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Important food tips to consider for lower cholesterol.

Important food tips to consider for lower cholesterol.

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What is cholesterol?

To function effectively, your body requires some cholesterol. But, if there is too much in your blood, it can adhere to the artery walls and constrict or even block them. You run the risk of developing coronary artery disease and other heart disorders as a result.

On a class of proteins known as lipoproteins, cholesterol moves through the blood. LDL, one type, is referred to as the “bad” cholesterol. The accumulation of cholesterol in your arteries is caused by a high LDL level. The “good” cholesterol is frequently referred to as another type, HDL. It transports cholesterol back to your liver from other places of your body. The cholesterol is then eliminated from your body by your liver.

You can take actions to increase your HDL (good cholesterol) and decrease your LDL (bad cholesterol). You can reduce your chance of developing heart illnesses by maintaining normal cholesterol levels.

Food tips to lower your cholesterol

These ten methods include foods that lower cholesterol, suggestions for modest exercise, and more. These can all be used to lower cholesterol without the need of medicine.

To prevent trans fats, read the nutrition labels.

Reading nutrition labels is one of the simplest things you can do to help control your diet, so you’ve definitely heard this advice repeated time and time again. You can use nutrition labels to identify the healthy elements you consume and to steer clear of trans fats, which are among the worst ingredients for your cholesterol levels.

Trans fats, commonly referred to as “hydrogenated oils” or “partially hydrogenated vegetable oil,” are cunning substances that may benefit food producers but are bad for you.

Trans fats make things more durable, which makes them simpler to ship and store. They can be found in a lot of processed foods and many baked items made with margarine or shortening. Sadly, they also increase levels of dangerous LDL cholesterol while lowering levels of good HDL cholesterol.

Thus, read labels and make an effort to avoid trans fats whenever you can if you genuinely want to lower your cholesterol. Cutting them out of your diet can have a significant impact because they are among of the worst culprits when it comes to high cholesterol.

Choose fish or chicken or other meats that contain lower saturated fats.

Lookin’ a little bit more bare in the fridge than usual? When you leave to restock, take a moment to go through your shopping list to see if there are any simple protein substitutions you can make.

Start by cutting back on the red meat. Saturated fats, which are prevalent in a lot of red meats, can cause unhealthy LDL cholesterol levels to rise. Choose skinless chicken or skinless turkey more frequently and stay away from processed meats for healthier choices. Adding additional seafood to your diet is another option.

Fish is low in saturated fats and contains a variety of omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial for your heart and can raise your levels of the good HDL cholesterol. You can try including the following fish varieties in your diet:

  • oily fish such as tilapia, Atlantic mackerel, or salmon from the Atlantic or Pacific
  • Shellfish include crab and shrimp
  • Lake herring and trout are examples of freshwater fish.
  • Whitefish from the sea, such as cod and grouper
  • Light tuna steaks or fillets in a can

Despite this, it can be difficult to resist eating hamburger and steak. Choose thinner meat pieces when grilling outside. Like anything else, it’s acceptable to consume certain saturated fats. Just remember to consume them in moderation.

Kidney beans, quinoa, whole grain bread, and other foods are good sources of soluble fibre.

You undoubtedly already know that fibre can improve your intestinal health. But, if you believed that fibre was only useful for digestion, reconsider; it can also improve your cardiovascular health.

Soluble fibre is abundant on a list of foods low in cholesterol (fiber that can dissolve into water). To lower levels of harmful LDL cholesterol, soluble fibre absorbs cholesterol in the gut before it enters the bloodstream.

Among the foods high in soluble fibre are:

  • Oats
  • Barley
  • Quinoa
  • granola bread
  • mung beans
  • Lentils
  • Chickpeas

Adding more of these food categories to your diet is simple. For lunch, try curried lentils, and for dinner, try turkey chilli with kidney beans. For morning, try oats and whole grain toast.

But, it’s crucial to keep in mind that not all “healthy” foods are made equal. In general, the more processed a grain or bean is, the less likely it is to be nutritious and provide health advantages. Try to stock up on fresh ingredients whenever you can.

Snacking on fruits, veggies, and nuts will increase your intake of unsaturated fats and fibre.

Having a snack between meals to increase energy or calm an upset stomach is perfectly acceptable. Yet, frequent snacks like crackers, cookies, pastries, microwave popcorn, chips, and other baked goods are high in trans and saturated fats.

On the other hand, snacking on fruits, veggies, and nuts helps you receive both good fats and fibre in addition to helping you avoid toxic fats.

Unsaturated fats, the healthiest sort of fats, are abundant in raw nuts. Due to their ability to increase levels of the beneficial HDL cholesterol and decrease levels of the harmful LDL cholesterol, nuts are a fantastic addition to a heart-healthy diet. Olives and avocados are two further examples of foods high in unsaturated fat.

In addition to numerous fruits and vegetables, nuts can be a fantastic source of soluble fibre. A double dosage of cholesterol-lowering effects may result from including as many of these foods in your diet as you can.

Uncertain about where to begin? Here are a few ideas:

  • Avocados
  • Apples
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Oranges
  • Grapes
  • Olives
  • Peas
  • Broccoli
  • Carrots
  • Okra
  • Eggplant
  • Walnuts
  • Peanuts
  • Almonds
  • Cashews
  • Pistachios

Keep in mind that more processing equals less benefit, much like with meats and whole grains. For instance, eating an apple whole will provide more benefits than eating applesauce. Hence, try to obtain raw fruits, vegetables, and nuts if you can (unsalted if you can).

Take advantage of low-fat milk, cheese, and yoghurts.

Making better choices is all it takes to lower your cholesterol; you don’t have to give up everything you love in order to accomplish it. Choosing a healthier alternative when it comes to dairy is a significant area where success can be achieved quickly.

Choose low-fat dairy products rather than the standard varieties for foods like cheese, milk, cream, and yoghurt. Try soy milk as well if you’re up for some experimentation. Exactly what? That can develop into your upcoming craving.

Because full-fat dairy products contain saturated fat as well as cholesterol, making these changes is beneficial. By choosing a low-fat (or non-fat) option, you’re boosting your blood’s cholesterol levels.

Try preparing your food in a new way.

Not only what you eat matters, but also how you eat. The same way you may alter what you purchase at the grocery store, you can also decide on healthier cooking methods that naturally lower your cholesterol. For instance:

While preparing meat or fish, take into account reducing the fat and removing the skin (either before cooking or before eating). This enables you to consume less fat while still getting the protein.

Put your attention on boiling, broiling, baking, poaching, or grilling. These preparation techniques are superior to deep-frying and breading, which might increase fat content.

Consider eating one vegetarian meal a week.

Don’t be alarmed by the phrase “vegetarian.” By selecting a carefully prepared vegetarian dinner, you can simultaneously lower your cholesterol by increasing your intake of soluble fibre and consuming healthy fats. Also, a lot of vegetarian dishes are just as tasty and filling as their meat-based counterparts.

Here is one concept for a recipe with reduced cholesterol: Consider a freshly made salad with grilled, seasoned tofu and a sesame vinaigrette. For dessert, mix low-fat vanilla yoghurt with some fresh blueberries, strawberries, and oats.

