Magnesium is a mineral crucial for hundreds of biochemical reactions taking place inside our bodies.
Among the rest, magnesium plays an essential role in supporting healthy nerve function, maintaining normal blood pressure, regulating muscle contractions, and promoting a strong immune system. It contributes to the structural development of the bones and is required for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and the antioxidant glutathione.
However, despite the role it plays for the overall well-being of human body, many people don’t get enough of it, which can lead to certain health conditions.
In today’s fast-paced world, magnesium deficiency is a common issue. Some of the reasons that lead to this deficiency is the consumption of over-processed food, increased dairy consumption, aluminium exposure, alcohol consumption, age, as well as certain conditions such as Crohn’s disease and kidney issues.
How can a person know if they have low levels of magnesium in their body?
There are a number of symptoms, and most common are:
Muscle cramps and twitches
Weakened bones and muscles
Raised blood pressure
Irregular heartbeats
Asthma
Reduced appetite
Dizziness
Migraines
Bowel Disease
Fatigue
Insomnia
Tooth Decay
Anxiety
Confussion
Seizures
If you suspect that you are low in magnesium, you should see a doctor and run tests to determine if this is the cause of some of the symptoms listed above.
In any case, your dietary intake may significantly improve the levels of magnesium in your body.
Foods reach in magnesium are the leafy green vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Chia and pumpkin seeds are especially rich in this essential mineral.
Other magnesium-rich foods include avocados, salmon, edamame, and tofu.
Choose whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread instead of their processed counterparts, and limit high-dairy foods. Further, reduce your exposure to aluminum by choosing aluminum-free cookware and personal care products.
If your levels are still low, consider taking suplements.
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My life has been a real roller coaster. I have experienced a lot throughout my 59 years, including the joy of becoming a mother four times, the heartbreak that came with the betrayal of my husband, and the new love that found me when I least expected it.
Over the course of my life, I have moved placed twelve times – more than anyone can imagine. But life threw curveballs along the way, and I had to find ways to overcome the challenges at the best of my ability.
That day, I was looking for the insurance contract I had placed somewhere safe, but forgot the spot.
As I was going through the old, dusty boxes that seemed like they were hiding real treasures, an old photo album caught my attention.
Its covers were nearly torn from the passage of time.
Just as I grabbed it, a photo of 19-year-old me fall on the floor. It was as though it wanted me to pick it up and see it.
I took the photo, and it instantly took me down memory lane to my childhood days, when everything seemed simple and carefree.
I remembered the day my friend Danielle took that photo. She wanted me to have it as a reminder of our friendship and the beautiful days we had.
I was wearing my favorite green top and a pair of jeans I loved so much.
Looking at the photo I thought to myself, “This Lizzy had no idea she would end up having four children, two mortgages, and a failed marriage.” With a smile on my face I though, “But she could also hardly assume that love would find her again at 42.”
I felt nostalgic and remembered that life was hard now. But then, I looked at the back of the photo and my heart paced. There was a little note written my handwriting. It read: “Stay strong, Lizzy. Never let life break your spirit.”
“Oh, my,” I thought to myself. I realized that although life didn’t turn out exactly as I anticipated when I was a teenager, I didn’t fail myself. Indeed, I managed to stay strong and never let life break me, not even when I lost my cheating husband and my home – more than once.
My old self would be proud of the strong woman I remained to be despite the challenges and all the obstacles that stood on my way.
That photo album and the old photo were the perfect reminder that my strength and resilience has shaped who I am today.
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Greta Marie Otteson, a 33-year-old woman from Britain, and her South African fiancé Els Arno Quinton, 36, were found dead in their room at the Vietnam hotel where they were staying. Allegedly, the two had limoncello that was toxic because of the presence of methanol in it.
The couple, who were spending Christmas in the coastal city of Hoi An, announced their engagement just days prior to their untimely deaths through a YouTube video.
Greta and Els moved to Vietnam in February of last year.
Authorities believe that the couple ordered ‘homemade’ limoncello from a local restaurant that could have been laced with methanol.
“Police forensics established the limoncello, which had been delivered, was the source,” a source close to the victims’ families shared with The Times.
Greta sent a text message to her family, complaining about experiencing the “worst hangover ever.” She was also seeing “black spots” in her vision.
Greta Otteson/Facebook
The couple, however, decided to sleep it off.
“A local bar owner and a fantastic friend called over and wanted to take them to hospital but they refused,” the source told The Times. “Sadly I think it was too late by then.”
