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11 Superfoods to Reduce Cholesterol Levels

11 Superfoods to Reduce Cholesterol Levels
The human body requires cholesterol to process hormones, Vitamin D, and digestion. But letting it accumulate in the body can lead to clogged arteries and health issues like heart attack. High blood pressure, diabetes, chest pain, or experiencing pain while walking are signs that show one’s cholesterol levels are too high. One way to maintain healthy cholesterol levels is to eat nutrient-rich food. Here are some superfoods for maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. Types of cholesterol There are mainly two types of cholesterol; LDL and HDL. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is considered “bad” cholesterol since it clogs the blood vessels with plaque. The HDL (high-density lipoprotein), on the other hand, or the “good” cholesterol, helps carry and eliminate the LDL and regulate bodily functions. One way to ensure the bloodstream has lower levels of harmful LDL is to eat the right foods. Besides food, age can be another factor that can increase one’s cholesterol levels. With age, metabolism slows down, which can impact one’s processing of nutrients. Similarly, a family history of high blood cholesterol can also make one vulnerable to developing the condition. Superfoods to eat to lower cholesterol Oats Being one of the powerhouses of soluble fiber, oats are an excellent breakfast option for those with high cholesterol.

Things to do and avoid for healthy nails

Things to do and avoid for healthy nails
One may have weak nails if they bend, chip, or break easily. This is a common problem, making one use acrylic and gel nails to get the length and shape they design without relying on their own nails. However, this is only a temporary solution for brittle nails. Making a few changes, like eating well-balanced meals, practicing good hygiene, and protecting their nails, can help restore their health and make them stronger. Things to do Staying hydrated Water is crucial for maintaining a healthy mind and body, which includes nail health. If one does not have enough water and fluids during the day for the nails to get moisture, they may experience brittle nails. Maintaining optimum hydration levels will help one retain moisture in the nails and strengthen them. Using mild nail products One should skip nail paints and other products that contain compounds like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP. All of these are harsh on the nails and can end up weakening them. One can try to find brands known for non-toxic, mild nail polishes. Products that do not contain these 3 harsh ingredients often come with “3-free” labels. One might also find some 5-free and 7-free paints that skip harsh chemicals like camphor, xylene, formaldehyde resin, and TPHP.

9 common foods that may worsen eye health

9 common foods that may worsen eye health
The eyes are vital sensory organs that are often considered to be the window to the world. Their health is deeply interconnected with heart and blood vessel health, as they have capillaries that provide oxygen and nutrients to the retina. Over time, with fatty deposits and unhealthy foods, these can become blocked, causing trouble with one’s vision. To maintain eye function and health, one must include healthy foods and avoid those that worsen eye health. Foods to avoid Bread Simple carbohydrates found in foods like bread, white rice, and pasta cause spikes in the glycemic index. Hyperglycemia has been linked to diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. It can also increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of vision loss among older people. Foods rich in simple carbohydrates may also increase the risk of high cholesterol and heart disease. This may further cause disturbances in one’s vision. Instead, it is advisable to opt for whole-grain alternatives. Processed meat Processed meats such as hot dogs, bacon, and deli meat are packed with high amounts of sodium. This can increase the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension) or cholesterol. Over time, it may result in: High blood pressure could cause damage to the retina, affecting one’s vision.

15 foods that may help relieve mucus buildup

15 foods that may help relieve mucus buildup
Mucus production is a healthy part of one’s respiratory system. This mucus lining in the mouth, nose, sinus, throat, and lungs is responsible for trapping dust, allergens, and viruses. However, during an infection or an allergy, phlegm or mucus can cause irritation and discomfort. People often use home remedies such as humidifiers, steam, and gargling to relieve mucus. To aid this process and alleviate symptoms, the following foods may also help: Ginger Ginger plays an important role in the cuisine of several cultures across the world. Due to its antihistamine content, ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, often acting as a natural decongestant. It can help relieve mucus and reduce infections of the upper respiratory tract. For best results, try fresh ginger root. Boil it in some water to make ginger tea, or slice or grate it into smoothies or juices for an additional flavor and immunity boost. Cayenne pepper Cayenne pepper (and other spicy peppers) are a rich source of capsaicin. This can help reduce cough and mucus buildup in the body. To consume it, simply add one pinch of cayenne pepper to soup or broth. However, those experiencing acid reflux or other digestive ailments must avoid spicy foods as they may worsen inflammation.