Establishing a routine is crucial in this situation; for example, make every Tuesday night vegetarian night. As that becomes customary, consider adding more nights or include a weekly vegetarian lunch as well. You can also be a “flexitarian” by just consuming less meat. These adjustments could truly pay off in the long run.

Add additional movement to your daily activities.

By keeping your body active, you’re assisting it in doing what it was designed to do, which can have benefits for your general health. This includes increasing the heart-healthy HDL cholesterol, controlling blood pressure, and many other advantages.

Do I have to start going for runs every day? Do I need to purchase a lot of home exercise equipment or join a gym? You can if you want to! There are, however, a variety of alternative options, and it’s crucial to establish a schedule that works for you. The workout you will stay with is ultimately the one that is best for your heart.

REFERENCES:

  • https://www.healthline.com/health/ways-lower-cholesterol
  • https://medlineplus.gov/howtolowercholesterol.html
  • https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/how-to-lower-cholesterol-naturally/

For more details, kindly visit below.

Type 2 diabetes drug may help lower rose dementia risk.

Type 2 diabetes drug may help lower rose dementia risk.

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According to new research, older persons with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who have a history of stroke or ischemic heart disease may benefit most from treatment with the thiazolidinedione pioglitazone.

In general, over the course of an average of 10 years, patients who took pioglitazone had a 16% lower risk of dementia. This compares to the people who take medication, according to a large cohort study from Korea.

However, the risk of dementia was decreased by 54% and 43%, respectively, among people with ischemic heart disease and stroke histories.

Reports

There will be 139 million cases of dementia worldwide by 2050, with the number continuing to rise. Dementia is more likely to affect some people, particularly those with type 2 diabetes.

Researchers have shown that persons with type 2 diabetes who used the diabetic medication pioglitazone had a lower risk of dementia in old age.

Dementia affects an estimated 55 million individuals worldwide, and by 2050, that figure is anticipated to rise to 139 million.

Type 2 diabetes and dementia

Why would someone with type 2 diabetes have a higher chance of getting dementia?

At Pinehurst, North Carolina, Dr. Karen D. Sullivan, a board-certified neuropsychologist and proprietor of I CARE FOR YOUR BRAIN, claims that diabetes has a detrimental effect on nearly every system of the body, including the brain.

“Compared to people without diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes have a 50–60% increased risk of developing dementia. She stated in an interview with Medical News Today that this is one of the most potent modifiable risk factors for dementia.

She said: “The insulin resistance we detect in diabetes increases atherosclerosis and alters energy metabolism. This results in microvascular alterations in the brain and ultimately a decrease of blood supply to networks of neurons.”

16% lower risk with pioglitazone

Researchers used information on newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics without dementia from the National Korean Health Database for their investigation. The average follow-up period for the more than 91,000 participants was 10 years. 3,467 of the individuals received the medication pioglitazone.

Following examination, researchers discovered that 8.3% of those taking pioglitazone experienced dementia. This is opposed to 10% of those with type 2 diabetes who did not take the medication.

Scientists discovered that persons with type 2 diabetes who took pioglitazone were 16% less likely to acquire dementia later in life after controlling for a number of lifestyle factors. This study was limited by the fact that it was based on data from insurance claims. Therefore it is possible that some participants did not even take pioglitazone.

The study contains no data on the severity of the illness, the participants’ glycemic control, or their genetic susceptibility to dementia.

How blood vessels may play a role

Dr. Eosu Kim is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry in the College of Medicine at Yonsei University in Seoul, Republic of Korea, and the lead author of this study responded when asked how pioglitazone helps reduce the risk of a person with type 2 diabetes developing dementia by pointing out that this study was to investigate the association between pioglitazone use and incidence of dementia, not how — with what mechanisms — this drug can suppress dementia pathology.

Nonetheless, he told Medical News Today, “Several could be recommended based on [the] basic pharmacological activities of this medicine and findings from past studies.”

“First of all, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is advantageous for brain activities. Also, this medication enhances cells’ capacity for metabolism and encourages them to use bioenergy more effectively. This helps the brain’s insulin resistance.

“Second, certain studies have demonstrated that pioglitazone removes harmful beta-amyloid proteins from the brain. One of the main causes of Alzheimer’s disease is the buildup of beta-amyloid in the brain, he continued.

“Lastly,” he continued, “we hypothesise that pioglitazone’s anti-dementia action may be related to increasing blood vessel health as we found that this medication is more beneficial in diabetic patients who have blood circulation difficulties in the heart or brain than in those without such problems.

Strongest defence in people with heart illness

Speaking about the heart, Dr. Kim and his team discovered that individuals with type 2 diabetes who had previously experienced an ischemic stroke or ischemic heart disease benefited from pioglitazone the most in terms of dementia protection.

Researchers discovered that dementia risk was lowered by 54% in people with ischemic heart disease. Also, by 43% in people with ischemic stroke. Dr. Kim claimed that these outcomes astounded him and his team. It was a surprising discovery, he added.

“Ischemic heart or brain disorders are key risk factors for dementia, thus it would have made sense if pioglitazone’s effects were found to be less effective in those with these conditions. The outcome, though, was the exact reverse of what was anticipated, he said.

Anti-diabetic drugs against dementia

Dr. Kim stated that the next stage of this research is looking at how current anti-diabetic medications or potential medications. These meds enhance cell energy metabolism can inhibit dementia pathogenesis in animal models.

To confirm this medication’s anti-dementia properties and the risk-benefit ratio of using it, prospective trials are required in clinical research. That is, [a] balance between adverse symptoms and advantageous long-term consequences of this medication in terms of dementia prevention,” he said.

Dr. Sullivan replied that the next stage for pioglitazone would be to evaluate long-term safety in people and determine the ideal dose that minimises side effects while maintaining the desired results.

Due to safety concerns, pioglitazone is presently only used as a second-line medication for type 2 diabetes. It is well recognised to raise the risk of fractures, weight gain, and heart failure hospitalisation.

Until then, Dr. Sullivan advised persons with type 2 diabetes to focus on stabilising their blood glucose levels because both high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) might harm brain blood vessels.

According to her, brain damage occurs when people experience extreme highs and lows.

REFERENCES:

  • https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/988388
  • https://www.bmj.com/company/newsroom/older-class-of-type-2-diabetes-drugs-linked-to-22-reduced-dementia-risk/
  • https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/type-2-diabetes-drug-may-help-lower-increased-dementia-risk

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Lets explore the breathing problems you shouldn’t ignore.

Lets explore the breathing problems you shouldn’t ignore.

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Breathing issues occur when you feel as though you are not getting enough air, your chest feels extremely tight, you are out of breath, or you are being suffocated.

If you are fat or have just engaged in vigorous exercise, you can have shortness of breath. Extreme temperatures or being at a high altitude might also cause it. If you experience breathing issues for any other cause, it is likely a sign of a medical condition.

If untreated, you run the risk of developing major respiratory problems like pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, issues with your trachea, bronchi, or other airway system components. As well as any other conditions that could harm your nerves or muscles that regulate your breathing.

When it comes to breathing, the warning symptoms listed below should never be disregarded.

