Arthritis can affect people of all ages, including children. However, it is increasingly common in aged individuals. It causes stiffness and painful aches in the joints and muscles of the body. There is a lot of confusion about arthritis, from its causes to ways to manage the condition, but even more so related to what foods are good or bad for it. This article busts some common food-related myths surrounding arthritis. Top food myths concerning arthritis you should not believe Tomatoes can be harmful Tomatoes were previously believed to be poisonous and often associated with making arthritis worse. The myth originated because tomatoes contain solanine, a naturally produced toxin that is believed to cause inflammation, swelling, and joint pain. But there is no medical evidence of tomatoes proving to be harmful to arthritis patients. Vegetables in the same family, such as eggplants and potatoes, are also safe to eat. Citrus aggravates inflammation There is a lot of misinformation on the internet that warns arthritis patients to stay away from citrus fruits because they aggravate inflammation. This is not true. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which helps manage arthritis pain and protects against free radicals, which could damage the cartilage, flaring inflammation.

Blood sugar levels of diabetic patients can dip or peak depending on the food they consume. Hence, it is extremely important to eat right. A nutritious meal should include a balance of carbs, protein, starches, and sugar. But it can be tricky to get proper nutrition, especially with foods that sound healthy but, in reality, cause damage to overall health. Let’s take a look at some of the bad foods for diabetic patients. Sugar-sweetened beverages Avoid drinking cola, sweetened ice tea, or lemonade as they contain an excessively high amount of added sugar and carbs. Additionally, these drinks contain fructose, which can lead to insulin resistance, belly fat, and unhealthy metabolic changes. According to studies, people who consume too many sugar-sweetened beverages have a higher risk of developing diabetes-related conditions like fatty liver disease. A surprising beverage to avoid is fruit juice. Although they contain more vitamins and minerals than sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juices have concentrated amounts of fruit sugar that can spike your blood sugar. Opt for cucumber and mint-infused water or naturally flavored seltzer with a dash of lime for a refreshing taste. White bread, rice, and pasta All these processed foods contain a high amount of carbs that can significantly raise blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

With the pandemic, diabetes is reportedly on the rise as the low-grade inflammation caused by the virus could worsen pre-existing diabetes by increasing insulin resistance. Studies also indicate that the virus can multiply within insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells and debilitate insulin synthesis and secretion. While excessive sugar intake is associated with various health concerns and must be avoided, this is another reason to understand the eight noticeable warning signs of excess sugar intake listed below. Excessive tiredness Added sugar leads to an increase in insulin production to process the excess calories. These abnormal changes can lower energy levels during the day and trigger excessive fatigue. It is essential to understand the body can only process a finite amount of sugar with the insulin produced by the pancreas to break down all carbohydrates for energy. Unexplained increase in appetite Not feeling full enough or satiated throughout the day is a clear sign of excess sugar intake. The body absorbs proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients from daily foods to support all functions. Sugar only has empty calories and does not add any additional nutritional value. To supplement this energy requirement, people resort to compulsive snacking. Skin problems like acne Clinical studies reveal that blood glucose spikes trigger the body to produce more sebum, an oily substance found in the skin.

Dementia covers a range of disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. Cognitive decline is a primary problem associated with any form of these disorders. But this decline is influenced by several factors that determine the future outlook of such conditions. Clinical studies have determined a link between early retirement and dementia risks to assess severity. Here’s why getting an early retirement may not be ideal for better mental health. Understanding the early risk Dementia is known to affect memory, communication, thinking power, and reasoning. This progressive disorder aggravates symptoms that are influenced by the decline of cognitive abilities. In layman’s terms, if the brain cells aren’t used, healthy cells will irreversibly lose their functionality. After retirement, one may cut down on daily social interactions and engaging conversations that keep the mind active. More recent research on the links between early retirement and dementia indicates that the risk is higher among those who are not working anymore. Key factors that determine the risk of dementia Studies and surveys indicate a serious rate of decline in physical and psychological abilities after retirement. At such times, daily activities that keep the mind active are replaced by a sedentary lifestyle that doesn’t challenge bodily actions.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder that can cause dementia. The condition can deteriorate one’s ability to think and affect their ability to execute daily tasks independently. Multiple risk factors can trigger Alzheimer’s, including a person’s age, genetics, and sex. Furthermore, one study indicates that the food we eat plays a significant role in developing the disease. Therefore, in this article, we will talk about the research on the link between foods and Alzheimer’s disease. The study The study was based on multiple parameters, such as the following: It was conducted with over 200 people. An average of 78 people of the 200 were living with dementia. The group was compared with another group of 118 individuals of the same age. The latter had no symptoms of the disorder. Patients were given a medical checkup every two to three years. The study group was asked to complete food questionnaires that recorded the foods they ate. The questionnaire further recorded their food consumption frequency for the past five years. The findings of the study There were two significant findings resulting from this study that showed why foods harmed those at risk of the disease. The findings were as follows: Midlife changes in eating habits The questionnaire pointed out that people who indulged in new food choices in their midlife were more susceptible to brain disease.

