Living with a chronic condition can take the fun out of many things, and that’s exactly how people with diabetes feel. They have to constantly monitor their blood sugar levels, as hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia might be just around the corner. People with diabetes are taught to coexist with the condition, as there is no complete cure discovered for this ailment that affects more than 100 million people in the country. Diabetes is a condition that arises due to the body’s inability to create or process insulin, which causes disparities in the blood sugar levels. What we eat has a major impact on our blood sugar levels, and people with diabetes have to be extra cautious about what they eat, as it can dramatically alter their blood sugar levels. However, this doesn’t imply that a person with diabetes has to completely give up eating tasty food just because tasty equals unhealthy in a diabetic individual’s dictionary. In addition to the three square meals that are imperative for a diabetic to consume, it is equally important for them to keep munching on snacks every two to three hours, as it will keep their blood sugar levels steady. Instead of sulking about eating salads for snacks, here are some easy snack recipes you can try making. You can rest assured, as these easy snack recipes are absolutely diabetes-friendly, and they wouldn’t tamper with your blood sugar levels. Sliced apples with peanut butter Apple is the quintessential nutritious fruit; it contains a plethora of nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins, and when it is paired with the all-time favorite peanut butter, you have just created the uber-nutritious easy snack to binge on. Contrary to what people believe, peanut butter is quite healthy; it contains specific amounts of vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium, each of which plays a major role in helping manage diabetes.

High blood pressure is a hazardous condition that is unfortunately prevalent today. If left untreated it can cause a stroke and heart disease. If your blood pressure reads above 140/90 mmHg, then you have a high blood pressure. The cause for high blood pressure cannot be tracked in some cases. However, you can control it if you follow a strict regime for an extended period. You can control your blood pressure naturally with a proper diet and healthy lifestyle. You will not have to take medications either. By following these suggestions, your blood pressure will be under control in no time. These remedies will also not have any adverse effects on your body. Healthy Body Weight Losing weight is one of the most efficient ways to control your blood pressure. Excess body weight has shown to increase the blood pressure. Sleep apnea is a common condition in those who are overweight. Disrupted sleep can also cause a rise in the blood pressure. Obesity is known to cause stress in the joints and poor blood circulation. It adds stress and affects the blood pressure. Losing weight is the first thing you should do if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure. Exercise Regularly Any physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes, 4 to 5 times a week will help you reduce your blood pressure level. It is best not to overdo it either as it may have adverse effects. For best results stick to a regime and exercise regularly. However, do not stop with the exercise as it may cause your blood pressure to shoot up again. If you have mild hypertension, you can prevent it from getting worse with a regular workout. On the other hand, if your condition is severe, you can reduce the levels and bring it to a safe level.

The gallbladder or the little sac in your body that gathers bile produced by the liver and releases it to the small intestine for breaking food particles seldom gets any attention. Although it is an important organ, it draws interest only when it starts malfunctioning. Generally, the gallbladder does not cause any disturbance to your health. It creates trouble only when the path to pass the bile to the intestine is somehow blocked. Gallbladder problems can vary from one person to other. While some get it as a chronic condition, there are others who need immediate medical attention; thus, the symptoms vary as well. Some of the common symptoms for detecting gallbladder problems are mentioned below: Vomiting and nausea Vomiting and nausea are among the most common symptoms of gallbladder problems. Whether it is a stone in the gallbladder or it is an inflammation of the organ, vomiting and nausea are experienced by all. Yet, people with chronic gallbladder problem may also get gas, acid reflux, or other digestive problems, apart from nausea and vomiting. Feeling full As the disorder of your gallbladder affects the digestive system, you may lose the urge to eat. A feeling of fullness in the abdominal area is often experienced by many patients diagnosed with this condition. Abdominal tenderness is also not something unusual when your gallbladder malfunctions. Chills or fever Do not ignore unexplained fever or chills as these can be a sign of an infection in your gallbladder or any other organ of the body. Ignoring the condition may aggravate the condition and might also cause a threat to your life, especially if it is a symptom of the gallbladder. Pain Gallbladder problems and pains are inseparable. In most cases, patients experience pain in their middle or upper abdomen on the right side of the body.

