High blood sugar levels in the body are the common cause of Type 2 diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). According to the National Kidney Foundation, type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of CKD. Thus the best way to prevent CKD related to type 2 diabetes is by controlling high blood sugar levels. Here are some warning signs and foods that may indicate and contribute to a spike in blood sugar levels. What is blood sugar level? Glucose is an essential energy source for the body and is obtained from different foods. The blood sugar level, also known as blood glucose level, measures how much glucose (sugar) is present in the bloodstream. Upholding healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health and well-being. Various conditions, including diabetes and other illnesses, can cause high or low blood glucose levels. When it comes to blood sugar levels, it is essential to understand how to monitor and manage them to maintain optimal health. Warning signs that increase blood sugar levels Here are some crucial warning signs of diabetes that you should be aware of. If you experience any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s important to see a doctor and get tested for diabetes.

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a health condition in which the kidneys cannot effectively filter waste from the blood, leading to an accumulation of toxins. If left untreated, it can cause serious health complications. While chronic kidney disease can be an onerous burden, it does not have to prevent the patient from living a fulfilling life. Many treatments help manage the symptoms and discomforts, and doctors also recommend a few nutrition and lifestyle changes. Foods for managing chronic kidney disease Healthy nutrition is an essential part of managing chronic kidney disease. Certain foods have nutrients that help improve overall kidney health and manage diseases that affect the organ. Below are a few such foods to consider adding to meals: Low-sodium foods Reducing salt and sodium intake is essential when dealing with chronic kidney disease. Cutting back on salt helps maintain healthy blood pressure, reducing the risk of complications that can arise with this condition. Eating fresh foods like greens, broccoli, and cauliflower is a great way to reduce sodium intake. Besides being low in salt, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats are excellent sources of nutrients and protein. Another way to reduce sodium intake is to avoid canned foods, as they use salt as a preservative.

Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow and is associated with severe health complications. Many symptoms of multiple myeloma can go unnoticed until the disease has progressed to other parts of the body. So, recognizing uncommon signs of the condition can help one get an early diagnosis. Further, treatment options and lifestyle changes, including choosing the right foods, can help manage the condition.  Best foods Certain foods can help one manage multiple myeloma symptoms and maintain strength when undergoing treatment. Fruits and herbs: Ursolic acid is a naturally occurring compound in foods like apples, basil, rosemary, and cranberries. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, which can help reduce the symptoms of this condition. Apples are especially rich in ursolic acid, making them a great choice for those with multiple myeloma. Further, pterostilbene, a compound found in blueberries, has been linked to potential anti-cancer benefits. Its antioxidant properties may help reduce inflammation and fight free radicals. Cruciferous vegetables: Isothiocyanates are natural compounds found in cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. The compounds are derived from sulfur-containing chemicals that may inhibit cancer cell growth. Studies suggest that isothiocyanates can reduce the risk of multiple myeloma and other types of cancer.

Multiple sclerosis is an immune-mediated condition. This means that the system that is supposed to keep the body healthy accidentally destroys healthy body parts. Damage to the nerve cells’ protective coatings results in a decline in brain and spinal cord function. MS is a condition that can cause unanticipated symptoms of varying severity. While some MS sufferers report feeling worn out and numb, more severe cases can result in paralysis, visual loss, and impaired brain function. What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune infirmity of the central nervous system. Relapsing multiple sclerosis is the most-common type of MS. It is characterized by episodes of worsening neurological symptoms, or “flares,” followed by periods of partial or complete recovery. The symptoms of MS can vary significantly from person to person and range from mild to severe.  The diagnosis of MS is made through a physical exam, imaging tests, and a review of one’s medical history. Treatment of MS usually includes supplements to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression. Other therapies, such as physical and occupational therapy, are also commonly used to manage symptoms and improve the overall quality of life. Causes of multiple sclerosis Understanding the causes of this condition can help patients, and their healthcare providers develop appropriate treatment plans.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe lung condition in which the lung tissue becomes scarred and stiff over time. The disorder makes breathing difficult, eventually leading to respiratory failure if ignored. The possible causes of pulmonary fibrosis include exposure to certain chemicals or toxins, infection, and autoimmune diseases. While there are several treatments to manage the symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life, following a healthy, balanced food regime is also essential. Foods for managing pulmonary fibrosis Patients should consult a doctor or nutritionist when creating a tailored nutrition plan, as the best foods for pulmonary fibrosis can vary depending on the kind of symptoms and their severity. Here is an overview of the foods health experts usually recommend for this condition: Beans and pulses Beans and pulses like chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans, black beans, and white beans are rich in plant-based protein. Protein plays a vital role in managing pulmonary fibrosis. It helps strengthen the lung muscles and keeps the symptoms at bay. While chicken and meat are also excellent sources of proteins, beans and pulses are good alternatives for those who do not prefer animal products. Of course, protein should be balanced with fat and carbohydrates, as excess can lead to other problems.

