Avoid These 12 Triggers to Manage Lupus

Avoid These 12 Triggers to Manage Lupus

A chronic autoimmune condition, lupus affects millions of people around the world. It is a disease wherein the immune system is triggered to attack the healthy tissues causing increased inflammation, pain, and damage to different organs and body parts. Different people experience varying symptoms in varying degrees, including skin rashes, joint pain, fever, fatigue, and problems related to kidneys. Although there is no cure for the condition, it is essential to manage it with the help of lifestyle changes and proper treatment. Sun exposure Prolonged sun or UV light exposure is among the most common causes of flare-ups and worsening symptoms in lupus patients. The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight cause joint pain, skin rashes, and fatigue in lupus patients. Some treatments for the condition also increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. To protect against any damage from the sun, people with lupus are advised to wear protective clothing like hats, long-sleeved shirts, and full-length pants. It is also essential not to skip board spectrum sunscreens as they can help prevent sun damage. Remember to use sun protection with a minimum SPF of 30. Stress Stress is a common trigger for lupus and can worsen its symptoms. When the body is stressed, it releases hormones that can increase inflammatory levels and further weaken the immune system.
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5 foods that help manage heartburn

5 foods that help manage heartburn

Heartburn is a condition in which your esophagus is irritated and causes discomfort to the body. This discomfort is caused due to stomach acid that is pushed up through the esophagus. Causes can include spicy food, alcohol, overeating, or even tight clothing that presses down your stomach and chest. There could be other underlying causes, and a doctor can confirm those. Here are some foods that are safe to consume if you experience heartburn frequently. Ginger This medicinal herb is known for its tremendous home remedy qualities. It is known to absorb stomach acid and improve digestive health. Ginger helps regulate the uninterrupted flow of juices in the gastrointestinal tract, making the digestive process smooth and easy. This also helps in keeping digestion fast. Oatmeal Rich in fiber, oatmeal is a great choice for those dealing with heartburn. Due to its rich fiber content, it prevents you from overeating and has the ability to absorb stomach acid, which can prevent any episodes of burning ache. Oatmeal also helps in healthy bacterial growth in the stomach and is known to reduce inflammation which can help manage symptoms of heartburn. Aloe vera Aloe vera juice is easily available in the market and stores now.
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Breast cancer – Early signs and management tips

Breast cancer – Early signs and management tips

Breast cancer develops in the breast cells. It may affect either or both breasts and can begin in any part of the organ, such as the lobules, ducts, or nipples. The condition can spread to other body parts when the cancerous cells enter the bloodstream or lymph system. This article lists a few early warning signs of breast cancer individuals should look out for to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. Beast itchiness Although itchiness of the breasts may not always imply breast cancer, persistent itching is one of the early signs of the disease. Some people may notice crust formation due to itching. In advanced stages, the itching may progress to the breast tissue, leading to the development of a lump. Lump on the breast Most breast lumps are benign and harmless; however, some may indicate cancer and must not be ignored. Breast lumps caused due to cancer are usually hard, painless, and uneven and differ in shape and texture from the surrounding skin. They are typically fixed to underlying tissue, like the chest wall. Changes in breast texture Another early sign of breast cancer is a marked change in the texture of the breasts. The affected breast may feel tender, warm, or hard to touch and swell up.
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10 nutrition tips for managing PAH

10 nutrition tips for managing PAH

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries that go from the heart to the lungs. One may also experience chest pain, shortness of breath during periods of activity, dizziness, and swelling in the ankles and legs. The condition causes the narrowing or blocking of the arteries in the lungs, making the heart work harder to pump blood. This leads to weakened heart muscles and heart failure. Nutrition tips Living with PAH can be difficult. Although there is no cure yet, doctors may recommend treatment plans to manage the condition better. These treatments can further be supplemented by following a healthy nutritional plan. So, here are some tips to help one manage PAH better: Reduce salt and sodium intake Cutting back on salt and sodium intake is often the first piece of advice for those when dealing with PAH. Those living with PAH must limit their sodium intake to less than 2,000 milligrams a day. This is because excess sodium increases water retention in the body, making the heart work harder to pump blood, worsening the symptoms of PAH. Salt is a common additive in baking mixes, pickled foods, deli meats, frozen dinners, cheese, milk, canned vegetables, condiments, and sauces.
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11 Things to Clarify With a Doctor During a Health Checkup

11 Things to Clarify With a Doctor During a Health Checkup

The COVID-19 pandemic and growing health conditions have made people understand the importance of staying healthy and fit. People search the internet for exercise routines, nutritious foods, and alternative methods to improve overall well-being. But despite following a better lifestyle, certain underlying conditions might trigger health complications. This is why getting a regular health checkup is imperative. One should cross-check certain factors during a checkup to get a clearer picture of their health. Health issue risks Health issues may stem from multiple underlying factors, including gender, age, and genetics. Unhealthy lifestyle habits are another contributing factor to the eruption of unsuspecting diseases. Therefore, one of the first things an individual should ask the healthcare professional, following a diagnosis, is if they are at risk of health issues. It is essential to get an honest opinion from the healthcare expert in this regard. Understanding stress Bringing up depression, stress, or anxiety problems isn’t an easy task. However, asking the healthcare expert about these mental health conditions may contribute to the routine checkup and make a better diagnosis. The patient could work with the doctor to look for new stress-related symptoms, which could help them develop ways to improve their condition. Complications with genetics Sometimes an individual might suffer from the same health conditions as a family member.
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11 Superfoods That Help Manage Kidney Disease