As we age, our health gets worse and the list of medical tests we need to determine our current condition of health grows longer and longer. At times we tend to skip our tests because of our busy frame of mind, or because we think that we do not need them. When it comes to a bone density test, one should get the test done every few years. A bone density test is vital in determining the strength of our bones. The test is also called a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or DEXA scan. It helps us determine if we are suffering from any bone loss that can lead to disabilities and fractures in the future, giving us an overview of our overall bone health. Bone density and bone health tests should not be skipped as they can help us determine the condition of our bones. Most men under the age of 70 and women under the age of 65 do not require the test, but this does not mean we should skip it altogether. Here is all one needs to know about the bone density test and why one should get it done today. What is a Bone density Test? A bone density test enables doctors to diagnose brittle bones and help us seek appropriate treatment measures. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become so weak that they are at the point of breaking. A bone density test is used to determine the risk of the above-mentioned disease and fractures. It also enables doctors to put a treatment plan in place for the underlying condition. How is a Bone Density Test Performed? A bone density test is a painless and simple procedure. A patient is made to lie on a padded table with an X-ray generator positioned right underneath the patient, and an imaging device just above.

Heartburn is a condition wherein the stomach acid leaks into the esophageal system thus causing irritation and discomfort. There are a number of heartburn symptoms and triggers which are caused due to the malfunctioning of the LES sphincter which is a natural flap that stops stomach acid from leaking into the esophagus. Although there are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications available to treat this disorder, it is always better to find some natural and home-made remedies to counter discomforts. The following 11 natural, home remedies can aid in treating heartburn symptoms: Baking soda: Baking soda has proven to be quite effective to cure heartburn symptoms. Also known as sodium bicarbonate, a spoonful of baking soda mixed with water can help relieve the burning sensation of heartburn caused due to a gastrointestinal reflux. It also has a high pH level which helps neutralize stomach acid. Aloe vera juice: Aloe vera juice is a natural therapy to help soothe the discomfort caused due to heartburn. Aloe vera has a lot of uses because of its anti-inflammation properties. Acid reflux causes the stomach acid to be thrown up into the esophagus and thus causes the burning and irritating sensation, which can be calmed down with a nice glass of aloe vera juice. Chamomile tea: Heartburn symptoms can also be a result of certain foods or beverages which do not get properly ingested into our system. There are certain foods that might actually be the cause of severe heartburn. Chamomile tea helps reduce the inflammation caused due to these foods and balances the acid level in your stomach. Stress is another factor which is known to trigger heartburn symptoms through acid reflux, which is why having a cup of chamomile tea on a regular basis is advisable. Mustard: Although at first, it may sound very odd to consume a spoonful of mustard straight up, this has proven to be a somewhat effective remedy for curing any heartburn symptoms.

Anyone who has less than three bowel movements per week is said to have constipation. If this condition goes on for several months, it can be diagnosed as chronic constipation, and it would require a trained doctor to treat the ailment. Some of the common symptoms of constipation include hard stools, strained bowel movements, a general feeling of being blocked, inability to empty bowels, bloating, nausea, and constant abdominal ache. Before looking into constipation treatment, it is important that you delve into the factors that may be behind the symptoms. Some common causes of constipation have been recognized as inactivity, stress, overuse of or dependence on laxatives, surgery, medications, low fiber diet, and the like. It is a fact that constipation is experienced by many people on various occasions during their lifetime. If such a condition only occurs occasionally, constipation treatment can include home remedies or over-the-counter medicines; however, if the disorder persists, it requires serious medical attention and regular constipation treatment to ease the symptoms. Here are some constipation treatment tips and remedies that could help alleviate the discomfort and gradually bring positive results. Exercise Like most ailments, constipation can be controlled by regular exercise, short walks, basic stretches, and the like. Exercise can help patients with constipation feel relieved, lighter, and in a better position to handle constipation. People with constipation can begin walking for at least 20 minutes and gradually increase the time and pace. Stay hydrated Excess consumption of alcohol or caffeine can lead to dehydration which further aggravates constipation. Constipation treatment also includes having enough fluids at regular intervals throughout the day. Mostly, having ten glasses of water and some fresh juices are recommended to treat constipation. People with existing medical issues like heart failure or kidney problems must consult their doctors about the appropriate amount of fluids to be consumed.

