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

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

Dogs are a man’s best friend, and you can feel really anxious if your dog starts having an allergic reaction that makes it uncomfortable. Some of the most common signs of dog allergies are itching, scratching, and chewing. What causes dog allergies? Skin allergies or allergic dermatitis are the most common type of allergies developed by dogs. The prime causes of dog allergies include: Bacterial infections Certain foods which trigger allergic reactions Exposure to various environmental allergens Dog allergies and their natural remedies If your dog is developing any allergic reaction, your vet should be the first person you should reach out to. Besides, there are various natural remedies available for some common dog allergies. These natural remedies are readily available at your home and can relieve your dog from various allergies. Below is a list of dog allergies and their natural remedies for your reference. These natural remedies are very helpful in the treatment of different dog allergies such as dry skin or stomach upset. Vitamin E oil Vitamin E oil is full of antioxidants. Antioxidants primarily fight aging. They work towards the prevention of free radical damage. Free radical damage is the main cause of ageing. Application of vitamin E oil can protect your dog from UV radiation. Thus, it ensures moisturization of their skin and helps in the prevention of conditions like dry skin. Electrolyte-replacing liquids for diarrhea Flavorless electrolyte-replacing liquids help dogs too. During diarrhea, like humans, dogs too lose liquids. In such cases, the electrolyte replacing proves to be helpful among helpful in keeping their liquid level intact. Yogurt Both plain and sweetened yogurt is very healthy for your dog. The probiotics in yogurt help your dog to retain the good bacteria and have a strong intestine. Oatmeal If your dog has developed any symptoms of itchy skin, chickenpox or any such conditions, an oatmeal bath can be very soothing.

According to studies, diet can help improve seizure control in people who suffer from epileptic seizures. While these studies have been based on strict diets such as the Ketogenic diet, recent studies have shown that less restrictive diets such as the Low Glycemic Index diet and the modified Atkins diet can also be helpful in managing conditions such as epilepsy. When it comes to diet and dietary habits, they can be very hard to change, especially when a lot of changes are administered at the same time. Also, it is common for one to get all excited about a “new diet” in the beginning, but people tend to lose all that enthusiasm after a while. So, trying to make one change at a time is probably the best, sustainable way to start a diet, especially one that can help them manage certain conditions effectively. Eliminating simple sugars: The very first and important step for following a diet and nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy is to eliminate foods that contain high amounts and concentration of simple sugars. This type of carbohydrates have high glycemic indices, which leads to them being absorbed rapidly by the body. Once one has eliminated these sugary foods completely for more than just a few weeks, they could probably find that one no longer has the desire to eat them at all. One’s body will be more satisfied with the next step of the diet—whole, natural foods. Following a whole, natural foods diet: The step of following a wholesome, natural diet is a complex one that needs to be broken down into smaller, simpler-to-follow step. Healthy food items which have extremely little to no processing factor at all should be included in the diet. Foods that are minimally processed have a maximum of 3 ingredients.

Parkinson’s is a highly common neurodegenerative disease that affects a large number of people. It is characterized by tremors, rigid muscles, and slowed movements. This condition affects the day-to-day life of the individual and makes it very difficult to function. This article lists some foods and medications that can help fight Parkinson’s disease. One must remember that there is no specific foods that can help tackle Parkinson’s disease head-on. Maintaining a healthy body which in turn nurtures a healthy mind is important for Parkinson’s patients. This means that you need to eat cleaner and healthier foods. Here are some foods that can help: Fatty fish Fatty fish that is high in essential omega-3 fatty acids should be an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. Studies suggest that the oil extracted from fatty fish can actually help slow the progression of Parkinson’s to a certain extent. This is because of the presence of omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation in the nerves and even improve neurotransmission. Studies also indicate that omega-3 fatty acids can help slow down the neurodegeneration that takes place due to Parkinson’s disease. Seafood that has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids are mackerel, salmon, and oysters. Foods high in antioxidants Free radicals can cause damage to DNA and fatty tissue. This damage is known as oxidative stress and occurs when there are a large number of free radicals in the body. Multiple studies have found a link between oxidative stress and Parkinson’s disease. Foods that are high in antioxidants can help tackle free radicals. This helps reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Foods that are high in antioxidants include green tea, blueberries, grapes, strawberries, and citrus fruits. Research further suggests that those who suffer from Parkinson’s disease usually have some sort of nutrition deficiencies. To tackle this, it is important to eat foods that have tons of iron, zinc, and other essential vitamins.

