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Foods that may lower the risk of osteoporosis

Foods that may lower the risk of osteoporosis

The body is continuously breaking and repairing the living tissues in our bones. As we turn older, the repair rate slows down, which can result in osteoporosis. This is a condition where bone density and quality reduce drastically. One of the ways to prevent or lower the risk of osteoporosis is by exercising and controlling the food choices. Given below is a list of foods that may reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Foods that help decrease the risk of osteoporosis Foods containing calcium An important nutrient to build bone strength is calcium. It also benefits heart functions, nerves, and decreases the risk of blood clotting. According to the USDA Food Composition Databases, dairy products such as yogurt, milk, and cottage cheese are rich sources of calcium. Other calcium-rich foods include dark green veggies like kale, collards, broccoli, turnip greens, canned salmon, sardines, nuts, and tofu. Protein and magnesium-rich foods While calcium builds strength, proteins help the bones gain the required levels of hardness. One should have a minimum of 15 grams of protein from every meal. Protein-rich foods include poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, peanut or almond butter, and sunflower seeds. Another important mineral that should be added to meals is magnesium.
5 strong odors that trigger migraine headaches

5 strong odors that trigger migraine headaches

Migraines are different from regular headaches, as the former is usually followed by nausea or vomiting. Further, people experience heightened sensitivity to light or sound, which worsen the symptoms. However, there are some smells and strong odors in the environment that can also trigger migraine attacks. Understand that the intensity of these headaches will vary depending on the type of odor. Here are five toxic smells that commonly trigger migraines. Pollutants Before exploring the classifieds section for migraine doctors near me, understand how air pollution can trigger migraines. Even limited exposure to vehicle exhaust or inhaling pollutants in the air released by industries are bad for such headaches. Some people may also experience discomfort upon inhaling the smell of asphalt. Vehicles driving at high speeds create friction and churn up the bitumen, a product used for paving the road. Inhaling the fumes can cause headaches. Strong fragrances Perfumes rank among the most common triggers of migraine headaches. The potent alcohol and chemicals used in manufacturing cologne or perfumes increase smell sensitivity. Inhaling even a small amount of this fragrance can lead to swelling blood vessels that stimulate the nerve centers linked to processing pain. Chemical products Even basic solvents and detergents used for home cleaning can trigger and worsen migraine headaches.
4 surprisingly bad foods for those with diabetes

4 surprisingly bad foods for those with diabetes

Diabetes causes blood sugar and glucose levels to either go too low or too high. One of the ways to maintain balanced levels in the body is to have a strict meal plan. While a few food groups are known to not be friendly for those with diabetes, here are some other common yet unsuspecting foods that are a big no-no for those looking to keep their sugar levels in check. Yogurt Yogurt is usually a healthy option but is probably not recommended for those with diabetes. Flavored yogurt sold in the market comes with preservatives and sugar, quickly triggering insulin levels. Dairy is generally not advised for diabetes patients, but having small quantities of homemade yogurt with no flavoring or artificial preservatives is fine.  Cereal Although cereal is something many of us eat in the morning, it’s not the best option for those looking to keep their glucose in check. This food comes with added sugars and artificial preservatives that spike sugar levels. Another factor to consider is that cereal and milk make for quite an unhealthy combination, so those with diabetes need to find alternatives to these foods for breakfast. Granola bars Normally sold as a healthy snack, some granola bars are filled with sugar and carbs.
5 tips to manage diabetes after a sugar binge

