8 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Levels

8 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Levels

The fast-growing lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits have all led to the rising of blood sugar levels. It is seen that high blood sugar can be treated by regular exercise and intake of a healthy meal. There are a number of treatment options that can help to keep your blood sugar under check. High blood sugar is the condition wherein the body’s ability to use or produce insulin gets affected. If you too are continuously finding ways on how to lower blood sugar levels and do not want to get treated using medicines, then here are a few ways of you can reduce it. Stay hydrated It is always advisable to drink water as much as possible. Drinking ample water helps in keeping the blood sugar levels under control. Also, if you drink enough water, the kidneys will flush out excess blood sugar from the body. It should be kept in mind that beverages that are sweet or sugar-sweetened water is not good for health as it raises the chances of diabetes and also drives weight gain. Increase the fiber intake in your daily diet Fiber is seen as an important constituent that plays a crucial role in sugar absorption. It also helps in slowing the process of carb digestion. There are different types of fiber and each one has a distinct role to play. The two types of fiber are soluble and insoluble. While both of these are equally important for the body, the soluble fiber has blood sugar lowering qualities. So, ensure that you have a high-fiber diet that not only fights against type 1 diabetes but also actively reduces high blood sugar. Some of the foods that are high in fiber include legumes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to name a few. Doctors too recommended having soluble dietary fiber as an effective home remedy to lower blood sugar levels.
8 Effective Ways to Maintain Normal Blood Sugar Levels

8 Effective Ways to Maintain Normal Blood Sugar Levels

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.
7 Natural Cures for Overactive Bladder

7 Natural Cures for Overactive Bladder

The urge of frequent urination is often considered to be a symptom of type 2 diabetes. Though the increased frequency of urination is a condition commonly associated with increased blood sugar level, it is not just the lone cause. People with overactive bladder problem also need to urinate at frequent intervals as their bladder loses the capacity of retaining urine for prolong period. In most of the cases, people get this condition with age, yet some also develop it as a side-effect of some disease. Whatever be the reason, medication can help in dealing with the problem to some extent. However, a majority of patients these days are searching for natural cures for overactive bladder instead of relying on the prescription pills. Change in diet – The natural cures for overactive bladder are the best choice for complete treatment of the condition, as it heals the conditions from within. Before taking any herbal supplements or medication, it is important to take care of the diet. Foods like artificial sweeteners, chocolate, spicy dishes and even tomatoes should be avoided by people with overactive bladder as these worsen the condition. Apart from that, patients should also maintain abstinence from alcohol, caffeine, citrus juices or fruits, cranberry juice, dairy products, corn syrup, fizzy drinks or soda, vinegar as well as sugar and honey. The effect of the abovementioned foods may vary from one person to other. Therefore, it is better to maintain a strict watch on the diet to understand what is triggering the condition. Monitor fluid intake – As the fluid retaining capacity of bladder decreases, it is better to restrict the consumption of liquids. Drink water as much as you need and stay away from juices or any other fluids. This will help in healing the bladder condition gradually, which in the long run will increase the capacity of fluid retention.
8 Simple Tips to Treat an Eczema Rash

8 Simple Tips to Treat an Eczema Rash

The exact causes of eczema have not yet been identified. The recent research suggests that this skin condition is triggered by a blend of several factors including environmental and genetic. Environmental factors such as low humidity make your skin itchy and dirty and overexposure to dirt can lead to eczema. If your skin comes into contact with harsh chemicals, perfumes and soaps can cause irritation to the skin and over a period of time; these things can also result in eczema. Major symptoms of this skin condition are inflamed skin, scaly areas, excess itching, swelling, recurring skin rashes, patches of dark color, oozing and crusting as well. What are the best eczema rash treatment options available? Proper skin care and lifestyle changes Fundamentally speaking, proper skin care is vital to eczema rash treatment. If you are suffering from mild symptoms, this is what exactly you need and it should be combined with some lifestyle changes to get maximum protection. Give importance to soap and moisturizer A mild soap that does not create a drying effect on your skin must be used. It is always advisable to a use a cream ointment or lotion that offers excellent moisturizing effect on the skin. After having a bath, you need to apply it on your skin. Take baths with water containing bleach If you are experiencing severe eczema, you must take baths using water that contains a small quantity of bleach. This approach kills the bacteria that thrive in the affected area. Short warm showers also help and you should take care not to use hot water and take long showers to prevent the drying of the skin. Effective stress management Stress aggravates eczema and you need to manage stress effectively to control the skin rash. Performing regular exercise is a good option and you must find time to relax as well.
Effective Tips to Treat Asthma

