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Diabetes – Understanding the early signs and trigger foods

Diabetes – Understanding the early signs and trigger foods
A type of autoimmune disease, diabetes, is caused due to increased blood sugar levels of the body. This condition affects a lot of individuals as statistics suggest that there are more than 100 million people globally who have diabetes. However, despite being so widespread, diabetes is rarely caught in the initial stages. This article lists eight early warning signs of diabetes and foods to avoid to prevent the development. Reduced healing capabilities Individuals who have diabetes will also observe a decrease in their body’s healing capacity. This is because high blood sugar can affect the body’s ability to tackle wear and tear. The compromised immune system is unable to treat wounds due to the delayed response. Patches on the skin Another common sign of diabetes is acanthosis nigricans. This condition leads to dark, patchy skin in the creases of the armpits, neck, and even groin. This skin is usually soft to touch and does not cause itchiness. Numbness in the body Another early warning sign of diabetes is numbness in different parts of the body. This numbness is usually caused due to diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is a condition where the nerves suffer from damage due to prolonged high blood sugar levels in the body.

Foods that help manage Parkinson’s disease

Foods that help manage Parkinson’s disease
Getting diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease can completely change a person’s life. It is a neurological condition that directly affects the motor movements of a person and can lead to symptoms like shaking, coordination issues, balance issues, stiffness, and difficulty in walking. Receiving all the essential nutrients is important to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s; it can also help avoid the disease altogether. Some foods that are excellent for Parkinson’s disease are as follows: Berries The deficiency of antioxidants and vitamins is known to trigger the process of neurodegeneration. Berries such as strawberries and blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. These nutrients can help reduce the amount of oxidative stress in the body, which, in turn, helps in managing the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Nuts Adding more ingredients such as almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts, pecans, and pistachios can help in controlling the motor symptoms caused due to Parkinson’s. These ingredients are rich in vitamin E, vitamin B1, and omega-3 fatty acids that help the body fight this disease. Flax seeds Flax seeds, in addition to being rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, also contain a compound called lignans that helps improve hormonal balance and digestion-related issues in the body.

7 foods that help manage an overactive bladder

7 foods that help manage an overactive bladder
Overactive bladder, also popularly known as OAB, is characterized by a frequent and sudden urge to urinate. Individuals with this health condition often face urinary incontinence and visit the bathroom very often. Thankfully, OAB can be tackled in many ways, including physical therapy, certain foods, and other methods. This article lists seven healthy food options that can help improve bladder health considerably and relieve the symptoms of an overactive bladder. Bananas Bananas can help improve bladder function. Most fruits are high in fiber and contain lots of antioxidants that are good for the body. Bananas are loaded with fiber and are rich on potassium, which are great for the urinary tract. They also regulate bowel movement and help relieve pressure on urine flow. Berries Cranberries have compounds that help prevent the build-up of bacteria in the urinary tract. On the other hand, blueberries are rich in antioxidants that keep the urinary tract healthy. However, patients must eat berries in moderation. Cauliflower Cauliflower has several healthy elements, such as vitamin C, folate, and fiber. The cruciferous vegetable also contains compounds called indoles, which help control inflammation in the urinary tract and promote bladder health. Water Many think that drinking less water is the solution to an overactive bladder.

Overactive bladder – Foods to avoid

Overactive bladder – Foods to avoid
Overactive bladder, also commonly known as OAB, is characterized by the frequent and sudden urge to pass urine, which cannot be controlled. Those with this condition may also experience urgency incontinence or unintentional loss of urine. One’s eating habits can help a great deal in managing an overactive bladder. On that note, here is a list of four foods to avoid or restrict to reduce the symptoms of an overactive bladder. Foods to avoid Citrus fruits like oranges Fruits with high concentrations of acid are considered to be trigger foods for those with an overactive bladder. The acid in oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and limes irritates the inner lining of the bladder. Hence, it is essential to consume them in moderation. The list also covers juices and lemonades. Caffeine Caffeinated beverages are among the most common foods that contribute to an overactive bladder. The caffeine in tea and coffee acts as a bladder stimulant and increases the frequency of passing urine. It is advisable to lower the consumption of caffeinated beverages to avoid aggravating the symptoms of bladder incontinence. Artificial sweeteners Foods rich in sugar and artificial sweeteners like sodas, pastries, icecreams, and sugar-free desserts should be avoided or limited. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sodium saccharin, and acesulfame K, which are usually used in frozen desserts, increase urinary frequency and urgency.

3 healthy cat treat brands to consider

3 healthy cat treat brands to consider
Everyone is inclined towards consciously eating healthy and ensuring so do their pets. Most pet parents like to keep tabs on what their pet eats throughout the day, ensuring they get the necessary nutrition via their meals. With cats, choosing the right treats can be a task, as they are sensitive and choosy. However, to help you, here is a list of the best cat treats that are delicious and nutritious for your cat’s health. Wellness Kittles This brand is best known for its crunchy, grain-free cat treats made with all-natural ingredients. They make low-calorie treats that are high in palatability. Their most popular flavor among all treats is salmon, but that’s not the sole ingredient the brand relies on. Wellness Kittles also includes healthy food ingredients like peas, blueberries, flaxseed, rosemary extract, green tea extract, and cranberries. A 2-oz bag of these treats is available for approximately $2.37, and the per treat calorie is around 1.1. Blue Buffalo These are the most budget-effective cat treats that pet parents can rely on. Their Bursts treats dominate the savory seafood flavor, wherein meat makes for the first ingredient. Their treats contain no wheat, and their key ingredients include deboned salmon, tuna meal, barley, brown rice, pork fat, salmon meal, cod, and dried whey.

