8 Best Foods That Help Control Blood Sugar

8 Best Foods That Help Control Blood Sugar

Diabetes or high blood sugar can be effectively controlled if a proper daily diet is followed. Paying attention to food habits will not only keep a control on the blood sugar but also develop overall healthy weight. A balanced diet is often suggested by dieticians but not many understand the need for the same. If a person is suffering from diabetes, one thought tends to constantly remain in our mind and that is how to control blood sugar. Here are 10 best food items that are popular, easily available, and perfect for controlling blood sugar. Take a look! Vegetables are perfect for controlling blood sugar We all know that vegetables are an important part of everyday meals and diet plan. Including vegetables in the meal helps to keep us fit and healthy. Not only does eating vegetables healthy for a maintained body weight but also for controlling high blood sugar. It is advisable to include all kinds of vegetables in your diet but ensure to choose vegetables that are low in carbohydrates. You can try having mushrooms, tomatoes, sprouts, and onions, to name a few. Try adding more flavor to your meal by seasoning the vegetables well. Broccoli for a healthy heart Often recommended by doctors for people suffering from high blood sugar, broccoli is considered one of the best food items when one is looking to control blood sugar. With a high amount of vitamin C than what is found in oranges, broccoli also contains beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Broccoli also has anti-cancer properties and reduces the risk of heart diseases. You can either add boiled broccoli to your salads or just roast them a little with olive oil and have as is. Moreover, if you do not like the texture of broccoli, then you can always prepare broccoli soup, which is a very simple yet healthy recipe.
7 lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis

7 lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin causing red patches, development of flakes and inflammation. Two to three percent of the world’s population has psoriasis, with about 8 million affected people from the US alone. Patients with psoriasis tend to develop an inflammatory form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. It affects about 1% of the population and can result in a poor quality of life. With that being said, here are seven lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis. Eat healthily Following a healthy diet is a lifestyle change that has to be incorporated into everyone’s life, be it someone suffering from psoriatic arthritis or not. Its importance cannot be reinstated enough with obesity being one of the rising concerns in today’s world. Eating healthy. Psoriatic arthritis patients should take care to consume food that is low in salt, sugar, and fat. Since psoriatic arthritis causes pain in the joints, being overweight does not help this at all. Drink lots of water and consume enough fruits and vegetables. Stay active An active lifestyle, similar to healthy eating is not specific to psoriatic arthritis patients but everyone in general. Daily exercise helps to reduce stiffness in the joints, which is one of its many symptoms. The rigor of the exercise should vary depending on the level of the symptoms. Exercising in groups or finding a physiotherapist can help ensure that there is no lack of motivation. Practice meditation Stress is one of the main triggers in Psoriatic Arthritis. Triggers usually cause flares, which cause a spike in the symptoms for a particular period. Practicing yoga and meditation can help reduce any possible stress triggers. Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption Smoking can aggravate breathing issues and also triggers psoriatic arthritis. Increased alcohol consumption also causes other issues that, when combined with psoriatic arthritis, can result in a very poor quality of life.
8 snacking options for those who have diabetes

8 snacking options for those who have diabetes

One of the most difficult parts of suffering from diabetes is the inability to eat most things due to their sugar content. It is essential for a diabetic to stick to healthy snacks, but how many times can one munch on the same food item? Individuals have to choose snacks that contain high levels of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, helping keep blood sugar levels in control. Here are some great snack ideas for those who have diabetes: Hard-boiled eggs A super healthy snack for diabetics, hard-boiled eggs provide as much as 6 gm of protein per egg, keeping blood sugar levels in control and making one feel full as well. Yogurt with berries Yogurt with berries makes for a great diabetic snack due to various factors. Firstly, the berries’ antioxidants lessen inflammation, preventing pancreatic damage. They are also fibrous, helping slow digestion and stabilizing blood sugar levels. Yogurt is protein-rich and helps keep the blood sugar levels under control. What’s more, the two go beautifully together, with the tartness of the yogurt balancing the sweetness of the berries. Almonds Almonds are a convenient, nutritious snack for diabetes patients. 28 grams of almonds provide more than 15 minerals and vitamins. They have been found to reduce insulin levels in the body and benefit heart health by promoting weight management and lessening cholesterol levels. These are chief factors for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. The combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber in almonds is likely to stabilize blood sugar levels. Veggies and hummus Hummus is a great accompaniment to raw vegetables as the combination is an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, and fiber. It is also protein-rich. Pair it with veggies such as bell peppers, carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli. Avocado Snacking on avocados is a great way to manage blood sugar levels due to the monosaturated fatty acids and high fiber content in them.
Tips to Deal with Frequent Urination

