Have these 14 foods to manage macular degeneration

Have these 14 foods to manage macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that causes changes in the macula, leading to vision loss. Though there is no cure for this condition, following an eye-healthy meal plan is important in managing complications like vision loss. A nutritional regime for age-related macular degeneration should include healthy amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Some foods that contain eye-healthy vitamins that help manage symptoms of macular degeneration are listed below. Macular degeneration Age-related macular degeneration is a primary cause of vision loss among people aged 55 years and above. The condition refers to the deterioration of the central part of the retina called the macula. Symptoms include blurry vision, blind spots, difficulty recognizing faces, visual distortions, and more. Studies indicate that nearly 20 million people in the country live with some form of age-related macular degeneration. This condition occurs in two forms- the dry and the wet form. The dry type occurs when the macula gets thinner with age. This condition gradually progresses over the years. The dry form can advance into the wet type when abnormal blood vessels develop in the back of the eye and harm the macula. The wet type of AMD usually accelerates vision loss. Leafy green veggies Dark-green, leafy vegetables are rich in beta-carotene and carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin.
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Natural remedies and foods to manage wrinkles

Natural remedies and foods to manage wrinkles

Wrinkles, also known as rhytid, are fine lines or creases appearing on a person’s skin as they age. They are a normal part of the aging process and are found mostly on your face, neck, legs, and arms. While some people embrace this sign of aging, some actively look for ways to reduce wrinkles. So, if you are looking for ways to get rid of wrinkles, here are some helpful natural remedies. Causes Before discussing the natural remedies to reduce and prevent wrinkles, people must understand the reasons that increase their chances of getting wrinkles. One of the main reasons is that your skin produces fewer natural oils and collagen as you age. Along with this, the fat in the layers of your skin also dries up. It leads to the appearance of wrinkles . Besides this, other environmental factors may speed up the process of aging. These include long-term exposure to UV radiation, unhealthy lifestyle habits, lack of proper skincare routine, and repetitive facial movements and muscle contractions. Natural remedies to prevent and control wrinkles Today, several treatments are available to control and manage wrinkles . These range from topical creams to more invasive options such as surgery. However, these treatments may involve several side effects, such as allergic reactions, facial pain, swelling, bruising, and redness.
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Everything to know about eczema

Everything to know about eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory skin disease that causes blisters, scaly areas, rashes, and itchy and dry skin. Itchy skin is the most typical symptom of eczema. The seven types of eczema are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis. Anyone, at any age, can get eczema. Symptoms typically start in early childhood and persist through adulthood. A thorough diagnosis and personalized treatment plan are the first steps toward relief. Causes of eczema Immune system Your immune system overreacts to minor allergens or irritants (triggers) in your environment if you have eczema. Your immune system interprets minor irritants as dangerous foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses, when you come into contact with a trigger. Consequently, the triggers cause your body’s defense mechanisms to go into action. Inflammation is the immune system’s method of protection. Your skin’s eczema symptoms are brought on by inflammation. Irritants from surroundings Your surroundings may have many things that can aggravate your chances of developing skin diseases. Examples include breathing in pollutants, using harsh soaps, wearing wool, and using some skin care products. Your skin could feel dry and inflamed in low humidity or dry air. Sweating can be brought on by heat and excessive humidity, which can worsen itching.
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5 natural ways to manage anxiety

5 natural ways to manage anxiety

Anxiety is an uncomfortable feeling people experience when they are nervous about meeting someone or doing something, and at times, without apparent reason. However, anxiety disorder is a condition that affects one physically and mentally. The disorder’s visible symptoms are increased heart rate, sweating, shortness of breath, trembling, and muscle tension. Excessive worrying, isolation, below-par performance, and inability to relax are other consequences. However, the condition can be managed through natural remedies and lifestyle changes. Dealing with anxiety One can follow many simple strategies to reduce anxiety and its impact. First, one must understand the triggers and the symptoms or changes when dealing with the disorder. One should also learn to identify unwanted thoughts of failure and danger. One should communicate openly with their doctor or a mental health professional, who may recommend prescription options and behavioral and cognitive therapies to deal with the disorder. They continue the treatment until they see improvement in physical symptoms and one’s ability to overcome intrusive thoughts and associated behavior. Doctors may also recommend a few natural methods to help manage anxiety and its consequences, minimizing the need for prescription options. Prescriptions have long-term side effects like dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, headaches, nausea, erectile dysfunction, and other problems.
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Top 10 practical tips for anxiety management

Top 10 practical tips for anxiety management

When we sense an impending danger, our body creates a survival mechanism by sending adrenaline to our blood, enabling us to stay and fight or leave the scene. Sometimes, this happens when one perceives some danger to themselves, even though there is none. If such alerts happen frequently, our body becomes hyperalert and sends signals in the form of physical changes. These changes are called anxiety disorders and are a type of mental illness. What is anxiety? An anxious person typically tends to exaggerate or, in some cases, imagine a threat. They could have thoughts like: I am in a dangerous situation right now I cannot cope with it The worst is going to happen to me Along with such thoughts, they may also see some physical changes, including: Tension Perspiration Sudden intense blushing Increase in heart rate Tremble or shakiness in legs Wringing of hands Lump in the throat Dizziness Nausea Irritable bowel syndrome or a sudden urge to pass stools Once the physical symptoms begin, they may feel they cannot survive and want to escape. If they feel anxiety, they are likely to isolate themselves from others by avoiding people and specific places, or they may go there only with a companion.
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9 tips to better manage ulcerative colitis