9 subtle signs that a partner might be cheating

9 subtle signs that a partner might be cheating
Infidelity, or even a suspicion that a partner is being unfaithful, can lead to confusion and distance in a relationship. Obvious changes in behavior can often accompany cheating. However, sometimes, infidelity may be accompanied by subtle signs. Recognizing these signs can help one initiate communication with their partner in order to address the issues in the relationship. So, here are a few surprising signs that may indicate a partner is cheating: 1. Sudden changes in routine While days can get busier at times, this may be a cause for concern if there is no valid explanation for such deviation. Unless the partner has clearly communicated the reasons (like work commitments) for the shift well in advance, a sudden change in daily routine may be a sign that they are secretly spending time with someone else. Here, they may suddenly start working late frequently or head out more often without a seemingly valid reason. 2. Becoming overprotective of the phone When engaged in an affair, phones can hold proof of infidelity. So, a sign to avoid ignoring is heightened secrecy around phone use. Here, a partner may also change the way they use the phone, leading to the following signs that may become more evident over time:

6 most common passport application mistakes

6 most common passport application mistakes
Applying for a passport has become very easy today. The process would take days or even weeks some decades ago, but now, thanks to digitization, one can get through with just a few clicks. That said, many people make errors during the application process, which leads to unnecessary delays and extra hassle. Below are a few critical mistakes one should avoid when applying for a passport or renewing the document. Not paying attention to the current passport’s expiry date Arguably, the most common mistake people make is being unaware of the number of years or months left on their current passports. Many check the document’s expiry date only after booking an international holiday and heading to their destination. Doing so can cause significant issues as many countries require inbound travelers to have at least three months or so left on their passports from their date of arrival. Therefore, passport holders must check their passport before planning their holidays. Experts recommend renewing one’s passport at least a year before it expires. This practice ensures individuals do not face hassle when boarding their flight or arriving at their destination. Making typos and misspellings in the application form People often fill out the application form hastily when applying for a passport, which leads to multiple typos and misspellings.

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3 ways to deal with an overactive bladder

People with an overactive bladder (or OAB) experience a sudden and frequent urge to urinate. About 40% of women and 30% of men in the country deal with this condition, which can be caused by weak pelvic muscles, nerve damage, and excessive caffeine consumption. Those affected may have to urinate more often than usual and can even experience leakage. Here are a few treatment options, foods to eat and avoid, and ways to manage OAB: Treatment options Persistent symptoms should be discussed with a doctor so that they can determine the right course of treatment for OAB. Here are popular options that can be considered based on the doctor’s recommendation: Gemtesa: It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment for adults affected by OAB. It helps relieve urinary symptoms like urgency, frequency, and even incontinence. Gemtesa is an oral treatment, usually taken with water. Common side effects include diarrhea, headache, or nausea. Myrbetriq: It can help treat bladder issues like neurogenic detrusor overactivity and overactive bladder. This treatment option relaxes the detrusor, a bladder muscle, making it easier for the bladder to accommodate more urine and reduce OAB symptoms. Doctors recommend oral consumption of Myrbetriq once a day. Adults can have it with or without food, while children must take it with food. Toviaz: It prevents frequent bladder contractions and calms the bladder muscles. Additionally, Toviaz reduces symptoms like frequent urination, persistent urge to pee, and incontinence. Doctors may not recommend this option for those who suffer from stomach-related issues and cannot empty the bladder. Allergic reactions are common side effects of this treatment option. Enablex: It helps treat OAB by relaxing the bladder muscles, improving the ability to control urination, and reducing the likelihood of leakage, frequent bathroom trips, and sudden urge to urinate. Enablex can be taken with or without food once a day.

Top tips for managing rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that affects one’s joints. In some cases, it can also damage several other body systems like blood vessels, the heart, lungs, eyes, and skin. It is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your immune system starts mistakenly attacking your body’s tissues. The condition affects the joint’s lining, resulting in painful swelling, which can later cause joint deformity and bone erosion. Here are some treatment measures for rheumatoid arthritis: Treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis Actemra® It is a prescription, FDA-approved biological therapy for relief from rheumatoid arthritis. Actemra ® helps lower the inflammation in the body by directly blocking the action of a protein in your body called interleukin-6 (IL-6). Your doctor may administer it as a subcutaneous or intravenous injection. The former is administered at home or at a medical facility, but the latter is given solely at a medical facility. Plaquenil It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment that helps treat acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis. It helps manage symptoms such as stiffness, inflammation, joint pain, and swelling. It is to be taken exactly as per the recommendation of one’s primary healthcare professional. Rinvoq® Rinvoq ® helps treat moderate to severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis in adults when tumor necrosis factor blockers were used but could not be tolerated or did not work well. This treatment option can affect your immune system adversely, making you susceptible to fatal or severe infections. So, get in touch with your doctor if you experience weight loss, diarrhea, skin sores, cough, tiredness, fever, aches, chills, or a burning sensation while urinating. Trexall It is a treatment measure for severe rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It is an antimetabolite treatment. Trexall not only helps manage swelling in the joints, but it can also help decrease damage to them and any long-term disability due to the condition.

