Glucose levels in patients with diabetes can plunge or rise over the course of the day, depending upon the food they consume. Hence, eating right is critical. A nutritious meal plan should include enough carbohydrates, protein, and fat. But it may be tricky to get nourishment from food sources that sound healthy but cause harm to health. Let’s look at some of the foods that patients with diabetes should limit or avoid. Fruit juice A surprising beverage to avoid is fruit juice. Although they contain more vitamins and minerals than sweetened beverages, fruit juices have concentrated amounts of fructose, which can spike blood sugar. It is essential to opt for cucumber and mint-infused water or naturally flavored seltzer with a dash of lime for a refreshing taste. Avoid drinking cola, sweetened ice tea, or lemonade, as they contain an excessively high amount of added sugar. Additionally, these drinks contain fructose, leading to insulin resistance, accumulation of visceral fat, and unhealthy metabolic changes. White bread, rice, and pasta A large number of processed foods like these contain a high amount of carbohydrates, which can raise blood sugar levels in individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They additionally contain very little fiber, which is critical in easing back the retention of sugar in the bloodstream.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced naturally by the body to help synthesize new cells. It flows freely in the bloodstream and is made-up of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and lipids. An imbalance in these profiles can trigger health complications. Even unhealthy eating increases cholesterol levels. However, replacing unhealthy foods with low-calorie snacks can help keep cholesterol levels in check. Here are seven such easy snack ideas to try now. Oats Choosing oats for breakfast helps lower LDL or bad cholesterol levels. Oats are rich in soluble fibers that promotes better digestion and helps absorb bad fats (LDL) from the bloodstream. Popcorn Nothing could be healthier than a bowl of freshly made popcorn. This is a snack that is low in calories and boasts a rich serving of soluble fibers. Instead of making it in oil or butter, cook the kernels in olive oil to further reduce the fat content. This whole grain helps curb those hunger pangs and does not add to the calories consumed during the day. Avocado toast Avocado is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a form of unsaturated fat that helps in lowering LDL cholesterol. The fruit is also a rich source of fiber and is a better alternative to use as a spread compared to store-bought condiments.

Bone loss is a condition where the body stops forming new bone and reabsorbs the old bone. Once brittle, the bones are more likely to break even with simple day-to-day tasks. Some people develop this condition due to genetics or lack of certain minerals in the body during the developmental stages. But, many people also develop bone loss due to certain medical conditions. Read on to understand these conditions and the causes of bone loss. Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis, also known as RA, is a bone disease that causes inflammation of the bone joints. It also affects all the surrounding tissue. It is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the healthy cells. Rheumatoid Arthritis is not curable. Inflammation is one of the most significant symptoms of RA. This inflammation can affect the joints, lead to cartilage damage and cause erosion of the bones. In most cases, the inflammation can also lead to the loss of bone mineralization which can further cause bone loss, making the individual more prone to fractures. Diabetes A type of diabetes known as diabetes mellitus is one of the known causes of bone loss. This condition increases the osteoclast function, which degrades bone but decreases the osteoblast function, which lays down new bone cells.

Pain is something that is difficult to identify, especially in pets. Mostly, dogs have a survival instinct to hide their pain, and it is your responsibility as their primary caregiver to understand what the problem might be. Dogs may experience acute or chronic pain from underlying medical conditions or an injury. And it is not always the case that the source of the pain is easily identifiable or visible. In other cases, most dogs do one of the following things to indicate a problem. Knowing how to respond during this time will certainly help you stay prepared to administer a proper pain management procedure. Here are a few signs and ways to identify if your furry little friend is suffering from some discomfort. Check for physical indicators Dogs have a tendency to hold their big ears flat against the head when in pain. Notice how the same ears are straight and alert when the canine is active. Similarly, when he or she keeps the ears fall flat for a long period, it is an indicator that something might be wrong. If the pain persists, they tend to get vocal by whimpering or making loud unusual sounds. Constantly licking a certain area on their body is a conscious effort on their part to soothe the wound or irritation that is causing pain.

When the glucose levels in the body are high and insulin levels are not proportionate enough to convert this glucose into energy, the risk of diabetes increases. It is basically the inability of the body to convert food into energy using insulin. The glucose is broken down into energy for cells to absorb and when this conversion doesn’t take place, blood sugar levels rise. If left unchecked, it can lead to a number of complications. However, there are certain myths about diabetes that can create confusion among the masses. Here is what you must know and understand about the condition. Myth 1: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same. The fact of the matter is that both type 1 and 2 are linked to insulin deficiency that causes diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce any insulin, and people suffering from this condition must rely on regular doses of insulin to supplement these requirements. Type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune disorder that is mostly diagnosed in children. In type 2 diabetes, the body still manages to produce insulin but the cells are unable to absorb the compound necessary for converting food into energy.