Hair loss is a universal problem that affects many people. While some amount of hair loss is normal and is brought on by age, lifestyle, or genetics, severe hair loss may indicate an underlying health condition. Further, treating the condition can, at times, help reduce hair loss or stop it from worsening. Here are a few conditions that can trigger the loss of hair and the management options to deal with it: Understanding hair loss While there is no permanent cure for hair loss, certain treatment options and therapeutic measures can help manage the condition. Many may experience mild to moderate hair loss at some point, but severe hair loss is a much more serious condition requiring treatment. The prognosis for someone who experiences severe hair loss depends on the degree of damage. If one loses a significant amount of hair, it may be difficult to reverse the damage. However, scalp treatments, supplements, surgery, or hair transplant can help restore hair growth. If the cause is unknown or if hair remains unaffected by treatment, doctors may be unable to predict a clear outcome. Here, seeking psychological support may be necessary to help manage the emotional impact of hair loss. In any case, it is essential to consult a doctor to understand the cause of hair loss and explore the best treatment options.

A migraine attack can result from various factors, including stress, weather changes, hormonal changes, and even certain foods and smells. The trigger can vary from person to person, and there isn’t any universal cause. The best way to determine one’s trigger is to work with an experienced doctor who treats chronic migraines. This post discusses the common foods and smells that can cause migraines and home remedies to combat the same. Foods that may trigger migraines Studies suggest that foods may cause migraines only when combined with other triggers. Nevertheless, patients should be cautious about including the following in their meals: Highly caffeinated beverages According to experts, high caffeine intake can trigger migraine attacks, so patients should avoid or limit beverages like energy drinks, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. However, since sudden caffeine withdrawal can also cause headaches, one should reduce their intake gradually. Chocolate Chocolate is considered the second most prevalent migraine trigger, affecting around 22 percent of patients. Beta-phenylethylamine and caffeine are two ingredients in chocolate that might cause the problem. Foods with MSG MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a sodium salt of glutamic acid naturally present in the body. It’s also commonly used as a food additive in instant noodles, soups, fast food, and processed meat.

Potassium is a vital mineral that the body needs for various processes. However, it cannot produce potassium directly; instead, it absorbs it from our food. While the average American adult needs approximately 4700 mg of potassium daily, poor food regimes mean most people are deficient in the mineral. It is crucial for heart and bone health, and even helps with high blood pressure. Below are some potassium-rich foods you can include in your meals. Bananas It is one of the first foods that come to mind when we think of high-potassium   foods. Contrary to popular belief, bananas are not as rich in potassium as the other items on this list. A mid-sized banana contains only 422 mg of potassium. Regardless, they still bring excellent health benefits. You can have a banana as a snack or include it in your breakfast to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and improve your heart health. Banana offers a good dose of potassium with minimal sodium.  Avocadoes Avocadoes are rich in folate, vitamin K, and healthy fats. Half an avocado sans its skin and seeds has at least 345 mg of potassium, equal to seven percent of your daily requirement. Hence, if you consume one avocado every day, your body gets almost 15 percent of the daily requirement.