Tips to Deal with Frequent Urination

There are several people who have to deal with the problem of frequent urination. It leads us to question the amount of fluid we are losing on a daily basis. The bladder can store up to 600 ml of urine. We generally feel the urge to urinate when the bladder contains 150 ml of urine. The average person urinates four to eight times per day. If you are urinating more than eight times a day, you have a leaky bladder. There are several causes which culminate to this problem. Wondering how to stop frequent urination? Here are a few tips which will help you to deal with this problem. Kegel exercises involve strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles may be weakened by an overactive bladder. Performing these exercises facilitates improved bladder movement. All you have to do is identify your pelvic floor muscles by stopping your urine midstream while urinating. Tighten your pelvic floor muscles for 3 seconds and then let them go for 3 seconds. Repeat this process 3 times in sets of 10. The best thing is that you do not need to designate a particular time to perform these exercises. You can do Kegel exercises while sitting down, standing up or while on the move. Kegel exercise is the answer to urinary incontinence treatment. There are several medications to relieve you of the urge of frequent urination. They help to relax the bladder and treat the symptoms associated with a leaky bladder. Although they are not the best option, they are definitely worth trying out. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking any medication. If you are looking for a natural option, Corn Silk is fantastic. It is obtained from the waste material from corn cultivation. This has been used a traditional medicine in France and China to cure bedwetting and bladder irritation.
You Probably Didn’t Know That Melanoma Symptoms Can Appear Inside This Delicate Body Part

You Probably Didn’t Know That Melanoma Symptoms Can Appear Inside This Delicate Body Part

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that generally appears on the surface of your skin. But not always. Known as the most dangerous form of skin cancer, melanomas are responsible for the deaths of more than 10,000 people per year in the United States alone. Caused mainly due to exposure to occasional yet intense UV rays, melanoma symptoms are more likely to appear in people who are genetically predisposed to getting this condition. When it comes to skin cancers like melanomas, the common idea that the masses go by is that it is a “skin” cancer, and therefore can only appear on patches of skin that are directly exposed to the sun. However, this is not true when it comes to melanoma symptoms! In general, when skin cells suffer unrepaired DNA damage that triggers genetic mutations, the affected skin cells become cancerous, start to multiply at an exponential pace, and result in the development of malignant cancers. Melanoma symptoms are generally seen in the form of moles. The cancer develops in the melanocytes that are located in the basal epidermal layer of the skin. Where You Might See Melanoma Symptoms According to cancer research, the most common area for men to develop melanoma symptoms is the back/trunk area. Meanwhile, women reported their legs to be the most common site to see melanoma symptoms. While diagnosing melanoma due to irregular moles on the trunk or legs is not an easy prospect, these melanoma symptoms can definitely be watched out for. But you probably didn’t know that melanoma symptoms can appear inside one of the most delicate parts of your body – your eyes . Not only can your eyes be the place where melanoma symptoms manifest, they can also be the original source site of the melanoma cancer. Melanoma symptoms may either appear in the iris area of your eyes (colored ring around the pupil) or even inside your eye.
Do You Have Any of These Bladder Cancer Symptoms?

Do You Have Any of These Bladder Cancer Symptoms?