Effective Tips to Treat Asthma

There are various treatment options for the common problem of asthma. It is a long-term disease that usually has no cure but can be dealt with minor adjustments, medications and lifestyle changes. Most people see that their asthma gets cured as they age, so most of the asthma treatment options involve controlling the disease. A proper asthma treatment plan helps: Prevent chronic and troubling symptoms like shortness of breath, tightness in chest and coughing. Reduce the patients need for medicines considered to be a quick relief. Maintain steady levels of lung function. Maintain a steady breathing rhythm to enable sleep throughout the night. Maintain normal levels of everyday activity. Avoid, monitor and prevent emergency asthma attacks that may need immediate attention. The best way to control asthma and manage it as a part of everyday life is to partner with the doctor completely and follow strictly the instructions and medications routines that are recommended. How can one take in active role in controlling and treating asthma? Here are some tips to control asthma. Be aware of the condition and how and when it affects you. Work alongside your doctor and identify and treat other health conditions that may potentially interfere with the management of the main problem of asthma. Avoid things and triggers that make asthma worse. Maintain a decent level of physical activity despite asthma as it is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and it helps prevent other health conditions apart from being good for mental health. There are medicines available that help an asthma patient stay active and pursue physical activities with ease. Work with health experts to follow a good action plan that helps manage the problem. An action plan aimed towards managing asthma involves receiving guidance on the medicines and exercises and lifestyle changes required, avoiding triggers of asthma, tracking the severity and level of the problem, actively responding to symptoms that are getting worse and seeking and receiving emergency care whenever required.
4 Important Factors You Need to Know about Partial Onset Seizures

4 Important Factors You Need to Know about Partial Onset Seizures

What is a partial onset seizure? An abnormal electrical activity in the human brain causes these types of seizures. Specific underlying medical conditions can also lead to a seizure, and the patients have to keep a record of their seizures to assist the doctor to find out the triggers in a more efficient way. Here are the four important aspects you need to know about partial onset seizure: Learn about major symptoms of partial onset seizures Partial onset seizures can be classified into two categories, and they include simple partial seizures and complex partial seizures. As far as a simple partial onset seizure is concerned, you do not have to worry about losing consciousness. However, you may have to deal with a change in feelings or emotions at the same time. The way in which you hear, smell, or see things is also going to change. It can often be compared to a focal seizure without losing consciousness. When it comes to complex partial seizure, you may have to deal with the loss of consciousness and awareness. Meaningless or non-purposeful movements can be associated with a complex seizure. Rubbing your hands and smacking your lips are good examples and this type of partial seizure can also be referred to as focal dyscognitive seizure. Create better understanding of the leading causes Different types of lifestyle factors, underlying medical conditions and behaviors play an important role in triggering a seizure. If you can manage to find out the trigger, you will become successful in preventing future seizures. You can control some of the triggers in an easy way, but some others are really difficult to control. When you have to deal with a seizure, you have to consult with your doctor. You can take notes about the past seizures you have encountered, and this method helps your doctor find out the frequency of seizures and your pattern of behavior during each seizure.
Commonly Known Cholesterol Lowering Supplements