It was mere hours later that Greta and Els were found dead in separate rooms.
Officials said: “There were no signs of ransacking at the scene. The victims’ belongings and phones were untouched.”
Methanol poisoning has been reported in the past in certain countries of East Asia.
It is an industrial chemical found in antifreeze and windscreen washer fluid similar to ethanol. Methanol is tasteless, odorless, and highly flammable.
It is toxic and just 25ml are enough to kill someone.
If consumed, methanol starts affecting the body once it reaches the liver. At this stage, the body’s metabolism creates toxic by-products called formaldehyde, formate and formic acid that attack nerves and organs, leading to blindness, coma, and even death.
Quangnam Provincial Police
Greta’s devastating parents said, “Greta and Arno were experienced worldwide travellers. They found their perfect home and were incredibly happy.
“Our aim is to bring the people who supplied the alcohol and killed Greta and Arno to justice,” Greta’s dad, Paul, told The Times. “At some time in the future, we will have a memorial service for them both.
“Arno’s family expressed a wish that they should be together, which we wholeheartedly agree [with].”
We are so very sorry for this devastating loss.
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I never thought much about hidden iPhone volume button features until I realized just how many cool shortcuts those two little buttons can pull off. It blew my mind to learn that these buttons do so much more than just crank up the music or silence an embarrassing ringtone. From snapping photos to scanning documents in a flash, the volume controls really are a gateway to a whole new level of iPhone functionality. If you’re ready to simplify your daily phone routines, stick around—I’m about to share my favorite tips.
1. Capture Photos and Videos with Ease
Source: Freepik
I used to fumble around tapping my screen every time I wanted to take a quick photo. Then I discovered the volume buttons double as a shutter release. Just press either volume button for an instant snapshot, whether you’re in portrait, panorama, or even burst mode. It also works for video: press once to start recording, again to stop. Believe me, it’ll be a game-changer at your next family gathering.
2. Quick Scans, No Screen Taps Required
Source: Freepik
Ever tried scanning a document with shaky hands? I definitely have. In apps like Notes or Reminders, your volume buttons can act as a physical button for the scanner. No more awkwardly tapping your screen while trying to steady the camera—it’s just one more way these hidden iPhone volume button features can streamline everyday tasks.
3. Master Your Alarms in a Snap
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I’m not a morning person, so I’m no stranger to hitting snooze one too many times. With your iPhone volume buttons, you can quickly snooze or silence alarms. It’s perfect when you need those extra precious minutes without fumbling around trying to find the on-screen button.
I hope you never need this tip, but it’s incredibly important. Press and hold the side lock button and either volume button to trigger your iPhone’s SOS feature. Once you swipe the SOS icon, you’re connected to emergency services, even if your phone is locked. This function could save a life—yours or someone else’s.
5. Force a Restart When Your Phone Freezes
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It’s happened to me more times than I’d like to admit: my iPhone suddenly goes unresponsive. For a quick fix, press the volume up button, then the volume down button, and finally hold the side lock button. This forced restart can often clear whatever glitch caused the freeze.
I’ve had moments when I wanted a faster way to lock down my phone. By holding the side lock button and either volume button for about two seconds, you temporarily disable Face ID or Touch ID. It’s a quick way to add a layer of privacy until you’re ready to unlock your phone again.
7. Silence Calls Instantly
Picture this: you’re in a meeting or a movie theater, and your phone starts buzzing. One press of either volume button silences the ringer immediately. This also stops the vibration if you’re in silent mode. It’s one of those hidden iPhone volume button features you’ll use more often than you think.
One Button, Countless Possibilities
I never expected so many hacks from two simple buttons. But the more I explore these hidden iPhone volume button features, the more I appreciate how Apple has packed so much power into such a small part of the device. They’re like your phone’s secret Swiss Army knife, handling everything from photos to emergency services. If you haven’t tried these shortcuts yet, give them a go. You just might find your iPhone life getting a whole lot easier.
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I used to ask myself what happens when you stop drinking diet soda, but I never seriously considered giving it up—until I learned about the side effects. I didn’t realize just how much that bubbly “sugar-free” drink could impact my body, from messing with my cravings to interfering with weight loss. It turns out, even diet versions can derail your health in surprising ways.
Making the switch from regular soda to diet soda might seem smart, especially if you want to slim down. But the more I researched, the more I saw how bloating, sugar cravings, and metabolic issues can all sneak in when diet soda is on the menu. Study after study points to problems like obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes linked to these fizzy drinks. So if you’re curious about ditching that diet soda habit, here are eight changes you might notice.
