4 common signs of schizophrenia
health

4 common signs of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a disorder that can significantly affect physical and mental well-being. The condition can influence how one thinks, feels, and behaves, making it difficult for one to carry out day-to-day tasks. If left untreated, the disorder can affect an individual’s personal, professional, and social relationships. So, it is important to learn about and recognize the early signs of schizophrenia and seek timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment for the disorder. Lack of emotional expression Also known as “flat affect”, lack of emotional and facial expression is a sign often associated with schizophrenia. Here, one may not have appropriate emotional expressions for the circumstances. For instance, one can continue to have an expressionless face even when they feel happy. This can often lead to miscommunication and misunderstanding. To address this symptom, one can consider opting for social skills training or cognitive behavioral therapy. Here, one works with a therapist to improve communication and keep up with their daily routine. Hallucinations One of the most common signs of schizophrenia is hallucinations, which involve hearing and seeing things that do not exist in reality. For someone dealing with the disorder, these hallucinations can appear completely normal and feel like a realistic experience. This can make it difficult for one to differentiate hallucinations from reality.
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5 mistakes to avoid for a good night’s sleep
health

5 mistakes to avoid for a good night’s sleep

The quality of sleep at night sets one’s tone for the day. A good night’s sleep ensures alertness and enhances mood, facilitating better decision making, problem solving, and behavior control. Moreover, studies have demonstrated the association between poor sleep quality and cognitive decline. So, it is important to strike the right balance between sleep duration and quality to enhance one’s overall well-being. To do so, avoid these common mistakes that may affect one’s sleep quality. Using electronic devices just before bedtime Nearly 9 out of 10 individuals in a study admitted to using their phones or tablets just before bedtime. Research has shown that the blue light emitted from mobile phones affects the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates one’s circadian rhythm. One’s sleep-wake cycle is severely disrupted due to the use of gadgets at night. It is advisable to put away all electronic devices at least half an hour before bedtime and relax one’s eyes by meditating. Sleeping immediately after a meal The body digests food most efficiently in the upright position. Therefore, when one lies down immediately after a meal, the food typically gets redirected to the esophagus, causing heartburn and indigestion and impacting sleep quality.
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Foods to eat to manage hemophilia
health

Foods to eat to manage hemophilia

Hemophilia is a condition wherein the blood fails to clot quickly due to a lack of blood-clotting proteins. This means that those with this condition bleed for longer after sustaining an injury. In some cases, they may even bleed into their muscles and joints. While eating certain foods might not completely cure hemophilia, the right food habits will help manage the illness. Here are some foods to eat to manage hemophilia. Foods to eat Iron-rich foods like spinach Since hemophilia patients tend to lose more blood than healthier individuals, it is important for them to add iron-rich foods to their meals. Leafy green vegetables like spinach and broccoli are a great source of iron. Organ meats and poultry are calorie-dense and among the rich sources of iron. However, just consuming iron-rich foods alone is not sufficient. It is also important to increase one’s vitamin C intake, as that helps in iron absorption.  Low-fat foods like skimmed milk It is important to maintain a healthy weight for those with hemophilia, which means that they need to eat easily digestible and low-fat food items. Hemophilia patients can opt for skimmed milk over regular milk to ensure that they get the right amount of calcium without the unnecessary fats.
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Hemophilia – Symptoms to look out for
health

Hemophilia – Symptoms to look out for

Hemophilia is a disorder where one may bleed longer than usual after getting injured. The rare condition occurs because the blood does not clot the way it should due to a lack of sufficient blood-clotting proteins. Though minor cuts are not a major concern, severe injuries may cause bleeding inside the body and turn life-threatening. Despite the available treatments, it’s best to look for signs or symptoms of hemophilia at the earliest. Signs of external bleeding Hemophilia can occur on the surface of the body where the affected individual tends to lose more blood than usual and from unexpected places. A few signs of this bleeding include: People with hemophilia may bleed in the mouth from a cut or bite or if they lose or accidentally cut a tooth. Excessive bleeding from a tiny cut. Bleeding from a cut that has stopped bleeding for a short time. Signs of internal bleeding Internal bleeding is a dangerous symptom of hemophilia and must not be taken lightly. A few symptoms of internal bleeding include: Blood in the stools due to bleeding in the stomach or the intestines. Blood in the urine as a result of bleeding in the kidneys or bladder.  Large bruises from excessive bleeding into the large muscles of the body.  Internal bleeding in the joints People who have hemophilia may be subject to bleeding in the joints like the elbows, knees, and more.
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Top 5 foods for better lung health
Diets & Meal Plans