Emergency tips

Contact the medical emergency or ambulance service if:

Schedule a visit with your physician or think about visiting an emergency room if you are also gasping for air and:

  • have swelling ankles or feet
  • when you’re lying down, you feel more out of breath
  • have a cough, fever, and chills
  • possess blue fingertips or lips
  • utter noises when breathing
  • must use a lot of effort just to breathe
  • are deteriorating

What to do while waiting?

Try to be calm while you wait. Make sure you are upright and, if at all feasible, that someone is with you.

Take 4 puffs of your blue or grey relief puffer if you have asthma. Every four minutes, take four more puffs until assistance arrives.

What causes breathing problems?

These are typical reasons for feeling out of breath:

  • asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are examples of lung conditions (COPD)
  • cardiovascular diseases and heart failure are two examples of heart issues
  • airway infections include croup, bronchitis, pneumonia, COVID-19, the flu, and even the common cold
  • an anxiety or panic attack

Some reasons for feeling out of breath unexpectedly include:

  • allergy symptoms
  • lung failure
  • a clot-induced obstruction of one of the blood arteries in the lung (pulmonary embolism)
  • uncommon lung conditions
  • some illnesses, such COVID-19

Some people experience chronic shortness of breath. This may be brought on by:

  • smoking
  • not being fit
  • getting fat
  • anaemia
  • heart disease or another issue with the heart
  • lung disease

What other symptoms might I have?

You can also experience a cough, fever, sore throat, sneezing, blocked or runny nose, and overall congestion if your breathing issues are brought on by a cold or chest infection.

You may experience nausea, lightheadedness, and chest pain if the issue is with your heart. Take your medication exactly as prescribed if you have been given an angina diagnosis. Take a second dose after waiting five minutes.

If asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the cause of your symptoms, you may also experience excessive mucus production, a wheezing sound when you breathe, and a worsening of your symptoms with activity or at night.

In addition to a rapid heartbeat, shaking, sweating, nausea, and a sense of impending doom or danger, you might also experience these symptoms if you are experiencing a panic attack.

How are breathing problems treated?

The level of illness, how quickly it started, and any underlying illnesses you might have will determine the type of treatment you require.

If you visit a doctor, you might undergo the following tests:

  • tests on blood
  • scans and x-rays
  • tests for breathing
  • Treatments include of:
  • If you smoke, support to stop
  • medications, such as pills and inhalers
  • Physical therapy and workouts

Can breathing problems be prevented?

Use puffers or any other breathing aids you may have in accordance with your pharmacist’s or doctor’s instructions. Also possible

  • Look after yourself and any underlying issues causing your shortness of breath.
  • Keep your cool and posture upright as you stand or sit so that the air can flow more freely.
  • reduce pollution
  • anything you are allergic to, avoid
  • If you are overweight, lose weight.
  • Plan ahead on what to do if circumstances worsen.

REFERENCES:

  • https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/breathing-problems
  • https://www.webmd.com/lung/copd/ss/cm/telltale-signs-eight-breathing-problems-you-shouldnt-ignore?

For more details, kindly visit below.

What are the list of worst food for constipation?

What are the list of worst food for constipation?

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Many foods have been found to aggravate or precipitate constipation. Regularity can be encouraged by altering your diet and consuming fewer of these meals.

Constipation, which is typically understood to mean having fewer than three bowel motions per week, is a common issue. In reality, it affects up to 27% of adults and is accompanied by symptoms including bloating and gas. It is more likely to affect you as you age or become less physically active.

While some meals can worsen constipation, others can help ease it or lessen the risk of it.

Can foods cause constipation?

A single, particular food will rarely directly induce constipation in healthy individuals. Yet, some diets can exacerbate it. Certain meals may have an effect on a person’s symptoms if they have persistent constipation.

Most people will experience occasional constipation at some point in their lives. However, chronic constipation, which is persistent, affects 2-27 percent of the population.

People are more prone to develop constipation, per the National Health Service (NHS), if they:

  • are expecting
  • regularly taking laxatives
  • consume a fiber-free diet
  • not enough fluids are consumed
  • suffer anxiety, despair, or stress
  • typically not active

Constipation can also be brought on by a variety of intestinal problems, including:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
  • an increase of microorganisms in the small intestine
  • inflammation of the colon (IBD)
  • diverticulosis

In addition, some drugs and supplements, such as opioids, antacids, and iron supplements, might have constipation as a side effect.

Foods that may cause or worsen constipation

Several foods that may worsen or cause constipation will be covered in the sections that follow.

Alcohol

Constipation is frequently cited as possibly being caused by alcohol. This is due to the fact that excessive alcohol consumption can increase the amount of fluids lost through urine, leading to dehydration.

Constipation is frequently associated with inadequate hydration, which can result from either not drinking enough water or losing too much of it through urine.

The direct connection between drinking alcohol and constipation could, sadly, not be proven by investigations. In addition, after a night of drinking, some people claim to experience diarrhoea rather than constipation.

It’s likely that different people experience different affects. Try to follow up each serving of alcohol with a glass of water or another non-alcoholic beverage to counteract the potential drying and constipating effects of alcohol.

Gluten-containing foods

Grains like wheat, barley, rye, spelt, kamut, and triticale contain the protein gluten. After consuming gluten-containing meals, some people may become constipated. Moreover, some persons are gluten intolerant. This is a disorder known as celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Gluten causes the immune system of a person with celiac disease to attack their intestines, seriously damaging it. Because to this, those who have this condition must eat a gluten-free diet.

An estimated 0.5–1% of people worldwide are thought to have celiac disease, however many may be unaware of it. One of the common symptoms is chronic constipation. Eliminating gluten can help the gut feel better and mend.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) are two more conditions in which a person’s gut may react to wheat. Despite not being gluten intolerant, people with several medical disorders seem to be sensitive to wheat and other grains.

Before eliminating gluten from your diet if you believe it is the cause of your constipation, be careful to consult a medical practitioner to rule out celiac disease.

Processed grains

White bread, white rice, and white pasta are examples of processed grains and goods that are lower in fibre and may cause greater constipation than whole grains.

This is due to the removal of the grain’s bran and germ during processing. In particular, fibre, a nutrient that gives stool volume and promotes movement, is present in bran.

A higher fibre intake has been associated with a lower incidence of constipation in numerous studies. In fact, a recent study found that for every additional gramme of fibre ingested daily, constipation risk decreased by 1.8%.

Consequently, gradually reducing their intake of processed grains and substituting them with whole grains may be beneficial for persons who experience constipation.

Milk and other dairy goods

At least for some people, dairy appears to be another frequently occurring cause of constipation. Children and young adults seem to be at the greatest risk, probably because of a sensitivity to the proteins in cow’s milk.

According to a review of studies published over a 26-year period, some kids with persistent constipation got better when they stopped drinking cow’s milk.

Children with persistent constipation, ages 1 to 12, were given cow’s milk to drink for a while in a recent study. Soy milk was then used in place of cow’s milk for a while after that.

When soy milk was substituted for cow’s milk in the study’s group of 13 kids, nine of them got relief from constipation.

Red meat

For three primary reasons, eating red meat may make constipation worse. First off, it doesn’t have much fibre, which gives stools bulk and aids in movement.

