4 Healthy Foods that Help Manage Diabetes
Health

4 Healthy Foods that Help Manage Diabetes

Living with a chronic health condition like diabetes is tedious. This condition is characterized by the body’s inability to produce enough of the hormone insulin or properly use the insulin it produces. People with diabetes often experience a sudden spurt or decline in their blood sugar levels, which can often have unpleasant consequences. So, to ensure that the blood sugar levels don’t go haywire, diabetes patients are advised to pay more attention to foods that help manage diabetes. It’s also equally important to avoid foods that can worsen the condition. Herein, we take a look at some of the best healthy foods that help in managing diabetes. 1. Leafy green vegetables It’s no secret that leafy green vegetables are a powerhouse of nutrients and contribute to keeping you healthy. It is an excellent choice for people with diabetes since these are extremely nutritious and low in calories. Kale and spinach are good sources of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which is instrumental in reducing inflammatory markers and blood sugar levels. In addition to these benefits, leafy green vegetables are rich in antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin that play a vital role in protecting your eyes from macular degeneration and cataracts, which are often caused by diabetes.
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6 Foods that Help Prevent Heart Diseases
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6 Foods that Help Prevent Heart Diseases

Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining heart health. Incorporating healthy foods in your diet can significantly lower the chances of developing conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, and inflammation that ultimately contribute to cardiac diseases. Foods that help prevent heart diseases and improve your overall health: 1. Berries Blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries are all packed with essential vitamins and minerals that play a vital role in sustaining healthy heart function. Berries are especially rich in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that nurtures the heart from culprits like inflammation and oxidative stress. One study showed that having a beverage made from strawberries for eight weeks reduced bad cholesterol levels in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome. Similarly, another research concluded that blueberries improve the cell function that is integral for regulating blood clotting and blood pressure. In addition, several studies demonstrated the positive effects of berries that included reductions in one’s body mass index, certain markers of inflammation, and systolic blood pressure. 2. Leafy greens Leafy green vegetables such as collard greens, kale, and spinach are loaded with various nutrients. They are particularly a rich source of vitamin K. This promotes proper blood clotting and protects the arteries. Likewise, they come with abundant dietary nitrates that lower blood pressure and arterial stiffness and improve the function of cells around the blood vessels.
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Eat These Foods to Reduce Cancer Risk
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Eat These Foods to Reduce Cancer Risk

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body that can drastically affect the body’s normal working mechanism. The old cells do not die. Instead, they grow out of control and form new abnormal cells. The extra cells usually form a tumor, which is a mass of tissue. The tumor can interrupt with body organs and their functioning and cause other health issues. Statistics suggest that every year, more than 1,000,000 new cases of cancer are diagnosed. This makes it more urgent to control or manage the disease even with the mildest of symptoms. In order to avoid a cancer diagnosis, gruelling medical treatments, frequent visits to health care clinics, and participating in clinical research, following a healthy diet is the first and the most important step to keep cancer symptoms at bay. In the pursuit of supporting the fight against cancer, numerous charities and foundations stand out for their impactful contributions. The American Cancer Society (ACS) takes a multifaceted approach, channeling funds into groundbreaking research, patient assistance programs, and educational initiatives. The National Cancer Institute (NCI), a vital arm of the National Institutes of Health, plays a pivotal role in advancing cancer research and facilitating clinical trials, contributing significantly to our understanding of the disease.
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Gout diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid
Health

Gout diet: What to Eat and What to Avoid

Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purine, a naturally occurring chemical in the body and is also found in some food sources. It is usually eliminated from the body in the form of urine. However, when the body is unable to eliminate uric acid, it starts accumulating in the blood. This further leads to the formation of uric crystals which starts settling in and around joints. As a result, a person experiences pain in the joints. Being a painful form of arthritis, gout can be treated by lowering uric acid levels in the body. This can be achieved by following treatments prescribed by the doctor and following a diet meant for gout which can lower uric acid levels in the body. Here are some foods that you can eat and avoid to prevent or get relief from gout symptoms: 1. Food items to eat Following are the food items that should be included in the diet for gout. Cherries Cherries contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can lower gout symptoms. Cherries also contain vitamin C, which lowers uric acid in the blood, thereby discouraging the formation of uric acid crystals in the body. Other fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and pineapples.
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Debunking Gum Care Myths
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Debunking Gum Care Myths

Different people have different notions regarding gum diseases, but whatever the notion is, it should be backed by the consultation of a dental expert. Mentioned here are some of the most common gum care myths: 1. Bleeding gums are not a serious problem If you have bleeding gums and observe bleeding when brushing, eating certain food items, or flossing, it could be a sign that you have periodontal diseases. In that case, one of the first gum care tips that you can follow is to visit a dentist who would look into any possibilities of periodontal diseases. 2. Only poor oral hygiene is responsible for gum diseases Neglecting oral hygiene can contribute to gum diseases and can be one of the factors but not the only factor that leads to gum diseases. You should adhere to a clean and intensive oral healthcare regime inclusive of but not limited to the following: Brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once Scrubbing your tongue after every brushing session Using a fluoride-rich toothpaste to brush your teeth Investing in a therapeutic mouthwash Keeping a check on problems arising out of the many factors like diet, stress, genetics, and others. 3.
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5 Healthy Snacks for Both Kids and Adults
Health