Many pet parents feed human foods to their dogs from time to time. While there is nothing wrong with feeding them small bits of chocolate or other tidbits, pet parents must keep in mind that a dog’s digestive system is different from humans. If you are wondering what human foods are safe for dogs, we have got you covered. The article sheds light on human foods that dogs love and can eat. Human foods that are safe for dogs Peanut butter Dogs love peanut butter and for good reason. It is tasty and a good source of protein, vitamin B and E, and niacin. That said, ensure that you give your pet peanut butter that is unsalted, made with raw peanuts, and contains zero sugar or artificial sweeteners. Cooked chicken Feeding your doggo a piece of cooked chicken from your plate is completely alright as long as it contains zero or limited spices. Chicken is a rich source of protein and a healthy meal replacement option. Opt for boiled chicken if your pet is a senior or has a sensitive stomach. Carrots Carrots are high in fiber, beta carotene, and vitamin A, making them an excellent snack option for dogs. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and it’s best to feed bite-sized pieces or diced baby carrots to your canine to avoid choking mishaps. Pumpkin Pumpkins and carrots have almost the same healthy properties. This juicy fruit helps reduce digestive issues in dogs. A fresh pumpkin is an excellent option for dogs; however, if you have a canned one, make sure it doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners, as excessive sugar consumption can be toxic to dogs. Oatmeal Oatmeal is relatively healthy for dogs, especially for older pets with bowel irregularities. It contains soluble fiber and is best for pets that are allergic to wheat.

Important information you need to know about teeth whitening toothpastes Teeth staining and sensitivity are two of the most common issues present today. However, they are equally easily overlooked by a majority of people. While there are in-office treatments, over the counter medications, and other methods available to deal with these issues, the most convenient way is brushing. Although brushing might not give you instant results, it helps in putting up a consistent fight. Considering how neither sensitivity nor teeth staining can be cured once and for all, affordable teeth-whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth is your best bet. Research has suggested that regular brushing with such specifically designed toothpastes helps remove surface stains caused by the foods we eat. This, however, does not help with the natural color of your teeth or the discoloration present beneath the surface. What you should know about teeth whitening toothpastes Whitening toothpastes can be abrasive, and they work by polishing the stains off. Some other types contain chemicals like peroxides that break down the stains. If you are worried that these might harm your teeth, you can opt for products that have items like charcoal or activated carbon and zinc citrate in them. Some other whitening toothpastes contain blue covarine. Instead of cleaning out the stains, blue covarine coats the teeth and provides instant whiteness. These, however, are superficial results and don’t actually help the staining issue. Which whitening toothpaste is the best? So if you haven’t been using teeth whitening toothpastes to get rid of teeth stains, we’re here to help. Given below is a list of affordable teeth-whitening toothpastes for sensitive teeth so that you know which are the best ones in the market. Colgate® Optic White® Contrary to most commonly available whitening toothpastes, this one works on intrinsic stains along with surface stains.

If you have a dog or cat at home, you’d be familiar with a flea infestation in your house. It can get very difficult to contain flea infestation once their growth gets out of control, but there are several home remedies to treat flea infestation effectively. The best part about these remedies is that they are natural and chemical-free. The mentioned home remedies to treat flea infestation are very effective in getting rid of infestations that are bothersome to your pets: Boric acid : Boric acid is great at getting rid of fleas from your home, and it is available in powder form. You can spread this powder over the carpets, under the furniture, and also on the furniture. The results of this home remedy can be seen in a few days. Boric acid is not toxic and does not leave any residue either. In case there are toddlers around, you need to be extra careful about them coming in contact with the powder. It is best to vacuum once a week after applying boric acid as vacuuming also helps get rid of the flea debris or rogue eggs. Natural flea collars : A natural flea collar can be used for your pet to ward off fleas. You can either make your own natural flea collar or buy one from the market. For a DIY natural flea collar, you can buy a nylon collar or a cotton pet collar. A teaspoon of vodka mixed with a drop of geranium or cedarwood oil can be applied on the collar. Alternately, you can mix vodka with one drop of eucalyptus oil, one drop of thyme oil, and one drop of lemongrass oil and apply it to the collar. You should refresh the collar on a weekly basis or once the smell fades.

