7 mistakes to avoid for a healthy liver

7 mistakes to avoid for a healthy liver
The liver is the second largest organ in the body. It is responsible for cleansing the blood, regulating the supply of energy, vitamins, and minerals, manufacturing essential proteins, regulating hormones and cholesterol, and producing bile. Given its vital role in the body, it is important to take good care of the liver. However, people often end up making some errors while doing so. Seven common mistakes to avoid while maintaining liver health include: Making the wrong nutritional choices High levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood (hyperlipidaemia and hypercholesterolaemia, respectively) are the culprits behind the fatty liver disease. This could be a result of over-indulging in certain foods containing unhealthy fats (saturated fats, trans fats, and hydrogenated fats), sugars, processed foods, and refined grains. It is best to avoid these. Instead, opt for well-balanced meals containing complex carbohydrates or whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and “good fats,” such as those found in nuts, seeds, and fish. Some foods that help bolster liver health and function include avocados, garlic, green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, turmeric, beetroot, green tea, olive oil, walnuts, salmon, apples, grapefruit, and lemons. Adding herbs such as chicory roots, peppermint, milk thistle seeds, and dandelion roots to one’s meals could also positively affect the liver.

8 side effects of antidepressants

8 side effects of antidepressants
Antidepressants are often a key part of a treatment plan for managing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. They work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals and helping improve mood. However, like any treatment option, antidepressants also come with a few side effects. To help one make an informed decision when undergoing treatment involving the use of antidepressants, here are some of the common side effects one should know: 1. Serotonin syndrome This side effect is associated with certain types of antidepressants that can affect the serotonin levels in the body and cause imbalances. So, here, one may have excessive levels of serotonin. This is called serotonin syndrome. Although rare, this is a serious side effect that can lead to nausea, diarrhea, agitation, frequent bouts of frustration, high body temperature, shivering, and sweating. One may also experience twitching, headaches, tremors, muscle spasms, hyper-responsive reflexes, confusion, dilated pupils, delirium, rapid heartbeats, hallucinations, unexplained heart issues, and high blood pressure. Among the rarer and more serious symptoms of this condition are coma, convulsions, and recurring arrhythmia. This syndrome tends to have varying effects based on factors such as the person’s age, overall health, level of physical activity, and the presence of underlying health conditions.

Early warning signs of seizures one should know

Early warning signs of seizures one should know
A seizure is a medical condition wherein an individual experiences electrical disturbances in the brain, affecting their behavior and emotions. The condition is triggered by stress, lack of sleep, flashing lights, or underlying neurological conditions like epilepsy. A seizure may seem to strike out of nowhere, but several warning signs indicate it is coming. It’s essential to be aware of these to know the long-term remedies to ensure safety and well-being. Symptoms of a seizure Focal seizures Focal seizures originate from abnormal electrical activity in a particular brain area, with or without a loss of consciousness. When consciousness is affected, it may feel as if the person is in a dream, although they are fully awake but unresponsive to their surroundings. They may exhibit repetitive movements or behaviors. In seizures without impaired awareness, emotions or sensory perceptions are altered, but one’s consciousness remains intact. Here are some emotions and signs that indicate a focal seizure: Suddenly depressed, ecstatic, or furious Indescribable nausea Inability to talk normally Numbness or tingling feeling Jerky movements of arms and legs Tingling feeling Feeling dizzy or seeing lights Generally, seizure symptoms vary according to the type, and they can be mild or severe. Most commonly, some early warning signs of seizure include the following:

Acute seizures and seizure cluster – Definition, differences, and management

Acute seizures and seizure cluster – Definition, differences, and management
Seizures are a type of episodic neurological condition usually triggered when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The condition’s cause, intensity, and form differ from case to case. Acute seizures and seizure clusters affect millions of people, but with advancements in healthcare, there are numerous ways to manage them. However, it is tricky to manage, especially since the condition involves sudden onsets and requires due diligence on the part of the patient. Definition of and difference between acute seizures and seizure cluster Both these conditions stem from abnormal electrical signals between the brain that affect one’s muscular or bodily control, alter consciousness, cause muscular contractions, and disturbances in the senses. It can also lead to hallucinations or other cognitive impairments. Acute seizures are usually intense in nature, and their symptoms affect the person’s quality of life in a major way. Mostly, an individual seizure can be brief and spontaneous, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes. They can either occur as isolated events and may not necessarily have a pattern. Epilepsy, brain injury, infections, metabolic imbalances are all potential causes of acute seizures. People who already suffer from refractory epilepsy tend to typically develop seizure clusters.

