5 common medical conditions causing osteoporosis bone loss

5 common medical conditions causing osteoporosis bone loss

There are certain common medical conditions that are specifically linked with osteoporosis bone loss. Here’s what you need to watch out for. The bone is a living tissue, and as such it is constantly being broken down to create new bone. However, when the rebuilding process is slower than the breaking down process, the bones become fragile and brittle. This is what happens when you develop osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is more common in women than men, and affects about 200 million women all over the world. Even though this disorder affects women of all age and races, it is more common in older white and Asian women. When you are suffering from osteoporosis and it reaches an advanced stage, fractures become a part of daily life. The fractures that are associated with osteoporosis usually occur in your spine, hip, and wrist. The bones become so brittle that even everyday activities like bending over or stepping on to the pavement can result in fractures. Early stages of osteoporosis do not show any symptoms, but when it reaches an advanced stage, symptoms like loss of height, back pain, neck pain, fractures, and stooping posture can be seen. A simple bone density test that shows the extent of osteoporosis bone loss is used when you want to diagnose this disorder. Some of the risk factors of osteoporosis include body frame size, age, family history, race, sedentary lifestyle, sex, and eating disorders. Your treatment plan will include a combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, and dietary changes, and mainly depends upon your risk of breaking any bone. But what exactly causes osteoporosis bone loss? There is no definite answer to this question. However, there are some common medical conditions that are linked with osteoporosis bone loss either because of the medications used to treat them or because of the disease itself.
4 best foods for hemophilia

4 best foods for hemophilia

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that is mostly diagnosed at a young age. The blood doesn’t clot as it should in people with this disease, causing excessive bleeding, which can turn life-threatening. The condition largely occurs due to the absence of certain blood-clotting proteins (called clotting factors), although it can also be acquired due to an immune system issue. Physical therapy, clot-preserving medications, and vaccinations are viable treatment options. Alternatively, certain food choices can also help manage the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the beneficial foods to eat for people with hemophilia: Whole grains Oatmeal, brown rice, and barley are a few of the healthiest whole grains to eat for hemophilia patients. These foods contain fiber and nutrients that help stabilize blood glucose levels. By lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke, these foods prevent serious complications associated with hemophilia. Whole grains also reduce chronic inflammation, which can be touted as a major contributor to internal bleeding. Calcium-rich foods Important for the growth and maintenance of the bones, calcium is paramount for hemophilia patients. The nutrient helps keep tooth and bone health in check, preventing damage and subsequent blood loss. Also, the lack of calcium increases the risk of several diseases, some of which are known to cause internal bleeding and muscle damage. Dairy products are the standout sources of calcium, along with fish like sardines and pilchards. Leafy greens Dark, leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach are loaded with minerals that can help manage hemophilia and its possible complications. Collard greens are also great options, as they’re a good source of vitamin K that helps in blood clotting. The vegetable might also prove useful in maintaining bone health. At the same time, cabbage and beet greens come with their own list of benefits for people with hemophilia.
Common symptoms and treatments for non-small cell lung cancer

Common symptoms and treatments for non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer begins when the lung cells grow to be abnormal and multiply uncontrollably. As there is a rapid growth of the cancerous cells in the body, tumors form and start spreading to other areas of the body. There are different types of lung cancer such as Adenocarcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and other subtypes such as sarcomatoid carcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma. This non-small cell lung cancer is less common as compared to the other types. Adenocarcinoma Majority of lung cancer cases are of adenocarcinomas. They can occur in many parts of the body. These cancers occur in current or former smokers mainly, however, they are found in non-smokers as well. This cancer affects women more than men, and among other cancers, this cancer affects younger people more. Squamous cell carcinoma Of all the lung cancers, the occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma is 20% to 30% in people. This cancerous cells start affecting the flat cells and lie inside the lung airways. This cancer is linked to the history of smoking and is mostly found in central part of the lungs. Large cell carcinoma This cancer covers 10% to 15% of all lung cancers. This cancer can occur in any part of the lung. It grows and spreads to other parts of the body quickly, which makes it hard to treat. An early treatment for non-small cell lung cancer is important before it gets to a higher stage and incurable. For that reason, knowing the symptoms becomes important. There are several non-small cell lung therapies and treatments that can be used if this cancer is detected at an early stage. Symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer Endless coughing is one of the primary symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer. Though many may confuse this with one of the smoking side-effects, but if you see persistent coughing, it is advisable to get it checked for the same.
Top mattresses of 2021

