Glucose in the body helps in maintaining optimum energy levels and is also the brain’s main source of fuel, but it all comes down to how the glucose in the body is utilized. Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases affecting how the blood sugar (glucose) is used by the body. Based on a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 100 million people in our country are suffering from diabetes or prediabetes. Irrespective of the cause of diabetes, it can cause excess sugar in the blood, leading to several other complications. Apart from medical treatment, dietary changes also play a crucial role in controlling blood sugar levels. Here are some foods that can help in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels in the body: Leafy greens Green vegetables like kale, collard greens, spinach, cabbage, beet greens, and watercress are high in nutrients and low in calories. Leafy greens are low in digestible carbohydrates, which helps in maintaining low blood sugar levels. Other antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin in greens also help in maintaining a healthy immune system. These antioxidants also protect the eyes from cataract and macular degeneration, which may be complications of diabetes. Cinnamon Known as a delicious spice, cinnamon is also known for its potent antioxidant properties, which can help improve insulin sensitivity. It has also been found recently that cinnamon can lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, but several dietitians also suggest limiting the intake of cassia cinnamon (most commonly available) to less than 1 teaspoon a day to avoid other health issues. Fatty fish It is one of the healthiest foods to fight diabetes. Mackerel, sardines, herring, and salmon are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which help maintain blood glucose levels. The fatty acids also protect the cells lining the blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and improve how arteries work after eating food.

Eczema affects both children and adults. It is a term commonly used to describe a group of skin conditions. These include atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis among many others. However, most of these conditions exhibit similar visible indicators of a developing condition. These include developing a rash or light yellowish-brown crusts and pus-filled blisters on the skin. Inflammation is one of the most persistent discomforts of Eczema and can aggravate the skin condition if left unchecked. Statistics indicate that over 31 million citizens suffer from some form of eczema. Despite that, it is not an extremely severe health complication and is quite manageable with simple natural treatments. Herein we discuss three common ways to manage flare-ups and counter symptoms with minimum side effects from the comfort of your home. Baths for eczema relief A simple hot water bath infused with home ingredients like baking soda, bleach, colloidal oatmeal, bath oils, Epsom salts, and vinegar proves to be an excellent topical remedy. Baking soda has soothing qualities and is rich in antibacterial properties effective for eczema relief. Bleach is another potent option that helps counter bacteria forming on the skin. Colloidal oatmeal, on the other hand, helps provide relief from the itching sensation and restores the pH balance of the skin. Gentle bath oils provide respite from the itching and go one step further to nourish and moisturize the skin. Using a salt bath is another great alternative for mild to moderate symptoms of the skin condition. You can use generic table salt, sea salt, or even Epsom salt for preparing the bath. Apple cider vinegar is another versatile ingredient rich in healing properties that helps reduce the bacteria forming on the skin. Topical home remedies Irritation of the skin is also one of the primary symptoms of eczema which is where topical remedies are effective.

Top 15 foods to help fight cervical cancer There has been innumerable research on ways to prevent and fight cervical cancer, and much of this emphasises on following a plant-based diet as a method to fight it. Researchers are of the view that regular consumption of some specific types of foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole-grains can protect against this cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by an HPV or Human Papillomavirus infection and any diet that is rich in carotenoids, antioxidants, folate, and flavonoids can help the body to fight this. Superfoods to fight cervical cancer Avocados: One can include avocados in their diet because these are excellent sources of healthy fats, rich in folate and are tasty and nutritious too. Broccoli: This has extraordinary compounds that can get rid of carcinogenic toxins, induce apoptosis inside cancer cells, stop DNA mutation, and prevent benign tumors from growing into malignant ones. Citrus fruits: Adding more citrus fruits in the diet to get vitamin C can be very beneficial for cervix health. Oranges and lemons are excellent choices of citrus fruits; for those who do not like fruits, they can get their daily dose of vitamin C from Brussels sprouts and broccoli. Tomatoes: Tomatoes can help prevent this type of cancer. Incidentally, foods rich in lycopene like tomatoes help to promote cervical health. Leafy greens: Spinach, collard greens, and kale are perfect choices for dark, green, leafy veggies as these have a high folate content and can promote cervix health. Papaya: This fruit is a nutritional powerhouse and one of the best sources of vitamin C, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin. This combination is found to be highly effective for reducing the risks of cervical cancer. Raspberries: These are loaded with nutrients and low in calories. Daily consumption of this fruit can prevent cells from getting infected with HPV.

