Your garbage disposal might be one of the hardest working appliances in your kitchen, but it’s not invincible. Despite the word “garbage” in its name, it’s not built to handle just anything you toss its way. Use it carelessly, and you might find yourself dialing a plumber sooner than you’d like.
“Garbage disposals are convenient for cleaning up food waste,” says Palla, “but there are definitely things that can clog or damage the system.” In fact, many plumbers use their disposals sparingly. “Basically just the scraps that stick to the plates,” notes Wilson.
Here are 7 things experts agree should never go down your disposal:
Grease and Oil – Once cooled, these fats harden and stick to your pipes, forming stubborn clogs.
Bones – Your disposal isn’t built for hard materials. Even small bones can wear down the blades or jam the system.
Vegetable Peelings – Especially from potatoes, these starchy scraps clump together and form a paste that blocks your pipes.
Fibrous Vegetables – Think celery or onion skins. Their stringy texture wraps around blades, stopping them cold.
Fruit Pits and Seeds – If your knife can’t cut it, your disposal can’t either. Pits can break the blades or motor.
Shellfish Shells – Hard and jagged, shrimp and crab shells can grind your disposal to a halt.
Non-Food Items – Cat litter, plastic, or paint? Just no. Disposals are for food waste only—never trash.
Your disposal isn’t a magic garbage chute. Treat it right, and it’ll last a whole lot longer.
Instant noodle cups are a quick fix for hunger, but they come with a side of health concerns that are worth paying attention to. From questionable packaging to poor nutrition, here’s what’s wrong — and how you can fix it.
The Problem: Most instant noodle cups are high in sodium and low in nutrients. A single serving can contain up to 1,700 mg of sodium, nearly an entire day’s recommended limit. This can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. On top of that, the flavor packets are often packed with MSG and artificial ingredients, offering little nutritional value.
Worse still, many noodle cups are packaged in polystyrene (Styrofoam), which can leach styrene — a possible human carcinogen — into your food when heated. Some studies also found instant noodles can contain harmful processing byproducts like 3-MCPD and glycidol, which are linked to cancer. There’s even a physical danger: hospitals have reported serious burn injuries from spilled hot noodle cups, especially among children.
The Solution: Fortunately, you can still enjoy noodles by making a few smart swaps.
1. Skip the Flavor Packet – Toss it and season your broth with low-sodium soy sauce, miso, ginger, garlic, lime juice, or chili flakes for natural, flavorful depth.
2. Add Protein – Boost nutrition with a soft-boiled egg, tofu, shredded chicken, or edamame. Protein helps balance blood sugar and keeps you full longer.
3. Pack in Veggies – Throw in spinach, mushrooms, carrots, or frozen mixed veggies. These add fiber, vitamins, and texture to your meal.
4. Upgrade the Noodles – Try whole grain, brown rice, or lentil noodles. Even spiralized zucchini or soba noodles are excellent alternatives with more fiber and less processed carbs.
5. Use Safe Containers – Avoid microwaving noodles in Styrofoam. Transfer to a glass or ceramic bowl, or prepare them on the stovetop for better safety and taste.
With these changes, you can enjoy the comfort of instant noodles—minus the health risks.
Here’s a question: When’s the last time you actually washed your scrunchies or hair ties? If you’re drawing a blank, you’re not alone—but it might be time for a fresh start. These everyday essentials collect sweat, oil, hair product residue, and even bacteria, especially in the warmer months when we’re all a bit sweatier. Just like your pillowcases or workout gear, hair accessories need regular cleaning too.
In summer, scrunchies can become mini breeding grounds for buildup. Think about it: you toss them in your gym bag, wear them post-workout, or even sleep in them. That extra moisture and grime can transfer right back to your hair and scalp, potentially causing irritation or even breakouts. And if you’re using silky ties to avoid hair damage, keeping them clean is even more important to preserve their benefits.
The good news? Cleaning your hair ties is super easy.
For cloth scrunchies and elastics: Fill your sink with warm water and add a few drops of mild detergent, Castile soap, or even dish soap. Let them soak for 10–30 minutes, then rinse, press out excess water with a towel, and hang to dry.
For silk scrunchies: Use cold water and a gentle soap. Spot-clean stains first, then soak and swish in soapy water for 15–30 minutes. Rinse in cold water and press gently—never wring—to keep the fabric smooth. Air dry on a towel or rack.
Anything that regularly touches your hair (and sweat) needs to be cleaned. Build this into your weekly routine, and your scrunchies—and your scalp—will thank you.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is leading a national shift in public health policy by calling on the CDC to stop recommending fluoride in community drinking water. During a press conference in Salt Lake City, Kennedy praised Utah for becoming the first state to ban fluoridation statewide, calling it a “leader in making America healthy again.”