Top 5 foods for better lung health

A mycobacterium avium complex infection, commonly known as MAC disease, is a type of rare lung disease that affects 1 person per 100,000 each year. The symptoms of MAC disease normally include fever sweating, fatigue, weight loss, diarrhea, shortness of breath, anemia, and abdominal pain. While there are ways to manage MAC disease symptoms, it is important to have these five foods for better lung health and better disease management. Salmon Salmon, mackerel, anchovy, herring, and other fatty fish are rich in omega-3 acids. This nutrient has been long associated with better lung health, among other benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids help fight inflammation due to infections and reduce the risk of such conditions worsening over time. Apricots This food can be particularly helpful in managing lung infection and addressing the symptoms of MAC disease. The abundance of vitamin A in apricots is known to lower the risk of lung infection by repairing the respiratory tract lining. Beef liver, cod liver oil, carrots, black-eyed peas, broccoli, spinach, carrot, and sweet red peppers are other vitamin-A-rich foods one can have for better lung health. Olive oil Olive oil contains vitamin E in the form of the nutrient alpha-tocopherol that is associated with enhancing lung functionality.
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5 foods that boost heart health
health

5 foods that boost heart health

Studies indicate that heartburn may indirectly trigger heart palpitations, one of the common symptoms that may be a precursor to heart attacks. And there are many triggers of heartburn, ranging from unhealthy eating to lifestyle choices that could lead to potential problems down the line. However, simple substitutes and changes in daily foods can help both promote heart health and provide frequent heartburn remedies at the same time. Here is a brief overview. Green veggies Spinach, kale, collard greens, and other nutrient-rich green vegetables promote excellent heart health. These greens contain vitamin K, which helps protect arteries and are rich in dietary nitrates that lower the risk of blood pressure to improve overall cardiovascular function. Whole grains Brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, barley, and oats are popular whole grains that help promote heart health. Whole grains help improve digestion, lower cholesterol, and improve systolic blood pressure levels, lowering the risk of coronary artery disease. Oatmeal also helps reduce the recurrence of heartburn as soluble fibers absorb a lot of the acidic content in the stomach. Banana Banana is rich in potassium and low in sodium, helping the body maintain healthy heart function and optimum blood pressure levels. Also, the alkaline content and soluble fibers, including pectin, promote better digestion.
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Normal and not-so-normal causes of excessive sweating
health

Normal and not-so-normal causes of excessive sweating

Sweating is a completely normal phenomenon. You may sweat excessively when you are exercising, when it’s too hot outside, or when you are frightened or nervous. It’s the body’s reaction to cooling itself down. But some people drip with sweat even when they are not exercising or feeling hot. In such cases, sweating may be caused because of an underlying condition. Take a look at normal and underlying health reasons the body sweats excessively. Normal reasons the body sweats Perimenopause Perimenopause is the period when a woman stops having a menstrual cycle and is about to enter menopause. During this time, the body sweats excessively because of irregular hormone levels. There is also a shift in estrogen levels, causing the body temperature to rise, resulting in hot flashes. The exact reason for this is not known. Foods Consumption of certain types of food can trigger excessive sweating. Such instances of sweating are known as gustatory sweating. Spicy foods, caffeinated drinks such as soda, tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages can cause excessive sweating. Emotions Certain emotions like anger, fear, embarrassment, and anxiety can make people sweat excessively, which is normal. Sweating stops once you get your emotions under control. Complicated conditions causing excessive sweating Primary focal hyperhidrosis Primary focal hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating in people even when they are not doing any physical activity.
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5 foods that can help lower the risk of cancer
health