Top mattresses of 2021

A good night’s sleep is necessary for overall health and well-being, but conditions like back pain can disturb sleep. The National Institutes of Health says that about 80 percent of adults in the country suffer from backache. Its exact cause may vary, but one of the most common issues is sleeping on the wrong mattress. Choose from these top mattresses for managing back pain for restful sleep: Helix Midnight LUXE This mattress has zoned lumbar support coils to support the spine and soft foam for optimal comfort. It is a popular choice for side sleepers as the luxury memory foam provides pressure point relief on the hips and shoulders. It is an ideal choice for relieving lower back pain without compromising on comfort. The Helix Midnight LUXE is a medium-firm mattress and comes with an ultra-breathable cover to keep you cool and comfortable while you sleep. You can get a 100-night trial and a 15-year limited warranty on the mattress. Saatva Classic Mattress This mattress has a durable dual-coil design that allows more airflow to keep you cool through the night. The responsive innerspring balances weight and the spinal zone technology provides excellent back support and aligns the spine in all sleeping positions, making it one of the top mattresses for managing back pain. The design provides superb durability and prevents sagging, thanks to the recycled carbon steel that’s tempered three times. You can choose from three different firmness levels: plush soft is ideal for side sleepers who want a soft, cushiony feel; luxury firm combines balance and support; and firm is perfect for back and stomach sleepers or people with heavier body types. Saatva provides a 180-night home trial and offers a 15-year warranty. Bear Mattress This is among the top brands to check out if you’re looking for mattresses for back pain.
Things to know before using whitening toothpastes

Things to know before using whitening toothpastes

Important information you need to know about teeth whitening toothpastes Teeth staining and sensitivity are two of the most common issues present today. However, they are equally easily overlooked by a majority of people. While there are in-office treatments, over the counter medications, and other methods available to deal with these issues, the most convenient way is brushing. Although brushing might not give you instant results, it helps in putting up a consistent fight. Considering how neither sensitivity nor teeth staining can be cured once and for all, affordable teeth-whitening toothpaste for sensitive teeth is your best bet. Research has suggested that regular brushing with such specifically designed toothpastes helps remove surface stains caused by the foods we eat. This, however, does not help with the natural color of your teeth or the discoloration present beneath the surface. What you should know about teeth whitening toothpastes Whitening toothpastes can be abrasive, and they work by polishing the stains off. Some other types contain chemicals like peroxides that break down the stains. If you are worried that these might harm your teeth, you can opt for products that have items like charcoal or activated carbon and zinc citrate in them. Some other whitening toothpastes contain blue covarine. Instead of cleaning out the stains, blue covarine coats the teeth and provides instant whiteness. These, however, are superficial results and don’t actually help the staining issue. Which whitening toothpaste is the best? So if you haven’t been using teeth whitening toothpastes to get rid of teeth stains, we’re here to help. Given below is a list of affordable teeth-whitening toothpastes for sensitive teeth so that you know which are the best ones in the market. Colgate® Optic White® Contrary to most commonly available whitening toothpastes, this one works on intrinsic stains along with surface stains.
Schizophrenia – Causes, symptoms, and treatments

Schizophrenia – Causes, symptoms, and treatments

A severe mental disorder, schizophrenia impacts how an individual thinks, reacts to emotions, and perceives reality. It results in a variety of symptoms including delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia that can cause the patient to isolate themselves from the rest of the world. At present, roughly 1% of the total population suffer from this mental disorder. Schizophrenia cannot be cured, however, it can be managed with the help of medications and therapy. This disorder can affect anyone. It typically develops in men during their late teens or early twenties. On the other hand, in women, the symptoms of schizophrenia begin to surface during their twenties or early thirties. The following are some commonly observed symptoms of this condition: Delusions: People suffering from schizophrenia often have delusions that can impair their day-to-day life. For example, they might believe they are being subjected to unjust prejudice, or they are exceptionally famous, or a big disaster is about to occur. Hallucinations: Typically, patients experiencing schizophrenia mention seeing things or hearing sounds and/or voices that don’t exist. Hallucinations can also involve smelling strange odors or experiencing odd sensations in the body. Disorganized speech: Schizophrenia impairs the brain’s ability to think clearly which leads to disorganized speech. Simply put, the patient will talk about things that are completed or partially unrelated to the current conversation. In rare cases, they might put together random words that don’t make sense. Abnormal motor behavior: This symptom can manifest in a number of ways. For example, the individual might act silly, be unnaturally childish, or get absurdly angry. Since the behavior isn’t directed towards a goal, it can become tough to manage routine tasks as one might disobey instructions, not respond, keep repeating movements, and hold an awkward pose for a long time. Negative symptoms: The negative symptoms of schizophrenia refer to the diminished ability to do things normally.
What to eat and avoid for schizophrenia

