Sugar can be an addictive ingredient in food and drinks. With all the processed and fast food available at every store, it becomes difficult to avoid this component. While some are strict about their diet, some do not keep a tab on their daily sugar intake. Let’s look at some of the signs and symptoms that may point toward excess sugar intake in a diet. Weight gain Sugars tend to be used up by the body very quickly, leaving it hungry for more. Most processed foods and sugary treats do not have anything nutritious content in them – no protein, fiber, or healthy fats – to keep the body full and satiated. So consuming sugary foods or drinks is like consuming empty calories with no benefits. According to research, it was also observed that sweet beverages promoted weight gain in adults as well as children. High blood pressure Research suggests that too much sugar in the diet can lead to hypertension or high blood pressure in individuals. Studies observe that high glucose levels could be responsible for damaging the lining inside the blood cells, making it vulnerable for cholesterol to stick to them. This can cause the vessels to narrow down, making it difficult for blood to flow.

Diabetes is a condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It interferes with the body’s ability to process blood sugar, or blood glucose. Every single diabetes patient probably knows that they must eat healthy to maintain normal blood sugar levels. However, the problem is that many foods marketed as healthy and considered diabetes-friendly can actually cause a spike in blood sugar levels. In this article, we’ve listed foods many people don’t know are bad for diabetics. Brown rice When thinking of healthy rice, brown rice is the first thing that comes to many people’s minds. It is a whole grain that has the bran, germ, and endosperm intact. Indeed, brown rice is healthier than white rice, thanks to its rich fiber content. But it also contains a high amount of carbohydrates, which quickly break down into glucose, sending blood sugar levels soaring. Before making a brown rice recipe, it’s important to watch the portion size to prevent a spike in blood sugar. Dried fruits Many people have the habit of noshing on dry fruits. But these fruits, particularly raisins, are bad food choices for those with diabetes. When a fruit is dried, it loses all water, resulting in a higher concentration of its various nutrients, including sugar and carbohydrates.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common health condition that leads to pain, swelling, loss of function, and joint stiffness. While the exact cause of RA is not known, healthcare experts say that factors like the environment, genes, and hormones influence the condition. Some people experience the disease for a short period, while others experience chronic symptoms. In either case, it is always good to learn a few ways to manage and avoid rheumatoid arthritis. Regular exercise Gentle exercises regularly will help strengthen the muscles around the joints. Speak to your doctor about the exercises suitable for your condition. Starting with a simple walk and then moving on to biking will also benefit your muscles. Learning relaxation techniques Other than exercise, involving yourself in relaxation activities can also help improve rheumatoid arthritis. Guided imagery, muscle relaxation, yoga, and guided imagery are a few relaxation methods to help soothe the pain. Practicing Tai chi The method is preferred to relieve stress in a person’s life. Studies have further revealed that Tai chi helps improve mood and quality of life in people with rheumatoid arthritis. The method combines gentle exercises, stretching, and deep breathing. Be sure to learn from a professional instructor, and avoid any movements that may increase your pain.

Many people use high-quality mattresses from well-known brands like Tempur-Pedic, Saatva, Sleep Number, Serta, and Essentia. But that may not ensure a good night’s sleep. That’s probably because they have a few unhealthy pre-bedtime routines that not only prevent quality sleep but also adversely affect their physical health, mood, and social life. Here, we’ve listed five habits one must steer clear of before bedtime for a restful sleep on a comfy mattress: Late-evening exercise Regular exercise helps us stay fit, but indulging in this activity an hour before going to bed can be problematic. Heightened heart rate and a boost in energy levels may prevent you from falling asleep. According to studies, the best time to exercise is three to four hours before bedtime. A rise in body temperature during a workout followed by its natural drop will help you fall asleep for the required amount of time. Studies also suggest taking a hot bath before bed to increase blood flow and decrease your core temperature when you need to sleep. Screen time You might enjoy watching something on your phone, laptop, or TV before bed. Sadly, the screens of these devices emit blue light that can be bad for your eyes.

Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most serious medical conditions, affects one’s memory, ability to think, language skills, problem-solving ability, mobility, and personality. This disease is a progressive condition that worsens with time. The symptoms and progression rate may vary from person to person, but the trajectory is almost the same for everyone. Stages of Alzheimer’s disease The progress of Alzheimer’s disease can be broken down into seven stages. Stage 1 Cognitive decline does not occur in this stage, and the disease remains undetectable. Stage 2 During this stage, one starts to forget little things, like where they kept certain things. However, it is hard to detect the condition at this stage as most people start to forget things as they age anyway. Stage 3 The third stage of Alzheimer’s disease results in forgetfulness, and one may find it hard to concentrate or find the right words when having a normal conversation. Sometimes, work performance also deteriorates. Stage 4 Early-stage dementia occurs in patients during this time. They start to forget more things, including recent events. Focusing on something becomes harder and they cannot manage to perform challenging tasks. Socialization becomes harder during this period, too. Stage 5 Stage five is when one starts to forget important things, like their contact information and address.

