Effects of sugar on the skin – Top 7 signs of skin aging
health

Effects of sugar on the skin – Top 7 signs of skin aging

Usually, most people prefer sugary foods as they give them the needed energy boost. However, this effect is often short-lived. The regular intake of sweets can affect different parts of the human body, like the kidneys, eyes, teeth, and even the skin. This happens due to an increase in blood sugar levels which causes diabetes. Continue reading the article to learn about the signs of aging caused due to high sugar intake. An increase in acne breakouts Typically, when one consumes refined sugar-rich foods and beverages, it causes an increase in blood sugar levels. In most cases, this can trigger inflammation in the body. Besides this, the spike in glucose levels can stimulate the overproduction of sebum – a natural oil-like substance that keeps the skin healthy. If left unchecked, this excess production can cause acne breakouts on the skin. Additionally, if one eats processed and junk food regularly, it can lead to hormonal imbalance. Subsequently, this imbalance can play a huge role in the breakout of hormonal acne on the patient’s skin. Blisters Although rare, diabetic patients can experience the sudden appearance of blisters on the skin. This can either be in the form of one large-sized blister or a collection of small ones in various body parts such as forearms, hands, legs, and feet.
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7 warning signs of schizophrenia
health

7 warning signs of schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe and debilitative mental illness that adversely affects a person’s thoughts, behavior, and interaction with their surroundings. In its advanced stages, people with this condition lose touch with reality. While the exact causes of this condition are not yet known, healthcare experts believe that a combination of altered brain chemistry, genetics, and one’s immediate environment are responsible for it. Here are some of the common signs of schizophrenia one should not ignore: Withdrawal People with schizophrenia prefer to stay isolated all the time. Typically, when someone enters a room with a person who has schizophrenia, it can provoke a negative reaction, such as anger, irritation, or fear. Essentially, this condition reduces a person’s capacity to relate to others. In one of its initial stages, known as the prodromal phase, people tend to have an abrupt preference to be left alone. This means that schizophrenic individuals will suddenly, in the middle of social interaction, feel the need to isolate themselves from a crowd. Schizophrenia brings about a feeling of vulnerability in people when they are around others. Many patients mention feeling like an outcast in the middle of a sea of people. Hallucinations This symptom is characterized by schizophrenic people hearing sounds, feeling things, or seeing sights that do not exist.
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14 household products that may increase cancer risk
health

14 household products that may increase cancer risk

The International Agency For Research On Cancer (IARC) is responsible for collecting and publishing cancer statistics worldwide, and they have released a list of daily-use carcinogenic substances and activities that lead to an increased risk of cancer. The term carcinogenic describes a substance’s potential to cause cancer. To ensure you’re not using such products and avoid all types of household carcinogenic, here are 14 items and daily activities that may increase the risk of cancer: Arsenic in drinking water Arsenic is a highly toxic chemical that is used in the manufacturing process. Improper treatment of production waste can lead to arsenic dumping in rivers and lakes. This can seep into the groundwater, find its way into our homes, and increase the risk of liver, lung, kidney, and bladder cancer. If you live in an area where this is a concern, consider investing in a reverse osmosis (RO) filter to remove arsenic from drinking water. Chimney sweeping Chimney sweeping is the old practice of cleaning the dust and soot out of the chimneys. This process is now mechanized and does not require human intervention. However, inhalation or accidental ingestion of coal or wood fumes and residue raised the risk of a special form of cancer, now known as ‘chimney sweep cancer’.
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9 unhealthy foods that can trigger cancer-causing symptoms
health