Second, by substituting for higher-fiber foods in the diet, red meat may indirectly lower a person’s total daily fibre intake. This is particularly true if you overindulge in meat at a meal, which limits how much fiber-rich produce, beans, and whole grains you may have at the same time.

As a result of this scenario, daily fibre intake would be generally lower, thereby raising the risk of constipation. In addition, red meat often has higher fat content than other meats like poultry and fish, and high-fat diets take longer for the body to digest. It’s possible that doing this will make constipation even more likely in some circumstances.

Fast or fried food

Constipation risk may also be boosted by eating a lot of or frequently fried or fast food.

For the same reason that red meat might inhibit digestion, these foods frequently have high fat content and low fibre content. A person’s diet may also substitute fast food snacks like chips, cookies, chocolate, and ice cream for more fiber-rich options like fruits and vegetables.

By lowering the total quantity of fibre ingested each day, this can further raise the risk of constipation. It’s interesting how many people think chocolate is one of the main reasons they get constipated.

Additionally, the high salt concentration of fried and fast foods can reduce the water content of the stool, drying it out, and making it more difficult to pass through the body.

This occurs as a result of consuming excessive amounts of salt because your body absorbs water from your intestines to help balance out the excess salt in your bloodstream.

Persimmons

Popular fruits from Eastern Asia called persimmons might cause constipation in certain people.

There are many types, but the most fall into one of two categories: sweet or astringent. In instance, tannins, a substance known to lessen stomach secretions and contractions and inhibit bowel motions, are abundant in astringent persimmons.

Hence, excessive persimmon consumption, especially of astringent types, should be avoided by those who have constipation.

REFERENCES:

  • https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/list-of-foods-that-cause-constipation
  • https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-foods-that-cause-constipation
  • https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a19995215/worst-foods-for-constipation/
  • https://www.verywellhealth.com/foods-to-avoid-when-you-are-constipated-1944831
  • https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/ss/worst-foods-for-constipation?

For more details, kindly visit below.

Explore the easy hacks to deal with depression.

Explore the easy hacks to deal with depression.

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As sneaky as it is unpredictable, depression may be. You could be surprised by it at any time. even when everything appears to be going according to plan and when everything is “wonderful.”

You might be asking yourself, “How can I feel so horrible when I have so much to be grateful for?” while you try to make sense of this. Worst yet, “I have no business feeling depressed,” Such ideas are not constructive. These just serve to reinforce guilt feelings, which are depression’s best buddy and partner.

Your relationships, your job, and your entire feeling of self-worth can all be affected by clinical depression. It has a powerful punch. Fortunately, there are resources out there that can aid in your resistance.

Preventative care is of course the most significant (therapy, a positive support system, getting enough sleep and exercise, etc.). But, the following are some spot-on, urgent steps you can take if you find yourself in the middle of a depressive episode. All of these “tools” won’t be able to cure depression, but they might at least help clear things up a little.

Symptoms of depression

In a depressive episode, the individual experiences significant difficulties in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, and/or other important areas. The symptoms generally differs in terms of severity and natured which is based on individual occupation, gender, and age group. Depression symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can include:

  • Changes in appetite
  • Loss of energy or increased fatigue
  • Increase in purposeless physical activity or slowed movements or speech
  • weight loss or weight gain
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
  • Feeling sad or having a depressed mood
  • Feeling worthless or guilty
  • Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

Furthermore, medical conditions such as thyroid problems, brain tumors, and vitamin deficiencies can mimic depression symptoms, so it is important to rule out general medical causes.

Hacks to relieve depression

Activate your body.

Moving your body is the fastest technique to combat depression feelings right now. Of course, exercising may be the last thing you feel like doing when you’re depressed. It need not be difficult, though; any kind of physical exercise will do.

Just performing 20 jumping jacks or shaking your body for a minute or more can have an impact. Our thoughts and bodies are intertwined; if we let our bodies take the lead, the mind will probably follow.

Answer the phone.

Dial a number. a buddy. an associate. With one exception, any kind of social connection can be extremely therapeutic. Make sure the individual you are connected with is a positive support who feeds you rather than drains you.

If you are unable to phone, you can still text someone to feel connected. If you have no one to contact or text, go online and pick one of the many support groups or chat rooms to meet people going through similar experiences to you. Human connection has the ability to heal.

Determine possible triggers.

Even though a depressed episode can appear to occur suddenly and without “good reason,” there usually is an outside trigger. It could be a difficult conversation or experience that you haven’t yet processed, or it could be a self-defeating mindset, which is more harder to recognise.

You can respond, “But nothing happened, and I wasn’t even thinking about anything at the time,” in response to this. The second is impossible. We are constantly thinking. Our thoughts never go away, whether we are debating the meaning of existence or choosing which shoes to wear.

Negative ideas might blend in with the background. Like the sirens you hear so frequently, you stop noticing them. Worst-case scenarios involve these pessimistic thoughts developing into strongly held self-beliefs. For instance, skewed, unfavourable thoughts may surface if you failed a test or lost your job, such as “I failed because I’m not smart enough” or “I’ll never find another job again.” It doesn’t matter what you believe or feel, it still might not be real. It is our responsibility to recognise these thoughts before they take control and to resist them.

Reject the provoking thought.

Lies are one of depression’s greatest strengths. Never trust them.

Once the negative concept has been located, question its veracity. Ask yourself: How do you know that, for instance, when you tell yourself, “I’ll never find another work again”? The future cannot be predicted. Instead, in response to the statement, “I’m not smart enough,” you might provide evidence to the contrary, such as a list of all the times you performed well or your accomplishments to date.

Also, avoid generalising. Simply because you lost one job or failed one test does not mean that you will never find another one or pass another test. Whatever depression tells you, ignore it!

Remain in the current moment.

When depression has you in its tight grip, it might be difficult to think clearly. The prefrontal cortex, a better developed region of the brain that governs cognitive processes like rational thought, can frequently lose control to the limbic system, which governs emotions.

Here, mindfulness can be useful. This does not imply that you must sit and practise meditation for 20 minutes (although practising meditation is one of the best ways to cultivate mindfulness). Catching a negative idea and immediately changing your attention to something physical in the present, like your breath or the noises or odours around you, sometimes be all it takes. Being aware is more than just a trendy concept; it will benefit you all your life.

Take refuge in a good movie.

We all need to occasionally step outside of our thoughts. Of course, in a non-destructive manner. One of the things to do is to watch a fantastic movie. Avoid tearjerkers and instead pick a comedy or at least an upbeat movie. Only a few examples of comedic and/or lighter movies that you can add to your toolkit for battling sadness are provided below.

REFERENCES:

  • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/nurturing-self-compassion/202006/6-depression-hacks
  • https://www.webmd.com/depression/ss/slideshow-easy-habits-improve-mental-health?
  • https://www.wondermind.com/article/how-to-deal-with-depression/
  • https://www.blurtitout.org/2016/06/14/managing-depression-hacks-hints-difficult-days/?doing_wp_cron=1676625387.6235940456390380859375

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When should a person worry about fatigue?

When should a person worry about fatigue?

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A generalised sense of exhaustion or lack of energy is referred to as fatigue. It differs from merely feeling sleepy or drowsy. You lack both energy and motivation when you are exhausted. Sleepiness may be a sign of exhaustion, but the two are not the same.

