Anemia – Causes and Symptoms

Anemia – Causes and Symptoms

Iron deficiency or anemia is one of the most common forms of anemia and affects many people. It is the result of an inadequate amount of healthy red blood cells in the body. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues in the body and are vital to the healthy functioning of the body as well. As the name suggests, a deficiency in iron leads to the onset of the disease. Your body cannot produce healthy red blood cells without sufficient amounts of iron. Iron deficiency or anemia may result in you feeling tired at all times and suffering from a shortness of breath. You need to maintain a healthy diet rich in iron to get back on track or correct your iron deficiency by taking iron supplements. You may need additional tests to determine the true nature of the disease, especially if you are bleeding internally. Here are some of the symptoms of iron deficiency or anemia: Symptoms of iron deficiency or anemia The onset of the disease is so mild that it generally goes unnoticed. The signs and symptoms of the disease gather pace once the deficiency of iron starts having a telling impact on the body. The signs and symptoms of iron deficiency or anemia include the following: Pale skin Weakness Extreme fatigue Chest pain Fast heartbeat Shortness of breath Dizziness, headaches, or light-headedness Cold hands and feet A poor appetite Unusual cravings for substances like starch, dirt, and ice Brittle nails If you end up suffering from these symptoms, it suggests the likelihood of iron deficiency or anemia. The worst you can do at this stage is do a self-diagnosis and find a treatment for yourself. While it seems simple to take iron supplements or drastically change your diet to incorporate more iron, overloading the body with iron can be extremely dangerous as well.
4 Best Keto meal delivery options

4 Best Keto meal delivery options

One of the most popular diet plans currently is the keto diet. Although it originated a few years ago, the diet has remained popular, especially among those with a specific health goal, such as gaining muscle or losing weight. It is a low-carb, and high-fat and high-protein diet; and one of the best ways to stick to it is to opt for a keto meal delivery service. Here are some options: Fresh n Lean Fresh n Lean has several diet plans, including a keto diet plan. You have the option of getting all three meals, i.e., breakfast, lunch, dinner, delivered to you for the entire week. When you are ordering your meal for the week, you can also opt for additional snacks. Their keto meal delivery plan is not only recommended by nutritionists, but is also certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Each meal is priced at $10.38, and if you are a new customer, then you can get $20 off your first order. Home Chef Home Chef caters to not just you but your family’s needs. They deliver boxes with ingredients and recipes that you can easily make at home for a family of two, four or even six. They feature weekly menus and offer a range of meal kits under the carb-conscious section. Once you sign up on their website, you will be asked to choose from the various meal plans they offer, including any ingredient that you want excluded. The costs vary depending on the meal option you choose; however, the average starting price per serving is $6.99. Ketoned Bodies One of the unique selling propositions (USP) of this meal delivery service is that they support regenerative farming, which makes their produce sustainable. They also procure organic vegetables and only use grass-fed beef and pasture-raised pork and chicken for their meal kits.
What to Eat and Avoid when Treating Colitis

What to Eat and Avoid when Treating Colitis

Colitis, or ulcerative colitis, is a specific kind of inflammatory bowel disease. It can cause agonizing symptoms such as extreme abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. Following a healthy diet for colitis and making some simple dietary changes can help in effectively managing the condition and easing the symptoms, but how do you know which foods to eat and which ones to avoid? Well, this article focuses on the list of foods that might be beneficial for people suffering from this inflammatory disease. Also, it lists certain food items to avoid the worsening of symptoms. Let’s have a look. Foods to Eat With so many potential food triggers, it can sometimes be difficult to identify the exact cause that may prompt the symptoms. Also, with trigger foods, those that are safe and do not flare up symptoms will vary from person to person. Some of the most common food items that usually form a part of healthy diets for colitis are as follows: Avocados Avocados are helpful for treating ulcerative colitis as they are especially high in nutrients. Applesauce This is also a powerhouse of nutrients, but, at the same time, the presence of fructose and high fiber content may cause unnecessary triggering of symptoms in some people. Eggs Eggs are good for health, especially as they contain omega-3 supplementation. Squash Squash is found to be helpful in easing the symptoms of colitis. Salmon Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that have a lot of health benefits besides aiding digestion. Fermented Foods Fermented foods such as yogurts contain active probiotics that help in digestion. Also, it is believed that regular use of probiotics is one of the best long-term treatment options for colitis. Oatmeal Oatmeal is a good option as it is easier to digest. In addition to the abovementioned food items that are integral to diets for colitis, it is advisable to consume plenty of liquids to avoid diarrhea and subsequent dehydration.
Best Vitamins for a Healthy Heart