9 unhealthy foods that can trigger cancer-causing symptoms

The foods one eats may have a direct effect on their overall health. Therefore, when one consumes unhealthy foods, they risk developing or worsening health conditions. One of the most common complications that might worsen due to these foods intake includes cancer. The eatables usually contain carcinogenic compounds that lead to health complications. So here are nine foods that one should exclude from their meals if they are at risk of developing cancer. French fries Who doesn’t love indulging in a pack of french fries at home or a fast food joint? Well, this food is one of the worst options for human health, more so for people with cancer. Starchy food produces a substance known as acrylamide when it is heated at higher temperatures. The property has shown signs of worsening the risk of cancer in patients. The chemical may damage the DNA in healthy cells, leading to their death, which can aggravate the symptoms of cancer. One should note that french fries may increase inflammation and oxidative stress, two common cancer triggers. Individuals should also avoid fried foods such as chicken strips, cheese sticks, and fried fish, as these may also worsen cancer symptoms. Beef and pork Red meats like beef and pork are some of the unhealthiest food sources for people at risk of cancer.
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14 signs of high cholesterol that should not be ignored
health

14 signs of high cholesterol that should not be ignored

With processed and packaged foods and sedentary lifestyles becoming the norm in today’s fast-paced world, there has been an unprecedented increase in cholesterol levels. About 86 million adults nationwide have total cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL. High cholesterol can increase one’s risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. Detecting this condition early on can help curb its symptoms. Here are some signs of high cholesterol and tips to control the levels. 14 signs of high cholesterol High blood pressure Cholesterol plaque and calcium can cause the hardening of one’s arteries, increasing the pressure exerted on the heart to pump blood. Consequently, the blood pressure levels of individuals with high cholesterol are elevated. Type-2 diabetes According to the American Heart Association, diabetes can increase one’s risk of developing a health condition called dyslipidemia, characterized by abnormal levels of lipids, including high LDL or bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels and low levels of HDL or good cholesterol. Thus, the prevalence of type-2 diabetes increases one’s probability of having high cholesterol. Peripheral arterial disease High cholesterol levels can cause the buildup of cholesterol plaque and calcium in the heart, hardening one’s arteries and increasing one’s risk of peripheral arterial disease.
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8 side effects of inadequate water intake
health

8 side effects of inadequate water intake

Water is one of the vital elements for a person’s survival. Apart from the fact that it makes up about 60% of the body, water is key to the functionality of all systems in an individual. For example, water helps optimize blood circulation, ensuring that all the organs and parts of the body receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen to run efficiently. Here are some side effects of inadequate water intake: Persistent headaches Not drinking enough water during the day is particularly bad for people with migraines and other headache-driven health conditions. Not consuming water for long periods either causes headaches or makes them worse. The pain can get to throbbing and ear-splitting levels, seriously affecting a person’s ability to perform tasks. This is why healthcare experts advise people suffering from headaches to drink a few glasses of water and rest to relatively and gradually calm down the pain. On average, it takes about two to three hours to reduce a headache after one consumes water. Insufficient water intake is directly related to water not reaching the brain area, causing these throbbing headaches. Therefore, it is always handy to always keep a water-filled bottle by one’s side. Disturbances of fluid balance An inadequate intake of water and fluids tends to thicken the blood over a period of time.
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8 foods to avoid when managing atrial fibrillation
health

8 foods to avoid when managing atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a condition characterized by irregular heart rhythm. It can lead to blood clotting if left untreated. Several factors contribute to the development of the condition, including what one eats. Certain foods worsen the symptoms and frequency of AFib episodes, while others can support heart health and help alleviate the condition. So, here is a look at a few foods that can worsen AFIb and should be avoided: What is atrial fibrillation? Atria refers to the upper chambers of the heart. Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder characterized by irregular and rapid electrical signals in the organ. When the signals become irregular, it leads to poor circulation of blood and heart palpitations, with the atria quivering instead of contracting as they normally would. Common symptoms one may experience with AFib are chest pain, trouble breathing, lightheadedness, fatigue, and dizziness. In the worst cases, it may lead to heart stroke and heart failure. Foods to avoid Coffee and energy drinks Coffee contains high levels of caffeine—a stimulant that is known to increase heart rate and worsen AFib episodes. Other beverages like energy drinks, black tea, and some soft drinks also are rich in caffeine and are best avoided or limited to avoid worsening the symptoms.
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