7 natural remedies to manage menopause

7 natural remedies to manage menopause
Menopause is a significant transition in an individual’s life, accompanied by a range of physical and emotional changes. It can be a challenging period, with several symptoms starting off at once. People going through this change in life should speak to their doctor about possible management options. This is also an opportunity for women to explore natural approaches to managing symptoms. By incorporating these easy remedies, one can empower themselves to navigate this change. 1. Increase protein intake During menopause, hormonal changes can affect muscle mass and metabolism. This can change the person’s body mass by decreasing muscle tone. Incorporating adequate protein into meals is crucial for supporting muscle health, metabolism, and overall well-being. People going through this transitional phase must incorporate protein-rich foods into their meals. It includes lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, tofu, tempeh, and Greek yogurt. They provide essential amino acids for muscle repair, maintenance, and growth. Ensuring adequate protein intake can support optimal brain health and emotional well-being during this hormonal transition. 2. Eat calcium- and vitamin D-rich foods Bone health becomes increasingly important during menopause. With the individual’s estrogen levels declining, it is important to know the risk of bone loss. It can also accelerate the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

Top 10 ways to manage anxiety

Top 10 ways to manage anxiety
Anxiety has become very common in today’s age. Almost everyone feels anxious from time to time. It is a normal response when faced with testing times or a significant life change. But, if you are often anxious without any reason, it might be a cause for concern. Chronic anxiety can affect relationships, work performance, and a person’s general nature. Some common anxiety disorders include panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder. What are the symptoms of anxiety disorder? The most common signs include irritability, restlessness, uncontrolled worry, unusual fatigue, muscle tension, and frequent sleep issues. Those who experience these symptoms frequently should visit a professional. Health experts recommend a combination of treatments and cognitive therapy sessions depending on the severity. How to manage anxiety? Besides visiting a professional for expert guidance, here are a few things you can do at a personal level to feel relaxed: Try deep breathing When anxious, stop for a moment and engage in deep breathing; sit up straight, take a long breath through your nose, and exhale slowly. This can help relax the muscles of your nose, shoulders, jaw, and abdominal area. It can also slow down the heart rate and lower blood pressure.

Our
Blog.

Managing kidney health – Best and worst foods

Managing kidney health – Best and worst foods

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that are responsible for important bodily functions, like producing hormones, removing waste through urine, filtering blood, balancing minerals, and maintaining fluid balance. But, according to the American Kidney Fund, more than 1 in 7 adults in the country are affected by chronic kidney diseases. So, it is important to maintain kidney health by making better lifestyle choices and opting for foods that support kidney health. Food and kidney health The kidneys have multiple tiny blood vessels that help filter and eliminate excess water and waste from the body. If one is affected by chronic kidney diseases, the kidneys cannot filter blood, leading to the accumulation of waste in the body. Hypertension and diabetes are some of the leading causes of kidney disease. So, a healthy food plan can help prevent and manage these conditions by removing excess sodium, phosphorus, or potassium. Additionally, some foods should be limited or avoided to prevent further kidney damage. Best foods for kidney health Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are similar to white potatoes but have excess fiber, which the body can take longer to break down, resulting in less of a spike in insulin levels in the body. Additionally, sweet potatoes contain various nutrients and minerals that may help balance the sodium and reduce its effect on the kidneys.
Read More
11 useful tips for anxiety management

11 useful tips for anxiety management

Nearly 84% of participants in a particular mental health survey were said to have some form of anxiety. The severity of symptoms did vary from person to person, but the fact remains that we live in a world where almost everything is a potential trigger for anxiety. And living in denial about having a psychological trigger only worsens the problem. Luckily, it is possible to manage anxiety by following the suggestions recommended by experts. Identify the triggers Anxiety is mainly triggered due to an event or episode where one finds themselves in a difficult position. It could be something that puts a person out of their comfort zone. Doctors advise people to identify these triggers and avoid them. Any comment, action, or situation that did not work out in favor triggers anxiety. So, make a list of such events and instances and ignore them the next time something happens related to that event. At the same time, try to remain positive as it can help strengthen the mind to manage anxiety better. Keep busy Distraction is one of the simplest ways to prevent a panic or anxiety attack. You can perform simple chores or indulge in a favorite task to stay physically and mentally occupied for a few hours.
Read More