5 foods that can help lower the risk of cancer

The advancement in health technology has made it possible to manage cancer effectively and even cure it in some instances. But, proper nutrition is vital for patients. Certain food options not only supplement the treatment process but also help lower the risk of developing the disease by rejuvenating healthy cells. This article lists five such cancer-fighting foods. It is advisable to consult a doctor before adding any of these to the daily meals. Bananas Bananas are a rich source of potassium. They also help replenish electrolytes lost due to diarrhea and vomiting (side effects of cancer treatment). In addition, bananas are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that can reduce the risk of degenerative illnesses like cancer. Pomegranates Pomegranates contain high amounts of vitamin C, fiber, vitamin K, and folate. They also contain antioxidants like flavonoids and anthocyanins that can reduce oxidative stress and improve immune function, which are essential for reducing cancer risk. Garlic Besides making food flavorful, garlic is known for its anti-cancer properties. It is loaded with nutrients like vitamin B6, vitamin C, and selenium that help fight cancer cells. Further, S-allyl cysteine (SAC), an organosulfur in garlic, can induce apoptosis (cell suicide) in cancerous cells, preventing them from spreading.
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4 types of foods for flawless skin
health

4 types of foods for flawless skin

Nutrition plays a crucial role in keeping our internal organs and skin healthy. Here are some foods known not just for their delicious taste but also for their nutritional value that helps your skin stay hydrated and glowing. Make sure to eat a good nutritious meal and consult a dermatologist if you are experiencing any skin issues. Let’s read about the benefits of some of these superfoods for the skin! Dark chocolate If you’re a fan of chocolate, this might be good news for you! According to a study, consistent consumption of cocoa powder high in antioxidants leads to thicker and hydrated skin. This study was conducted over 6-12 weeks and showed promising results. Some research also suggests that dark chocolate could potentially decrease the appearance of wrinkles in people. Fatty fish  Fish like herring, salmon, and mackerel are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids and are known for their incredible skin benefits. These fatty acids are responsible for keeping the skin hydrated and supple. Along with that, they also help in reducing any inflammation or irritation that may cause breakouts. Red grapes Red grapes are rich in a compound called resveratrol, known for its anti-aging benefits and its ability to reduce the production of harmful free radicals.
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Simple tips to help manage ADHD
health

Simple tips to help manage ADHD

A while back, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was dubbed hyperkinetic disorder since it was believed to be related only to hyperactivity and weak impulse control. But, today, it is known that symptoms can range from inability to concentrate, impulsiveness, low frustration tolerance, and disorganization, among others. To manage ADHD, it is imperative to build healthy habits to strengthen focus and accomplish goals. Here are some easy tips that can help deal with the condition. Tips to efficiently manage ADHD Educate yourself It is imperative to first understand the condition and its impact on a person’s life. It’s best to research authentic sources and talk to healthcare professionals. Learning how the brain operates, what symptoms one could have, and accepting them is the first step to managing ADHD. Eat and sleep right Peaceful, recuperative sleep is a great way to regulate moods and maintain focus throughout the day. Research has repeatedly shown that creating a bedtime routine helps greatly. Turn off all electronics for at least an hour before lying down. This makes it easier to fall asleep. Aside from this, eating foods rich in protein increases dopamine. Certain whole grains, fruits, and vegetables will positively impact the brain’s ability to concentrate, plan and organize.
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Fruits that are safe for diabetics
health

Fruits that are safe for diabetics

Many think fruit is forbidden for people with diabetes, as it contains fructose, which eventually turns into glucose. However, that’s only partially true because fruits also contain fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants essential to combat diabetes. Fruits are to be eaten whole instead of juiced, as juices are devoid of healthy fiber and carbs. That said, let’s quickly take a look at the fruits that those with diabetes can consume guilt-free. Tips regarding consuming fruits for diabetics One essential thing to remember for people with diabetes is to ditch canned fruits and dried fruits, as they are loaded with added sugar. Instead, opt for organic, fresh-from-farm fruits and consume them in the rawest form possible. While juicing the fruits is not a great idea, they can be had in the form of smoothies, as they retain the fiber. Berries Strawberries, mulberries, blackberries, blueberries, and all other kinds of berries are good fruit choices for people with diabetes. Packed with fiber and antioxidants, these taste good and keep one feeling full for a long time. To make dessert or breakfast more interesting, one can add berries to non-fat yogurt. Tart cherries This fruit dominates the food chart for diabetes, as it is one of the potent sources of antioxidants.
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