All you need to know about food allergies in dogs If you observe your dog constantly itching or shaking their head vigorously as if to dislodge something, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, it is not easy to confirm a food allergy, but a visit to the vet can help rule out any other causes of your dog’s behavior. While most of the cases of dog allergies are a direct result of an adverse reaction to an ingredient, a latent allergy can be triggered by environmental factors too. Keep in mind that food allergies are different from food intolerance. What is a food allergy in dogs? These happen when your pet’s immune system overreacts to the proteins present in the food. You may think that meat alone supplies proteins to your dog, but there are many grains and vegetables which are equally good sources of proteins. Any of these proteins are capable of causing a food allergy. What are the signs of a food allergy? The most common signs of food allergies in dogs are a gastrointestinal disorder, itching, chronic diarrhea, ear inflammation, and licking their feet. What are the most common allergens found in dog food which can trigger a reaction? Beef: When you have been feeding one type of food for years to your dog, it can cause intolerance to it or an allergic reaction to its ingredients. Beef is perhaps the most common component of any kind of pet food and thus, also the most common allergen. Dairy products : Dogs may have problems digesting lactose and this is usually intolerance and not so much an allergy per se. It can result in diarrhea, gas, and vomiting. Wheat: Dogs are more likely to develop an allergy to meat rather than whole grains. But, there are always exceptions to this and wheat may be a trigger too.

Small changes in your current lifestyle can be extremely beneficial for your overall physical and mental well-being. If you suffer from psoriatic arthritis, lifestyle modifications are much needed as there is no cure for this autoimmune disease. Medications would continue as a part of the daily regime, but controlling what you eat and engaging in physical activities can help reduce the symptoms associated with it. Essentially, you try to bring small and basic changes to your current lifestyle, including your eating habits, sleeping patterns, emotional state, and overall quality of life. Following are some of the lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis if followed religiously: Exercising Keep the adrenaline pumping no matter what. However, start with slow and low impact exercises such as walking and swimming. Ensure that your regular workouts do not affect your joints in any way. You can additionally switch to yoga for an overall holistic experience. Simple and easy stretching exercises under the guidance of an expert can help too. Also, you may want to consider Tai Chi as it improves the functional strength. Continue with moderate exercises to improve your overall metabolism and strength. Consider Pilates, stationary biking, and water aerobics to improve cardiovascular strength. Eating healthy Your intake must be nutritious, balanced, and healthy so that it improves your overall strength and immunity. Eventually, your overall body metabolism must keep improving to fight psoriatic arthritis and its associated symptoms. Vegetables are the best source of antioxidants. Add loads of Omega-3 fatty acid products to your everyday food such as fish, chia, flaxseeds, walnuts, and salmon. You can also add fiber-rich carbohydrates and proteins to your everyday intake in substantial amounts. No alcohol and substance abuse Try to completely quit smoking or drinking. This is an absolute no as it physically takes a major toll on your body, especially when suffering from psoriatic arthritis.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) describes lung diseases which include refractory asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. The disease causes increased breathlessness. Eating foods that help boost your energy if you have COPD is essential. You can still eat some comfort foods if you are losing weight, as breathing also burns more calories when you have COPD. Those who wish to watch their weight can eat energy or nutrient-packed foods. This will keep the calories in check and also help you feel good. If you get tired more often while eating or have trouble breathing, eat 4 to 6 smaller meals than 3 large meals. Additionally, you should eat enough but not completely fill your stomach so that you can relax. Breakfast is an important meal, those suffering from COPD get easily tired during the day. In this case, they can have a heavy breakfast, as it could work as an energy booster. Moreover, keep snacks which are healthy at hand, like nuts, to avoid saturated fats and unhealthy cholesterol. Oatmeal You can start your day with oatmeal which is rich in vitamin A, iron, calcium, and fiber. Having it with milk makes it more nutritious. The fiber content makes you feel fuller with fewer calories; you can also add berries instead of adding artificial sweeteners. Cheese You can add cheese to your vegetables, along with rice and potatoes, to increase the calorie count and nutrient value of any meal. The extra calcium is great as most medicines prescribed for COPD make the bones brittle. Look for a cheese that is labeled as reduced-fat or part-skim. Milk Milk provides vitamin D and calcium which keeps your bones strong. Try drinking more milk than water. Fiber You need at least 30 grams of fiber. You can go for lentil soup, split pea soup with low sodium, eat fresh vegetables, fruits, bread, whole grain cereals, brown rice, bran, and dry beans.