Best Vitamins for a Healthy Heart

Supplements and vitamins can help your muscles, bones, and many other body parts. According to many medical study reports, some of the vitamins and supplements may help in improving the blood pressure, lowering the cholesterol level along with maintaining other things that can put your heart at risk. Here is a list of some of the best vitamins for a healthy heart and some supplements. Even though it is unclear whether these vitamins or food supplements help in preventing strokes, heart attacks, and other heart-related diseases or not, but still it is sure that these help in maintaining a healthy heart. Read on and try to add these vitamins, nutrients, and supplements to your daily diet to maximize the heart health. Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) This is one of the best vitamins for a healthy heart, which you can add to your diet chart. It helps in regulating the homocysteine in the bloodstream. This homocysteine is an amino acid that is associated with the possible risks of causing blood clots. Broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and lentils are great natural resources of vitamin b9. Vitamin D Many medical research reports have reflected the fact that deficiency of vitamin D can lead to higher chances of heart-related problems. Hence, getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D is necessary to stay healthy. Your body produces this one of the best heart health vitamins. If you are in the sunlight, the production rate of vitamin D increases. However, being in the sunlight for a long time can cause other health issues as well. Vitamin D helps in regulating blood pressure. Aging, obesity, and getting lesser exposure to the sunlight can cause a deficiency of this vitamin. Coenzyme Q10 Well, technically, this is an enzyme. It not only helps in keeping a better heart health but also helps in lowering the cardiac failure signs and symptoms as per many medical study reports.
4 Easy Tips to Reduce Weight Quickly

4 Easy Tips to Reduce Weight Quickly

Do you find losing weight a daunting task? Are you thinking how to reduce weight quickly? Most people would say ‘yes’. They might say that gaining weight was really easy. Mindless eating can easily make you put on weight. After having acquired a lot of fat in your body, getting rid of it becomes a difficult task. Today, people are after processed and junk foods and they have become addicts of an unhealthy lifestyle. Once a habit is developed, you cannot eliminate it easily. It requires a lot of hard work. Obesity or unwanted weight gain invites several health issues and the quality of your life comes down in a significant way. Want to know how to reduce weight quickly? Here are some beneficial tips on how to reduce weight quickly. Never get preoccupied or obsessed with calories What is the first thing that comes to your mind when someone tells about weight loss? Most people relate to weight loss with calories and you might not be an exception. The basic rule is to reduce the calories intake for eliminating fat from your body. It does not mean that you have to keep on thinking about calories while making efforts to reduce weight quickly. It does not help you stay motivated. When you become obsessed with calorie consumption, you get easily bored and your weight loss journey becomes a herculean task. Most health experts unanimously agree that calorie-out and calorie-in approach misfires because it does not allow you closely monitor the way food consumption makes an impact on the metabolism and hormones. If you are keen to reduce weight quickly, you must concentrate on the food quality in place of getting carried away by the calorie statistics. Never uncomplicate things Weight loss logic is pretty simple. You have to lose more calories than you consume.
4 Foods to Eat for Migraine

4 Foods to Eat for Migraine

The severity and duration of a migraine attack tend to vary from person to person. For some individuals, the pain may subside within a few hours, while it may last for a couple of days for others. Coping with debilitating pain and constant nausea can be extremely challenging. The diet you follow can either help you get relief from the symptoms or worsen the condition. Read on to know about the food items you should consume when you have a migraine to help you deal with the symptoms: Magnesium-rich food As per clinical studies, magnesium plays an important role in the treatment and prevention of migraines. It has been reported that most people who are prone to attacks have low magnesium levels. Increasing the intake of magnesium can yield positive results in such individuals. By including magnesium-rich foods in your diet, you can lower the likelihood of an attack and also get relief from the pain during a migraine episode. Increase your intake of food items like brown rice, green leafy vegetables, nuts and grains, roasted pumpkin seeds, dried apricot, and avocado to alleviate the symptoms of a migraine. Ginger Since time immemorial, people have used ginger for migraine treatment. Ginger is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory components, and as per clinical studies, it can exert abortive and prophylactic effects that can reduce the severity of the symptoms associated with migraine. There are various ways to include ginger in the diet to alleviate pain associated with migraines. You can either mix ginger root powder with water and consume it once a day or brew a cup of herbal tea with ginger and honey. However, it is important to maintain caution while taking ginger, as overconsumption may lead to side effects like abdominal discomfort. Fatty fish Fatty fish like trout and mackerel are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA).
5 Home Remedies to Treat Constipation