Kennedy, a longtime advocate for environmental health and personal choice, is assembling a federal task force to reexamine the science surrounding fluoride. His stance is gaining traction as the EPA also announced a new review of emerging evidence regarding potential health risks of fluoride exposure.
While fluoride has historically been promoted for preventing tooth decay, Kennedy argues that modern science paints a far more concerning picture. He has referred to fluoride as a “dangerous neurotoxin,” linking it to thyroid issues, arthritis, bone fractures, and potential cognitive harm. A 2023 federal report highlighted an association between high fluoride levels and reduced IQ in children—raising serious questions about its continued use.
Though critics, including the Utah Oral Health Coalition, claim Kennedy’s move is politically motivated, the facts remain: Americans are increasingly questioning the need to medicate public water supplies with a substance that may do more harm than good. The implications are massive with over 60% of the U.S. population drinking fluoridated water.
Kennedy cannot mandate fluoride bans, but he can influence national policy through CDC guidance and cooperation with the EPA. And with the CDC’s Oral Health Division recently disbanded amid federal cutbacks, the future of pro-fluoride advocacy is uncertain.
RFK Jr. is taking a stand for health freedom and science-based oversight. As more states reconsider fluoridation, his leadership may mark a turning point in how we view this once-celebrated public health measure.
If you’re male and you haven’t done this already, get to know your testes. All men should know how their testicles feel and report any changes to their physician. If you’re experiencing testicular atrophy (shrinking testicles) you’re probably a little frightened and wondering what the heck is happening. Let’s delve into possible reasons and solutions for shrinking testicles.
Get more sleep
Most understand the importance of a good night’s rest for overall health. But if your testicles are shrinking, it could be due to a lack of sleep.A study from the University of Southern Denmark found a link between the quality of sleep and testicle size. Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study that included 953 young Danish men from the general population. Researchers studied sleep schedules, interruptions in sleep, and sleep habits. The men’s testicles were also measured. Researchers also took sperm and assessed for sperm count and viability.
It turns out that sleep-deprived men actually have lower testosterone levels. They also have reduced sperm counts — not to mention, testicle shrinkage. In those men who suffered from insomnia, staying up late, or had inconsistent sleep throughout the night and woke up often, researchers found that sperm counts dropped by 29 percent. Additionally, sperm was more deformed and testicles were smaller.
Cool it on the booze
If you are a lover of beer, wine, or liquor and you’re noticing shrinkage “down under,” listen up! An animal and human study published in ScienceDirect found that chronic alcohol consumption caused changes to Leydig cell shape and function. These cells are located adjacent to the testicular seminiferous tubules (where sperm cells are produced). Alcohol causes the tubules to shrink. Additionally, the processes involving the way alcohol alters testicular energy metabolism and sperm cell mitochondria leads to cell death. Together, these processes eventually lead to testicular shrinkage in both animals and humans.
However, the study was primarily created to see if testicles could “bounce back” to their original size through alcohol abstinence. And the good news is, if you stop drinking, or even reduce your chronic intake of alcohol, your testicles will likely regain their full size.
Avoid aluminum
Aluminum can be found in common household items, like deodorant, and it contributes to testicles shrinking.
Aluminum can be found widely throughout our daily lives. In fact, it’s the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust. Aluminum is used to make food and beverage cans, pots and pans, airplanes, siding and roofing, foil, and a variety of consumer products such as:
Antacids and buffered aspirins
Astringents and cosmetics
Antiperspirants
Flour and baking powder
Coloring agents and anti-caking agents
Aluminum compounds can also be found in water treatment, pharmaceuticals, utensils, and food additives. So, this makes it difficult to avoid exposure. The problem is, overexposure to aluminum may contribute to alow sperm count and infertility in men, with a side effect of smaller testicles.A study published in the International Journal of Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology reviewed the toxic effect of aluminum exposure on the male reproductive system.
Researchers found a link between exposure and adverse effects on sperm motility, viability, and count, histology of testis and epididymis (duct behind the testis) as well as reproductive hormone levels. Exposure may also lead to oxidative stress in the testicles, causing cells to die and the testicles to shrink.
Limit your exposure to aluminum by choosing aluminum-free deodorants, personal care products, antacids, and buffered aspirin. In fact, according to theAgency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry antacids contain 300 to 600 milligrams of aluminum hydroxide (about 104 to 208 milligrams of aluminum) per tablet. And buffered aspirin may contain 10 to 20 milligrams of aluminum per tablet.
Protect your testicles
Just the mention of getting kicked in the gonads can cause a man to wince. That’s because testicles have the most pain receptors concentrated in any one area of a man’s body, with nerves extending to the ears, stomach, and groin. Because the testes are located within the scrotum, which hangs outside of the body, they’re not protected by muscles and bones, says theCleveland Clinic. That means it’s easier for testes to be struck, hit, kicked, or crushed, which happens most often during contact sports.