Keeping an eye out for these common bladder cancer symptoms can be effective in early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The bladder in your body is a balloon-shaped organ that stores urine, and it is located in your pelvic region. When cancer cells start to develop inside this organ, the condition is termed as bladder cancer. Since the bladder holds urine until it is passed out of your body, it plays an important role as part of the urinary tract. Hence, developing bladder cancer can have a serious effect on the function of your body (particularly the kidneys and bowel), and if left untreated, it can spread fast to other parts of your body. This disease affects both men and women, although men are more likely to develop it. Also, old age increases your chances of developing bladder cancer as it is more commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 65. Bladder cancer usually starts developing when healthy cells in the lining of your bladder change and starts to multiply at a rapid pace. This forms a mass called a tumor, which can either be benign or malignant. A benign tumor is one that can grow in size, but will not spread to other areas, whereas a malignant tumor refers to a cancerous growth that can affect other parts of your body. The types of bladder cancer are broadly categorized depending on the extent to which the disease has invaded your bladder wall. The two types of bladder cancer are– Non-invasive : This type of the disease is basically a cancer that is still contained in the inner layer of cells in the bladder (the transitional epithelium), and has not progressed into the deeper layers. This type is easier to treat. Invasive : This type of bladder cancer means one that has the potential to spread to other parts of your body, including the lymph nodes, liver, and the lungs.
Factors to Consider Before Going to an Alcohol Rehab

Factors to Consider Before Going to an Alcohol Rehab

Addiction to alcohol, or any other kind of harmful substances such as cigarettes, is a problem that many people face. It causes liver damage and also decreases the immunity of the body to a great extent. Different alcohol types have different ill effects on the body, but all of them are extremely harmful if consumed too often or in exceedingly large quantities. Under such circumstances, alcohol rehab proves to be an extremely helpful and effective solution, especially for those who realize the gravity of the situation and want to leave behind their addictive habits. Determination and willpower are extremely important for any kind of medical rehab, and the case is no different with this one. Alcohol rehab is something which is often suggested to people who understand the effects it has, both on their physical as well as mental health. However, there are certain things which one needs to keep in mind under all circumstances before considering registering to go to an alcohol rehab center. They are as follows: The planning After a patient has committed himself or herself to an addiction treatment centre, they should think about the steps they should take in order to be fully prepared for their stay in a rehab, which would vary from person to person. It is common to feel stressed over putting things such as one’s job, bills, or family obligations on hold temporarily while they are in rehab. However, it is absolutely essential for everyone to understand that all of these can be dealt with if the patient takes enough time to prepare for the treatment. In most cases, these patients have already made the difficult decision that it has been long enough and now they should get help. Hence, appropriate measures must be taken to allow the concerned parties to return to a positive space where they are meant to use the skills they were taught in rehab.
Common Causes of Foot Pain

Common Causes of Foot Pain

While it is common to feel pain in your feet every once in a while, persisting pain in the feet is generally not a good sign. There are several causes of foot pain. If you feel pain in your heels while running, jogging, or walking over a large distance for an extended period of time, it is normal. If the pain continues to persist even after having rested amply, you are likely to be suffering from plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs are another condition affecting the feet. They can lead to immense pain in the feet and can make walking a task in itself. Heel spurs usually occur along with plantar fasciitis. Wearing specialized shoes and taking medications can help you to treat your condition and maintain its progress. If you are suffering from foot pain over a period of time along with the appearance of the symptoms of diseases associated with foot pain, visit a doctor immediately. We have made the process of knowing the causes of foot pain much easier for you. Causes of Foot Pain Here are a few of the most common causes of foot pain Heel Spurs Some people may suffer from heel spurs, yet never know about it, the less fortunate experience its symptoms in its full wrath. The condition causes immense pain as it causes bony growths to affect the bottom of the heel. They are tricky to deal with as these growths are directed toward the arch of the foot. Treatment is a necessity when it comes to heel spurs. Wearing customized shoes with additional foot space is another option worth exploring for additional comfort. The condition is generally caused due to the excessive build-up of calcium deposits on the underside of the heel bone. The pain usually kicks in after several months of its building up.
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.
Causes and Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Neck