11 Superfoods That Help Manage Kidney Disease

The kidneys play a key role in the body by filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood. Additionally, they control the production of red blood cells, make vitamins that control growth, and release hormones that regulate blood pressure. These vital functions can be affected by conditions like kidney cysts, stones, chronic kidney disease, and acute kidney injury. Although food cannot cure these conditions, certain superfoods can help manage kidney disease better. Top superfoods Food restrictions may vary, but people with kidney disease are often asked to limit their intake of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Damaged kidneys cannot effectively filter sodium, causing a spike in sodium levels. Experts recommend limiting its intake to less than 2,000 mg per day. Similarly, there is a risk of high potassium levels in the blood when dealing with kidney issues. Experts recommend restricting potassium intake to 2,000 mg per day. Further, impaired functioning of the kidneys may also impede phosphorus filtration in the kidneys. Elevated levels of phosphorus can damage other organs, too, so one should limit their intake to less than 800–1,000 mg per day. Here are a few superfoods low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus one can  add to their meals when dealing with kidney disease:
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6 human foods that cats can enjoy

6 human foods that cats can enjoy

Certain foods that are healthy for us may be beneficial for your cat. As a responsible cat parent, it is essential to be aware of the foods and their sources before slipping a morsel from your plate into your pet’s bowl. Ingestion of toxic foods can adversely affect the cat’s digestive system. Hence, it is advised to consult a vet for recommendations. Here is a list of human foods that are perfectly safe for cats: Meat Cats are carnivores by nature. Most of the commercial cat food in the market contains different meats, an excellent protein source. So, feeding them bits of cooked meats like beef, turkey, or chicken from your lunch plate is entirely alright. Make sure you limit the quantity of the meats. Overeating may cause digestive issues in cats. Salmon Cats love fish, and most vets recommend feeding them fish-based foods. They are a good source of omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish like tuna, salmon, or mackerel prove beneficial for their eyesight and joints. However, do not feed your feline straight from the can as they might lick it too aggressively, leading to cuts and bruises on their tongues. It’s best to feed them cooked fish without bones.
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Top 9 foods for healthy lungs

Top 9 foods for healthy lungs

Life isn’t fun when one can’t breathe properly. Years of unhealthy lifestyle habits and other factors can seriously affect the functions of the lungs, resulting in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and other respiratory diseases that decrease quality of life. Fortunately, one can manage these diseases and even prevent them altogether by incorporating certain foods into their meal plans. Here are some foods that can boost lung health: Beetroots When it comes to the health of the vital organ, beetroot and even its leaves are among the best foods anyone can have. That’s mainly because both beetroot and beet greens are rich in nitrates, which help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and optimize oxygen uptake. Beet greens are full of nutrients essential to lung functions, such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and carotenoid antioxidants. To benefit from beets, add them to salads or make beet juice. Turmeric This yellow spice has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Curcumin, the main component in turmeric, is behind all the health benefits. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics can make turmeric extremely useful for improving lung function and aiding in conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis.
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3 foods to avoid for better lung health

3 foods to avoid for better lung health

Strengthening the lungs can help one avoid respiratory issues and diseases. Even when diagnosed with a lung-related illness, making significant changes to the lifestyle and food regimen can help people manage the symptoms and restore lung function. However, it is equally important to avoid the food items that damage these organs and cause issues like inflammation, sneezing, and wheezing. Here are a few foods to avoid to improve lung health: Salty food Foods with excessive salt should be avoided as their long-term consumption can have severe consequences on the overall health. Excess sodium in such food items can enlarge the muscles of the heart, cause headaches, increase blood pressure, and lead to a wide range of kidney-related issues like stones. Such foods can also have a negative effect on the health of the lungs and have been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis. Additionally, too much salt in meals can also worsen the symptoms of respiratory issues like asthma. This is because sodium can cause fluid retention, leading to shortness of breath in those with lung diseases. To reduce its intake, one should start by limiting salt in their meals and instead add more herbs and spices as seasoning.
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7 popular plants that are dangerous for cats

7 popular plants that are dangerous for cats

Many people decorate their homes with indoor plants. But if you are a cat parent, your plant obsession can inadvertently harm your feline friend. Most plants are safe for cats to play and prod, but a few are dangerous. Eating or coming into contact with them can lead to unexpected consequences, mainly because of their poisonous compounds. Below we have listed seven such toxic plants that you must keep out of your cat’s reach: Azaleas A part of the rhododendron family, Azaleas are one of the most beautiful houseplants that can transform your living space. However, the slightest nibbles out of their leaves can cause serious heart problems in your cat. It can sometimes aggravate into a coma and even be fatal. Milder side effects of rhododendron ingestion include vomiting, weakness, diarrhea, drooling, and a lack of apatite. Hydrangeas Hydrangeas are common in flower arrangements in home gardens. Although the plant is toxic to cats because of its chemical content, it is not as dangerous. Only ingesting a large amount of the plant can cause damage. Nevertheless, they pose a threat, so avoid having them around your pets. If you grow hydrangeas in your garden, ensure your cat never wanders near it and keeps a safe distance.
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