Commonly Known Cholesterol Lowering Supplements

Advancement of science and technology has made the life of modern men quite comfortable. While it has eased several things, the changing lifestyle has also caused different adverse effects on humans. Health problems like diabetes, irregular blood pressure, thyroid and even cholesterol are often attributed to the modern lifestyle. Though irregularity in blood sugar or pressure is often easily diagnosed, cholesterol often remains unchecked and leads to severe health threats. If you too are suffering from high cholesterol level and looking for foods to reduce the problem, you can certainly consider taking supplements. Before taking any of the supplements, you need to gain some knowledge about them. A list of cholesterol-lowering supplements has been provided below for your guidance. Barley – One of the easily available diet supplement, barley can help in lowering LDL level of your body without leaving any side-effect on your health. Rich in fiber, barley is also a good choice for people with digestive problems. Before including barley in your diet, you need to know the required portion for yourself. Artichoke leaves- Quite popular as Cynara Scolymus, dried artichoke leaves can be one of the best choices for dietary supplements to lower cholesterol level. It not just reduces the bad cholesterol or LDL, but it cuts down the total cholesterol level of the body. However, people who are allergic to ragweed may not find artichoke leaves to be a suitable option as it often causes a reaction. Fish oil- Depending on your preference, you can directly consume fish oil in liquid form or as a tablet. Consuming fish oil every day can help in reducing the triglyceride level of your body. However, some people may not like the after effects like a fishy smell or foul smell from the mouth. Nausea and vomiting are also sometimes experienced as an adverse effect on fish oil consumption.
What to Eat and Avoid If You Have Diabetes

What to Eat and Avoid If You Have Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus also known as diabetes has become a common disease in the whole world. Diabetes has been derived from a Greek word which means siphon and mellitus meaning sweet. This disease is a consequence of an excess of sugar in the urine and blood of the affected people. According to a survey in 2013, around 382 million people around the world have diabetes. Types of diabetes Diabetes is a deadly disease that can strike anyone at any age and from any walk of life. Earlier it was said that diabetes occurs after middle age. But nowadays, it has been observed that it can affect anyone irrespective of their age. The most common forms of it are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually occurs during pregnancy and is not a lifelong disease. Type 1 diabetes: It can also be termed as a metabolic disorder because type 1 diabetes results in the body failing to produce insulin. It is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes as the insulin is induced in the body from outside. This is popularly known as juvenile diabetes. It is also termed as early-onset diabetes. Its main symptoms are extreme thirst, erectile dysfunction, frequent urination, sudden weight loss or gain, blurred vision, lethargy, fatigue or drowsiness, increased appetite, etc. Smoking and consuming alcohol can aggravate cardiovascular diseases in diabetics. Therefore one should quit smoking and drinking. There are many diabetes foods to avoid. A healthy lifestyle which includes a healthy diet, adequate exercise and taking insulin can benefit people with diabetes to a great extent. Type 2 diabetes: In type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin for the proper functioning of the cells or it becomes insulin resistant. This is the most common form of diabetes seen in people. Its causes may include leading an unhealthy lifestyle, not eating right, getting inadequate or no sleep, lack of exercise, depression, stress, smoking, etc.
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes is diagnosed in an individual when the pancreas produce little or no insulin. The cells in the pancreas are destroyed by the immune system which further affects the These cells are known as beta cells and are responsible for making insulin. Role of Insulin Insulin as a hormone is known to help in movement of sugar or glucose in the body tissues. These are used by body cells as fuel helps produce energy. The lack of insulin would slow the pace of the entire process of energy build up in the body. This means that glucose will no longer move into the cells as there is no insulin. It builds up in the blood only causing the cells to starve. This results in high blood pressure which leads to multiple abnormalities including: Dehydration Due to the presence of extra sugar in the body the urge to urinate more crops up. This is the natural way for the body to get rid of the same. Therefore, a large amount of water goes out from the body and it leads to dehydration. Weight Loss This glucose, when lost from the body due to urination, flushes the much-needed calories along with it. This makes people with high blood pressure lose weight. Damage to the body High glucose levels also harm the nerves and blood vessels in the eyes, heart, and kidney. This can also lead to hardening of arteries which ultimately causes strokes and heart attack. Risk Factor Type 1 diabetes is a rare occurrence. Only about 5% of the people have this disorder. It affects men and women with same impurity and can begin at the age of 20. What causes Type 1 diabetes? Though nothing is known with certainty about the causes of type 1 diabetes, genes are known to play a major role in the same.
How to Get Rid of Your Cholesterol Issues the Right Way

