Known to be one of the most common forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating ailment. Usually, it starts with slight memory loss and progresses through stages over a period. It affects the regions of the brain that control language, thought, and memory. In the final stages, Alzheimer’s disease causes loss of various abilities, including making conversation and moving independently. Read on to know a few important things about Alzheimer’s. Symptoms: One of the first warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease is cognitive impairment. It starts with memory loss, and a person may experience multiple symptoms over time. These include rapid changes in behavior, mood, or personality. A person may also develop poor judgment, along with misplacing things or having trouble retracing their steps to find them. Additionally, rapid memory loss disrupts daily life, so patients may find it difficult to complete routine tasks and manage money or bills. In some cases, patients may also face depression. Causes: There is no known definite cause of Alzheimer’s disease, but scientists say that multiple factors may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s. One of the main factors is age, and a family history of Alzheimer’s may also elevate an individual’s risk of developing the disease.

Our blood mainly comprises three types of blood cells—white blood cells (WBC) to fend our body from diseases, platelets to help heal the wounds, and red blood cells (RBC) for carrying oxygen. The blood experiences a depletion in red blood cells due to a lack of nutrition or an underlying disease, which has a series of symptoms, ranging from fatigue to irregular heartbeats. This condition is called anemia. There can be as many as five types of anemia, all based on different causes and symptoms. Several health experts from around the globe suggest that, apart from timely treatment and diagnosis, proper diet and nutrition are vital to maintaining healthy RBC levels in the body. So, here are some power-packed foods to keep the symptoms of anemia at bay: Dark leafy greens The deficiency of iron in blood has been synonymous with anemia. So, next time you are out buying vegetables, do not forget to add green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, into your basket. It is recommended to cook the vegetables to ensure proper so that they get adequately absorbed by the body. Lean red meats If you are looking for a more generous dose of iron and don’t mind meat on your plate, then grass-fed beef, lean cut meats are a perfect source.

Addiction is a compulsive activity, which translates to a sensation triggered by a substance. Some merely enjoy the feeling stimulated by an addiction, whereas others are dominated by their indispensable need to use a particular substance that stimulates the addiction. These substances can be harmful with prolonged use and often manifest in unusual ways. From among several weird addictions, such as the constant urge to work out, go shopping, use smartphones, drink coffee, and eat inedible substances, which one tames, explained below in detail are five unusual such addictions that are pretty common. Caffeine enema For most people, their daily cup of Joe is what gets them ready for the day. But for some, their addiction to coffee has motivated them to take it in from the bottom! Similar to an enema, caffeine enema can be done quite easily, and many do this multiple times simply because coffee can be absorbed faster. Doctors may recommend a caffeine enema, as it is an effective colon cleanse. It also acts as a laxative stimulant for healthy bile flow. However, many enjoy the activity so much that they now have a compulsive need to perform a coffee enema. Tanning Who would have thought that the pleasurable activity of basking in the sun at the beach can become an addiction?

The word aging is scary to some and existential to others. Some fear the gray hair and wrinkles, while others cannot comprehend the idea of being unable to do what they could when they’re young. But there’s no reason to be worried or afraid because aging is a part of life. The only way to approach it is by knowing what to expect from it and how to deal with it. What should you expect from aging? Aging is associated with biological, psychological, physiological, and behavioral aspects that will slowly begin to change over time. Some of these changes are of little to no effect, while others cause increased susceptibility to diseases and disability. So, here are some changes that you should expect: The cardiovascular system Aging causes stiffening of the cardiovascular muscles. Your heart then works harder to pump blood to the rest of the body and increases blood pressure and other such heart-related diseases and disorders. Bones and muscles As you age, your bones begin to shrink both in size and density, making them prone to fracture. Muscles tend to lose their flexibility, which then affects coordination and balance. Digestive system Your large intestine and the rest of the digestive tract undergoes a lot of age-related changes, which leads to constipation.

Owing to the dynamics of the human body, the elderly are especially susceptible to multiple ailments and conditions that restrict their movement in more ways than one. While an array of such illnesses exists in nature, arthritis is probably the most common among the said age-group, although youngsters and adults are just as likely to be diagnosed with it. Broadly, arthritis refers to the inflammation of the joints—the point where two bones are connected, similar to an overbridge which links two roads. The condition can affect multiple joints and has over 100 subclasses within it. Nonetheless, osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are more common than the others, with women and overweight individuals more vulnerable to it. What causes arthritis? Given the location of its existence, severe injury to the joint is usually the most common route to arthritis. Excessive pressure on the organ could damage the cartilage – a connective tissue in the joint that acts as a shock absorber in an automobile and allows for unrestricted movement of the bones. However, arthritis can take birth in many different ways: infections, genetics, and immune disorders being a few among others to cause the ailment. The disease sometimes occurs randomly, which adds a level of unpredictability to it.