Ina study by the Department of Radiology at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the University of Cambridge, researchers found that trauma to the scrotum is not only a cause of testicular atrophy but may also affect testicular size months or years following an injury. Researchers performed clinical and sonographic examinations in 10 patients who had suffered blunt trauma to the testicles. A significant reduction in the volume of the injured testis was found in five out of 10 cases.
So, while most men don’t experience such trauma daily, athletes should make sure they are well-protected by wearing athletic cups during sports and even skateboarding.
Stop smoking weed
Smoking too much marijuana can contribute to testicles shrinking.
Although studies on weed and its effect on reproductive hormones have been conflicting, some studies suggest that chronic marijuana use may lead to lower testosterone levels and a reduction in testicular size. Apparently, shrinking testicles have been observed in rodents and dogs after being administered cannabis extract. According toa study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, THC (the main active compound in marijuana) is apparently to blame. But, the research is relatively outdated.
Nevertheless, although outdated, the study suggests that smoking weed lowers testosterone levels, either directly or through precursor hormones. Or, it causes testicular atrophy in animals. So, if you’ve noticed a difference in testicular size and you’re a chronic smoker, it’s best to try and stop.
Cool it on the soy
The benefits and dangers of soy may be up for debate. But one of the more disturbing claims is that soy “feminizes” men. While soy milk provides many potential health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease and protection from prostate cancer, some research suggests it may have negative side effects for men when consumed frequently. In fact, soy is even thought to shrink testicles andlower testosterone levels.
Soybeans are rich in phytoestrogens. The chemical structure of phytoestrogens is very similar to that of the human sex hormone estrogen. This similarity allows phytoestrogens to sometimes mimic or hinder the hormone with estrogen receptors.
A study from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey set out to determine if a commonly used soy protein supplement exhibits biological activity. Researchers studied healthy male volunteers, aged 18 years or older that were in good health. They consumed two scoops of pure soy protein powder daily for 28 days. It turns out soy protein powder actually decreased testosterone levels, thanks to the estrogen. This same estrogen may also cause testicular shrinkage. The good news is, when study participants discontinued the soy protein powder, testosterone levels increased within two weeks.
Stop using steroids
Steroids can have several harmful side effects, including shrinking of the testicles.
Testicular atrophy, or shrinking balls, are most commonly associated with steroid use. Anabolic steroids are synthetic types of the male sex hormone testosterone. Some common names for anabolic steroids are gear, juice, roids and stackers. A medical professional may prescribe steroids to treat hormonal issues, such as delayed puberty. They can also treat diseases that cause muscle loss, such as cancer and AIDS, suggests theNational Institute of Drug Abuse (NIH).
The problem begins when some athletes and bodybuilders abuse steroids to boost their performance or improve their physical appearance. With that may come more than you bargained for. According to the NIH, steroid use may also:
Decrease sperm count
Contribute to baldness
Encourage the development of breasts
Increase your risk for prostate cancer
And, you guessed it, shrink your testicles
When the brain senses that there are high levels of testosterone in the blood, it assumes the testosterone is coming from the testicle. So, the brain then shuts off the production of FSH, a hormone that stimulates the production of testosterone in the testicle. As a result, the testicles begin to shrink.
When to visit your doctor
More than likely there is a simple reason behind your shrinking testicles. However, if shrinkage is accompanied by pain or diminished libido, visit your doctor. You may also want your doctor to test your testosterone to estrogen levels. Take charge of your health. Shrinking testicles may seem scary and embarrassing. But, being proactive will help prevent any long-term complications.
Roundup and other chemical herbicides have been the go-to solution for killing weeds in gardens, driveways, and farmlands for years. However, growing concerns over health risks, environmental damage, and soil degradation have led many to seek safer, natural alternatives.
The good news? You don’t need to spend big money on organic herbicides—there’s a penny-priced, safer alternative you might already have in your kitchen!
If you love pesto, you’re already on the path to better health, whether you realize it or not. Basil, the star ingredient in pesto, is more than just a fragrant herb that adds flavor to pasta and pizza. It’s a potent anti-inflammatory powerhouse packed with compounds that can help fight chronic diseases, ease joint pain, and support overall wellness.
Let’s dive into why basil is a natural anti-inflammatory champion, the science behind its benefits, and how you can incorporate more of this healing, easy-to-grow garden herb into your diet.
While camel milk is more resistant to curdling than cow milk, it can still curdle under certain conditions.
Camel milk has a different composition of proteins (caseins) than cow milk. These proteins are less likely to clump together and form curds when exposed to acid or heat. Camel milk is naturally more acidic than cow milk, which can help to prevent curdling. And the milk contains enzymes that can help to break down the proteins that cause curdling.
However, camel milk can still curdle if exposed to high heat, mixed with acidic ingredients such as lemon juice or vinegar, or contaminated with bacteria.
