Arthritis – Foods to avoid and management options

Arthritis – Foods to avoid and management options

Human joints are at the core of flexible body movements, facilitating movement across different axes, including rotation, extension, and flexion. Thus, optimal joint functioning is essential for body mobility. Arthritis is a health condition involving severe joint inflammation. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types. Besides following the prescribed treatment course, avoiding certain foods and food types and exploring some management options can help control symptoms among arthritis patients. Foods to avoid for arthritis Sugary foods Excessive sugar intake is linked to increased production of cytokines, which are inflammatory proteins that can aggravate arthritis symptoms. Consequently, it is believed that sugar can increase arthritis flare-ups. Moreover, studies have found that individuals with arthritis are at a 61% higher risk of developing diabetes than those without the condition. Type-2 diabetes can aggravate the condition further. Therefore, it is best for patients with arthritis to replace added sugar with natural sugar sources like fruits and fresh fruit juices. Processed and red meat Red meats like pork, beef and lamb, and other processed meats, including sausages and bacon, are known to cause inflammation in the body, worsening arthritis symptoms. Hence, persons with arthritis should steer clear of red and processed meats, substituting them with lean meat sources like poultry and venison.
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5 things to know about sleep gummies

5 things to know about sleep gummies

Individuals may observe various health and environmental factors affecting their sleep quality. A lack of proper rest could affect their daily routines as they might feel fatigued. Such individuals might resort to taking sleep gummies before going to bed. These gummies may help improve sleep quality and level. However, many people may want to know what they are and their efficacy. On that note, here are five things one should know about the gummies. Ingredients Sleep gummies are usually made from a combination of various ingredients to induce sleep, including melatonin and L-theanine. Melatonin is a hormone the body naturally produces to help one fall and stay asleep. L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves that helps relieve stress. Therefore, it may reduce anxiety by affecting brain waves, which is required for better sleep. The gummies may contain other ingredients, including several natural ones, that may help promote better sleep. One can usually find the ingredients listed on the manufacturer’s label. Potential benefits The primary benefit of sleep gummies is to help one get ample rest. Since gummies are relatively new to the market, the research to support their benefits is still under assessment. However, some studies may support the ingredients in sleep gummies, as mentioned above.
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5 things to know before taking pain-relieving gummies

5 things to know before taking pain-relieving gummies

Some people may prefer pain relief gummies to address the symptoms caused by certain conditions. One of the top reasons for this is that the gummies have better texture and taste than other treatment options. However, before one jumps on the bandwagon, it is essential to be well-informed about what these are and how it could affect them. So, here are five important things to know and take care of before taking pain relief gummies. Speak to a healthcare provider Before incorporating pain relief gummies into a daily routine, it is crucial for one to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide valuable insights into whether this form of pain relief is suitable for one’s specific needs. The expert may also discuss any potential interactions with other treatment options one might be taking and help them make an informed decision regarding their use. Be mindful of the dosage While the general dosage guidelines for taking pain relief gummies offer a starting point, the ideal amount differs from one person to the next. An individual might have to work with a healthcare professional to find the right dosage when taking a chewable for pain relief. Under the guidance of a doctor, an individual might have to experiment with the pain relief gummy to find the right balance.
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Top 9 hotspots for flu germs

Top 9 hotspots for flu germs

As cold and flu are highly contagious, it is only natural to want to take preventative measures against these infections. While it is not possible to avoid being exposed to all infection-causing microorganisms, one can take a few steps to lower the risk of contracting diseases. One of them is to avoid traditional hotspots and surfaces where these germs tend to accumulate. So, here are the top traditional hotspots for flu one should know: 1. Hand dryers With every flush, the toilet sprays bacteria-filled droplets into the air, called a toilet plume. These tend to get recycled by standard hand dryers in public washrooms, spreading the bacteria far and wide. Although most suppliers today claim that these machines are fitted with special filters to blow clean air, it may be safer to use regular paper towels. 2. Elevators Elevators, especially their buttons, can become hotspots for flu. As they are rarely wiped down, they keep collecting dust, dirt, and germs, which may cause infections. To stay safe, one can sanitize their hands after pressing the button or use their elbows to select the floor. 3. Gas pumps Gas pumps come in contact with too many users and are exposed to outdoor elements like dust and wind.
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8 foods to avoid for Huntington’s disease

8 foods to avoid for Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s disease is a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and causes progressive degeneration of brain cells. One of the common symptoms of this disorder is difficulty in swallowing. Due to this, extra care needs to be taken about the food considerations for people with Huntington’s disease. This includes removing certain foods from their food regimen which can be difficult to swallow. The following are a few foods that people with Huntington’s disease must avoid. Granola Granola might be a convenient snacking option. However, it might not be ideal for people with Huntington’s disease. This is because granola can be difficult to swallow due to its dry texture and can increase the risk of choking. Crumbly and sharp foods Along with dry foods, people with Huntington’s disease should also avoid crumbly foods, as they can irritate the throat. These include chips, crackers, and crusty bread. Due to their texture, they can also exacerbate swallowing problems. Raw fruits and vegetables While raw fruits are nutritious, they must be avoided by people with Huntington’s disease since they are difficult to swallow. Along with that, individuals with the disorder must also avoid raw vegetables as they pose the same problem. Nuts Individuals with Huntington’s disease may also experience reduced or loss of motor control in their face, which makes chewing difficult.
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5 things not covered by Medicare