5 Home Remedies to Treat Constipation

Constipation is the infrequent bowel movement and is generally described as having less than three bowel moments in a week. This condition can last for several weeks or longer. It is one of the most common health conditions that people in the country suffer on a daily basis. It is estimated that around 20% of people in the country suffer from constipation. Chronic constipation can result in unpleasant symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and experiencing pain while passing stools. These symptoms can also have a negative effect on the quality of life in the long run. Having said that, it is easy to treat constipation with some simple home remedies, some of which are mentioned below: Stay hydrated Drinking less than required water can result in constipation. Dehydration is one of the major reasons why people suffer from constipation. So, it is highly recommended to drink at least two liters of water to avoid symptoms of dehydration. Apart from treating idiopathic constipation, water can also help in relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. However, avoid drinking carbonated water like flavored soda as it can worsen the symptoms of constipation. Caffeinated drinks Coffee stimulates the muscles in the digestive system which can stimulate bowel movement. Some studies suggest that coffee is at least 60 percent more effective than drinking water. Coffee also contains a small amount of soluble fibers, which can prevent constipation by improving the balance of gut bacteria. Eat more fiber Increasing fiber in the daily diet also increases the bulk in the consistency of the bowel movements, which makes it easier to pass. A recent study has revealed that more than 70 percent of individuals with chronic constipation benefit from including soluble fiber in their daily diet. Insoluble fibers such as whole grains, vegetables, and wheat bran add bulk to the stools helping them pass more quickly.
4 Natural Methods to Support Breast Cancer Treatment

4 Natural Methods to Support Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer is a condition that develops in the breast cells. Changes that are known as mutations cause a division of the cancer cells that begin to multiply in an uncontrolled manner. Typically, the cells begin to grow in the ducts and lobules of the breast while spreading to the fatty tissues and connective tissues. Treatment of breast cancer solely depends upon the stage of cancer or the growth of the tumor. The most common forms of treatment employed include surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Apart from medical treatment methods, one can explore some natural methods and therapies that have great supporting effects. Holistic therapies Holistic therapies are widely revered for their great effects in promoting a sense of peace and bringing about a desirable balance in an individual’s state of mind. Not only does it reduce the level of stress but it also aids the patient in feeling more relaxed. While this therapy does not have a direct effect on the control or treatment of breast cancer, holistic therapies are widely reported to bring a positive change in the mental health and the reduction of anxiety among patients. Some of the most popular forms of therapy include aromatherapy, journaling, art therapy, music therapy, dance therapy, and meditation among several others. These holistic therapies can be used in combination or singularly depending on likes and comfort. Special diet A healthy diet can have several desirable effects on the body. While a specially formulated diet does not aid in the cure of cancer or other diseases, it can have several positive effects in the promotion of better overall health. Eating the right food will help in supporting the medical treatments employed for breast cancer and reduce the ill effect of certain treatments. One should consider adding more vitamins and foods rich in minerals as part of the diet plan.
Managing type 2 diabetes with medication

Managing type 2 diabetes with medication

Managing type 2 diabetes with medication Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body produces insulin. It is the most common type of diabetes and there are about 27 million people in the country that suffer from this disease. In this condition, the body’s cells are unable to respond to the insulin produced. While this is a lifelong disease, it is possible to manage this condition with the help of the right diet, exercise, and prescriptions by your doctor. Ensure that you are aware of the symptoms and take immediate help if they last for too long. Symptoms to be aware of: Frequent urination Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet Non-healing wounds Yeast infections Blurry vision What causes type 2 diabetes? Not just one, but usually a combination of things causes this condition. Genes Your DNA determines how your body will make insulin, and hence some people would genetically be at the risk of developing this condition. Obesity Being overweight can cause insulin resistance, and hence it is important for everyone to keep a check on their diet and exercise. Glucose production The liver makes and sends out glucose when there is not enough in the body. But for some people, this secretion is unstoppable resulting in excess glucose in the body. Metabolic syndrome People who have conditions like high blood glucose, extra fat around the waist, high blood pressure, triglycerides, and high cholesterol are more likely to be affected with type 2 diabetes. Some medications that you can research more about are: SymlinPen Its common name being Pramlintide, it is used with mealtime insulin, along with a proper diet and exercise program that helps control high blood sugar level in people who are suffering from type 1 and 2 diabetes. Patients who are already using insulin take this medication to control their blood sugar.
Bipolar disorder – 5 foods to avoid

