What is Self-Esteem?

Self-esteem is how we view and value ourselves. When we have healthy self-esteem, we tend to feel good about ourselves and our lives, which helps us handle challenges with more ease.

On the other hand, low self-esteem makes us see ourselves and our situations negatively, making it harder to cope with difficulties.

What Causes Low Self-Esteem?

Low self-esteem often has roots in childhood.

The messages we receive from teachers, friends, family, and the media influence how we view ourselves.

Negative feedback, like not being “good enough,” can linger and shape our self-image.

Struggling to meet expectations—either from others or ourselves—can contribute to this feeling.

Additionally, life stressors like illness or loss can further damage self-esteem.

Certain personality traits, such as a tendency to focus on negative thoughts or set unrealistic goals, can also play a part.

How Does Low Self-Esteem Affect Us?

Low self-esteem can cause us to avoid social situations, resist trying new things, and shy away from challenges.

Although this avoidance may provide temporary relief, it ultimately reinforces negative beliefs and fears, teaching us that the only way to cope is by avoiding difficulties.

Over time, low self-esteem can have serious effects on mental health, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety.

It may also lead to unhealthy coping habits, like smoking or drinking too much.

Brushing your teeth with baking soda can help remove plaque and whiten your teeth, but it also has some drawbacks, such as the lack of fluoride.

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile white powder with many uses beyond baking. While it’s mainly known as a leavening agent, it’s commonly used for cleaning and whitening teeth.

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of using baking soda for oral hygiene:

Advantages

• Reduces Plaque and Gingivitis: Baking soda helps break up dental biofilms—bacteria colonies that can cause gingivitis and cavities—lowering bacteria levels and protecting your gums and teeth.
• May Reduce Bacteria: Harmful bacteria thrive in acidic environments. A 2017 study found that rinsing with a baking soda solution raises mouth pH, reducing acidity and potentially preventing the growth of cavity-causing bacteria.
• Whiten Teeth: With natural whitening properties, baking soda effectively removes surface stains. Its mild abrasiveness is why it’s a key ingredient in many commercial toothpastes.
• Fluoride-Free: Baking soda offers a fluoride-free option, which may appeal to those concerned about the potential risks of fluoride, especially in children, although fluoride toxicity cases are rare.
• Inexpensive: Baking soda is a cost-effective solution, priced around 52 cents per ounce and available in most stores.

Disadvantages

• Unpleasant Taste and Texture: Some people find the taste and texture of baking soda unpleasant. The gritty feel can be uncomfortable, like having sand in your mouth. For a more enjoyable experience, consider toothpaste containing baking soda or adding peppermint oil to your paste.
• Limited Whitening Effect: Although baking soda is mildly abrasive, it may not be as effective at removing stains as other whitening products. If it doesn’t deliver the desired results, you might want to try alternatives containing hydrogen peroxide or stronger abrasives.
• Lack of Fluoride: ADA-approved toothpastes contain fluoride, which helps prevent cavities. Since baking soda doesn’t provide fluoride, relying on it alone may leave you vulnerable to tooth decay due to insufficient protection.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.

While it’s most commonly seen in children, it can develop at any age.

Eczema is chronic, with symptoms flaring up periodically, but it is not contagious.

People with eczema are also more likely to develop conditions like food allergies, hay fever, and asthma.

To manage eczema, regular moisturizing and good skincare practices can help reduce itching and prevent flare-ups.

Medicated creams or ointments may also be needed for treatment.

Symptoms

Eczema symptoms can appear anywhere on the body and can vary greatly between individuals. These symptoms may include:

• Dry, cracked skin
• Intense itching (pruritus)
• Rashes on swollen skin, which may vary in color based on skin tone
• Small, raised bumps, especially on brown or Black skin
• Oozing and crusting
• Thickened skin
• Darkening around the eyes
• Raw, sensitive skin from scratching

Eczema often begins before age 5 and can persist into adolescence or adulthood. Some people may experience flare-ups followed by long periods of remission, sometimes lasting for years.

Causes

In some cases, eczema is linked to genetic factors that affect the skin’s protective abilities. A weakened skin barrier makes it difficult for the skin to retain moisture and defend against bacteria, irritants, allergens, and environmental factors like tobacco smoke.

For others, eczema may be caused by an overgrowth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the skin, which can disrupt the skin’s balance and barrier function. This can trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation and other eczema symptoms.

Eczema is a form of dermatitis, along with conditions like contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). Dermatitis is not contagious.

Risk Factors

The main risk factor for eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a personal or family history of eczema, allergies, hay fever, or asthma. If close family members have these conditions, your risk of developing eczema may be higher.

