes to the color or texture of your oral tissues. He/she will also check for any signs and symptoms that require further investigation. Some dentists will use a special device to examine the inside of your mouth where any suspicious tissues will fluoresce in a slightly different way to healthy tissues.

Some dentists will simply carry out a visual examination with the naked eye. If they spot anything wrong or if you have reported noticing any changes, your dentist may take a small biopsy of cells. This can be done using an oral brush which is quick and painless. They may either choose to take a small tissue sample using a scalpel. The sample will be carried out using local anesthesia to ensure you do not feel anything.

If anything is wrong, you can then be referred to a specialist. Treatment for oral cancer is very similar to other cancer treatments. They use radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and surgery to help destroy or remove cancer cells.

Reducing Your Risk of Developing Oral Cancer

Following a healthy lifestyle will help reduce your risk of oral cancer and probably your risk of developing other cancers. It’s best not to smoke and to avoid drinking to excess. Make sure you eat a well-balanced diet that will enable your immune system to remain healthy and strong. If you do go out in the sun, wear appropriate sunscreen, particularly on your lips and don’t stay out too long.

It can also be useful to carry out a quick self-examination once a month. This will help you learn which tissues are perfectly normal so you will be more likely to detect any small changes month to month. All you need to do is to closely examine the inside of your mouth using a mirror in a well-lit area. Try to tilt your head right back so you can see the roof of your mouth and use your fingers to see the inside of your cheeks.

Carefully lift up your tongue so you can look underneath, and to run your tongue over the oral tissues will help you detect any changes to texture. Gently feel along your neck for any lumps and bumps or enlarged lymph nodes. 

If you are at all worried that something might be wrong, then please contact your dentist for more information. You can always book an appointment with your dentist and he/she can check to see if you are due for an oral cancer screening.