What to eat and avoid for schizophrenia

It has been observed that those who have schizophrenia, a chronic psychological illness, usually have diets that are unhealthy, low in fiber and fruit, and high in saturated fats. Unhealthy eating habits typically lead to other health problems which can also put people with schizophrenia at high risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more. According to research, dietary changes do really help manage schizophrenia. Here are some best and worst foods for schizophrenia. Foods to eat Fruits Many studies show that people with schizophrenia usually do not get enough fiber, and thus, need to eat fruits. Some of the best sources of fiber are apples, pears, and raspberries. Fiber not only helps reduce bad cholesterol but also helps in digestion, thereby reducing the chances of certain health problems associated with schizophrenia such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Vegetables Vegetables don’t have heart-heavy cholesterol, are packed with essential vitamins and fiber, and are low in calories and fat. Veggies like sweet potatoes, kidney beans, and lima beans contain potassium that could help in keeping blood sugar in check. The best food for schizophrenia is spinach as it is high in folate, which could help in easing symptoms of schizophrenia. Apart from spinach, folate can also be found in asparagus and black-eyed peas. Fatty fish Since omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced by the body, one needs to get them through food such as fatty fish like salmon and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids not only ease but also prevent the symptoms of schizophrenia and even slow down the progress of the disease. Vegetarians can intake walnuts and ask their doctor to prescribe omega-3 supplements. Crab and oysters According to research, there could exist a relationship between schizophrenia and low levels of zinc, which can be found in lobsters, crab, and oysters, as well as fortified cereals and beef.
11 home remedies to help manage asthma

11 home remedies to help manage asthma

Asthma is a lung-related disease that causes the inflammation of airways, leading to troubled breathing. Chronic asthma can make it difficult for one to talk or be active. Asthma has no specific diagnosis or treatment, and therefore, identifying the causes will help better understand the symptoms. Various allergies, consumption of tobacco, environmental factors, stress, tension, obesity, and even genetics can result in developing asthma symptoms. There are a few visual indicators to identify the cause. Here are some easy home remedies you can incorporate into your daily food regime to help manage asthma. Parsley leaf When it comes to herbal remedies, nothing beats parsley. Tea made from parley leaves will help soothe your throat and take care of any congestion that is causing difficulty in breathing and swallowing. Simple and very easy to make, parsley tea is a great remedy for respiratory symptoms of asthma. Milk and olive oil The combination of warm milk mixed with olive oil might not sound very appealing on the first onset; however, this has proven to be an effective natural remedy. A few garlic cloves added to this combination will open up blocked passageways without much effort or time invested. Herbal tea Two distinct ways of preparing herbal tea, one involves the use of licorice root, and the other is a combination of lime juice, crushed ginger, and herbal tea. Both will help tackle some of the moderate asthma symptoms, though the licorice recipe might taste a bit odd. Bitter gourd juice A tasty paste made by crushing basil leaves and mixing it with honey, incorporated into freshly extracted bitter gourd juice proves to be an effective remedy for people who are suffering from recurrent asthmatic attacks. Soup Soup not only is comfort food but also has time and time proven to be an effective remedy for asthma symptoms.
Asthma treatment and management tips

Asthma treatment and management tips

There are various treatment options for the common problem of asthma. It is a long-term disease that usually has no cure but can be dealt with minor adjustments, medications and lifestyle changes. Most people see that their asthma gets cured as they age, so most of the asthma treatment options involve controlling the disease. A proper asthma treatment plan helps: Prevent chronic and troubling symptoms like shortness of breath, tightness in chest and coughing. Reduce the patients need for medicines considered to be a quick relief. Maintain steady levels of lung function. Maintain a steady breathing rhythm to enable sleep throughout the night. Maintain normal levels of everyday activity. Avoid, monitor and prevent emergency asthma attacks that may need immediate attention. The best way to control asthma and manage it as a part of everyday life is to partner with the doctor completely and follow strictly the instructions and medications routines that are recommended. How can one take in active role in controlling and treating asthma? Here are some tips to control asthma. Be aware of the condition and how and when it affects you. Work alongside your doctor and identify and treat other health conditions that may potentially interfere with the management of the main problem of asthma. Avoid things and triggers that make asthma worse. Maintain a decent level of physical activity despite asthma as it is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and it helps prevent other health conditions apart from being good for mental health. There are medicines available that help an asthma patient stay active and pursue physical activities with ease. Work with health experts to follow a good action plan that helps manage the problem. An action plan aimed towards managing asthma involves receiving guidance on the medicines and exercises and lifestyle changes required, avoiding triggers of asthma, tracking the severity and level of the problem, actively responding to symptoms that are getting worse and seeking and receiving emergency care whenever required.
Medications and lifestyle changes to reduce cholesterol