Many medical disorders, ranging in severity from moderate to serious, frequently exhibit fatigue as a symptom. It also happens naturally as a result of some lifestyle decisions, including not exercising or eating poorly.

See your doctor if your weariness doesn’t go away with adequate rest and nourishment or if you think it might be brought on by a physical or mental health condition. They can collaborate with you to identify the root cause of your exhaustion and address it.

What causes fatigue?

Fatigue may have a variety of causes. They can be categorised into three broad groups:

  • lifestyle elements
  • physical state of health
  • mental illness problems

lifestyle elements

Your activities and other lifestyle decisions could be to blame for your exhaustion. For instance, the following can cause fatigue:

  • physical effort
  • absence of exercise
  • absence of sleep
  • being obese or overweight
  • Stressful emotional times
  • boredom
  • grief
  • taking specific drugs, including sedatives or antidepressants
  • frequent alcohol consumption
  • utilising illegal narcotics, like cocaine
  • overdosing on caffeine
  • not maintaining a healthy diet

Physcial health issues

Fatigue is a common symptom of many medical problems. Examples comprise:

  • anaemia
  • arthritis
  • fibromyalgia
  • syndrome of protracted weariness
  • illnesses like the common cold and flu
  • A condition called Addison’s disease that can mess with your hormone levels
  • thyroid underactivity, or hypothyroidism
  • Overactive or hyperthyroidism thyroid
  • disturbances of sleep, such as insomnia
  • disorders of eating, including anorexia
  • autoimmune conditions
  • enlarged heart failure
  • cancer
  • diabetes
  • renal illness
  • liver illness
  • persistent pulmonary obstruction (COPD)
  • emphysema

Difficulties with mental health

Fatigue can result from issues with mental health as well. As an illustration, exhaustion is a typical sign of anxiety, sadness, and seasonal affective disorder.

Medical conditions

Fatigue is a symptom of thousands of diseases and ailments. The following are a few of the most typical causes of fatigue:

  • Illness and infection: Multiple sclerosis, kidney disease, cancer, and kidney disease are just a few illnesses that might make you tired. Moreover, illnesses like mononucleosis, HIV, and the flu can manifest as fatigue.
  • Mental health issues: The exhaustion brought on by despair or anxiety may make doing daily tasks challenging or impossible.
  • Autoimmune disorders: Several autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, have fatigue as a symptom.
  • Hormone imbalances: Issues with your endocrine system (the glands that produce hormones in your body) might make you feel exhausted.
  • The most prevalent reason of weariness is hypothyroidism.
  • Persistent illnesses such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis or CFS) result in extreme, persistent exhaustion.
  • Cardiovascular disorders such as heart disease, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and congestive heart failure all commonly present with fatigue.
  • Deficiencies: Fatigue is frequently brought on by anaemia and other vitamin deficiencies (such as vitamin D or vitamin B12). Fatigue can result from dehydration since the body needs a lot of fluids to function.
  • Fatigue is one of several symptoms that can result from weight issues and eating disorders such anorexia, bulimia, obesity, and underweight.

When is it time to see your doctor?

If you’re experiencing exhaustion and any of the following, you should schedule a visit with your doctor:

  • I cannot think of anything that could explain your weariness.
  • have a body temperature that is higher than usual
  • having lost weight that isn’t being explained
  • feel incredibly sensitive to cooler climates
  • regularly experience sleep difficulties
  • you think you might be depressed

Make an appointment with your doctor if your weariness has persisted for two weeks or more and you’ve tried unsuccessfully to address the most frequent lifestyle factors, such as lack of sleep, bad eating habits, and stress.

Your fatigue may occasionally be brought on by a significant medical problem. If you develop weariness and any of the following symptoms, visit the hospital right away:

  • abdominal bleeding
  • throwing up blood
  • terrible headache
  • suffering from chest discomfort
  • fainting sensations
  • unsteady heartbeat
  • breathing difficulty
  • significant discomfort in your pelvis, back, or abdomen
  • Having suicidal or harmful thoughts
  • thoughts of hurting someone else

You should also visit your doctor if you frequently feel weary even after getting a good night’s sleep, lack motivation to start the day, or find it difficult to do tasks that are usually simple. These could be indications of depression or a sleep issue.

Your doctor will attempt to rule out any problems during your examination, such as adverse drug reactions. In order to ascertain whether the exhaustion is caused by a particular condition, such as anaemia, hypothyroidism, or liver inflammation, he or she may also request blood testing (hepatitis). If your doctor cannot identify a cause, do not be shocked. I’ve discovered that most of the time, rest and a good night’s sleep help people recover from exhaustion.

REFERENCES:

  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21206-fatigue
  • https://www.healthline.com/health/fatigue
  • https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/when-should-you-worry-about-fatigue

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Bacterial vs. viral conjunctivitis: What is the difference?

Bacterial vs. viral conjunctivitis: What is the difference?

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Eye redness, weeping, and discharge are signs of conjunctivitis caused by both bacterial and viral infections. The eyelids may stay together due to a heavier discharge brought on by bacterial conjunctivitis, though. It could also result in eyelid pain and edoema.

Differentiating between bacterial and viral conjunctivitis can be challenging. However, those who develop viral conjunctivitis typically have either experienced a viral disease themselves or have just come into touch with someone who has. This can aid medical professionals in differentiating.

While both types of conjunctivitis can improve on their own, bacterial conjunctivitis may require antibiotic eye drops. Fewer common bacterial conjunctivitis strains can spread quickly and necessitate immediate medical attention.

Viral conjunctivitis

The conjunctiva, a thin membrane lining the inner surface of the eyelids and the white area of the eyeball, becomes inflamed as a result of conjunctivitis, sometimes known as “pink eye,” an eye infection. Conjunctiva serves as a defence against infections and keeps the eye moist.

The conjunctiva itself, however, can occasionally become infected. Doctors refer to the ailment as viral conjunctivitis when a virus is to blame. Viral conjunctivitis can be brought on by a number of viruses.

  • respiratory infections are brought on by the adenovirus
  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can lead to genital herpes or cold sores
  • Virus called varicella-zoster, which causes chickenpox
  • Measles is brought on by the rubeola virus.
  • picornaviruses

The conjunctiva can become infected by a virus, which can then multiply and cause symptoms like:

  • Having red eyes or eyelids
  • scorching and itching
  • tears or a watery sputter
  • the impression of something strange in the sight
  • sensitivity to light

Adenovirus is the most typical cause of viral conjunctivitis. While suffering from a typical cold, some people can get conjunctivitis. The symptoms of a cold typically go away on their own without medical intervention. It could take 14–30 days for viral conjunctivitis to go away.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

When bacteria invade and irritate the conjunctiva, bacterial conjunctivitis develops. This form of conjunctivitis is more likely to affect certain individuals, such as:

  • children
  • older people
  • wearers of contact lenses
  • individuals with compromised immune systems

The most typical bacterial species that cause bacterial conjunctivitis in kids are:

  • the influenza virus
  • pneumococcal streptococcus
  • Catarrhal Moraxella

Staphylococcal bacteria are the most frequent species to cause the disease in adults. These germs can enter the eye via:

  • interaction with an individual suffering from bacterial conjunctivitis
  • touch with items that the affected person has used in the past
  • exposure to respiratory droplets from sneezes or coughs
  • alterations in the conjunctival bacteria

Similar to viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis can also cause the following symptoms:

  • eyelids clump together because to a thick green or yellow discharge
  • edoema of the cornea
  • Painful and swollen eyelids
  • reduced vision

Viral pink eye vs. bacterial pink eye

Viral pink eye can be contracted when someone sneezes or coughs and the droplets come into contact with your eyes, or it can spread from the nose to the eyes.