The term osteoporosis translates to “porous bones”, and is a disease in which your body either loses too much bone, or doesn’t make enough bone, or in some cases even both. This results in weakening of the bones. A minor bump, or sneezing can also cause injuries to the body. Women are more prone to being diagnosed with osteoporosis. How do you know you have osteoporosis? While many diseases can be diagnosed as its symptoms are experienced in the early stages, but with osteoporosis, one can experience little to no symptoms. It progresses slowly, making the condition severe over time. Some of the osteoporosis symptoms you need to watch out for are: Experiencing back pain Because of loss of bone density, you may have a fracture or a collapsed vertebrae. In this condition, back pain should be taken lightly as it can relate to your bone health. Loss of height As strange as this sounds, loss of height is one of the signs and symptoms of the onset of osteoporosis. This essentially denotes that your spine has been fractured making you unable to stand straight. Some of these spine fractures are painless so you may not recognize this sooner. Hence, you need to watch out for this osteoporosis symptom. Stooped posture This is another sign that shows a decreased amount of bone density. With bones being more porous and soft, they are unable to hold your body up straight leading to a curved spine. This curved spine naturally leads to a stooped posture. Easy fractures Fractures are not easy injuries, so if you are injuring your bones often, it is probably because your bones are porous and not strong enough. Tips for a healthy lifestyle While you cannot prevent any disease, you sure can manage it, and lower the risk of triggering it further.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) occurs when the antibodies present in the body mistakenly attacks the cells lining the joints. This leads to swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. This is a chronic disease that affects over 1.3 million people in the country, as reported in 2018 by Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network. There is no specific cause of RA, and hence treatment is varied, and many rely on home remedies that give them some relief. Here are some remedies that can help you get rid of pain and stiffness caused in arthritis: Mustard oil, and camphor remedy Heat 1 cup of mustard oil and add 10 grams of camphor in it. Heat this together till the camphor dissolves completely. Wait till the oil is lukewarm, and then use this mixture to massage on the areas where you experience swelling. Mustard oil has anti-inflammatory properties and has historically been used to soothe aches and pain. Also, camphor has properties that relieve pain and inflammation. Olive oil and lavender essential oil remedy Take some warm olive oil in a small bowl and add 2 drops of lavender essential oil in it. Use this mixture to massage the affected areas to alleviate discomfort and inflammation. Olive oil has a special compound called oleocanthal, and oleic acid that reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the body. Lavender essential oil is just for your own home spa experience. Turmeric milk Turmeric has a chemical called curcumin, it helps reduce the pain and brings down the swelling. Many Indian dishes use this as one of the main spices in cooking, but if you aren’t a fan of those recipes you can try turmeric milk. Take one glass of milk and add 1 tablespoon of turmeric. Mix this and consume it daily before going to bed. Consume apple cider vinegar & honey Take one glass of warm water Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar Add 1 tablespoon honey Mix this well, and drink this once daily Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the pain and stiffness caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Eating right is one of the best possible ways to soothe migraine headaches and issues. Incorporating preventive foods into one’s diet and limiting foods which trigger migraines is a good way to begin soothing migraine headaches. In fact, studies show that eliminating possible dietary triggers (including eating vegan diets) could benefit people with migraines. Here are some pain-safe foods that people with migraines can eat for getting relief from migraine headaches: Salmon One of the best foods which help with migraine is salmon. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which improve the health of arteries, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and the risk of cancer. This fish also has balanced quantities of omega 3-6-9 fatty acid and is loaded with minerals, resulting in anti-inflammatory properties. Salmon also features large amounts of B vitamins, which have been proven to be helpful for managing migraines. Try eating two to three servings of salmon every week. Dark chocolate Chocolate contains large amounts of magnesium, which is one of the most common minerals that help in managing migraine. The mineral is important for both sleep and relaxation, and chocolate is one of the richest sources of magnesium, containing at least 70% cacao. However, people should check with their doctors for ruling out dark chocolate as a trigger for migraines. Figs When combined with other electrolytes, potassium helps the body fight inflammation and dehydration, both of which are associated with migraine. Figs are an excellent source of potassium. Make sure that your body gets this essential mineral from your diet. You will have to check with your doctor if you are sensitive to foods that contain tyramine. If you are, then try eating fresh figs since it’s the dried ones which contain tyramine. Shrimp s An antioxidant called astaxanthin is found in high quantities in shrimps, which helps the body fight inflammation, helping with migraine issues.

Various odors and fragrances surround us, but not everyone is tolerant of them. Especially for people with migraine, different strong smells can act as a trigger because of smell sensitivity. Inhalation of these strong odors can lead to dizziness, headaches and other health issues. One can also look for ways to prevent a migraine attack due to such odors. Here are some odors that can be toxic to people with migraine: Car exhaust Car exhausts are among the leading cause of environmental pollution. The gas leak from car exhausts is therefore understandably harmful. The leak has a very strong odor and can be the reason for high CO or carbon monoxide gas buildup over time. These fumes often cause nausea, shortness of breath, headaches, and dizziness. Cleaning supplies Cleaning supplies often contain Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs. These emit gases that may or may not have a strong smell. Exposure to these gases can cause headaches and respiratory issues. They are considered toxic and are often the reason for migraines. Additionally, VOCs can also turn out to be carcinogenic for some people. Therefore, it is essential to use VOC-free cleaning products. Oil-based paints Oil-based paints also contain VOCs. These solvents get released into the environment once the paint is applied on any surface. These VOCs find their way into the body on inhalation, leading to dizziness and migraine. Alternatively, opting for odor-free or water-based paints is also a suitable option. Gasoline Gasoline emits potent vapors that hold the ability to dilate blood vessels. The unnecessary change in the state of blood vessels combined with the strong odors can lead to debilitating migraines and a heavy head. Gasoline generally contains more than 100 chemicals that make it toxic for anyone inhaling it. Using nose plugs is a safe way forward for people who work at places near gasoline or petroleum tanks.