6 human foods not to share with cats

6 human foods not to share with cats
Pets, specifically cats, may be picky eaters, but they can gobble up your food when you are not looking. However, not all human foods are safe for your feline friend. If they eat something that is perfectly healthy for you but is harmful to them, their digestive system will malfunction. Your furry pet may end up getting sick. So, keep them away from human foods that are mentioned in this list. Chocolates Dark chocolate is a good source of antioxidants for humans. But for cats, these indulgent treats are to be kept away. Never ever hand out chocolate treats to your furry one. This is because chocolates contain a high amount of methylxanthine, which can cause increased thirst, muscle tremors, abnormal heart rhythm, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as high body temperature. Dairy products Most cats like drinking milk. However, apart from milk, other dairy products may be harmful to them. Most cats are generally lactose intolerant. It is only when they are kittens that cats are tolerant to the lactose in their mother’s milk. Caffeine Keep your feline friend away from your daily fix of caffeine, that is, your coffee. All caffeine-based foods and beverages, including tea, coffee, and soda, can cause toxicity in cats.

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4 common myths about diabetes debunked

When the glucose levels in the body are high and insulin levels are not proportionate enough to convert this glucose into energy, the risk of diabetes increases. It is basically the inability of the body to convert food into energy using insulin. The glucose is broken down into energy for cells to absorb and when this conversion doesn’t take place, blood sugar levels rise. If left unchecked, it can lead to a number of complications. However, there are certain myths about diabetes that can create confusion among the masses. Here is what you must know and understand about the condition. Myth 1: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same. The fact of the matter is that both type 1 and 2 are linked to insulin deficiency that causes diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce any insulin, and people suffering from this condition must rely on regular doses of insulin to supplement these requirements. Type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune disorder that is mostly diagnosed in children. In type 2 diabetes, the body still manages to produce insulin but the cells are unable to absorb the compound necessary for converting food into energy. Depending on the severity of the condition, people suffering from type 2 diabetes may or may not need insulin shots. Myth 2: Insulin dependence Nothing can be further from the truth that insulin is a lifesaving medication and absolutely necessary for people suffering from severe diabetes. The body cannot convert food into energy without insulin. How the supply is replenished does not matter as there is a need for the deficiency to be managed better. People with type 2 diabetes can still manage a healthy lifestyle and reduce their dependence on insulin to a great extent. However, it is a mandatory medication for those who have type 1 diabetes.

The risk factors associated with dehydration

Dehydration is the loss of fluids from one’s body. It can be caused due to something as simple as not having an adequate water intake or perhaps a severe medical side effect. The symptoms of fluid loss caused due to this condition can affect people of all ages. From toddlers and infants to older adults, one can experience mild to severe dehydration depending on the primary cause of the same. Herein, we shall try and understand the severity and risk factors associated with dehydration in people of different ages. Children and infants At a very young age, infants and children are more susceptible to bacterial infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Both result in the rapid loss of fluids. Note that infants lose more fluids in comparison to adults. Young children, especially toddlers, unlike adults, may also not realize when they are thirsty. This increases the risk of staying dehydrated unknowingly until severe symptoms indicate the same. It is one of the main reasons why doctors prescribe electrolyte-rich fluids for children experiencing a high fever to help replenish the lost fluids. Seniors and older adults Adults after a certain age face more difficulties as the body gradually loses its ability to conserve water. One’s sense of thirst also becomes acute with old age, which further increases the risk. Individuals might not feel thirsty enough to have the recommended intake of water every day, further causing problems due to the loss of fluids. Furthermore, dehydration can be a direct result of certain prescription medications used for treating diabetes. The side effects can result in a fluid imbalance as medications increase the urine output, thus resulting in a higher loss of fluids from the body. Many medications also list vomiting and diarrhea as potential side effects and both can trigger a severe loss of fluids in the body.