5 Healthy Snacks for Both Kids and Adults

Snack time is the best time to add healthy foods to your diet. Although there are numerous packaged snacks available in the market, it is best to avoid them due to the high content of artificial ingredients. Here we have some easy-to-prepare, nutrients-packed snacks that will be loved by both adults and kids. 1. Yogurt and fruits Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium and protein, which is beneficial to both adults and kids. Calcium plays an important role in developing the bones of kids, and the protein found in yogurt is known for increasing strength and boosting metabolism. Especially for kids, always go for full-fat, plain yogurt. You can use fruits or a couple of tablespoons of honey to add some sweetness. But make sure not to give honey to children under the age of 12 months as they are at a higher risk of developing an infection known as botulism, which is found in honey. One of the best ways to add a fun twist to plain yogurt is to eat it as a dip with some slices of pears, apples, bananas or strawberries. 2. Hard-boiled eggs An instant boost of iron and protein, eggs can be used to prepare numerous healthy snacks for breakfast and brunch.
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Steps to Manage Hemophilia
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Steps to Manage Hemophilia

A medical disorder in which the blood does not clot properly, hemophilia is mostly diagnosed in males. When one sustains an injury, there are certain clotting factors in the blood that work with platelets to stop the bleeding. If an individual is suffering from hemophilia, they produce lower amounts of either clotting factor IX or clotting factor VIII than people without the disease. Therefore, they tend to bleed for a longer amount of time after an injury or a surgical procedure, making the condition dangerous. The life expectancy of a patient with the condition varies based on the kind of treatment they are receiving. With proper treatment for hemophilia, the life expectancy is approximately ten years less than that of the average male without the disease. The good news is that there are a few lifestyle changes and home remedies that an individual can adopt to avoid excessive bleeding or at the very least, minimize its chances. 1. Avoid certain pain medicines Aspirin and ibuprofen, among others, are medicines that may aggravate bleeding. It is advisable to instead use safer alternatives that provide mild pain relief. One can also ask their physician for alternative medication. 2. Exercise regularly To build up muscles that protect joints, one can take up bicycle riding, swimming, and walking.
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Hepatitis C: What to Eat and What to Avoid
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Hepatitis C: What to Eat and What to Avoid

Hepatitis C is a virus that attacks the liver and causes inflammation and fibrosis. According to WebMD, around 3.9 million people in the country suffer from this disease. It often goes unnoticed as the symptoms are very few. This virus spreads through contact with an infected person’s blood or bodily fluids, and while the symptoms may go unnoticed between the first two weeks and six months after the virus enters the body, there are some symptoms you can look out for. These are clay-colored stool, dark urine, fever, fatigue, jaundice, joint pain, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting. The liver is an organ that works as a passage for all that we eat and drink, so it is important that our diet should be regulated when infected from the hepatitis C virus. There is no special diet for this condition but looking out for the liver becomes of utmost concern. Let us look at some foods that are liver friendly, and those that should be avoided. 1. Live-friendly foods Protein Proteins are the building blocks of our body so consuming enough of it is vital. It provides energy and keeps a person feeling full which eliminates the need for craving more food than required.
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Hepatitis: The Lesser-Known Types
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Hepatitis: The Lesser-Known Types

Viruses that mainly attack the liver and cause inflammation are called hepatitis viruses. The most common hepatitis types are A, B, C, D, and E, but what most people do not realize is that there are other types are well, like type G, acute fulminant hepatitis, and chronic viral hepatitis. In this article, we will discuss these lesser-known types of hepatitis. Even though they may be uncommon, they can be as serious as their more common counterparts. 1. What is hepatitis G? Also termed as HGV, or GBV-C, this is a type of hepatitis caused by the hepatitis G virus. It has been recently discovered and resembles hepatitis C. Little is known about this type of hepatitis, except that it is a type of liver inflammation. The virus, as well as its effects, are currently being studied to understand the cause of the disease. There is only some evidence to prove that patients with hepatitis G may continue to carry the virus for several years and infect others. This virus can be passed on from the mother to an infant born through normal delivery. The risk reduces with a cesarean birth. 2. What is fulminant hepatitis? In rare cases, people with acute infections of the hepatitis A or hepatitis B virus may start developing severe inflammation, due to which the liver may fail.
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5 Dietary Changes to Lower Cholesterol
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5 Dietary Changes to Lower Cholesterol

Cholesterol has necessary functions in the body like producing hormones. On the other hand, high levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol increases the chances of plaque buildup in the arteries, which can clog the arteries and lead to heart disease. While cholesterol medications can be prescribed, following a high-cholesterol diet simultaneously will negate the efforts of taking these medicines. What you need is a diet that will help maintain healthy cholesterol levels in the body. Here are some dietary changes to make in order to ensure healthy cholesterol levels and prevent the risk of heart disease: 1. Say no to trans fats In case you are wondering what trans fats are, they are listed as “partially hydrogenated vegetable oils” on packaged foods. Foods that contain trans fats include readymade cakes, cookies, and similar products. Look for labels of products that do not list “partially hydrogenated vegetable oils” as one of their ingredients or opt for homemade versions of these foods to keep health issues at bay. 2. Increase the intake of omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids are really good for your heart and are known to reduce blood pressure levels. You can add Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet through flax seeds, kidney beans, walnuts, chia seeds, seaweed, and soya oil to increase the levels of healthy fats.
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