Pink eye caused by bacteria exists. Usually, the bacteria enters your eyes through your skin or respiratory system. Additionally, bacterial pink eye can develop if you:

  • Use dirty hands to contact your eyes.
  • application of bacteria-contaminated cosmetics
  • sharing private goods with a pink eye sufferer

When an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold (virus) or sore throat, first develops, both types of pink eye frequently follow (virus or bacteria).

The same general signs and symptoms are present in both bacterial and viral pink eye, including:

  • White of the eyes are pink or crimson.
  • tearing
  • itchiness or scratchiness in the eyes
  • swelling
  • burning or annoyance
  • eyelids or lashes that are crusted, especially in the morning
  • fluid coming from the eye

Here are several methods for determining the sort of pink eye you have.

Viral pink eye:

  • typically begins in one eye but can progress to the other
  • begins with a respiratory illness or cold
  • produces ocular discharge due to water

Pink eye due to bacteria:

  • can begin with an ear infection or respiratory infection
  • one or both eyes are affected
  • causes the eyes to clump together and produce a thick discharge (pus).

A sample of the discharge from your eye can be taken by your doctor and sent to a lab for testing to determine whether you have a bacterial or viral infection.

Treating pink eye

The majority of bacterial and viral pink eye illnesses will clear up on their own in a few days to two weeks. In the meanwhile, treat the symptoms as follows:

  • To avoid dryness, use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops. (Eliminate the bottle once your infection has subsided to prevent self-reinfection.)
  • To reduce swelling, apply warm, moist compresses or cold packs to your eye.
  • Use a wet washcloth or tissue to wipe away the discharge from your eyes.

Your doctor may recommend the following medications if your pink eye is more severe:

  • Antiviral medications may be effective in treating viral pink eye brought on by the herpes simplex or varicella-zoster virus.
  • Pink eye caused by germs can be cleared up with the aid of antibiotic eye drops or ointment.

Once pink eye has cleared completely, follow these instructions to prevent reinfection:

  • If you used eye makeup or cosmetic implements while you were afflicted, throw them away.
  • Discard any disposable contact lenses and pink eye treatment you used.
  • Clean and sanitise cases, glasses, and hard contact lenses.

Pink eye prevention

Pink eye spreads quickly. To prevent acquiring or spreading the infection:

  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or often wash your hands with soap and warm water throughout the day. Before and after using eye drops or inserting contact lenses, wash your hands. If you come into contact with an infected person’s eyes, clothes, or other private items, you should also wash your hands.
  • Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes.
  • Share personal stuff like towels, blankets, pillowcases, cosmetics, and makeup brushes sparingly.
  • After using them, wash your sheets, towels, and washcloths in hot water.
  • Clean your glasses and contact lenses thoroughly.
  • Stay at home from work or school if you have pink eye until your symptoms subside.

REFERENCES:

  • https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-pink-eye-last
  • https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/bacterial-vs-viral-conjunctivitis
  • https://www.insider.com/guides/health/conditions-symptoms/viral-vs-bacterial-pink-eye

For more details, kindly visit below.

Latest signs to identify you may have Spinal Stenosis.

Latest signs to identify you may have Spinal Stenosis.

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Narrowing of the gaps in your spine is known as spinal stenosis. Although it doesn’t always result in symptoms, it can nonetheless lead to pain and weakness. Exercise and other forms of therapy can be helpful. Your upper body is supported and stabilised by the column of bones known as your spine, allowing you to twist and turn.

Spinal nerves, which make up the spinal cord, carry signals from the brain to the rest of the body. The surrounding bone and tissues typically shield the nerves. Walking, balance, and sensation can all be impacted by spinal nerve injury or dysfunction.

Spinal stenosis is a disorder in which the spinal cord is compressed when gaps in the spine constrict. Usually, this procedure happens gradually. Anywhere along the spine can experience it.

If the narrowing is not severe, there won’t be any symptoms. However, too much constriction may put pressure on your nerves and result in issues. Spinal stenosis comes in a number of different forms. They consist of:

  • spinal stenosis in the lower back, or lumbar
  • cervical spinal stenosis, a neck condition
  • foraminal stenosis, which damages the holes in your bones (foramen)
  • dual spinal stenosis, a condition in which at least two places of the spine are affected

Symptoms of spinal stenosis

When spinal stenosis first appears, you might or might not have any symptoms. The spinal canal constriction typically happens gradually and gets worse with time. Although spinal stenosis can develop anywhere along the spinal column, the neck and lower back are common locations. Each person experiences different symptoms, which can come and go.

Spinal stenosis in the lower back (lumbar) symptoms include:

  • the lower back hurts. A dull aching or sensitivity to an electric-like or searing sensation can all be used to describe pain. Pain may ebb and flow.
  • Sciatica. This pain starts in your buttocks, travels down your leg, and may even reach your foot.
  • Leg heaviness that could result in cramps in one or both legs.
  • tingling or numbness (“pins and needles”) in the foot, leg, or buttocks
  • weakness in the foot or the leg (as the stenosis worsens).
  • Standing still for a long time, walking, or going downhill might all make the pain worse.
  • Leaning, bending slightly forward, going upwards, or sitting down all cause lessening of the pain.
  • a lack of bowel or bladder control (in severe cases).

Neck (cervical) spinal stenosis symptoms include:

  • neck ache
  • tingling or numbness in the foot, leg, or arm. (Anywhere below the location of the nerve compression may experience symptoms).
  • Arm, hand, leg, or foot weakness or clumsiness.
  • difficulties with balance.
  • loss of hand function, such as having issues
  • loss of hand function, such as the inability to write or button clothing.
  • a lack of bowel or bladder control (in severe cases).

The following are signs of thoracic (abdominal) spinal stenosis:

Spinal stenosis causes

Aging is the most typical cause of spinal stenosis. The tissues and bones in your spine may begin to thicken as you age, squeezing the nerves.

Spinal stenosis may also be influenced by specific medical problems. They consist of:

  • Achondroplasia: Achondroplasia is a form of dwarfism that prevents the spine’s and other elements of the body’s bones from developing normally.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis: This kind of arthritis affects the spine and results in persistent inflammation. The development of bone spurs may result.
  • Congenital spinal stenosis: Congenital spinal stenosis occurs when you’re born with a spinal canal that’s inherently narrow.
  • Calcium deposits build up on the ligament that runs across the spinal ligament column in a condition known as ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).
  • Osteoarthritis: This condition causes the cartilage that protects your joints to deteriorate. In addition to causing bone spurs to develop in the spine, the disorder may also impair the cartilage that separates the vertebrae.
  • Paget’s disease of the bone: A chronic disorder that makes bones weaker and larger than normal is Paget’s disease of the bone.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis involves persistent inflammation, which can cause bone deterioration and the development of bone spurs.
  • Scoliosis: Scoliosis is a spine curvature that is abnormal. It may be brought on by specific genetic disorders, anomalies of the nervous system, or unidentified factors.
  • Spinal injuries: Bone fractures and slipped (herniated) discs can result in vertebrae or bone fragments pressing against the spinal nerves.
  • Spinal tumours: These tissue growths may form in the spinal canal, set off an inflammatory response, and alter the bone in the region.