Bipolar disorder – 5 foods to avoid

There’s a host of unhealthy ailments you’re exposing yourself to if you eat unhealthy foods. A lesser-known effect of poor diets, however, is that they could end up triggering bipolar mood episodes. There is increasing evidence that nutrition also affects mental health and there isn’t a specific diet recommendation for bipolar disorders. But there are certain choices for foods that could help in managing bipolar disorder episodes. Here’s listing some of them: Caffeine Caffeine is an underappreciated stimulant and trigger element of manic episodes. It could end up impairing sleep patterns too, and sleep deprivation is an infamous trigger for mania and bipolar mood swings. According to the National Sleep Foundation, caffeine could increase anxiety and irritability and needs to be avoided as one approaches bedtime. Additionally, some over-the-counter medications like pseudoephedrine that is found in some cold and cough medicines, possess stimulant properties that are very much like caffeine’s and can also trigger mania and bipolar mood swings. Alcohol Bipolar disorder and alcohol make for a terrible combination. According to the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (NHCC), alcohol could end up negatively affecting bipolar mood swings and also possibly interacting negatively with medications such as lithium. According to the study of 11,000 people published in the September 2015 issue of The Lancet Psychiatry, the lives of people who suffer from bipolar disorder are also more likely to end prematurely if they drink alcohol or use other substances. Sugar Sugar is probably one of the biggest triggers of manic episodes. Those who consume diets that are high in sugar will find it more difficult to control obesity and weight gain and also end up making certain bipolar disorder drug treatments less effective. Those who find the need to satisfy sweet cravings can eat fruits instead. Salt According to the NHCC, if someone is taking lithium, then moderating one’s salt intake could be a tricky job as an increase or decrease in salt intake could affect lithium levels.
Top 3 foods for multiple myeloma symptoms

Top 3 foods for multiple myeloma symptoms

Nutrition plays a vital role in the battle against multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that starts from the bone marrow. Fatigue, loss of appetite, chronic constipation, bone pain, and weight loss are some of the commonly experienced signs of multiple myeloma. These symptoms can take a serious toll on one’s quality of life, and not keeping them under control may lead to serious health complications. Studies and trials have found that certain types of foods may help ease the symptoms associated with this type of cancer. Listed here are the top 3 foods one can incorporate in their diet plan to get effective relief: Fiber-rich foods The consumption of food items rich in fiber may help in easing the symptoms of multiple myeloma. Fiber-rich food items can be instrumental in sustaining energy levels and combating fatigue in individuals suffering from this type of cancer. Also, increasing the intake of fiber may give relief from digestive problems like constipation, which may be side effects of treatment like chemotherapy. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that helps break down food and facilitates digestion. One should make food items replete with fiber a part of their diet to help curb the symptoms of this life-threatening condition. Some of the healthiest high-fiber foods are whole grains like brown rice, whole-grain pasta, green vegetables like broccoli and celery, fruits like apples and figs, and oatmeal. Iron-rich foods Research has shown that there is a strong link between multiple myeloma and anemia. Anemia is a condition that results from poor nutrition, specifically iron deficiency, making iron-rich food items an important part of the diet for patients of multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma may adversely affect the levels of key nutrients like iron in the body, and it is important to make food items like beans, lean meats, and dark leafy green vegetables a part of the diet to naturally boost iron levels.
Effective Tips to Control Your Blood Sugar Level

Effective Tips to Control Your Blood Sugar Level

Blood glucose levels are primarily controlled by the hormone insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas. After a meal, blood glucose rises due to the digestion of the food. This triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas, which promotes glucose absorption until it reaches the normal level. But, in individuals with defective functioning of insulin, the blood glucose level remains higher for a longer period. Chronic uncontrolled blood sugar or hyperglycemia damages various body organs, nerves, and eyes. As a diabetic, it is extremely important to keep your blood sugar level always in check. Blood sugar range : In a healthy person, the normal blood sugar levels are below 100 mg/dL after fasting, but can spike to 140 mg/dL 2 hours post meal. However, in a diabetic, the fasting blood sugar itself can reach to up to above 200 mg/dL. How to keep the blood sugar under check? A proper diet and exercise plan is a must to manage a diabetic’s blood sugar level . Moreover, a diabetic must monitor the blood sugar level on a regular basis for effective management of sugar levels. A few common tips to keep the blood sugar under check are as follows: Diet : A well-planned diet is a must for the management of high blood sugar. Carbohydrates : The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends a proper monitoring of carbohydrate intake in a meal to control blood sugar levels in diabetics. Include healthy carbohydrates such as milk, fruits, legumes, grains, and yoghurt, which do not cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. Avoid highly processed or refined carbohydrates like candy, white rice, and white bread because they rapidly increase the blood sugar levels. A well-balanced diet must be designed after consulting a doctor to maintain the healthy blood sugar levels. Offset carbohydrates with fat and protein :