1. Less Sugar Cravings
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I always figured that swapping real sugar for artificial sweeteners would calm my sweet tooth. Turns out, the opposite happened. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame can trick your body, spike your insulin levels, and leave you craving actual sugar more than before. That used to send me straight to the candy drawer—exactly what I was trying to avoid in the first place.
2. Less Food Cravings Overall
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Cutting out diet soda also helped me feel more satisfied after meals. Ultra-sweet diet drinks signal your body to expect a big calorie load that never arrives, so you keep hunting for something else to eat. Dropping diet soda took away that misleading “sweet” cue and helped me make more balanced food choices.
3. You Might Actually Lose Weight
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Yes, I know, it’s ironic that a drink marketed for weight loss can lead to weight gain. But after I saw the research linking diet soda to metabolic syndrome and bloating, I realized it was sabotaging my efforts to drop pounds. If you’re serious about slimming down, you’ll want to see what happens when you stop drinking diet soda—the results can be pretty encouraging.
4. You’ll Taste More Food
Those intense artificial sweeteners in diet soda can dull your taste buds over time. When I finally ditched the habit, fresh fruit tasted sweeter, and I could really appreciate the natural flavors in regular meals. Suddenly, it felt like my tongue woke up from a deep sleep.
5. Your Immune System Can Improve
Scientists say diet sodas may alter your gut bacteria and mess with your metabolism and immune responses. I used to catch colds more often than I liked. While I can’t say dropping diet soda was the only reason I started feeling healthier, it definitely didn’t hurt to reduce all those artificial additives.
6. Stronger Bones
Source: Freepik
Research is still evolving here, but certain studies link daily diet soda consumption to higher risks of fractures. One theory is that these drinks replace more nutritious options, like milk or calcium-fortified drinks. Another idea is that some of the soda’s ingredients might directly affect bone density. Either way, giving up that can of fizz can be a step in the right direction for your bone health.
7. You Won’t Get Drunk as Easily
Source: Freepik
If you’ve been mixing your booze with diet soda, you might have noticed how quickly it can hit you. It turns out that because diet soda speeds through your stomach, alcohol enters your bloodstream faster. Switching to another mixer could help you pace yourself, so you can last a little longer at the party.
8. Healthier Kidneys
It’s easy to overlook our kidneys until something goes wrong, but they play a major role in cleaning out toxins. Diet sodas often contain chemicals and additives that force your kidneys to work harder. Cutting back means your body can focus on its natural detox process without sifting through a barrage of artificial ingredients.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been wondering what happens when you stop drinking diet soda, you might be pleasantly surprised by the results. I know I was. From stabilizing my cravings to tasting flavors more vividly, the benefits made it worth the effort. If going cold turkey seems daunting, start small: cut back one can at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be sipping more water or tea—and your body just might thank you for it.
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I was floored when I first heard the phrase “junk food cancer risk” in relation to people my age. It felt like a wake-up call, especially since Dr. Nicholas DeVito from Duke University has observed that nearly every new patient under 45 at his cancer clinic shares one glaring commonality. Let’s just say it’s something on the menu many of us eat every day.
The Major Factor Fueling Cancer in Young Adults
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According to Dr. DeVito, the biggest culprit behind rising cancer rates in younger patients appears to be a steady diet of junk food and processed meat. He’s noted a dramatic increase in gastrointestinal cancers, particularly among individuals under 50. The numbers get more unsettling every time a new generation appears. Considering how nearly three-quarters of Americans load up on ultra-processed meals, it’s no wonder our cancer risk is climbing.
A Question of Regulation
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If you look closely, it’s not just the food itself that’s worrisome. It’s also how loosely it’s regulated in the United States. Many additives make their way into our meals here without being proven 100% safe. Over in the European Union, it’s the opposite—ingredients must be cleared as safe before they ever hit store shelves. The contrast is stark, and it underscores how the junk food cancer risk might be heightened by lax regulations.
The Power of Marketing
Source: Freepik
I’ll admit I’ve fallen for fast-food advertisements that make those burgers and fries look irresistible. The ads usually paint a rosy picture of fun, community, and happiness, ignoring the very real dangers linked to overconsuming ultra-processed items. Add the clout of lobbyists, and it’s tough to break free from the narrative that junk food is as American as baseball. Dr. DeVito insists that protecting public health should override these corporate interests, and I couldn’t agree more.