An unhealthy lifestyle coupled with the amount of stress we are burdened with to achieve the “perfect life” has left us combating various serious health issues. Some of these ailments are hereditary, whereas, some of them are self-created. And, then there are those ailments that fall under both these categories. Diabetes is one such ailment that is known to have its roots firmly planted in our genes and can be a result of our reckless lifestyle as well. However, if normal blood sugar levels are maintained, people can easily coexist with diabetes and lead a normal life. Whichever treatment a person opts for controlling their diabetes, it involves maintaining normal blood sugar levels. A rise in the blood sugar levels leads to a string of other problems. So, the key to living with diabetes involves taking steps to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Diabetes isn’t an ailment that can be cured completely. So, one must follow these tips to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Lose weight Obesity is the root cause of a wide-range of disease or is known to worsen an already existing condition. Excess weight makes the person resistant to insulin, and this, in turn, disrupts the normal blood sugar levels in the body. In such cases, it becomes imperative to lose at least 5% to 10% of the current body weight. One can even seek a dietician’s help to succeed in their endeavor to lose weight. The right weight assures that normal blood sugar levels are maintained. Follow a balanced diet with complex carbs When we say that one’s unhealthy lifestyle can also trigger diabetes, it implies going on a binge eating session, where the only food one consumes, are fried and high in everything harmful for the body. So, in order to maintain normal blood sugar levels, one needs to adhere to consuming a balanced diet.

Often unnoticed, the thyroid gland is one of the most important parts of the body and controls almost all the primary functions. Though the gland does not gain much attention when it functions normally, a little irregularity in it can affect your life significantly. Responsible for managing essential functions like metabolism, body temperature as well as heartbeat, thyroid disturbance can hamper your day to day life in multiple ways. While some people get overactive thyroid, there are others, who complain of an underactive thyroid. Underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism is quite common these days. If you are also affected by this condition, you can take a peek at the diet suggestions that can help in dealing with the problem effectively. This diet for hypothyroidism can help you cope with symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, digestive problems, dry skin, depression, and body ache. An apple a day Rich in pectin, apple can be a good choice for anyone diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It not only gives a boost to the metabolism and helps fight constipation but also limits the fat absorption ability of cells. This, in turn, helps you in reducing the excess weight fast. Apart from an apple, you can also include, oranges, grapefruits as well as peaches in your diet. Brazil nuts Taking a few Brazil nuts can help you to deal with hypothyroidism. A great source of selenium, Brazil nuts can protect the thyroid tissues, which in turn helps in treating the symptoms of hypothyroidism problems. However, do not take it in excess, as it can lead to severe side-effects like nail discoloration or hair fall. Yogurt A dependable source of Vitamin D, a spoonful of yogurt can help you in protecting against symptoms of hypothyroidism. It efficiently manages hypothyroidism and helps in controlling frequent hunger pangs. It also enables you to keep your weight in check and makes you more active.

Metabolism is a process that takes place inside the body of a living organism in order to maintain life. It can also be explained as the collective of all chemical reactions that includes digestion, transportation of substances throughout the organs and cells of a living organism, and assimilation. There are three main purposes of metabolism. They are the conversion of food to energy for the smooth running of cellular process, conversion of food to proteins, nucleic acid, lipids and carbohydrates for building blocks, and lastly elimination of nitrogenous wastes. How Do Metabolism Boosting Foods Work? In our body, there are certain nutrients that are known to increase the metabolism in the body. However, drop or deficiency of those nutrients can lead to a slower metabolism and hence these metabolism boosting foods come to your rescue. These metabolism boosting foods help in burning calories. Along with that, metabolism helps in breaking the food and converting it into energy. So, let us go through the list of 10 such metabolism boosting foods that one should surely introduce in their diet. List Of 10 Metabolism Boosting Foods To Fasten Your Metabolism Almonds Although almonds are known to be high in calories, they contain fatty acids that are known to increase your metabolism. However, you are advised not to eat too many almonds in a day. Egg Whites If your health is affected due to lack of amino acids, make sure to include egg whites in your diet as they are loaded with subsidiary and chain of amino acids. These amino acids help in elevating the rate of metabolism. Moreover, they have loads of vitamins and proteins which also enhance the metabolism of your body. Lean Meat Iron deficiency can lead to a slower metabolism. It is a rich source of iron and dieticians recommend to have around 3 to 4 servings of lean meat on a regular basis.