At times, it is normal if your child forgets something, daydreams in school acts without thinking, or gets restless at the dinner table. When this behavior is fused with frequent bouts of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, it may be a sign of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders that generally appear in early childhood. Research reveals that one in ten children between the ages of 5 and 17 years is diagnosed with ADHD in the country. ADHD in children is often associated with the problems they face at school—being inattentive most of the time, losing things, and more. It is a common observation that young boys are more likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than young girls, which may be because one of the significant symptoms of ADHD, hyperactivity, is more pronounced in boys’ behavior. A few girls might also display the classic symptoms of hyperactivity, but it’s rare among them. In girls, the disorder mainly manifests in the form of continually daydreaming or over-talkativeness. However, parents must realize that many ADHD symptoms might only be typical childhood behaviors and can vary from child to child, which makes ADHD a challenging disorder to diagnose.

For a chronic condition like diabetes, some people advise against the inclusion of fruits in daily meals as they contain fructose. This carbohydrate is known for immediately raising sugar levels in the blood. That being said, fruits are quite integral to our physical well-being since they’re loaded with nutrients that help boost overall immunity. We’ve shared a few tips and suggestions that can help diabetes patients safely have fruits with no consequence. Effects of fruit consumption on blood sugar Diabetes patients need to keep a close eye on carbohydrate intake during the day. This nutrient directly affects blood sugar levels, which is why nutritionists recommend including fruits with a low glycemic index (GI). Low GI fruits gradually increase blood sugar levels, making them safer for consumption. Proper portioning and rationing can help keep track of calories, carbohydrates, and fibers consumed daily. Ideally, one single serving of assorted fruits should contain no more than 15 grams of carbs. Such sizing of portions will prevent spikes in blood sugar levels, help lower the risk of cholesterol, and keep you satisfied during the day. Daily fruit intake tips for diabetes patients Any spike in blood sugar increases the risk of associated health complications.

It might not be the end of the world for people to slip up and nibble on a cookie or grab some chips, which are common contents in the pantry. However, patients with blood sugar issues have to be careful, as too many “unhealthy” snacks can lead to grave consequences, primarily when some not-so-good foods are marketed as the healthiest on the shelves. Here are some surprisingly bad foods for diabetes that need to be avoided. Nut butter Peanut, cashew, and almond butter are all considered healthy choices, contributing to some good fats and proteins in the food. They work great as toppings on toast, oatmeal, and shakes. Their high-nutrient profile makes them a safe snacking option for those with various health concerns. However, are they as healthy as they are assumed to be? Consumers need to be careful of the ingredients being included in the packaged food products. Most store-bought nut butters list sugar within the first five ingredients on their list, along with hydrogenated oils. These two ingredients go a long way in bringing down the food’s nutrient profile and can contribute to unsteady spikes in blood sugar levels. Nut butter is therefore listed among the bad foods for diabetes.

Sugar makes everything taste excellent, there’s no denying it. As a matter of fact, sugar is essential to your survival, as it provides fuel for the body. But too much added and artificial sugar can actually wreak havoc on the body’s functions. It can cause serious health conditions and affect your mind negatively. But how do you know if you are consuming too much sugar? Here are 8 ways your body tells you exactly that. Poor skin Too much sugar in your meals can actually affect your skin negatively. In fact, acne is one of the most common skin conditions that could be caused as a result of too much sugar. High sugar intake can cause the release of androgen and also contribute to the oil production and inflammation of the skin. Too much sugar can also lead to the development of wrinkles and triggers aging. Exhaustion and fatigue Another common sign of too much sugar intake is exhaustion and fatigue. Sugar is a quick energy source but irrespective of how much you eat, you will find yourself feeling hungry again. Not to mention, consuming too much sugar can lead to large fluctuations in blood sugar and energy spikes, which can leave you feeling tired and exhausted.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-lasting, autoimmune condition that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to loss of joint function and other bodily damage. To manage the symptoms and cope with the illness, one can try home remedies and lifestyle changes alongside receiving professional treatment to reduce inflammation. Here, we’ve shared some of the best tips to manage rheumatoid arthritis. Maintain a healthy BMI A crucial step in managing rheumatoid arthritis is shedding extra pounds. Fat cells release cytokines, a protein that causes inflammation, exacerbating symptoms. Besides, excess fat puts a lot of pressure on the joints, making symptoms worse. Studies have also found that maintaining a healthy BMI can reduce the risk of some complications and increase the chances of remission. Besides, an imbalanced BMI can reduce the efficacy of certain other rheumatoid arthritis treatment options. Avoid red meat Many cuts of red meat, such as beef, pork, and lamb, are loaded with saturated fats. This type of fat can aggravate inflammation and contribute to an imbalanced BMI. Furthermore, red meat contains omega-6 fatty acids, promoting inflammation if consumed in excess. People who can’t do without red meat should choose lean cuts of the meat, as it offers protein and other nutrients without causing inflammation.