Quality sleep is essential for everyone. A good night’s sleep keeps you refreshed the next day. Unfortunately, many just can’t fall asleep even after sleeping on some of the best mattresses like T empur-Pedic, Saatva, Sleep Number, Serta Mattress, or Essentia Mattress . They remain awake and restless in bed for hours. There are some habits before bedtime that prevent them from falling asleep quickly. Here are five things to avoid before bed for better sleep: Having a heavy dinner Trying to sleep right after having a heavy dinner can be challenging. Firstly, the feeling of fullness won’t let you sleep, and secondly, the meal will make you feel slightly energized for at least another hour. Besides, it’s not healthy to go to bed right after dinner. Activities like cleaning up the kitchen and going for a light stroll, anything that keeps you a bit active, can help. Eating fatty foods Some may like to indulge in snacks after dinner, but that hampers quality sleep. Avoid having chips, nachos, or desserts right before bed. Instead, eat fruits like kiwi, pineapple, cherries, oranges, bananas, and avocados; these aid in better sleep. Also, avoid fried foods for dinner as they make you feel full and may interfere with the digestive system.

Many women resort to birth control pills to control their pregnancy chances and timings. Some women may experience withdrawal bleeding or spotting. However, in some cases, a lapse in monthly menstruation can occur while consistently using oral contraceptives (OCPs). There are many reasons for this to happen. Fret not! Read on to find out the various factors that could be the cause of missing your period while on birth control pills. Eating habits Drastic changes in the amount and type of food being consumed can be one of the reasons for missing your periods while on birth control. Changes in eating habits and patterns can cause significant changes in the levels and functions of your hormones, subsequently leading to changes in the menstrual cycle. The hormonal imbalance and changes in ovulation may lead to missed or delayed periods while on birth control. Stress Stress is among the more common causative factors of absent periods. It can also lead to longer or shorter cycles. Studies suggest these changes can be attributed to excessive cortisol secretion in the body. The extra cortisol produced due to stress causes shorter or missed periods that can happen even when on birth control. Regulating missed periods because of stress includes practicing stress-relieving techniques such as meditation, stretching, breathing exercises, and yoga.

Hemophilia is a condition wherein the blood does not clot as there are insufficient clotting proteins present. This is a rare disorder. While small cuts and wounds may not be an issue, serious injuries can be even more life threatening due to lack of blood clotting factors that prevent a person from bleeding out completely. Hemophilia is usually a genetic disorder. Let us look at some symptoms and treatment options. Symptoms Signs and symptoms of hemophilia vary from person to person. Depending on the level of clotting factors in an individual, they can experience mild to severe symptoms. Some may bleed excessively and profusely even after small cuts or injuries, including dental work and surgery. Others can be prone to many large or deep bruises frequently. Bleeding after vaccinations is also common in some people. In other cases, one may notice blood in the urine or stool along with having erratic nosebleeds. Some people may also feel pain, swelling, and some stiffness in the joints. An uncommon symptom of hemophilia involves bleeding in the brain, which can cause severe complications to one’s health. For those with severe hemophilia, a bump on the head can be responsible for bleeding into the brain.

It does not matter if the temperature outside is warm or cool. Drinking lots of water during the day is rewarding to your body. Not drinking enough fluids can lead to dehydration and symptoms like low blood pressure, confusion, and dizziness. In this article, you will find tips on the ideal time to drink water. Following these tips can help your body make the best use of the life-saving liquid. Drink water before and during meals Drinking a glass of water 30 minutes before a meal can help control the overconsumption of food. When you drink water, you may feel full and can resist the urge to overeat. Furthermore, drinking water while eating a meal, especially foods rich in fibers, helps with digestion. The fibers move through the digestive system and absorb water. Down a glass when you wake up There is no water entering the body when you are asleep, and you may wake up dehydrated. Therefore, drinking water when you get up in the morning can help you stay hydrated. Consuming the healthy liquid when you wake up also ensures the flushing of harmful toxins before eating the first meal. Drinking warm water before a bath benefits your blood pressure While it may seem odd at first, drinking warm water before a bath can work wonders for your body.

Headaches are one of the most common discomforts experienced by individuals. There are many different types of headaches and several known triggers, ranging from side effects of prescriptions to external environmental factors. However, statistics indicate that women are three times more likely than men to experience frequent headaches or migraines due to hormonal changes. Here is a brief overview of how these headaches develop and what to do to manage them. Hormonal triggers of migraine headaches among women Menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, and even hormone replacement therapy are some of the known hormonal triggers of migraine headaches. Headaches experienced during menstruation Menstruation is the periodic shedding of the uterus lining and is a regular occurrence once a girl starts ovulating. During monthly menstrual cycles, estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest in the body. These hormonal changes can trigger migraine headaches. Headaches during pregnancy Some women may experience their first bout of migraine attacks early on in pregnancy. The body releases high amounts of estrogen to support the baby’s development. There is a lot of hormonal fluctuation between trimesters, leading to headaches. Headaches during menopause Menopause marks the end of regular menstruation. Some women opt for hormone replacement therapy to prevent or manage hot flashes and associated symptoms that develop during this time.