Why You Need to Cut Back on Junk Food
If you truly want to dial down the junk food cancer risk, reducing how often you indulge in sugar-laden sodas, fries, processed meat, and other fast-food staples is essential. Not only does frequent consumption make you more prone to obesity and chronic illness, but it also speeds up the chance of getting cancer at a younger age. Although cancer used to be thought of as a disease mainly affecting older folks, that’s no longer the case.
The Data Doesn’t Lie
Recent studies reinforce that diets loaded with processed meat and ultra-processed foods can spark early-onset cancers, especially in the gut. Researchers have even discovered certain gut bacteria that thrive on sugary, low-fiber diets. These microbes can mutate cells and weaken the body’s defense against precancerous growths. It’s alarming to learn how something as seemingly harmless as an afternoon snack might influence your long-term health.
What Exactly Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
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When you hear “ultra-processed,” think of items stuffed with additives like colorants, emulsifiers, and artificial flavorings. From packaged cereals to ready-to-heat meals, these products often have very little nutritional value. One recent study found that around 73% of the American food supply qualifies as ultra-processed. Worse yet, over 60% of the average American’s daily calories stem from these sorts of foods, driving up the junk food cancer risk in a major way.
How Much Is Too Much?
I’ve had to ask myself this question more than once. Doctors advise that ultra-processed foods should be a rare treat rather than a daily staple. One study showed that boosting ultra-processed food consumption by just 10% corresponds to a 23% rise in neck and head cancer risk. Another report linked a diet high in processed items to a 24% spike in esophageal cancer. And when the World Health Organization itself classifies processed meat as carcinogenic, it’s safe to say we should think twice before grabbing that next hot dog.
Bottom Line: Red Flags for Cancer Risk
Turns out, it’s the nitrates in processed meats that do a lot of the damage. They combine with the body’s chemicals to harm healthy cells, increasing our vulnerability to bowel cancer by up to 40% if eaten daily. This risk extends to other red or smoked meats, too. If you’re like me, you’re now double-checking everything in your fridge. The simplest takeaway? If you want to reduce the junk food cancer risk, limit how often you eat processed meat and ultra-processed meals. Even cutting back to once a week can make a huge difference, and you might discover plenty of tasty alternatives in the process.
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The more he tends to stay out of the public eye, the more the public is interested in the personal life of Barron Trump.
The youngest child of the business mogul doesn’t expose his private life and is rarely seen in public. What we know of him is that he’s currently attending a business school in New York.
Barron was born in 2006, the same year when Donald and Melania tied the knot. He grew up in the Trump Tower in Manhattan, where he is reported to have an entire floor for himself. Although he has lived surrounded by luxury, he never had a traditional nanny while growing up. Instead, Melania took all the care of him, and that included preparing him breakfast and lunch every day.
Back in the day when Barron was born, Donald Trump did something unconventional.
Just 20 minutes into the world, the former president alerted the media that he became a father for the fifth time.
PALM BEACH, FL – JANUARY 18: Viktor Knavs, Melania Trump, Barron Trump and Donald Trump are seen at the funeral of Melania’s mother Amalija Knavs on January 18, 2024 in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)
As reported by several newspapers, he called MSNBC’s long-running radio show “Imus in the Morning,” hosted by Don Imus, to reveal the great news.
“Everyone’s perfect,” Donald Trump, who was 59 at the time, told Imus.
“I continue to stay young, right? I produce children, I stay young,” while Melania’s website posted that the baby weighted in at 8 1/2 pounds and was 21 inches long.
Being significantly taller than the rest of his siblings, as well as his father, Barron’s height has caught the attention of many and each photo of him leaves people stunned over his appearance.
Photos of Barron were taken at his grandma’s funeral.
Melania’s mother, Amalija Knavs, died at 78 on January 10.
PALM BEACH, FL – JANUARY 18: Viktor Knavs, Melania Trump, Barron Trump and Donald Trump are seen at the funeral of Melania’s mother Amalija Knavs on January 18, 2024 in Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)
The Former First Lady announced the news with sadness.
“Amalija Knavs was a strong woman who always carried herself with grace, warmth, and dignity,” the former First Lady said.
In the statement she released, Melania further wrote about her late mother that “[Amalija] was entirely devoted to her husband, daughters, grandson, and son-in-law.
“We will miss her beyond measure and continue to honor and love her legacy.”
The news of Amalija’s ill state came to light when Melania was missing from the Christmas family photo. Back then, Donald Trump explained that his wife was absent because she was caring for her mother whose health deteriorated.