All of us feel low, upset, and unmotivated at some point in our life, but this isn’t classified as depression. Depression is a mood disorder that overshadows a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Signs and symptoms of this grave disorder can range from feeling hopeless and tired to completely losing the will to live. There are several types of depression and they are listed below so you can understand depression and people suffering from it better. Major Depression (Clinical Depression) The hallmark trait of this type of depression is the constant feeling of sadness or loss of interest in social life or any outside stimuli. It often lasts for two weeks or more in which a person can experience symptoms such as hopelessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) Dysthymia lasts for years and can disrupt daily life and interfere with personal and professional relationships. Individuals with dysthymia are often seen as dark, pessimistic, or complainers by others, and they have a hard time being happy in typically pleasant situations. Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) People with manic depression experience high degrees of mood swings. Their train of thought can take them from feeling euphoric to feeling suicidal in just a few weeks.

Pregnancy is a new experience in every couple’s life, and one should understand a few things to ensure that the nine months are smooth and stress-free. Simply being prepared for pregnancy and looking forward to the joy of parenthood is not all there’s to childbirth. As a couple, you must understand, review, and adjust your lifestyle. Expecting mothers become their child’s nurturers and supporters from day one, but the expecting fathers, close relatives, and friends must also understand the key roles they will play right up to the due date. Here are a few simple family and pregnancy guide points to help you and your folks get started: Staying healthy Physical and mental wellbeing is extremely crucial for the expecting mother to ensure both her and the baby’s health. Diet plays a crucial role in this process, as the mother is now providing nutrition for the developing fetus as well as herself. As a family, you can take turns to ensure that the to-be mother is staying physically active, eating healthy and regularly, and not cultivating any bad habits. More importantly, family and loved ones should be prepared for the changes to come in the upcoming trimesters. Coping with changes – what to expect Morning sickness in the first trimester is quite common and can put a woman’s body under tremendous stress.

A joint or articulation is made from two bones that aid the body in movement. There are many forms of joint conditions, which, in many cases, arise from the wear and tear of bones. Arthritis is one of the major and most common health conditions in the country, and its intensity increases with age. Here are some common types of joint conditions that you need to know: Osteoarthritis With almost 10 percent of men and 13 percent of women aged over 60 suffering from osteoarthritis, it is one of the most prevalent joint conditions in the country. Osteoarthritis occurs due to the wear and tear of the cartilages that protect the ends of bones. It commonly affects joints of the spine, hands, hips, and knees. If left untreated, this wear and tear of the cartilage soon leads to bone degeneration, thereby affecting flexibility and range of movement. Treatment for osteoarthritis depends on its severity and the patient’s age. Mild symptoms can be treated through medications, physiotherapy, and changes in lifestyle, whereas moderate to severe cases may require surgical intervention. Spondyloarthritis Spondyloarthritis, also referred to as spondyloarthropathy, is a type of rheumatic disease that causes inflammation in various joints. There are two types of spondyloarthritis—axial spondyloarthritis, which causes inflammation of the joints in the chest, spine, and hip bone, and peripheral spondyloarthritis, which causes inflammation in the fingers, knees, and toes.

Natural selection has transformed the way in which the human immune system works. While some human genes have evolved to become immune to certain diseases, others have not. This leaves a whole lot of people prone to certain diseases and disorders. That said, there are ways to boost the immune system, improve one’s diet, and lead a healthier lifestyle. Here are a few simple steps that you can take to strengthen the immune system: Ensure adequate sleep There are quite a few studies that prove the relationship between adequate sleep and the strength of the immune system. As an adult, you should ensure that you get seven to eight hours of sleep every night. A teenager should get eight to ten hours of sleep, whereas a young child should get at least 14 hours of sleep on a daily basis. If you have disturbed or no sleep, then you can improve your sleep cycle with these quick tips: Try sleeping in a room that is completely dark Get to bed at the same time every night. This will help regulate your sleep pattern Avoid using electronics that emit blue light before bed Maintain a diet of fruits and vegetables Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contain essential minerals, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Considered the second-largest organ in the body, the liver plays an extremely important role in a variety of functions. It is key to the body’s metabolism; and helps burn fat and maintain body weight. It is located above the stomach and beneath the diaphragm, its size similar to that of a football. While such information is common knowledge, there are a few not-so-known facts about this organ. Read on to find out more: It is the only organ that can regenerate Unlike any other organ, the liver has the miraculous ability to regenerate and regrow, needing just 25 percent of the original tissue to do so. According to a study, evolutionary safeguards are responsible for this effect, which is a central concept behind liver transplants. It is the body’s detox center The liver filters everything we eat and drink, ridding the body of the materials that are not meant for it. It first burns toxins using enzymes and oxygen. This is followed by the second step, which combines toxins with amino acids that are later flushed out through urine or bile. It is multifunctional Identified as one of the most complex organs in the body, the liver performs hundreds of vital functions.