Dandruff is a common scalp condition characterized by flaky skin.

While it’s not contagious or serious, it can be bothersome and difficult to manage.

For mild cases, using a gentle shampoo daily can help.

If that doesn’t work, a medicated shampoo might offer relief, although the symptoms can return over time.

Dandruff is a mild form of seborrheic dermatitis.

Symptoms

Signs of dandruff include:

• Skin flakes on the scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard, or shoulders
• Itchy scalp
• Scaly or crusty scalp in infants (known as cradle cap)

Stress and cold, dry weather can worsen symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

Most people with dandruff don’t need to see a doctor. However, if your symptoms don’t improve with regular dandruff shampoo, it’s a good idea to consult your primary care physician or a dermatologist.

Causes

Dandruff can be caused by various factors, such as:

• Oily or irritated skin
• Dry skin
• A yeastlike fungus (malassezia) that feeds on the oils on most adults’ scalps
• Sensitivity to hair care products (contact dermatitis)
• Other skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema

Risk Factors

While dandruff can affect anyone, some factors increase the likelihood of developing it:

• Age: Dandruff typically begins in young adulthood and may continue into middle age, although it can affect older adults as well.
• Gender: Males are more prone to dandruff than females.
• Health conditions: Diseases like Parkinson’s, HIV, or other conditions that weaken the immune system can increase the risk of dandruff.

Intermittent fasting is a popular trend, often tried by individuals aiming to lose weight, and it may be something you’ve heard about from friends.

What is Fasting?

Fasting involves intentionally abstaining from food, while starvation is the result of not being able to access food due to uncontrollable factors, such as food scarcity.

Fasting has ancient origins, often practiced for purposes of healing or spiritual growth.

For example, during Ramadan, fasting from dawn until dusk is a tradition to strengthen faith.

How Does Intermittent Fasting Work?

Intermittent fasting is based on the idea that limiting food intake helps the body use stored fat for energy more efficiently.

While carbohydrates provide quick energy, the body turns to fat when glucose is unavailable, especially during periods of fasting.

Since our fat storage capacity is nearly unlimited, this method can assist with weight management.

There are various approaches to intermittent fasting, and the best one for you depends on your lifestyle:

• Daily Fasting: One common approach is to fast for a set period each day, often 12 hours or more. Since most people sleep for around 7 hours, stopping eating after dinner can naturally create this fasting window, making it ideal for those who snack late at night.
• Alternate Day Fasting: Another method involves eating normally for 5 to 6 days a week and fasting for 1 or 2 days. On fasting days, you can drink water and broth to stay hydrated, which can work well for people with busy schedules.

When you do eat, aim for nutritious choices like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, plant-based foods, and low-fat dairy.

Is Intermittent Fasting Right for You?

Deciding if intermittent fasting is right for you requires careful consideration of your personal goals and its long-term feasibility. While many people try fasting to lose weight, if it’s difficult to maintain, any weight loss may be temporary.

Intermittent fasting can promote weight loss by reducing overall calorie intake, especially if you focus on balanced meals and appropriate portion sizes during eating periods. Consider your eating habits—if you often snack at night, fasting could help you set a firm cutoff time. If your last meal is late, try eating earlier to begin your fasting period sooner.

Potential Health Benefits

There is still limited research on how intermittent fasting affects chronic conditions.

Before starting, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider, as fasting may not be safe if you take certain medications or have specific health concerns.

Your doctor can assess your medical history and provide personalized guidance.

Ultimately, it’s important to choose approaches that are enjoyable and not harmful to your physical or mental well-being.

If following strict eating rules feels stressful, intermittent fasting might not be the best fit for you.

Body odour is a common problem that is typically manageable on your own.

Here’s how you can address it effectively:

What You Can Do

• Wash regularly: Clean areas like your armpits, groin, and feet with soap at least twice a day, and make sure to dry them well.
• Shave your armpits: This can help reduce odour by preventing sweat buildup.
• Use antiperspirants and deodorants: These products help manage sweating and mask odour.
• Change clothes frequently: Wash your clothes regularly to maintain freshness.
• Wear natural fabrics: Opt for breathable materials such as cotton, wool, and silk.
• Wear antibacterial socks: These help prevent foot odour caused by sweating.

What to Avoid

• Strong-smelling or spicy foods: These can contribute to body odour.
• Excessive coffee or alcohol: Both can make body odour more noticeable.

Causes of Body Odour

Several factors can exacerbate body odour, including:

• Physical activity (exercise)
• Hot weather
• Hormonal changes
• Being overweight
• Health conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease
• Certain medications, such as antidepressants

Body odour can also be linked to excessive sweating or foot odour, which may need additional attention.