Amalija Knavs and her husband, Viktor, became US citizens in 2018 after living in the US on green cards sponsored by their daughter.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Melania’s parents have always been by her and her sister’s side. They have been very supportive and did all in their power to provide a good life for their daughters. Even when they were very young, Amalija and Viktor took Melania and her sister Ines to trips around Europe, including France, Germany, and Italy.
When Trump became the President, Melania gave speech in the White House Rose Garden in which she thanked her parents.
“My parents worked very hard to ensure our family could not only live and prosper in America but also contribute to a nation that allows for people to arrive with a dream and make it a reality,” she said. “I want to take the moment to thank my mother and father for all that they have done for our family. It is because of you that I am standing here today.”
Melania’s parents also played an important role in the life and upbringing of Barron Trump.
“Barron almost certainly speaks Slovenian with… Ines, his aunt, who also lives in New York.” author Bojan Pozar wrote in his book Melania Trump – The Inside Story: The Potential First Lady, released in 2016. “[Melania’s sister] Ines Knavs was the one who took care of all the paperwork at the Slovenia consulate in New York so that Barron could formally acquire Slovenian citizenship.” The same was true for Amalija and Viktor.
James Devaney/GC Images
At his campaign rally, Trump also took the time to mention his late mother-in-law and thank her for everything she had done for his son and his family.
“I want to thank her incredible, beautiful mother who passed away a few days ago,” he said. “And she’s up there, way up there. She’s looking down and she’s so proud of us,” he told the crowd.
“And I just want to say to Amalija, you are special, one of the most special people I’ve ever known,” he added.
Trump further added, “Great people, great parents to all of us, really. Great parents, but also to Barron. Boy, did she take care of Barron. That’s how he got so tall, he only ate her food.”
Trump then joked about his son’s height, saying it is pity he isn’t interested in basketball, but in soccer.
“I said you’re gonna be a basketball player. He said, ‘Well, I like soccer, Dad, actually.’ I thought… at your height, I like basketball better, but you can’t talk them into everything,” Trump added, saying that Barron was a “special boy.”
Getty Images North America/Chip Somodevilla
Barron is growing up so fast that some believe the photos of him are photoshoped.
“I thought this was Photoshop, what the hell?!” one person said, as reported by Yahoo. “Wasn’t that the little kid fighting to stay awake at Trump’s inauguration? That was…. 7 years ago. Oh.”
Several news outlets have reported that Barron stands at 6 feet 7. However, that is incorrect, according to Barron Trump’s father, Donald.
In fact, Donald revealed that Barron stands at 6 feet 8, as reported by the Mirror.
The most recent photos of Barron taken on the election day stunned the public even further because he seems like he has grown even more.
“[Six-foot-nine] Barron Trump, son of Donald Trump, may just get a call from the Washington Wizards one of these days,” shares one, referring to a draft by the NBA team.
“God d*** Barron Trump is like 7 feet tall; that boy gotta get off the stage and start HOOPING.”
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President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico. It was a decision that did not sit well with the Mexican government.
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, stood firmly behind the statement that Trump can call the body of water whatever he wants but for the American part only.
“He says that he will call it the ‘Gulf of America’ on its continental shelf. For us it is still the Gulf of Mexico and for the entire world it is still the Gulf of Mexico,” Sheinbaum said on Tuesday, January 21, as reported by the Associated Press.
Trump shared the idea about changing the name of the body of water before taking office. He said it felt “appropriate.”
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
“We’re going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America — which has a beautiful ring. That covers a lot of territory,” he said on January 7. “The Gulf of America, what a beautiful name.”
He mentioned the name change during his inauguration speech, which triggered laughter at Hillary Clinton. He proceeded with signing the executive order later that day.
As per the White House, the order said “the area formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico has long been an integral asset to our once burgeoning Nation and has remained an indelible part of America.”
It noted, “The Gulf will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping America’s future and the global economy.” Further, it added: “and “In recognition of this flourishing economic resource and its critical importance to our Nation’s economy and its people, I am directing that it officially be renamed the Gulf of America.”
Wikimedia Commons
Shared by the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, the Gulf is a vital resource for fishing, oil production, and international trade.
The first time Trump mentioned the idea of the name change, Sheinbaum responded with sarcasm. She proposed to rename North America to “América Mexicana” or “Mexican America.”
The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico would likely require significant diplomatic negotiations, as it involves shared territorial waters and agreements under international law.
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