5 things not covered by Medicare

Medicare is invaluable for a large percentage of the country’s population for many reasons. People who are older than 65 can get the full range of cost coverage offered by Medicare Part A and Part B when they sign up for them. However, while Medicare does cover most healthcare expenses one might incur, certain costs are outside coverage boundaries, even for this scheme. Here are some of the things not covered by Medicare: Long-term care Long-term care is among the most expensive healthcare services one can use. According to some studies, the median cost of a private room in nursing homes is about $115,000 in 2023. Certain cost estimates state that using a room for a prolonged period with assisted-living facilities costs about $47,000 for 44 hours per week of care given by a home health aide. While Medicare covers certain skilled nursing services, it does not cover the things included in custodial care, such as dressing, bathing, feeding, and other similar activities involved in daily living. To ease things, people can purchase health insurance externally to cover any possible healthcare requirement that includes long-term care. Hearing aids While Medicare does cover the cost of major procedures and treatments done for ear-related health conditions, the cost of routine hearing tests or hearing aids is not a part of the original Medicare and Medigap package.
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Top 4 reasons for unnatural hair loss patterns

Top 4 reasons for unnatural hair loss patterns

Hair loss is a natural process that automatically gets rid of old tissue and hair to promote new growth. So don’t be alarmed when you do find a few strands of hair tangled in your comb. However, a clearly visible scalp and a receding hairline are indicative of developing the problem of permanent hair loss. There are several internal and external factors that can accelerate hair fall, leading to pattern baldness in both men and women. Here are the top four reasons that trigger unnatural hair fall. Stress Stress ranks among the top risk factors associated with many medical conditions. In fact, one way or the other, taking physical or psychological stress harms the body more than you can imagine. For hair loss, especially, excessive shedding starts right after the body undergoes physical or psychological distress. A few examples include experiencing high fever, blood loss due to accident or injury, or even post-surgery recovery can result in stress that causes hair loss. Stress, coupled with anxiety, results in accelerated hair loss. To cope with this problem and reduce its effects, stress management is of crucial importance. Hormonal changes Men and women both experience hormonal changes throughout their lifetime. However, an imbalance associated with various conditions can trigger hair loss.
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Learn about these 3 types of hearing loss

Learn about these 3 types of hearing loss

Hearing loss, deafness, or impairment is the partial or total inability to hear sounds. People with low to moderate hearing impairment face challenges in understanding what the other person is saying in a noisy environment. Whereas, people with severe deafness cannot hear anything, and rely completely on lip-reading and sign language skills. There are three main types of hearing loss: sensorineural, conductive, and a combination of both. Let’s understand these types in detail and learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of each type. Sensorineural hearing loss It’s the most common type of hearing loss. Sensorineural is permanent hearing loss often caused by damage to the tiny hair cells that line the inner ear or the auditory nerve. The damage stops or weakens the transfers of nerve signals to the brain. These signals are essentially the intensity and clarity of sounds. Causes: Aging and exposure to loud noises for a long period of time are the most common cause of the damage. Certain medications and illnesses can also increase risks. It can even be genetic, and pass on to the child in the mother’s womb. Treatment: There is no medical or surgical treatment available to repair the tiny hair cells once they’re damaged.
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Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

The heart is the most crucial organ in the body and as the system will cease to function if the heart stops or loses momentum pumping fresh oxygenated blood. This is why it is vital to not neglect your heart health at all and responsibly maintain a healthy, stress-free, and more importantly, a happy lifestyle. Here are a few simple lifestyle changes that will help support a healthy heart function. Switch to a healthy diet Avoid eating foods that are rich in trans and saturated fats. Most foods you find on the shelves of the supermarket contain large quantities of one or the other. Instead, switch to low-fat high fiber alternatives to help manage cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level in the body automatically reduces the risk of heart diseases. The simple reason for this is that fats that normally block major arteries and blood vessels are eliminated from these foods choices. It is also advisable to limit the salt (sodium) intake to control blood pressure and sugar to reduce the risk of diabetes simultaneously. Change certain lifestyle habits Reduce the number of alcoholic or carbonated drinks you have regularly. For men, it is advisable to have not more than two drinks and day and women must have only one.
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How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

Heartburn is an unpleasant, burning sensation in the chest that is more common than a lot of individuals realize. Pregnant women, older men, and even young adults experience it frequently. Despite it being such a prevalent experience, not many know that heartburn has actually nothing to do with the heart and everything to do with the stomach and the esophagus. Unsurprisingly enough, heartburn is also used interchangeably with GERD. But, before we get to deciphering heartburn and GERD, let’s understand what acid reflux is. What is acid reflux or GER? Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES becomes weak, allowing the contents of the stomach to travel in the wrong direction, back up the esophagus. Acid reflux is also called GER or gastroesophageal reflux as it involves the stomach and esophagus. This condition can usually be resolved with over-the-counter medication. What is heartburn? Heartburn is a burning or painful sensation that is experienced in the chest. Since the lining of the esophagus is not as strong as the lining of the stomach, the acid from the stomach can cause a burning sensation in the chest. This pain or burning sensation that is heartburn can often be misconstrued for a heart attack.
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