5 tips to manage diabetes after a sugar binge

Binge eating is a guilty pleasure that most people indulge in on occasion. And sugary foods, baked confectioneries, and sweet beverages are the ultimate options to satisfy such cravings. However, people with diabetes should be aware that excess sugar can instantly spike blood glucose levels, causing significant damage. But fret not. Here are a few simple to-dos to lower the risk of complications from eating too much sugar at once. Stay hydrated After detecting a lot of sugar in the body, the pancreas release more insulin. This can trigger polyuria, a condition that increases the urge to urinate. To counter dehydration caused by excess urination, doctors recommend drinking plenty of water after a sugar binge. Water also helps dilute extra sugar in the bloodstream to manage diabetes symptoms better. Engage in physical activity Physical activity releases feel-good hormones called endorphins. Endorphins counter symptoms like fatigue, bad mood, and general lethargy, all commonly observed with diabetes. In addition, physical movement engages core muscle groups, allowing the body to burn more carbohydrates and break down sugar faster. Track blood sugar levels Excess sugar increases the risk of hyperglycemia among those with diabetes. And hyperglycemia can trigger temporary weight gain, fatigue, irritable mood swings, and frequent urination.
6 health benefits of eliminating sugar from meals

6 health benefits of eliminating sugar from meals

The human body can only process a finite amount of sugar every day. Any excess retained in the bloodstream only increases the risk of chronic health problems like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, leading to unhealthy weight gain. The good news is that simple substitutions in daily foods that are organically sweet can supplement requirements without severely affecting blood glucose levels. There are six noticeable benefits of eliminating sugar from daily consumption to promote a healthy lifestyle. Reduced risk of inflammation Sugar leads to an increase in abdominal fat due to the excess amount of insulin produced by the body. Over time, these layers of fat release hormones that trigger inflammation in blood vessels. Cutting off sugar lowers the risk of chronic inflammation to a great extent and prevents several health complications. A boost of energy The body has to work overtime to produce insulin and break down the excess carbohydrates circulating in the bloodstream. Eliminating sugar while simultaneously increasing natural protein and fiber intake boosts energy levels to a great extent. It also improves metabolic activity. Helps with a proper BMI Excess sugar in the bloodstream is one of the main reasons for many people not being able to lose those extra pounds.
6 simple tips to quit sugar

6 simple tips to quit sugar

Some people need sweets/deserts to complete a meal. This might have adverse effects on the body. Avoiding or switching to a completely sugar-free diet is beneficial for physical and mental well-being. If you are one of those who have sweet cravings and have been on the fence to quit sugar, take a look at these easy-to-implement tips for help. This will surely help you make sustainable food choices to maintain a healthy life. Get rid of all treats from your house Hoarding sugary treats and keeping them in accessible places in the house is a mistake most people make. Doing so makes their sweet cravings even stronger, compelling them to have the sweets more often. Restricting yourself from filling up those kitchen/pantry shelves with unhealthy packaged sweet treats is one step closer to quitting sugar. Keep a close eye on those snack bars Manufacturers sell snack bars as an easy, convenient option that keeps one feeling full for a longer period of time. But the additives and preservatives that these bars are loaded with are high in sugar or sodium, making them an unhealthy option. Focus on cooking healthy sweets at home and having fruits for snacks. Choose peanut butter without sugar Peanut butter, chocolate, or dried fruit bars, come packed with tons of refined sugar.
6 foods to manage arthritis symptoms

6 foods to manage arthritis symptoms

The food you eat can have a significant effect on your overall well-being. Eating healthy foods will strengthen your immune system against potential illnesses and also help manage existing conditions. Arthritis is a disease that leads to chronic joint pain and inflammation. While food cannot cure it, the right options can help alleviate pain and keep other symptoms in control. So here are six nutritious foods to help you manage arthritis and its symptoms. 6 healthy food options to manage arthritis symptoms Berries Among various fruits for managing arthritis, berries are one of the most nutritious ones. They are rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that reduce inflammation. Berries also contain the plant compounds rutin and quercetin, which improve overall health. You can pick from a wide range of berries, including strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Grapes Studies show that grapes are dense in nutrients, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. One such antioxidant found in the skin of grapes, known as resveratrol, helps prevent the thickening of joints affected by arthritis. Salmon Fatty fish, such as salmon, contain an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, including salmon in your meals can help curb morning stiffness and reduce the intensity of joint pain.
5 bad habits that can worsen knee pain