In a world where most ready-to-eat meals contain excess fats and calories, finding a balance becomes necessary. The food one consumes helps maintain overall health, reduces the risk of a disease, and hastens the recovery process. This is particularly true in the case of cancer. While no food can cure cancer, intake of certain vegetables, such as the ones given below, may reduce its risk. This article additionally touches upon options for cancer treatment. 7 Foods That Help Reduce the Risk of Cancer Berries Berries like blackberries, mulberries, strawberries, and blueberries are rich sources of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and manganese. They also contain a high amount of antioxidants, including ellagic acid, gallic acid, and chlorogenic acid, and have anti-cancer properties. Garlic Garlic is a vegetable that contains an active compound called allicin. One study concluded that people who ate a large number of allicin-rich vegetables such as garlic, onions, leeks, and shallots had a lower risk of stomach cancer. Tomato According to some experts, this fruit is a cancer-fighting superfood. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is an antioxidant phytochemical that keeps away heart diseases. They are, additionally, a rich source of vitamin A, C, and E, all nutrients that help reduce the risk of cancer.

The pandemic has led to an increase in the number of diabetes cases. This has happened because the virus disrupts the production of insulin. Moreover, the inflammation caused by the virus can worsen the symptoms of pre-existing diabetes. According to research, the virus spreads to the pancreatic beta-cells responsible and interferes with the synthesis and secretion of insulin. All of these factors have made it critical to understand the various signs of excessive sugar intake. Increase in appetite Sugary foods are rich in calories. But they do not have the nutritional value that the body otherwise gains from proteins, fiber, and antioxidants found in healthy foods. Empty calories cannot satiate a full-grown adult. So, to fill this void, many people turn to compulsive snacking throughout the day. Excess fatigue People who eat sugary foods and beverages regularly might experience frequent bouts of fatigue. Excess sugar triggers abnormal changes in insulin levels, and energy levels drop rapidly as the body tries to process the extra calories. Acne and skin problems One of the most noticeable signs of excess sugar intake is adult acne and skin problems. This is mainly because of blood glucose imbalance since the body’s glycemic levels influence skin health.

The eye is an organ part of the visual system in the human body that enables individuals to see. But several factors can affect one’s overall vision. Age, diabetes, high blood pressure, and genetics are significant factors impacting one’s vision. Improper nutrition can also be a contributing factor to poor vision. Therefore, one must ensure they eat foods rich in vitamins to improve eye health. Here are four such vitamins to include in each meal. Vitamin A Including foods rich in vitamin A may help maintain a clear cornea (the outer covering of the eye). The vitamin is also a component of a protein in the eyes known as rhodopsin. The protein allows individuals to see in low light conditions. Furthermore, vitamin A reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Foods abundant with A vitamins include pumpkins, bell peppers, squash, and sweet potato. Carrots, black-eyed peas, spinach, broccoli, mangoes, and cantaloupe are other foods rich in this vitamin. The lack of vitamin A can lead to xerophthalmia, a severe condition that may cause permanent blindness. Vitamin C Eating foods rich in vitamin C can have several health benefits, including those for the eyes. The vitamin also protects the eyes from oxidative damage.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Due to this disorder, your immune system attacks myelin, which is the protective sheath covering the nerve fibers. As a result, communication between your brain and body is hampered. Causes of multiple sclerosis The exact cause of multiple sclerosis is still uncertain. However, some factors that cause this disorder are as follows: Immune system If the immune system is compromised, it may attack the CNS. The myelin protective sheath is affected, thereby disrupting the functioning of your brain, resulting in multiple sclerosis. Infection Certain viruses and bacteria can cause multiple sclerosis. Some viruses cause inflammation that breaks down the myelin, triggering multiple sclerosis. It is possible that brain-cell-like bacteria and viruses can cause the immune system to erroneously identify normal cells as foreign cells, thereby destroying them. Some of the viruses and bacteria that can cause multiple sclerosis include Epstein-Barr virus, measles viruses, and human herpesvirus-6 causing disorders like roseola. Genetics One can be highly susceptible to multiple sclerosis if one has a family history of this disorder. The possibility of one developing this disorder in such instances increases by 2.5% to 5% in the country.

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that affects how one feels, thinks, and behaves. Patients experience a drop in concentration levels, reduce social interactions, and may even have hallucinations. Thankfully, several treatment options help control the symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life. However, those with schizophrenia must also follow a healthy nutrition plan and choose foods wisely. Here are a few foods to avoid with this mental health condition. Foods containing gluten Studies have shown a link between gluten consumption and schizophrenia. Those who have celiac disease (gluten sensitivity) in their childhood have a greater risk of developing this mental condition. And those who already have the disorder might experience an aggravation of symptoms after eating gluten-based foods. They may also suffer from poor absorption of iron and gut issues. So, it is best to keep this ingredient out of the menu by avoiding foods like bulgur wheat, bread, pasta, cereals, cakes, cookies, and crackers. The symptoms of schizophrenia are said to reduce when these are eliminated from the meal plan. Patients with gut and gastrointestinal problems also show signs of improvement. Artificial sweeteners Artificial sweeteners are commonly used in soft drinks, candy, and canned foods. Since it is an alternative to sugar, many people use it to maintain good health.