Although sugar is essential, people deem it unhealthy. That is because not all sugars are the same; natural sugars like fructose and lactose found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are healthy. These sugars are found in small amounts and contain healthy doses of fiber and calcium. However, added sugars in most processed foods can often lead to health troubles, as they have no nutritional value. Here are ten signs you’re eating too much sugar: Increased hunger and weight gain Although sugar satisfies the taste buds, it does not fill our stomachs. Processed foods rich in sugar generally lack protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and our body burns through this sugar quickly, making us feel more hungry and snacky. Consumption of extra calories may result in weight gain. High sugar intake also disrupts metabolism and the ability to process lipids and cholesterol, affecting hunger patterns and weight gain. Frequent urination Persistently high blood glucose makes the kidneys work overtime to filter and absorb the additional sugar. When the kidneys cannot keep up, the excess sugar goes into the urine, taking along fluids from the body’s tissues. This can cause dehydration. As a result, one might feel frequent urges to drink more fluids, which results in frequent urination.

Eczema is a condition that leads to red, dry, and scaly patches of skin on the body that itch. It affects roughly 31 million people in the country in different age groups and can be caused due to allergens or genetics. Various treatment options help tackle this skin disorder, and individuals can also try home remedies to manage symptoms and keep their skin healthy. Here are some types of soaps that can trigger eczema flare-ups: Soaps with harsh cleaners One of the things that can trigger and worsen eczema is a harsh chemical or cleaner. Unfortunately, most soaps are often filled to the brim with harsh cleansers, which could be terrible for those suffering from eczema or other skin conditions. The only way to avoid this is to steer clear of such soaps. One method to identify products with harsh chemicals is to keep an eye on the label. Look for words like parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and even triclosan. Avoiding soaps with harsh chemicals will help protect the skin barrier, retain natural proteins, and maintain moisturizing factors to prevent dryness and eczema breakouts. Instead of harsh chemicals, one should use soaps with a pH-balanced formula. Fragranced soaps Fragranced soaps are also best avoided with eczema.

People with diabetes are often advised to avoid sweet foods as they can increase blood sugar levels. But not all sweet foods are bad. While refined sugar is a culprit, patients can add foods with natural sugar to their nutrition plan, like fruits. However, those with high blood sugar need to be cautious and follow specific rules when opting for fruits. Here are some fruit intake tips for diabetes patients: Consider where the fruit came from This does not mean finding out where the fruit was farmed. Tracking where the fruit came from involves understanding how it was processed and stored before it arrived in stores. Was it fresh, frozen, canned, or powdered? Each method of storing and processing fruits can impact diabetes and overall health differently. Studies have shown that fresh fruits have little to no negative impact on blood sugar. The same goes for frozen fruits or those preserved in their own juices. However, canned fruits can be harmful. Fruits in supermarkets packed in jars or cans are preserved commercially with preservatives. And most preservatives use sugar as the main ingredient. It is advisable to stick to fruits without added sugars and preservatives. Check the fruit’s glycemic index Glycemic index, or GI, is a rating given to every food, including fruits, depending on the speed at which it can increase blood sugar levels.

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes painful and swollen joints. It is also categorized by the presence of signs like soreness and stiffness of the joints. Feet, hands, wrists, and knees are some of the most commonly affected areas of the body. Treatment options often aim to reduce the inflammation and pain caused by the condition. It has been found that natural remedies, and healthy eating habits, show greater results. Treatment options: TREMFYA® Tremfya® belongs to the class of compounds known as monoclonal antibodies. Its mode of action is based on blocking a compound called interleukin-23. The body naturally produces interleukin-23 and is blocked by guselkumab present in TREMFYA®. It is essential in the prevention of frequent inflammation and the reduction of swelling. These are two of the most common symptoms seen in arthritis patients. It is administered as an injection, preferably by a trained professional. Some common side effects of TREMFYA® include gastroenteritis, skin infections, headaches, and more. ACTEMRA® Actemra® is a rheumatoid arthritis treatment option that contains tocilizumab as its primary ingredient. It is generally prescribed to patients with moderate to severe arthritic symptoms. Actemra® works by blocking the IL-6 compounds responsible for the body’s inflammatory response to triggers.