How to Get Rid of Your Cholesterol Issues the Right Way

Let’s start off this article with a critical piece of information that people often do not get right – What is cholesterol? It is an essential element that your body requires to build and replace cells. Seems an important function right? Then the question is why it is conceived to be bad for your health. Well, the fact of the matter is that there are two types of cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and HDL (High-density lipoprotein) or we can just put it as a bad cholesterol and a good one respectively. Now the issue arises with your health when you don’t have enough of the good kind or excess of the bad kind. So now let’s discuss how this cholesterol affects your body when in excess or deficit. Though high cholesterol may not have any symptoms by itself, it may lead to very critical problems affecting the blood circulation and heart like a stroke, repeated chest pains and a fatal heart attack, which may also lead to death. Again here one more misconception that needs to be cleared is a difference between a heart attack and a stroke. A stroke is caused when the blood flow is blocked to any part of your brain through a blood clot, on the other hand, a heart attack occurs when blood flow to any part of your heart is blocked through a clot. So if you have a cholesterol problem, what cholesterol treatment options do you have? The answer lies in the mix of things that cause the imbalance of cholesterol levels in your system, focus on them, and you can bring it down to your natural recommended levels. Let’s look at some of the issues what cause cholesterol imbalance and how to control them – Exercise – Lack of proper exercise in your daily routine increases the chances of a cholesterol imbalance in your body.
Here are Some Easy Diabetes Control Measures

Here are Some Easy Diabetes Control Measures

Diabetes is a long term condition characterized by increased blood glucose levels. It is of two major types- Type 1 and Type 2. The third type of diabetes is gestational diabetes, which occurs in pregnant women. When a person is diabetic, their body either does not produce enough insulin or the body cells do not respond to it well, which causes an imbalance in blood glucose levels. While diabetes can be tricky to control at times, you do not have to give up on your life while you do so. It is important to know the basic diabetes control measures to make sure it does not take over your life. The following are some diabetes control measures to cope up with the condition. Know it all The very first step to controlling and managing your diabetes is to know about it. Gather all the information about diabetes in general, the key terms, the way it influences the body and its effects. You can attend free workshops, seminars, awareness programs which focus on diabetes, its causes and effects. You can also keep yourself informed by reading about it online. The National Diabetes Education Program does a good job of explaining the diabetes control measures. Next is to become familiar with your own body, its metabolism, the kind of diabetes you are diagnosed with, your blood glucose and insulin levels, the foods which suit or do not suit you, and other such things. Make a plan If you are diagnosed with diabetes, it does not mean that your life has stopped. Just make a plan to keep your diabetes in control with your doctor’s assistance and know how much physical exercise you are going to need, how many carbs you are supposed to eat, what portions of food are you supposed to have and at what time, which foods should you avoid, and other such things.
How to Identify the Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease

How to Identify the Symptoms of Huntington’s Disease

Huntington’s disease is a genetic disorder of the brain. This disease is untreatable and fatal due to cell damage of the nerves in the brain. The damage is usually severe and causes the nerves to dysfunction. In most cases of Huntington’s disease, the onset of the disease happens when the patient is in their thirties or forties. In some rare cases, symptoms are noticed in children as well. While there is no cure for Huntington’s disease, identifying Huntington’s disease symptoms early will help in the management of the disease. Here are the symptoms of Huntington’s disease. Early Symptoms The early symptoms of Huntington’s disease involve motor skills. These may include the following: Change in handwriting Difficulty in everyday physical activities Restlessness Clumsiness Mild twitching of fingers, toes, and even of the face Apart from these physical symptoms, there are also some subtle emotional and intellectual symptoms. Impulsiveness Short-term memory loss Bouts of depression and irritability Inability to manage new changes and schedules These symptoms are very generic and hard to diagnose as they can be mistaken for any other disease. There are many tests involved in the diagnosis of Huntington’s disease. Have a look at a few. Neurological Testing Reflex tests Muscle strength Co-ordination Balance Sense of touch Eye movement Hearing Neurophysiological Testing Memory Language function Mental agility Reasoning Spatial understanding Psychiatric Evaluation Behavioural patterns Judgement quality Substance abuse Coping skills Thought patterns Brain Imaging and Function Tests such as MRI and CT scans can be used to look for any structural changes in the brain. While these tests may not reveal much in the early stages of Huntington’s disease, it can be used to eliminate any other conditions that could be responsible for the symptoms. Genetic Testing If you do not have a family history of Huntington’s disease, then genetic testing is the most reliable option.