Diabetes is a deadly disease, not simply because of its symptoms but due to other complications it can cause. In this condition, the blood sugar levels or glucose levels are much higher than usual, and it can lead to many other problems like cancer, heart problems, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. Diet plays a significant role in controlling the sugar levels of a person. Thus, it is imperative for a diabetic to control their food habits and also exercise regularly to keep parameters under check. Let’s learn about some interesting and healthy snacks for improving diabetes. To manage your blood sugar levels, you need to balance out what you eat and drink along with the amount of exercise you do daily. Along with eating healthy, it is also pertinent that you have snacks at regular intervals. Here are some tasty and healthy snacks for improving diabetes. Fish fillet Fish is a great source of protein without the ill effects of eating meat. In fact, having fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, and sardines is even better as they have a high level of omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, that are amazing for heart health. They protect the cells lining the blood vessels and enhance the way the arteries function after eating. Grill them with very little oil and toss in some green vegetables and voila! You have one healthy snack for improving diabetes. Sauteed vegetables Leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are good sources of many minerals and vitamins, including vitamin C, which helps in reducing inflammatory markers and also fasting blood sugar levels for those with type 2 diabetes or even high blood pressure. Also, green leafy vegetables are a good source of antioxidants – zeaxanthin and lutein that protect the eyes from cataract and degeneration which are common complications of diabetes.

A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet can not only help fight cancer and also help prevent the risk of it. Cervical cancer is one of the deadliest cancer that women face today. It often originates in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, is one of the main reasons for this disease. When the body is exposed to HPV, most often, it is able to fight against it, but at times, the virus survives for years and becomes one of the leading causes of cervical cancer. One can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer through screening tests and a vaccine. Diet can also play a significant role in fighting against this life-altering disease. Read on to know about some of the best superfoods for fighting cervical cancer. Research shows that regular consumption of certain foods, most notably, fruits and vegetables, can help offer protection against cervical cancer. It is so because this cancer is caused by an infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and a diet rich in antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids, and folate can help fight this off effectively. Many superfoods, such as the ones listed below, contain these ingredients that can be beneficial for fighting cervical cancer. Carrots This is not only good for the eyes but also for diseases like cancer as it has both beta-carotene and carotenoids—natural compounds that are highly effective at inhibiting the development of cancer. The best part is that one can eat them in any form. Have them raw in salads or blanch them whole—this vegetable is versatile! Green tea It is a popular alternative drink instead of regular tea and is known to have many health benefits. It is considered as one of the popular superfoods that can help fight cervical cancer due to its antioxidant properties.

