Diabetes is a condition which many suffer from, across all age-groups. It is generally caused when the blood sugar is too high. The pancreas fails to produce insulin, as a result of which the glucose remains floating in the body, thereby causing diabetes. Read on to learn about a few measures a diabetic can take to improve their health. Avoid these foods There is a strong link between diabetes and your diet. The following foods are best avoided: White bread White bread contains almost no nutrition and is a form of simple carbohydrate. This food will surely raise your sugar level to a great extent, as it does not contain any fiber. Rice White rice provides very little nutrition to the body and causes a spike in insulin levels. Breakfast cereals Most of the cereals are highly processed and contain more carbohydrates than any other breakfast foods. Take care of your feet Check your feet every day One should look at their feet every day to check for any kind of red spots, swelling or blisters. Wash your feet every day Wash your feet every day with hot or cold water. Keep your skin smooth and soft Rubbing a thin coat of skin lotion over the top and bottom of your feet will help you get smooth skin.

As with many health conditions, the signs and symptoms of gout vary from patient to patient. For instance, gout can develop in regular gout attacks that strike and gradually diminish for days, weeks, or months at a time. However, some patients experience gout on a constant and chronic basis. Due to the fact that gout symptoms often mimic other conditions, particularly arthritis, gout can often be misdiagnosed . The most common signs and symptoms of gout are: Appearance of nodules Prior to a patient’s first gout attack, nodules, or what’s medically known as tophi, can develop on the affected joint (fingers, toes, elbows, hands, or ears). These nodules typically appear in chalky or yellowish lumps of accumulated gout crystals under the skin, before any of the other common symptoms of a gout attack appear. Pain The most telltale sign of gout is a joint pain (medically referred to as podagra), particularly in the big toe. This joint pain can also strike the wrists, fingers, elbows, ankles, or knee joints, and the surrounding tissues. This pain is due to inflammation, which causes the big toe joint to become extremely sensitive to even the slightest amount of pressure; thus significantly limiting the movement of the affected joint.

What is Psoriasis? Psoriasis is a common chronic skin condition that is manifested by red, brittle patches of the skin covered with silvery scales. This condition usually attacks the scalp, knees, and elbows, but can also affect the nails, trunk, and legs. Although rarely, it can also be found in other parts of the skin. Psoriasis affects more than 130 million people worldwide and can affect people of all ages. About 7.5 million people in the United States alone have plaque psoriasis, that’s about 2% of the total population. Male and female are affected equally, but the number of Caucasians diagnosed with psoriasis is higher than that of the people of color. While this skin condition is not contagious, it is inheritable, and there is no known way to prevent it. It’s easy for people to think psoriasis as just a common physical skin condition, but it actually starts underneath the skin and can range from mild to severe. Like other chronic conditions, psoriasis can be brought about by other illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes, and psoriatic arthritis. What’s more, psoriasis can also lead to other chronic conditions such as psoriatic arthritis. It is reported that 15% of people suffering from this condition develop psoriatic arthritis, a condition that is commonly mistaken for gout or rheumatoid arthritis.

Rich in folic acid, folate, zinc, magnesium, copper, potassium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, calcium, and vitamins A, B, and C, lemongrass is one of the most beneficial food items to add to your weekly diet. Also known as fever grass, lemongrass tastes and smells like lemon, but is sweeter and milder. It has been used for centuries to treat lots of health issues and conditions. Dried or fresh, lemongrass boasts has plenty of beneficial medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antipyretic, antibacterial, astringent, antifungal, carminative, febrifuge, diuretic, galactagogue, sedative, insecticidal, anti-cancer, and anti-aging properties. So without further ado, take a look at these 17 great health benefits of lemongrass: Relieves joint pain Lemongrass possesses potent pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat rheumatism, arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, and other kinds of the joint pain. The anti-inflammatory abilities of lemongrass help to suppress the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2, which is involved in causing inflammation that leads to the joint pain. Moreover, lemongrass is effective in reducing sprains or muscle spasms by relaxing the muscles, preventing the symptoms related to the joint pain. So, drink a cup of lemongrass tea the next time you need to relieve the pain. Lowers cancer risk A scientific review conducted at the Ben Gurion University, in Israel demonstrated that frequent consumption of lemongrass tea can reduce the risk of various types of cancer.