Medications and lifestyle changes to reduce cholesterol

Statins are the first type of medication prescribed to bring high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol within normal limits. However, they can have various side effects, and may even be ineffective in case the cholesterol stems from a genetic disorder. Taking certain medicines and making changes to the lifestyle and food regime may help manage cholesterol. Read on to know about the different alternatives to statins that can help treat and manage high cholesterol. Make changes to the food regime High cholesterol levels are mostly a result of eating habits. Increase your intake of naturally low-intensity saturated fat, and minimize your intake of unhealthy processed oils. The myth around saturated fat being bad for cholesterol has been disproved time and again. But remember to opt for clean, natural sources of fat, and cut your intake of processed food and sugar. Foods that need to be included in your regime include: Spinach All green vegetables contain a yellow pigment lutein, still, spinach carries the highest amount. Lutein helps the arteries repel cholesterol particulates that can lead to artery clogging and cause a stroke or heart attack. Avocado This fruit contains beta-sitosterol, which is a plant-based fat that attacks cholesterol molecules and decreases their rate of absorption from food. Chocolate Dark or bitter chocolate compounds are power-packed with antioxidants, these keep blood platelets from getting attached to each other and clogging the arteries. Ensure you eat dark chocolate (ideally above 70%). Olive oil Olive oil should be used for cooking purposes as it contains more plant fat that prevents cholesterol to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This can be a great alternative to statins. Beans Beans are a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids, as well as loaded with gut-healthy fiber. Fiber causes a decrease in the rate of absorption of bad cholesterol.
Macular degeneration – Causes, symptoms, and treatments

Macular degeneration – Causes, symptoms, and treatments

Macular degeneration causes a loss of central vision in both eyes. It is a painless condition that normally affects people who are older than 50 years. It is commonly known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). There are also rare cases of Juvenile Macular Degeneration, which affects young people. Certain genetic disorders are the cause of the development of juvenile macular degeneration. When a person suffers from Macular Degeneration, the central vision is affected. So, there is difficulty in focusing on objects that lie straight ahead. The result is that everything appears blurred, it becomes difficult to read, the faces of people appear blurred and colors of objects around you look pale and dull. Causes The exact cause for macular degeneration isn’t known yet. Aging can cause a person to develop this condition. In older people, the macula, which is a central spot in the retina, develops a problem and causes age-related macular degeneration. AMD can develop as wet AMD or dry AMD. Dry AMD The macula has light-sensitive cells that gradually break down as you age. As the light-sensitive cells reduce in number, the central vision deteriorates. Waste products start to accumulate in the retina and cause small deposits called drusen. As the drusen increases in size, vision problems arise. Drusen is a characteristic feature of dry AMD. Wet AMD Tiny blood vessels form underneath the macula attempt to clear the drusen from the retina. These blood vessels cause fluid and blood to leak into the macula, leading to scarring and macular damage. This can lead to serious symptoms like blind spots and distorted vision. Symptoms Macular degeneration escapes attention, till you experience diminished vision. The primary symptom is blurred central vision. Faces, writing, and images get distorted in the central view. You lose visual acuity. You cannot see the fine details, and it becomes difficult for you to read and drive.
Glucose level charts – Importance, components, and more

Glucose level charts – Importance, components, and more

The blood sugar or blood glucose level will indicate the amount of sugar in the bloodstream of a person at an instance. The sugar is carried to the cells of the body to provide energy to the different parts of the body. Our body derives this sugar from the different dietary items that we consume. The blood sugar level is controlled by the human systems so that the glucose levels are never too high or too low. The sugar in the blood is not the same as sucrose or the sugar that we consume – it is in the form of glucose. The level of blood sugar or glucose alters throughout the day. It is the lowest in the morning before you have your breakfast. It rises soon after meals but then settles after an hour or so. In a healthy person, the level of blood sugar in a fasting state will be below 99milligrams per deciliter. However, in patients with diabetes, this level is a lot more fluctuating. The main aim here is to maintain the level of blood sugar within 130 mg/dl before meals and less than 180mg/dl after their meals. What Is A Glucose Chart Or A Blood Sugar Chart? Blood sugar is an aspect that must be kept within a normal range. This is something that can be done through proper meals, medication and the right kind of physical exercise. A blood sugar chart or a glucose levels chart will indicate the various stages of the blood sugar that will be there for a single person. The blood sugar is an aspect that is never stable and static. It decreases and increases throughout the day, lowest being before the morning meal and highest after meals. A glucose levels chart will indicate the blood sugar level that has been for a person or subject throughout the day.