9 tips to better manage ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by the development of sores or ulcers on the colon’s innermost lining. Its symptoms include bloody stools, diarrhea, rectal pain, cramping, fatigue, urgent bowel movements, and abdominal pain. These discomforts can unexpectedly come and go. In other words, they can reoccur after a period of remission. While you might feel helpless because of these fluctuations, you can control your symptoms with lifestyle and nutritional changes. Avoid dairy products More research and evidence are required to prove that specific meals can cause ulcerative colitis. However, experts recommend staying away from certain foods and beverages that may aggravate the symptoms. One of the most common things to avoid is dairy products. This would mean limiting or avoiding yogurt, milk, ice cream, cheese, and other products made of milk. Steering clear of dairy products can prevent abdominal pain and gas, which often result from this disorder. Do away with fiber Doctors usually advise people to add high-fiber foods to their meals, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, because of their nutritional value. But if you have ulcerative colitis, fiber can worsen the symptoms, especially if consumed in excess. So, stay away from seeds, corn, nuts, and popcorn, and see if you notice any difference.
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Foods to eat and avoid for improved kidney health

Foods to eat and avoid for improved kidney health

Kidney disease is a very common problem that affects most people. Though small in size, the kidneys perform vital functions and play a significant role in the overall health of the body. They filter waste products from the blood and flush them out of the body in the form of urine. To keep the kidneys in good health and to keep kidney disease away, consider adding these foods to one’s daily meal plans. Green leafy vegetables : Kale and spinach are full of essential minerals and vitamins that help support kidney function and overall health. These vegetables contain vitamins C, A, and K. They are also rich in carotenoids and flavonoids. They have anticancer effects and give an extra boost to immunity. Apples : They help reduce bad cholesterol, protect from heart disease, prevent constipation, and alleviate the risk of cancer. Apples are a rich source of fiber and anti-inflammatory compounds. Since apples are versatile, they can be consumed raw, in baked form, and as juice or vinegar.  Garlic : A good source of vitamin C, manganese, and vitamin B6. Garlic also has anti-inflammatory properties and adds flavor to dishes.  Berries : Blueberries and strawberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.
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10 simple tips for preventing AMD

10 simple tips for preventing AMD

As people age, several conditions can develop, affecting their general well-being. Of these, age-related macular degeneration is common in people over 50. The condition leads to vision problems due to severe degradation of the focal area of the retina, known as the macula. The macula is responsible for focused vision. Macular degeneration affects central vision and the ability to recognize faces, use a computer, or watch television. Here is how one can prevent the condition:  Wear sunglasses Regularly putting on sunglasses while stepping out can help one protect their eyes. Excessive sun exposure for prolonged periods increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration (or AMD). Additionally, looking directly at bright sunlight, even for a short period, can cause permanent damage to the retina. Sunglasses that bear a UV400 protection label are excellent options. Further, one should always wear sunglasses when stepping out to prevent making their eyes vulnerable to vision-related issues. If one spends a lot of time in the sun, they should also wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect the eyes from UV rays. Additionally, as age-related macular degeneration can develop in people who have had excessive exposure to sunlight, one should avoid looking directly at the sun during peak daylight.
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Breast cancer – Causes, types, and management

Breast cancer – Causes, types, and management

Cancer that originates in the breast tissue is called breast cancer. It is the second most common cancer among women in the country. The condition is seen in women more than men. Fortunately, advancements in screening and breast cancer treatment have enabled dramatic improvements in survival rates over the years. The symptoms include changes in the texture and shape of the nipples, discharge from the nipples, and a lump in the breast.  Read on to learn the causes, types, and management options of breast cancer.  Causes of breast cancer Breast cancer occurs when abnormal breast cells divide and multiply more rapidly than healthy cells. These abnormal cells accumulate to form a lump or mass. Doctors have not been able to know the exact cause of breast cancer. However, multiple factors can trigger the chances of developing the disease, and they include: Family history and genetics The risk increases if you have parents or close relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Having gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are passed down from parents to children, also increases the risk. Age The risk of breast cancer increases with advancing age.  Gender The risk of developing breast cancer is higher in women than in men.   Personal history of breast conditions The risk increases when an earlier biopsy has indicated atypical hyperplasia of the breast or lobular carcinoma in situ or if cancer has been detected in one breast.
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Things to know about chronic kidney disease

Things to know about chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease   occurs when there is a gradual failure of kidney function due to illnesses, genetics, etc. The kidneys’ main role is to filter waste matter and flush out excess bodily fluids, but advanced kidney failure causes fluids, electrolytes, and waste to build up in the body. Various factors must be understood to manage the condition, including the causes, symptoms, prevention tips, and more. Read on to learn more about chronic kidney disease. Causes of chronic kidney disease The main causes of chronic kidney disease are as follows: Diabetes When the body’s sugar levels are too high and become unmanageable, bodily organs stop functioning as normal. The first to be affected are the kidneys, leading to diabetes, which, in turn, affects the nerves, eyes, and heart.   High blood pressure This is when blood pressure against the walls of the blood vessels increases, and can lead to chronic kidney disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Hence, chronic kidney disease can also be caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure.   Genetics Chronic kidney disease can also be passed down through the genes. Therefore if someone in your close family has the condition, it is likely to be passed down to you.   Autoimmune disease Lupus nephritis is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling of the small blood vessels, which are responsible for flushing waste out of the kidneys.  Birth disorder Sometimes, certain malfunctions of the kidneys develop in the mother’s womb and can cause infections and kidney damage later on in the person’s life.   Other causes Kidney stones or tumors can cause kidney damage or failure if not treated in time.  Glomerulonephritis It is a group of diseases that can cause inflammation in the filtering segments of the kidneys.
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