How is spinal stenosis diagnosed?

Your healthcare professional will examine you physically, inquire about your symptoms, and go over your medical history. Your doctor may feel your spine while performing a physical examination, pressing on various areas to determine whether doing so produces pain. In order to determine whether different spinal postures cause pain or other symptoms, your doctor may ask you to bend in various directions. Your healthcare professional will assess your balance, walk pattern, and arm and leg strength.

Imaging tests will be performed on your spine to inspect it and identify the precise location, nature, and severity of the issue. Imaging investigations could consist of:

  • MRI: To produce cross-sectional images of the spine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and a strong magnet. The spinal cord, discs, nerves, and any malignancies are all clearly visible in MRI pictures.
  • Computed tomography (CT) or CT myelogram: A CT scan is a collection of X-rays that produces cross-sectional images of the spine. To more clearly see the spinal cord and nerves, a contrast dye is added during a CT myelogram.
  • X-rays: X-rays employ a limited amount of radiation and can identify changes in bone structure, such as loss of disc height and development of bone spurs that are decreasing the space in the spine.

Treatments for spinal stenosis

Treatment options for stenosis vary on the nature of the disease, where it is located, and how severe the symptoms are. Your doctor might advise trying some self-care solutions first if your symptoms are minor. Your doctor might advise physical therapy, medication, and ultimately surgery if these don’t help and your symptoms get worse.

Among the self-help options are:

  • Apply heat: Heat is typically a better option for osteoarthritis pain. Heat promotes blood flow, which eases painful joints and relaxes muscles. Use caution when utilising heat; don’t raise the temperature too high to avoid getting burned.
  • Apply cold: If heat isn’t relieving your problems, try using cold instead (an ice pack, frozen gel pack, or frozen bag of peas or corn). Ice is often administered for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Ice helps to lessen inflammation, soreness, and swelling.
  • Exercise: As long as you first consult with your healthcare professional, exercise is beneficial for pain relief, building back muscles that support your spine, increasing flexibility, and improving balance.

Non-surgical treatments include:

  • Oral medications
  • Physical therapy:
  • Steroid injections
  • Decompression procedure

Spinal stenosis surgery

Surgery is typically only undertaken after all other treatment options have failed due to the complexity of spinal stenosis and the delicate nature of the spine. Fortunately, surgery is not usually necessary for those with spinal stenosis. However, discuss your surgical alternatives with your doctor if:

  • You can’t do or enjoy daily tasks because of your symptoms, and you no longer have the quality of life you want.
  • Pressure on the spinal cord is the root of your discomfort.
  • Walking and keeping your equilibrium have becoming challenging.
  • You have issues with your sexual function or have lost control of your bowels or bladder.

Can spinal stenosis be prevented?

You can’t completely prevent spinal stenosis because the majority of its causes are age-related “wear and tear” ailments like osteoarthritis and the loss of bone and muscle mass. However, there are steps you may do to reduce your risk or stop the progression, such as:

  • Maintain a healthy diet and a healthy weight.
  • Avoid smoking. If you currently smoke, stop. Ask your doctor for help quitting if you need it.
  • Maintain a straight spine.
  • Exercise. Stay active, but avoid painful exercises. Before beginning a home fitness regimen, consult with your doctor or physical therapist. Oversleeping might be more detrimental than beneficial.

Also bear in mind that, despite the fact that there is no “cure” for spinal stenosis, the condition’s symptoms can be effectively managed using nonsurgical or surgical methods.

REFERENCES:

  • https://www.healthline.com/health/spinal-stenosis
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-stenosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352961
  • https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/ss/slideshow-spinal-stenosis
  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17499-spinal-stenosis

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Eyedrops Could Prevent Nearsightedness in Kids

Eyedrops Could Prevent Nearsightedness in Kids

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According to new research, eye drops frequently administered before to eye tests may prevent toddlers from becoming nearsighted.

Eye muscles are relaxed and the pupils are dilated with atropine eye drops. Myopia, or nearsightedness, could be avoided in youngsters by using a low concentration, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Most Americans—about one-third of them—are nearsighted. Due to people spending more time indoors and staring at screens, The Wall Street Journal predicted the number will rise to about 60% in 30 years. Myopia that is too severe can cause cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment.

Myopia, according to physicians, happens when the eyeball lengthens and light entering the eye can no longer reach the retina in the rear of the eye. The necessity for spectacles or contact lenses, which work by reflecting light back onto the retina, results from this.

According to Nimesh Patel of Harvard Medical School, who was not involved in the study, atropine drops prevent people from seeing what is right in front of them. The exact mechanism by which the drops prevent nearsightedness is unknown, he claimed.

What is Myopia (Nearsightedness )?

Myopia, a disease that affects many people, causes near objects to appear clear while far distant objects to appear blurry. It happens when light rays incorrectly bend (refract) due to the shape of the eye or specific portions of the eye. Light rays are focused in front of the retina, which is where they should be directed to illuminate the retina, the nerve tissue at the rear of the eye.

Between the ages of 20 and 40, nearsightedness typically becomes more stable after developing during childhood and adolescence. As a rule, myopia runs in families.

Nearsightedness can be verified by a simple eye checkup. You can use eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery to correct your hazy vision.

How can eye drops improve vision in myopia?

Myopia sufferers cannot experience an immediate eyesight improvement from eye drops. However, studies have shown that over time, low-dose atropine eye drops can enhance vision. They can thereby stop the progression of myopia in youngsters. These drops can help slow the progression of myopia, lowering the risk of progressive myopia, a condition that can impair vision.

Children who have progressive myopia, or nearsightedness, need a stronger prescription at each checkup. High myopia is frequently developed in people with progressive myopia. Furthermore, when individuals become older, this may increase the chance of problems that could endanger their vision. The progression of myopia can occasionally be slowed down by using methods like myopia control contact lenses or spectacles.

Although these are excellent choices, some kids could feel uncomfortable wearing these specialised lenses. It might be simpler for these kids to receive atropine eye drops everyday just before bed.

Additionally, some eye specialists could suggest a combination of low-dose atropine eye drops along with myopia-controlling contacts or spectacles. This may be a comprehensive strategy for managing myopia.

Importance to slow down myopia progression

The likelihood of having good vision in the future can be increased by stopping the growth of myopia. Millions of kids run the risk of acquiring excessive myopia, which will cause permanent visual loss.

When myopia grows to -6.00 D or higher (severe myopia), a person may be at risk for:

  • a breach in the retina known as retinal tears
  • The retina separates from the back of the eye in a retinal detachment.
  • A disorder known as glaucoma that can harm the visual nerve
  • A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens.
  • Myopia-related macular ageing
  • A separation of the vitreous gel from the retina is known as a posterior vitreous detachment.
  • Damage to the optic nerve is called optic neuropathy.