Lung cancer is a life-threatening disease that affects millions of men and women all over the world. Depending on the type and severity of lung cancer, overall health condition, and age of the person, the healthcare providers may recommend a series of treatment procedures like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. During and after treatment, it is essential to eat a healthy diet that contains foods that may help you battle lung cancer. Green tea Green tea contains polyphenols that demonstrate high antioxidant properties. Research has found that green tea consumption may inhibit tumor growth and help fight lung cancer. It was also found that consuming green tea regularly may reverse some of the damages caused by smoking. In addition to that, studies have proven the effectiveness of green tea in lowering the risk of developing lung cancer. Pears Pears are rich sources of phloretin, which a compound that possesses anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. The powerful effects of phloretin help enhance the anticancer effects of chemotherapy medications like cisplatin. These medicines are often used for the treatment of lung cancer, specifically non-small cell lung cancer. The anticancer properties of pears make it one of the most potent fruits that may help in your battle with lung cancer. Dark green leafy vegetables Packed with various nutrients, dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, chicory, lettuce, and collard greens are some foods that can help prevent and manage certain types of cancer like lung cancer. These vegetables are enriched with carotenoids and folate and act as natural antioxidants. Consume a diet rich in leafy greens to help your body fight against lung cancer. Ginger As per the findings of clinical studies, ginger demonstrates potent chemopreventive effects against life-threatening conditions like lung cancer. The high abundance of phenolic compounds like 6-shogaol found in ginger enables it to work as an anti-tumor agent.

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.

A potassium deficiency leads to a condition called hypokalemia. The normal serum potassium level ranges between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/liter. While the normal daily intake of potassium is 70-100 mEq, the kidneys should remove the same amount consumed every day or it could lead to low potassium in the body. Function of potassium Potassium is essential for nerve and muscle cell functioning and is concentrated within cells of the body. Being an important electrolyte, it is responsible for maintaining the electrical activity of the cells. As a result, low potassium levels can affect body functions. Signs of low potassium Muscle weakness Muscle aches Muscle cramps Heart palpitations High blood pressure Kidney problems Constipation Since potassium levels affect the energy by neuromuscular cells, these symptoms are a result of insufficient potassium. It occurs when the cells do not get enough energy to repolarize and fire at normal repeated intervals. Treatment approaches More often than not, low potassium is a symptom or side effect of other medical conditions or certain medications. You may also lose potassium through excessive sweat, urine, or bowel movements. Moreover, a low intake of potassium leads to low magnesium levels in the body. Treatment is decided after careful diagnosis by a professional who assesses other causes of this loss. If it is simply because of insufficient intake of potassium, supplements can be prescribed; however, in severe cases, this electrolyte is intravenously admitted in the body. If you continue to experience the symptoms, it is advised that you take immediate medical assistance and get a proper diagnosis to start the right course of treatment. Diet and nutrition Potassium enters the body through the food you eat, so it is vital that you get the daily recommended nutrition. There are some efforts that can be taken at an individual level to ensure you do not suffer from low potassium syndrome.

Multiple myeloma is a cancerous condition that affects a form of white blood cell known as plasma. The plasma cells are instrumental in warding off infections. They do this by creating antibodies that identify and destroy any germs in the system. This cancer causes cancer cells to amass in the bone marrow where they outnumber the healthy blood cells. Instead of the disease-fighting antibodies, these cells then produce anomalous proteins that can further trigger complications. The treatment for multiple myeloma isn’t always needed for individuals who are asymptomatic. Although, the doctor will regularly keep an eye on the patient’s condition with the help of blood and urine tests. For patients experiencing signs and symptoms, here are the following treatment options for multiple myeloma. Treatment for multiple myeloma Biological therapy The medications used in biological therapy take the help of the patient’s immune system to deal with myeloma cells. They enhance the immune system cells that recognize and kill cancer cells. Typically, these are taken in the form of pills. Targeted therapy In this type of multiple myeloma treatment, the medicines concentrate on specific abnormalities within the rogue cells that enable their survival. These medications then inhibit the action of the element in those myeloma cells that breaks down the proteins, causing them to die. Such therapy can be administered intravenously or via oral medications. Another targeted therapy involves monoclonal medicines that bind on to the cancerous cells, leading to their death. Corticosteroids Corticosteroids are given to regulate the immune system so that the inflammation in the body can be brought under control. Additionally, they also actively work against myeloma cells. These medications can be taken in the form of pills or intravenously. Chemotherapy This method is used to target the rapidly-growing cancer cells. This treatment is given in the pill form or administered through the vein.