Causes and Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Neck

Lymph nodes are a part of the lymphatic system, one of the components of the immune system of the body. Usually, swollen lymph nodes occur as the result of exposure to viruses or bacteria and indicate an infection. According to various medical research reports, the swollen lymph node in the neck is the most common along with swollen lymph nodes in other places like under the chin, in the groin and in the armpits. Usually, these lymph nodes are not visible. When these get enlarged, only then the lymph nodes become visible in the certain body areas. Especially, in the neck, behind the ear or in the groin, you may notice these as the enlarged bumps. Also, one can feel the enlarged lymph nodes by moving the hand slowly around the area that has become swollen. One can feel whether the lymph nodes are tender or not as well. Well, in order to treat the swollen lymph node in neck, diagnosing the underlying cause properly is important. With proper treatment, swollen lymph gets better. Various medications are available to deal with the infection, swelling, and pain caused by it. However, it is advisable to take any medication only under the guidance of a medical expert. Here is a list of the possible causes and symptoms of swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Causes of a swollen lymph node in the neck Sometimes, the swollen lymph nodes are referred to as the swollen glands. Viral infections One of the most common causes of these swollen lymph nodes is a viral infection. Usually, a viral upper respiratory infection like common cold is the most common cause. Here is a list of the viruses that can cause the swollen glands: Chickenpox Infectious mononucleosis HIV Measles Adenovirus Common cold viruses Herpes Not only the viruses mentioned above, but also many fungi, parasites, and bacteria cause swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck.
Common Symptoms of Cold and Allergies You Should Know

Common Symptoms of Cold and Allergies You Should Know

Colds and allergies are two extremely common conditions, somewhat similar in nature and expression, and affect both children as well as adults of all ages. According to a survey published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is not at all uncommon for an adult to suffer from cold two to three times a year. This survey also correctly concludes that children are more likely to suffer from more frequent bouts of cold every year immune system is still developing. Allergies as a condition are also very common in both children and adults. According to a survey, around 50 million people in the country suffer from allergies. Read on to know more about the symptoms that help provide a difference between these two conditions. Cold and allergies are not the same It is true that the symptoms of these two conditions are somewhat similar, but cold and allergies themselves are fundamentally different from one another. These two conditions have significantly different causes and outbursts and the cold and allergies symptoms vary in type as well as the duration for which they last. If the doctor correctly identifies the cause behind the symptoms, then appropriate and timely treatment can be undertaken. Symptoms of a common cold Despite the apparent similarities between cold and allergies’ symptoms, the essential differences between them would be best explained if one understands these conditions would be beneficial. A cold, which is also known as “the common cold,” is, more often than not, caused by a virus and its symptoms show that. There are many different types of viruses which are responsible for causing a cold. While the symptoms and their severity may differ from individual to individual, all types of cold generally share some of the same basic characteristics. Here are some of the most common symptoms of cold:
6 Effective Ways for Severe Pain Management

6 Effective Ways for Severe Pain Management

Severe pain management can be quite difficult when not on medication. Alternate therapy involves procedures which are in contrast to the procedures normally used to treat a condition. Chronic pain is often administered through the use of opioids. The problem with opioids is that they are addictive and contribute to an average of over 100 deaths on a daily basis in the country alone. Its overuse is a strict no-no and people are looking for alternate therapy measures to rid themselves or manage their pain. Alternate therapy allows for the application of a variety of disciplines. These include the likes of biofeedback, aromatherapy, relaxation, herbal remedies, massage, and guided imagery, among many others. Here are a few of the best alternative therapies you should try for severe pain management. Mind-body therapies Mind-body therapies are significant when it comes to shaping the ability of the mind to affect the symptoms and functions of the body. These therapy methods use several different approaches which include the likes of guided imagery, meditation, relaxing techniques, hypnosis, and biofeedback. These techniques could go a long way in alleviating discomfort and providing for severe pain management. Acupuncture Acupuncture is one of the most effective approaches to severe pain management. This treatment procedure is said to be able to cure up to 30 diseases or conditions! Chronic pain relief is one of them. Sixteenth-century doctors in China believed that illnesses are caused due to an imbalance of energy present within the body. Disposable stainless steel needles are used to stimulate the 14 major meridians in the body during an acupuncture therapy session. The imbalances in the body are corrected using this procedure to overcome or resist illness. This procedure reduces pain by increasing the release of endorphins, known to block pain. Massage The number of people turning toward massage to relieve themselves of neck problems or a chronic backache is increasing by each passing day.