Healthy snack ideas for diabetics

Healthy snack ideas for diabetics

Diabetes is an illness in which the sugar levels in the blood are either too high or too low. This condition can be managed with a strict meal plan that ensures the body’s insulin levels do not exceed the normal amount. However, the urge to snack can be random and unplanned. For such an occasion, here are some safe snacking options for those with diabetes who need healthy choices to satiate their food cravings. Guacamole All you need to make this yummy dip is fresh avocados, onions, tomatoes, some cilantro, lime, and salt to taste. One of the best ways to prep this is to use a mortar and pestle and grind these ingredients gently together. Avocados are known for their polyunsaturated fatty acids, which help keep insulin levels balanced. It also has vitamins and antioxidants, good for the body and skin. Guacamole makes for a great dip or even a spread on a slice of multigrain bread. Apple and peanut butter This is a nutritious and tasty snack that does not spike insulin levels in the body. It can simply be made at home! Just cut some slices of an apple and use homemade peanut butter (crunchy or smooth) as a dip.
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6 foods to avoid to manage diabetes

6 foods to avoid to manage diabetes

Food plays an important role in managing diabetes. According to several studies, the most severe and chronic diabetes cases and complications triggered by the condition are caused by the excessive consumption of unhealthy foods. These can increase insulin resistance and heighten blood sugar levels in the body. It is, therefore, important to learn about the foods that can worsen the condition. Here are some of the foods that those with diabetes should avoid. Flavored coffee drinks Flavored coffee drinks, unlike regular coffee, are loaded with sugar, carbohydrates, and calories, all of which may lead to an increase in weight and spikes in blood sugar levels. Such complications will eventually lead to a severe form of diabetes and other health conditions, like high blood pressure and cholesterol. Margarine Margarine is used as a healthy alternative to butter because it is low in saturated fats. However, the food contains high levels of trans fats. These fats may trigger inflammation, increase insulin resistance, and reduce the healthy cholesterol levels in the body. White bread White bread is a processed food that is rich in carbohydrates. Studies indicate that foods high in carbohydrates may raise blood sugar levels in those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
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5 foods that worsen arthritis symptoms

5 foods that worsen arthritis symptoms

Arthritis triggers inflammation affecting one or more joints. Symptoms include pain and stiffness that worsen with age, as there is no cure for the chronic inflammatory condition. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis are the most diagnosed forms in adults. In most cases, symptoms can be managed with changes in food and lifestyle and taking pain relief prescriptions. To help ease the condition, eliminating these foods from one’s meal regimen can help. Processed, preserved, and sugary foods like baked desserts Foods bought off the shelves in supermarkets contain copious amounts of sugar and preservatives. Most ready-to-eat meals are also made with refined flour, fructose, and sucrose which can trigger an imbalance in blood sugar levels. Baked desserts, pastries, white bread, white rice, and pasta are some of the common refined foods to avoid. Sweets, candies, and sugary beverages, including flavored sodas, can also flare symptoms. Unhealthy fat sources like red meat Saturated and trans fats are the worst and most persistent triggers of inflammation linked to arthritis. Red meats, full-fat dairy products like milk, cheese, and desserts made with refined grains all contain saturated fats. Trans fats can be found in fried foods, frozen foods, and products that are mostly made with margarine or hydrogenated vegetable oils.
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9 warning signs of schizophrenia that should not be ignored

9 warning signs of schizophrenia that should not be ignored

Schizophrenia is a common mental health condition that affects how a person thinks and behaves. As per estimates, around 2.8 million adults in the country have the disorder. But despite its vast spread, health experts still do not know the exact cause. While the condition is manageable, one must be well-versed with the signs to keep them in check. Here is a list of some of the disease’s symptoms to help with better management. Hallucinations Hallucinations are untrue sensory encounters without any basis in the real world. They occur when the patient is wide awake. Hallucinations are of two main types: visual (seeing things that do not exist) and auditory (hearing sounds). Some people even hallucinate a touch, smell, or taste. Delusions Though often used interchangeably, delusions are not the same as hallucinations. Delusions are beliefs in things that appear illogical or strange to others. Even if one tries to clarify delusions and explain to the patient that their thoughts are far from reality, they do not change their mind. For instance, a person with schizophrenia may believe someone on the radio or TV is sending instructions to act a certain way. Sometimes, they may sense they are in danger or someone is trying to harm them.
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5 common skincare mistakes that can lead to premature aging

5 common skincare mistakes that can lead to premature aging

Many people put in a lot of effort and time to achieve and maintain youthful skin. But despite using the most expensive products and treatments, they often notice the sudden appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin, or fine lines. It could be due to several reasons. Below we have listed a few common mistakes you could be making in your daily skincare routine, which usually lead to premature skin aging and other skin problems. Venturing out without a sunscreen Going out in the sun without sunscreen can lead to many problems. The sun’s UV rays can damage your skin and cause it to become dry, increasing the risk of premature wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and rough skin. Therefore, it is essential to wear quality sunscreen before leaving the house during the day. You must follow this practice throughout the year, irrespective of the month, season, or weather. When purchasing sunscreen, do not choose the first option you see or consider random brands with unknown ingredients. Ideally, the product should have minerals like zinc for the best results. Also, do not forget to reapply sunscreen whenever required. Not washing your face before bed This is a crucial part of the everyday skincare routine, but people often forget about it or are too lazy to follow it religiously.
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Food items to control to fight skin problems