While traditional rennet (an enzyme used to make cheese) doesn’t work well with camel milk, alternative methods have been developed to produce camel milk cheese.
Camel milk has been a staple in nomadic cultures for centuries, and it’s gaining popularity worldwide. Here are some interesting facts about this unique beverage:
Low in fat: Compared to cow milk, camel milk is lower in fat, particularly saturated fat.
High in vitamins and minerals: It’s a good source of calcium, vitamin B1, iron, and potassium. It even has 3 times more vitamin C than cow milk!
Rich in disease-fighting compounds: Camel milk is packed with antioxidants and immunoglobulins, which may boost your immune system.
Easy to digest: It’s naturally low in lactose and has a different protein profile than cow milk, making it easier to digest for some people with dairy sensitivities.
Salty taste: Camel milk has a slightly salty taste, which varies depending on the camel’s diet and the season.
Sustainable source: Camels require less water and feed than cows, making them a more environmentally friendly option in arid regions.
Ancient tradition: Camel milk has been consumed for thousands of years by nomadic cultures in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Versatile uses: Besides drinking, camel milk can be used to make yogurt and even ice cream!
Mary Anning’s story is one of remarkable resilience and scientific contribution in the face of adversity. Born in 1799 in the coastal town of Lyme Regis, England, Mary Anning grew up poor and with limited formal education. However, she possessed a sharp mind and an innate curiosity about the natural world, fostered by her father who supplemented his income by finding and selling fossils.
Tragedy struck early in Mary’s life, first with the death of her father when she was just eleven, and then again when she was an infant. She miraculously survived a lightning strike that killed three women, an event that was said to have intensified her inquisitive nature. To support her family, Mary turned to the cliffs of Lyme Regis, diligently searching for fossils amidst perilous conditions.
Her persistence paid off. At the age of 12 she unearthed the first complete Ichthyosaur skeleton, a marine reptile that challenged contemporary scientific understanding. This discovery catapulted her into the world of paleontology, where she continued to make waves with further groundbreaking finds, including the first near-complete Plesiosaur skeletons and a pterosaur skeleton. These discoveries provided crucial evidence for the evolution of life and the existence of prehistoric creatures, shaping the burgeoning field of paleontology.
Despite her significant contributions, Mary faced an uphill battle as a woman in a male-dominated scientific community. She was often excluded from academic circles and rarely received full credit for her work. Nevertheless, her expertise was recognized by some prominent scientists, and in her later years, she was granted an annuity by the Geological Society of London, a rare honor for a woman at that time.
Cucumbers can effectively combat bad breath due to their high water content, crunchy texture, and fiber. These properties contribute to fresher breath in multiple ways.
Hydration: The high water content in cucumbers helps prevent dry mouth, a common contributor to bad breath.
Saliva production: Chewing cucumbers stimulates saliva production, which naturally rinses away bacteria and food debris.
Crunchy texture: The cucumber’s crunchiness acts as a gentle scrub, helping to remove plaque from teeth.
Several other foods can also help freshen your breath:
Crunchy fruits and vegetables: Apples, pears, celery, and carrots stimulate saliva production, similar to cucumbers.
Vitamin C-rich fruits: Berries, oranges, and melons are packed with vitamin C, which helps fight gum disease and bad breath.
Parsley: The oil in parsley leaves can mask unpleasant odors.
Yogurt: The good bacteria in yogurt can help balance the oral microbiome, reducing bad breath.
Drinking cucumber-infused water, herbal teas, or green tea can also contribute to fresher breath.
The Turritopsis dohrnii, also known as the immortal jellyfish, is a species of jellyfish that can potentially live forever due to its ability to reverse its life cycle.
Through a process called transdifferentiation, the immortal jellyfish can replenish its cells after sexual reproduction. This process allows adult cells to transform into other types of adult cells. When stressed, the jellyfish can revert to a polyp, which is a sexually immature stage of life. The polyp can then bud and produce new adult forms that are genetically identical to it.
The ability to repeat this cycle indefinitely makes the immortal jellyfish potentially biologically immortal. However, it is important to remember that it can still be killed by predators or other means.
The immortal jellyfish is relatively small, measuring approximately 4.5 millimeters wide and tall, and is found in temperate to tropic waters worldwide. Due to its reverse life cycle, it has been nicknamed the “Benjamin Button” jelly, as it is born old and dies young.
More creatures with no clear expiration date:
Hydras: Clone themselves instead of reproducing sexually.
Flatworms: Have a high capacity for regeneration due to their many pluripotent stem cells.
Ctenophores (comb jellies): Have large numbers of pluripotent stem cells that allow them to regenerate and rejuvenate.
Sponges: Have large numbers of pluripotent stem cells that allow them to regenerate and rejuvenate.
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