The amount of processed food and junk food consumed today has led to an unprecedented rise in the number of diabetic cases and cases of high blood pressure in the country. While enjoying a little sugar and spice in your lives is not forbidden, you must prioritize your health first. Maintaining a healthy diet can go a long way in ensuring that you do not have to depend on medications and tablets all your life. Excessive intake of processed food and salty food items leads to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. The regular blood pressure range for adults is more than 90 over 60 mmHg and less than 120 over 80mmHg. If your blood pressure is anywhere above that, you probably have high blood pressure. You must take steps to reduce your blood pressure before it is too late. Avoid eating salty food items, and you should be good to go. There are several other blood pressure remedies you can adopt to improve your overall health. Here are some tips that will help you lower your blood pressure naturally. Remedies for high blood pressure Here are some of the best blood pressure remedies. Lose weight: Being overweight is often associated with a rise in blood pressure. Thus, one can lower their blood pressure by losing weight. To put it into perspective, for every kilogram of body weight one cuts, their blood pressure lowers by 1mmHg. Moreover, carrying too much weight around the waist area puts individuals at a higher risk of blood pressure. Men with a waist measuring more than 40 inches, and women with waist measurements of 35 inches and above face a higher risk of blood pressure problems. Exercise: Regular exercise can help one overcome high blood pressure naturally. Exercising for 30 minutes a day, or for at least 150 minutes a week can lower one’s blood pressure by up to 8mmHg.

To undergo proper medication, one needs to understand a problem in depth. The body has a natural notification system if there is any disorder going on within it. It is necessary to act upon these notifications and rectify the issue at stage one. The impact of a stationary lifestyle and lack of appropriate diet is prominently hampering the overall human health. This has, in turn, resulted in a rise in the number of cases of hemorrhoids. People fail to understand the initial symptoms of hemorrhoids and pass it off as indigestion. Hemorrhoids if not treated properly can aggravate into a serious condition resulting in surgery in serious cases. A normal human body has hemorrhoids which help in controlling bowel movements. Hemorrhoids can be considered dangerous only when their vessels enlarge within the anal rectum leading to bleeding bowel, infection and tumors. Below are some ways on how to get rid of hemorrhoids: Lookout for signs If you refrain from using the toilet for a longer period, then you are at high risk of hemorrhoids. Rising strain on the intestine can be a prime cause of hemorrhoids. Always make it a point to use the toilet at regular intervals. While cleaning your bowels, if you sense a lump around the anal outlet or blood in stool then immediately consult a doctor. High fiber diet It is always advisable to plan a diet chart and make a routine of it. Whether or not you suffer from hemorrhoids ensure to follow a high fiber diet to maintain good stomach health. Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and have a good nutritional value which helps in keeping the anus and anal rectum healthy. Include healthy salad in your diet to increase healthy fiber content. Refrain from embarrassment One of the prime reasons why hemorrhoids aggravate is because people fail to consult the doctor due to embarrassment.

IBS, irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that affects the colon. IBS is accompanied by pain in the abdomen and change in the bowel movements. It is diagnosed based on the severity of the symptoms of IBS. Since IBS is a collection of symptoms, therefore it is called a syndrome. IBS is of different types depending on its symptoms, such as IBS-D for diarrhea, IBS-C for constipation, IBS-M (both diarrhea and constipation) and IBS-U (neither diarrhea nor constipation). Signs of IBS: Diarrhoea, gas, bloating, rectal bleeding, weight loss, constipation, and muscle in stool are some of the probable symptoms of IBS. Causes of IBS: There is no specific reason for the IBS. It is assumed IBS is caused by an infection. The intestines swell up. The problem may even continue for a lifetime. In some cases, the intestine muscles contract and relax during the digestion process. The causes and effects of IBS are different among people. Contractions in IBS may cause bloating, diarrhea, and gas. Weak contractions make it difficult for the food to pass which causes constipation. Activators of IBS: Different factors such as stress, hormones, and foods cause IBS among individuals. Some food products such as cabbage, fats, beverages, alcohol, chocolate and milk products cause IBS problems. The IBS problems accentuate during stressful durations. Stressful situations at the workplace, home or office can cause IBS frequently. Women suffer from IBS more than men, and the problem worsen during the menstrual periods. Effects of IBS: Regular instances of constipation and diarrhea lead to the development of hemorrhoids. Restricting the intake of several food products can result in loss of essential nutrients. IBS worsens the life quality. People with IBS generally feel high stress and anxiety. Once if IBS is diagnosed, you need to visit the doctor for tests and treatments.