What are atropine eye drops?

Eye drops containing atropine have long been used in medical offices. They enlarge the pupil while also paralysing the eye’s accommodating mechanism.

For pupil dilatation, eye doctors typically employ 1% atropine eye drops in their offices. Children need a lesser dose, such as 0.01%, 0.025%, or 0.05% concentration, to control their myopia.

It is unclear how exactly atropine inhibits the progression of myopia. Atropine generally has a better effect on controlling myopia at higher concentrations. Studies are being conducted to determine the best dose and protocol.

Side effects of atropine eye drops

The small amount of atropine in the eye drops used to treat myopia shouldn’t have a significant impact on the eyes’ ability to concentrate. It has been demonstrated that atropine doses used in paediatric myopia treatment only slightly impact pupil size and up-close vision.

The following are side effects of atropine eye drops:

Can eye drops improve vision in other eye conditions?

Presbyopia

The FDA has approved eye drops for presbyopia that use the medication pilocarpine, which constricts the pupil. This enables a brief improvement in vision by extending the field of vision.

Dry eye

People with dry eyes can use certain eye drops to regulate and replace their tears. Some patients’ eyesight may be improved by these drops by preserving a steady tear film, which is necessary for high visual acuity.

REFERENCES:

  • https://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-care/eye-drops/can-eye-drops-improve-vision/
  • https://www.pediatricophthalmologypa.com/eye-library-5/atropine-for-the-treatment-of-near-sightedness-myopia-in-children/
  • https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/news/20230214/eyedrops-could-prevent-nearsightedness-in-kids

For more details, kindly visit below.

Heart related diseases linked to specific kinds of sugars.

Heart related diseases linked to specific kinds of sugars.

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According to a recent study, the type of sugar you consume may have a greater impact on your risk of developing heart disease than the quantity of sugar you consume.

Researchers from the University of Oxford in the UK found that eating foods high in “free sugars” dramatically increased the risk of heart disease and stroke. They discovered that the risk rose in proportion to how much more free sugar a person consumed.

Free sugars are all sugars that have been intentionally added to food by a producer, cook, or consumer. Also, sugars that are naturally found in honey, syrups, and unsweetened fruit juice. Those naturally found in entire fruits and vegetables are not considered to be free sugar.

How much sugar is permitted?

What quantity of additional sugar is appropriate if 24 tablespoons daily is too much? Since sugar is not a necessary nutrient in your diet, it is difficult to say. There is no official sugar RDA set by the Institute of Medicine, which establishes RDAs for other nutrients.

The American Heart Association advises against exceeding the daily added sugar calorie limits for men and women, respectively. A respectively 100 calories (about 6 teaspoons or 24 grammes) and 150 calories (roughly 9 teaspoons or 36 grammes). That equates to roughly one 12-ounce soda can’s worth of liquid.

Taking sugar alternatives into account

Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can increase the risk of stroke and heart disease. This results in high blood pressure, inflammation, weight gain, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

According to Dr. Elizabeth H. Dineen, an integrative cardiologist with the UCI Health Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, “it looks wise to limit the use of artificial sweeteners” in light of the cardiovascular events observed among research participants.

Dr. Ailin Barseghian El-Farra, an integrative cardiologist with the institute, adds that these findings “can help open a dialogue with patients about their dietary consumption of sugars, as well as artificial sweeteners, and their associated risk for coronary heart disease and cerebrovascular events.” Neither doctor took part in the investigation.

Over 100,000 French people were monitored for approximately nine years as part of the NutriNet-Santé project. When they first began, the participants’ average age was 42, and over 80% of them were women. Everyone was prompted to share information on their diet, health, physical activity, level of education, smoking status, and line of work.

They recorded all food and drinks consumed within a 24-hour period every six months. This provides thorough breakdown of their overall consumption of artificial sweeteners. Also, the consumption of other foods and nutrients, such as fruit, vegetables, dairy, and meat.

Impact on your heart

In a study that was published in 2014 in JAMA Internal Medicine, Dr. Hu and his coworkers discovered a link between a high-sugar diet and an increased risk of dying from heart disease. Over the course of the 15-year trial, those who consumed between 17% and 21% of their calories as added sugar had a 38% higher chance of dying from cardiovascular disease than those who only consumed 8% of their calories in this way.

According to Dr. Hu, the risk of heart disease is essentially inversely proportional to the amount of added sugar consumed.

Monitoring the intake of sweeteners

According to the study, 37% of individuals drank diet Coke or another type of artificial sweetener on average, which works out to 42 milligrammes per day or around one packet of sweetener. The average daily intake of artificial sweeteners among people who consumed more of them was nearly double at 78 milligrammes, or about 7 ounces of diet soda.

Overall, those who used the most artificial sweeteners were younger, had higher body mass indices (BMI). They were more likely to smoke, were less active, and didn’t follow a diet to control their weight. Curiously, they ate fewer calories, drank less alcohol, and consumed less fibre, fruit, and vegetables, as well as saturated and polyunsaturated fats. However, they consumed more sodium, red and processed meats, and dairy foods.

Researchers also kept tabs on the health of the participants, including physical examinations, medical procedures, and cardiovascular occurrences. This includes heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

Researchers found that those who consumed the most artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame, acesulfame potassium, and sucralose, had a 9% higher risk for cardiovascular disease and an 18% greater risk for stroke or other cerebrovascular disease when compared to participants who ate none. This was true even after taking into account differences in age, sex, physical activity, education, smoking, and family history of heart disease.

The same authors’ previous spring PLoS ONE study revealed increased artificial sweetener intake. Additionally risk for cancer was linked to  aspartame and acesulfame-K.

Sugar and Other Health Problems

Studies have shown a connection between sugar consumption and animal models of hypertension. According to a human study, people with diabetes who use diuretics have a higher risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) if they consume a lot of sugar in their diet.

Consuming sugar can improve one’s body’s ability to store and use carbohydrate energy. This improvement, however, only happens at levels of physical activity and exercise intensity that are connected to endurance performances lasting at least 30 minutes. The main sources of energy for muscular contraction are blood glucose, liver glycogen, and muscle glycogen. The consumption of sugar can quickly restore blood glucose levels to normal when these substances reach dangerously low levels, which can lead to weariness. Consuming sugar has no effect on performance for the majority of low- to moderate-intensity tasks, such as walking or household chores.

The link between dietary sugar and cognition and behaviour has garnered a lot of attention. Two theories served as the foundation for the notion that sugar and hyperactivity are related. The first was a potential allergic reaction, and the second was the possibility of functional reactive hypoglycemia in hyperactive children. Both of these concepts remain unproven, and a meta-analysis of 16 randomised studies in hyperactive children revealed that cutting back on sugar in the diet had no positive impact on hyperactivity levels.

REFERENCES:

  • https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/diabetes-and-stroke
  • https://www.webmd.com/stroke/news/20230214/heart-disease-stroke-linked-specific-kinds-of-sugar-study
  • ucihealth.org/blog/2022/09/sugar-substitutes-may-boost-heart-disease-stroke-risk
  • https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/01.CIR.0000019552.77778.04

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