5 bad habits that can worsen knee pain

There are various causes of knee pain. For instance, landing incorrectly after a jump can twist your knee, ripping the tendons, cartilage, and muscles. Sometimes it is because of a disease like osteoarthritis, which typically causes long-term wear-and-tear of the knee. Whatever the reason, knee pain can be terrible, preventing you from performing daily chores. This article lists five bad habits that could be making your knee pain even worse. Sitting for long periods Those who suffer from knee pain do not wish to stress it too much. But sitting for a longer time or resting a lot can weaken the muscles, making your knee pain worse. So, figure out how to get going without harming your knee. A few activities for managing knee pain are swimming and water aerobics. Strain from excess body weight Every extra pound of body weight puts additional strain on your joints. Shedding this weight takes the pressure off your knees, relieving aches and pains and reducing your risk of arthritis. You do not need to lose 50 pounds in a day. Losing as little as five percent of body weight is a good start. Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruits and stay active.
6 activities to help through arthritis pain

6 activities to help through arthritis pain

Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which the joints become inflamed, causing severe stiffness and pain. These can be in the fingers, wrists, knees, and feet. There is no cure for the condition; however, there are ways to keep the flare-ups in check. Doing light activity is important to make sure the joints do not become too stiff. Read to know more about some safe activities arthritis patients can try. Knitting This is a gentle activity that involves a lot of movements in your fingers and wrist. A good exercise for those dealing with RA pain without having to do any heavy lifting in terms of exercise. Make sure to warm up your hands before starting the activity to ensure there are no flare-ups. Also, take lots of breaks and use soft wool to knit or crochet. Gardening A great outdoor activity to get some mobility workout during the day. Not only is it physically relaxing, but it also helps with calming nerves and is a great activity for mental stimulation. However, make sure that there is a stool to sit on when a break is needed. Yoga This helps in improving flexibility and range of motion, especially for RA patients.
16 habits to break to avoid joint pain

16 habits to break to avoid joint pain

Joint pain is one of the biggest signs of arthritis. It is usually experienced as discomfort in the hands, wrists, feet, and back. What people don’t know is that many of our day-to-day activities and habits actually contribute to joint pain and conditions such as arthritis. However, the good news is that these habits can be addressed and remedied. Read on to find out about these habits and how they could be damaging your joints. Wearing heels Higher heels cause more weight to be pushed forward. This forces your leg muscles to work harder and puts pressure on your knees and ankles, increasing the risk of arthritis. Wearing ill-fitting shoes Wearing ill-fitted shoes can affect your knees, hips, ankles, and even your back. Skipping out on strength training Strength training improves muscle and slows down the bone loss that occurs with age. Maintaining a poor form Bad form while exercising overworks the muscles and puts pressure on joints. Poor texting habits It’s common to use your thumbs while texting, but this can irritate the tendons. People face something known as a “texting thumb,” where the thumb gets locked in a curled position. Spending too much time with a screen Too much time on your computer screen can lead to pain in your neck, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and back.
The difference between a headache and a migraine

The difference between a headache and a migraine

It can be challenging to differentiate between a headache and a migraine while you’re encountering an elevated degree of pain and pressure in your head. Separating a headache from a migraine and the other way around is important. It can mean quicker alleviation and timely treatment, and assistance in preventing the occurrence of future headaches or migraine attacks. Read about the distinctions between headaches and migraines and their types and symptoms in this article. What is a headache? Headaches are among the most widely recognized kinds of aggravation that individuals experience. The pain ranges from mild to severe and happens on both sides of your head. Headaches can last between 30 minutes to a week. There is a wide range of headaches; they can be separated into two general classifications. Primary headache disorder occurs in the absence of any other illness or condition. Tension-type, cluster, and hemicrania are some common types. Secondary headache disorder happens when the headaches are side effects of different circumstances like colds, flu, influenza, tumors, among others, or are indications of various illnesses. What is a migraine? Migraine produces a more extensive scope of side effects than headaches and lasts somewhere in the range of four hours to a few days.