Cold and flu (influenza) are contagious conditions brought on by viruses that enter the body through nose, eyes, or the mouth. While cold is a milder respiratory condition, both illnesses are often characterized by similar symptoms like sneezing, coughing, fever, runny nose, congestion, and body ache. However, certain treatment options, right food choices, and remedies can help people get rid of the symptoms. So, here are 3 ways to deal with cold and flu: Treatment options Antiobiotics are usually ineffective in treating cold- and flu-like symptoms. Doctors may recommed the following options: Xofluza: Xofluza is an antiviral treatment option prescribed for patients affected by the flu. However, the tablet is said to be most effective when taken within 48 hours of the appearance of symptoms. Xofluza helps reduce the severity of symptoms like fever, sore throat, chills, and fatigue. It works by interfering with the growth of the virus and might also cut down the recovery time by a day or two. Tamiflu: Tamiflu is a treatment option prescribed for patients affected by the flu virus. It is an antiviral option in the form of 75mg tablets that are usually available in a pack of 10. This can also be recommended to prevent contracting the infection.

Melanoma, which is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer, develops in melanin cells or melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for skin pigmentation. It is caused when UV rays or tanning beds alter the melanocytes’ genetic mutations. Early detection has been found to heal most patients suffering from the disease. This article discusses the treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle changes that can help patients with melanoma alleviate its effects: What are the treatment options? Early treatment is crucial to ensure a complete recovery from melanoma. Surgery is the primary intervention for melanoma, particularly when it is detected in an initial stage and the tumor is less than 1 mm in thickness. However, surgical melanoma removal becomes difficult or impossible if the condition is left undiagnosed. In such cases, one of the most reliable treatment options is Opdivo®, authorized by FDA for patients with advanced melanoma, i.e., stages III and IV. In stage III, surgery must be supplemented by other treatments to eradicate melanoma cells. In stage IV, melanoma begins spreading to other organs and cannot be removed surgically. Typically, hospitalization is not required for Opdivo ® intervention, as outpatient treatment is the preferred treatment plan. Opdivo ® primarily aims to dissolve tumors from all parts of the body, facilitate symptom relief, and help patients recover completely from the condition.

A migraine is a severe form of headache occurring on one side of the head. It is also characterized by nausea, light and sound sensitivity, vomiting and, sometimes, loss of appetite or cravings. The most common migraine types are aura migraine, which affects vision, and common migraine, wherein vision is not compromised. This article discusses the most common migraine triggers, as well as treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle changes to alleviate its effects: Various factors are involved in causing a migraine. It is best to know the causes of one’s migraine so that the treatment options can be recommended accordingly. Here are some common migraine triggers. Stress Stress is a highly common cause of migraine. It can alter brain structures and functions, causing or aggravating migraine. Excess stress can often lead to a vicious cycle, wherein individuals with high stress levels develop migraine, which further elevates stress. Hormonal changes Hormonal changes, particularly in women, are major triggers of migraine. Women may experience severe migraines at the onset of periods or during pregnancy and menopause. Contraceptive pills can exacerbate the condition in some women. Weather fluctuations Changes in weather can trigger hormonal imbalances in the brain, particularly the serotonin levels, causing a migraine.

Inflammatory bowel illnesses like Crohn’s disease make the tissues in the digestive tract swell (inflammation), which can cause abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, exhaustion, and malnutrition. Choosing the right food can be challenging when affected by Crohn’s disease as certain foods, especially those thought to be healthy, such as raw fruits and vegetables, might cause a Crohn’s flare-up or exacerbate symptoms. So here are some foods that should be avoided when dealing with Crohn’s disease: Caffeine Cramping, bloating, and diarrhea can be brought on by caffeinated beverages, so coffee and caffeinated sodas should all be avoided during an attack. Instead, one can opt for other fluids, water, or even broth to get hydrated. People with Crohn’s should also avoid high-sugar sports beverages as diarrhea may worsen with excessive sugar. Herbal or decaffeinated teas are great alternatives for coffee. One should keep an eye on their urine and aim for pale-yellow urine color throughout the day by drinking adequate fluids. Popcorn Popcorn is a beloved food that is strong in fiber and frequently chosen as a light snack with melted butter. Unfortunately, Crohn’s symptoms can be triggered by both fiber and fat. In general, a low-fat, low-residue diet or a diet devoid of high-fiber or fatty foods is beneficial for those with Crohn’s disease.