Must-have nutrients and foods for optimal eye health

Our sensory organs are extremely essential in our daily life. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to stand straight, see things, taste, communicate, and live the way we do. But the power of sight is one of the most important of them all. Maintaining good eye health is necessary, and, unsurprisingly, making healthy lifestyle and dietary choices is crucial for this. So, here are a few nutrients you should add to your daily diet to keep your vision in top-notch condition: Vitamin A The deficiency of vitamin A is one of the most common causes of blindness across the globe. Why is this vitamin so important? Well, for starters, it helps manage and maintain the light-sensing cells in your eyes. A lack of vitamin A can cause dry eyes and other serious eye conditions. Best food with vitamin A content: To get the right amount of vitamin A in your diet and maintain optimal eye health, include foods like apricots, carrots, spinach, and yam in your diet in plenty. Vitamin C Vitamin C is present in high concentration in the aqueous humor (the liquid in the outermost part of the eye). The amount of this vitamin in the aqueous humor is proportional to the amount in your diet, and research has proved that people with cataracts tend to have low amounts of vitamin C in their bodies. Best dietary sources of vitamin C: Citrus fruits like oranges, kiwi, lime, and strawberries are all great sources of vitamin C. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are also healthy sources of this vitamin. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are essential to maintain good eye health. DHA aids eye function. It is present in the retina and is an integral part of brain and eye development in children. Evidence also proves the benefits of omega-3 supplements for people with dry eyes.

Understanding the different aspects of a flu outbreak

Flu or influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can result in mild to severe illness and health complications. A severe flu infection can result in hospitalization and can even prove to be fatal, especially in young children, older people aged above 65, and people with underlying health conditions. There are two main types of flu viruses: Type A and Type B virus. The illness can be periodical and result in seasonal flu epidemics each year. The cold, flu, and its symptoms such as cough is caused due to the type of the viruses mentioned above. Influenza may not always be considered by most people as a serious illness, its symptoms comprising a runny nose, headaches, cough, and muscle pain can be confused with those of a heavy cold. Yet reports suggest that seasonal influenza can claim up to 650,000 lives every year. That is why influenza vaccinations are important because they protect people, especially those in at-risk categories, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with vulnerable immune systems or underlying health conditions. What most of us call “the flu” is essentially seasonal influenza because it comes around in the coldest season twice a year, once in the Northern hemisphere’s winter, and once in the Southern hemisphere’s winter in temperate zones of the world. The flu circulates year-round in the tropics and subtropics, which makes it more contagious. The worst part about the influenza virus is that it constantly mutates, enabling it to evade the mechanisms of our immune systems. The virus learns from the responses of the human body and creates a suitable defensive mechanism to survive the attack by the immune system. When a new virus emerges, it can easily infect people and spread due to its contagiousness. Very little to no immunity to a new strain can lead to a simple outbreak becoming an epidemic or a pandemic within no time.

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9 most common types of depression you should know about

9 most common types of depression you should know about

All of us feel low, upset, and unmotivated at some point in our life, but this isn’t classified as depression. Depression is a mood disorder that overshadows a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Signs and symptoms of this grave disorder can range from feeling hopeless and tired to completely losing the will to live. There are several types of depression and they are listed below so you can understand depression and people suffering from it better. Major Depression (Clinical Depression) The hallmark trait of this type of depression is the constant feeling of sadness or loss of interest in social life or any outside stimuli. It often lasts for two weeks or more in which a person can experience symptoms such as hopelessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) Dysthymia lasts for years and can disrupt daily life and interfere with personal and professional relationships. Individuals with dysthymia are often seen as dark, pessimistic, or complainers by others, and they have a hard time being happy in typically pleasant situations. Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) People with manic depression experience high degrees of mood swings. Their train of thought can take them from feeling euphoric to feeling suicidal in just a few weeks. It is very common to get into a depressive state before or after the manic episode. Postpartum Depression (Peripartum Depression) This depression episode is characterized by dramatic hormonal changes in women after giving birth. They may tend to experience bouts of sadness and cry anytime. The symptoms usually alleviate after a week or two of giving birth. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) People with this type of depression start experiencing depressive symptoms with a change in seasons. For many, it happens during winter. The individual starts feeling worse as the season progresses and can even have suicidal thoughts.
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Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Simple and practical guide points for expecting parents

Pregnancy is a new experience in every couple’s life, and one should understand a few things to ensure that the nine months are smooth and stress-free. Simply being prepared for pregnancy and looking forward to the joy of parenthood is not all there’s to childbirth. As a couple, you must understand, review, and adjust your lifestyle. Expecting mothers become their child’s nurturers and supporters from day one, but the expecting fathers, close relatives, and friends must also understand the key roles they will play right up to the due date. Here are a few simple family and pregnancy guide points to help you and your folks get started: Staying healthy Physical and mental wellbeing is extremely crucial for the expecting mother to ensure both her and the baby’s health. Diet plays a crucial role in this process, as the mother is now providing nutrition for the developing fetus as well as herself. As a family, you can take turns to ensure that the to-be mother is staying physically active, eating healthy and regularly, and not cultivating any bad habits. More importantly, family and loved ones should be prepared for the changes to come in the upcoming trimesters. Coping with changes – what to expect Morning sickness in the first trimester is quite common and can put a woman’s body under tremendous stress. Nausea and vomiting may also cause headaches, but medications cannot always be taken, as they may affect the baby’s health. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause extreme mood swings, so everyone around must be prepared to deal with this. Maintaining a healthy relationship with one’s partner and responding to their needs is crucial to ensure a healthy pregnancy, especially after the first trimester, when the baby starts developing quickly. Counseling One of the more crucial aspects of family and pregnancy planning is prenatal counseling.
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