Smoking is a habit that could prove to be difficult to quit. Due to the nicotine addiction and the resulting psychological dependency, it could be difficult for a regular smoker to quit smoking suddenly. If one is on the path to quitting, they and their loved ones should know that it is going to be a gradual process. There are certain nicotine replacement methods that smokers can use to reduce their dependency on nicotine, of these, stop smoking patches are one effective method. Stop smoking patches Stop smoking patches help in controlling the nicotine requirement from cigarettes. Nicotine patches can be stuck to the body so that the nicotine can be absorbed into the skin through the bloodstream. This method is known as transdermal that releases nicotine into the body as a replacement to smoking. The strength of the nicotine in these patches varies and one must use them based on their smoking habits and change the dose over a period of time as deemed fit. Listed below are some of the popular stop smoking patches one can choose from: NicoDerm CQ –  This patch launched by GSK has been a popular choice in the market for around two decades. It is still a leader in the market.

Sickle cell disease, also known as sickle cell anemia, is a genetic disorder that modifies regular red blood cells into a sickle or crescent shape. The disease is more common in people with a deficiency in vitamin D and poor appetite. The condition may also lead to reduced growth and development in children. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how nutrition can help support sickle cell patients. Balance and increase nutrients When it comes to sickle cell disease, asymptomatic patients tend to show energy levels below the set threshold. This number falls to about half when illness sets in or when the person is hospitalized. Therefore, one should increase the food they eat if they wish to tackle the condition’s symptoms. Some of these foods include the following: Whole grains, rice, and cereals, which are high in vitamin B, magnesium, folate, and selenium Milk, cheese, and yogurt that are loaded with vitamin D and calcium Certain vegetable oils that are rich in vitamin E and fatty acids Meats, nuts, seeds, and beans are good sources of protein, zinc, and iron Green leafy vegetables and fruits, as these foods carry high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and even fiber Calorie intake A high-calorie intake also supports those with sickle cell disease.

Eye-related complications need to be taken quite seriously. According to a survey, many people are not too serious about their eye health, as only 30% of the population go for eye check-ups regularly. Apart from weak vision, various other conditions that can lead to eye-related problems. Below is a list of some of the most common ones. Different types of eye conditions Glaucoma The increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in your eyes can lead to many complications, which are known as glaucoma. It is a group of diseases of the eye. The optic nerve of the eye is affected due to the increased IOP. This can also lead to a complete loss of vision. Cataracts It is a cloudy lens that forms in your eye. Even though this condition does not cause any pain, cataracts lead to blurry vision. While aging is the most common cause of this condition, it can also be a result of diabetes, certain medications, trauma, and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Retinal detachment Your eye health can be seriously affected by a detached retina. The retina is a tissue located at the back of your eyes. Sometimes, it can get separated from its underlying structures.

Your body requires to have a certain amount of water present in it at all times. Without it, the body cannot perform at its best. The lack of water in the body is known as dehydration, which can lead to various other problems. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, and even severe, which can lead to serious health problems. Hence, you must drink enough water throughout the day. How to diagnose dehydration The signs of dehydration can help you diagnose if you are suffering from the condition because of the lack of water in your body. The mild form can result in thirst, dry mouth, not peeing regularly, dark yellowish pee, dry skin, muscle cramps, and headache. If you continue to suffer from dehydration, the symptoms will get more serious. Your pee will get even darker and your skin can become extremely dry. You will also experience a lack of energy, sleepiness, sunken eyes, rapid breathing, faster heartbeat, irritability, dizziness, and fainting. The symptoms of dehydration in babies can include having no tears, dry mouth, dry diapers for hours, a lack of energy and, sunken cheeks, among others. Your body naturally loses water due to sweating, peeing, and the secretion of saliva.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.