Food items to control to fight skin problems

Some of the most severe conditions which are likely to manifest as acne on the skin include air pollutants, mood swings, and changing seasons. However, there is confusion regarding the exact sources of such issues, making it difficult to ease the symptoms. The saddest part is that one can’t control such conditions as it is impossible to defy such environmental or psychological fluctuations. Nevertheless, skin issues can be controlled by adjusting nutritional habits. Things to avoid to counter skin infections According to dermatologists, foods play a vital role in determining the quality of one’s skin. Some dermatologists even go to the extent of equating one’s skin with what one eats. Therefore, it is essential to watch out for the impact of nutritional constituents on the body’s largest organ, among all other things. When deciding on meals, people usually consider their impact on gut health, their blood pressure levels, and their calorie count. However, the skin’s requirements are often ignored. Hence, people often opt for foods that may lead to skin issues. Here are a few things that dermatologists suggest to avoid to deal with skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, eczema, acne, and more. Soy products Soy products, specifically soy milk, are quite popular among vegans or lactose intolerants.
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5 foods to avoid when dealing with multiple sclerosis

5 foods to avoid when dealing with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that mainly attacks the central nervous system, affecting communication between the brain and body. People with the condition may experience fatigue and issues with vision and movement. As this is a neurological disorder, it can be difficult to determine whether foods play a significant role in activating the symptoms or worsening the condition. Nevertheless, experts suggest avoiding certain foods that can trigger multiple sclerosis symptoms. Foods with trans fats According to health experts, trans fats exhibit inflammatory properties. As foods with trans fats may cause inflammation in blood vessels, they are one of the factors responsible for increasing the risks of heart disease. So, patients with multiple sclerosis must avoid the intake of trans fats s by thoroughly going through the food labels. One should be wary of trans fats found in crackers, pies, baked cookies, and other packaged food items. Additionally, one should also avoid a food item if the label contains terms like “shortening” and “partially hydrogenated oil.” Foods with saturated fats People with multiple sclerosis should avoid saturated fats as they are known for causing inflammation and are associated with an increased LDL or bad cholesterol level. People with MS are known to be at a higher risk of heart problems.
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Avoid these 5 skincare mistakes that cause premature aging

Avoid these 5 skincare mistakes that cause premature aging

Many people want flawless, youthful skin that will seem ageless over time, and so they turn to glossy magazines, websites, and even friends for anti-aging skincare product recommendations and tips. While certain products can make one’s skin beautiful, they might be making mistakes in their skincare routine that could contribute to premature aging. So, it is important to avoid the following lapses to prevent lasting skin damage and skin diseases: Over-cleansing Even though cleansing is an essential part of one’s daily skincare routine, doing it too often can damage the lipid barrier of the skin. Additionally, it is essential to choose the right cleanser and not just go for the cheaper, more easily available product. According to experts, one must select a gentle cleanser for their face as the facial skin tends to be thin and sensitive. Also, the cleanser should be applied not more than twice per day as over-cleansing tends to dry up the skin, making the fine lines prominent. Not getting enough sleep Sleep is crucial for providing the body with the rest it needs. A good night’s sleep also helps the body repair and recover. So, sleep is crucial for the skin to recover too. When the body does not get adequate rest, one’s skin can feel tired and stressed, which could cause issues like acne, dry skin, and pale complexion, making one look older than they actually are.
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Keep away from these foods for managing hyperkalemia

Keep away from these foods for managing hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is a condition in which the blood composition experiences a tremendous increase in potassium levels. According to a journal published in 2017 by the American Society of Nephrology, Hyperkalemia is most likely to affect a person who has been taking blood pressure medications for a long time or has been stricken by heart failure or/and kidney disease. Read this article to understand everything one needs to know about Hyperkalemia: Who is likely to get affected by Hyperkalemia? According to some studies, the average American doesn’t need to stress potassium build-up in their blood. However, patients affected by kidney disease, heart ailments, or high blood pressure must limit their daily potassium intake. Experts from National Kidney Foundation believe that patients belonging to the mentioned risk groups should have no more than 2,000 milligrams of potassium per day. Food to avoid for Hyperkalemia According to the University of Michigan Health System, high-potassium foods contain more than 200 milligrams per serving. So, for patients belonging to the high-risk groups, it is essential to look out and avoid the following high-potassium foods: Fruits rich in potassium The first fruit that comes to mind while listing potassium-rich foods is bananas. However, very few are aware that the amount of potassium in bananas is 420 per fruit, which is far less than 1/2 a cup of dried apricots, including over 750 milligrams, ½ a cup of prunes containing about 600 milligrams.
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6 foods to avoid to fight bronchitis

6 foods to avoid to fight bronchitis

Those with bronchitis deal with inflamed passages that carry air to the lungs, i.e., bronchial tubes. A swelling in those tubes occurs, which makes it far more challenging for the air to pass through them. Consequently, those who suffer from this condition face quite a few breathing difficulties. Besides that, one can experience a runny nose, sore throat, chills, fever, and ultimately, drained due to this disorder in their body. bronchitis and nutritional regime It is usual for a person suffering from bronchitis to feel like having extra salty, fatty, or sweet-tasting comfort foods. This food allows them to feel some relief from issues like throat congestion, wheezing, and coughing that are often observed to accompany this ailment. Alternatively, some people with this condition may feel like having nothing at all. However, one must be conscious of both nutritional excesses, specifically those of saturated fats and refined carbohydrates, and nutritional deficiencies. This is because both of them are prone to slowing down the recovery process and causing inflammation in the body. Foods to avoid The central part of the recovery process of bronchitis depends on what one may eat or avoid as a part of their daily meals. Therefore, to ensure that they do not face the perils of the condition for too long, here are a few foods to avoid to fight bronchitis:
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