4 practical ways to deal with psoriatic arthritis

Arthritis commonly affects people with psoriasis, a disease that results in red patches on the skin with silvery scales. Typically, people experience psoriasis years before they get diagnosed with this arthritis. It affects thirty percent of people with psoriasis. However, in some people, joint problems start before psoriasis or during the same time. Swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the key signs of psoriatic arthritis. Here are the prevalent treatment options for psoriatic arthritis: Treatment options These prescriptions are known to work well against the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis: Otezla Otezla is an oral treatment plan that can be taken with or without food, or as the healthcare professional recommends. You should not chew, split, or crush the tablet before consumption. The recommended dosage depends on your response to treatment and condition. To keep side effects at bay, the doctor may start with a low Otezla dosage and gradually increase it. Rinvoq Rinvoq should be consumed by mouth with or without food, typically once daily or as the doctor recommends. Do not split, chew, or crush the tablet. It can release the entire dosage in one go and heighten the susceptibility to side effects. To get maximum benefit, you must use Rinvoq regularly. The dosage depends on age and response to the treatment. Adalimumab A biological therapy, Adalimumab helps treat psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis, wherein the body produces excessive TNF. Adalimumab blocks TNF, and lowers inflammation. It is not a painkiller but helps with the condition and starts showing results in two to twelve weeks. Doctors do not prescribe it if you have an infection, your arthritis is not active, or you have not tried other treatment options first. Leflunomide Leflunomide helps treat psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis. It takes about four to six weeks for leflunomide to ease the symptoms.

How to manage osteoporosis and improve bone health

Osteoporosis is a condition that makes the bone brittle and weak. When severe, even slight pressure caused by coughing, bending over, or falling can cause a fracture. Such fractures are predominant in the spine, wrist, or hip. Osteoporosis occurs if the new bone fails to keep up with the loss of the old bone. It affects men and women, but post-menopausal women are more susceptible. Let’s discuss the correct osteoporosis treatment and management plan: Treatment plan Prolia It is a prescription treatment plan for relieving osteoporosis in women post-menopause who cannot use other options or have not responded well to prior treatment and are susceptible to fractures. Doctors will prescribe it for at least six months. Prolia helps treat both men and women. However, professionals do not recommend it for pregnant women, women trying to get pregnant anytime soon, or people with low blood calcium. Further, those allergic to denosumab or any other Prolia ingredient must avoid it. Evenity Evenity helps with osteoporosis in two ways: it slows down bone loss and helps build new bone simultaneously. It is an FDA-approved treatment for osteoporosis that comes as a prefilled, single-use syringe with solution. But Evenity may have severe side effects. It aggravates the risk of developing a stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular problems. So, before receiving Evenity, discuss your history, like a stroke or heart attack, especially if it occurred in the last year. Boniva It helps treat and prevent bone loss and maintain stronger bones. Boniva also lowers the risk of fractures or broken bones. Use this treatment option as directed by the doctor. Usually, orthopedics recommend using it once orally on the same day of every month. Ingest it at least an hour before your first meal of the day. Avoid taking it while you are still in bed or at bedtime.

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3 tips for diabetes management

3 tips for diabetes management

High blood sugar or hyperglycemia is associated with prediabetes and diabetes. The body generates insulin to manage blood sugar levels. But when the liver produces excessive glucose, and the body makes little insulin or fails to use insulin, it leads to high blood sugar levels. The condition can leave one tired and thirsty, cause blurry vision, and result in the frequent urge to pee. Read on to know some treatment plans for diabetes management: Treatment options for diabetes management Invokana® It is an excellent treatment plan that works in tandem with the proper meal plans and exercise to lower high blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. Invokana ® also reduces the risk of death from stroke or heart attack. Plus, it helps decrease the risk of end-stage kidney disease and worsening of kidney function. GlucoTrust GlucoTrust promises to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, reduce one’s craving for sugar and unhealthy foods, and support deep sleep. It also claims to have a formula of all-natural ingredients. However, it is strongly advisable to consult your doctor before opting for supplements like GlucoTrust since it may not bring the desired results in all cases. Kerendia® It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment that aids in lowering the risk of complications in people with Type 2 diabetes.
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4 tips for dealing with asthma

4 tips for dealing with asthma

Asthma is a respiratory condition wherein the airways in the lungs swell up, become narrow, and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe. People affected can experience breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing. The disease could be a minor issue for some, while others may have to deal with serious long-term symptoms. Although there is no permanent cure for asthma, here are treatment options, foods to have and avoid, and alternative therapies to manage the symptoms: Treatment options Doctors can recommend the right course of treatment based on the severity of asthma symptoms. Here are a few popular options: Tezepelumab: It is a popular treatment option, approved by the FDA as a supplementary maintenance remedy for pediatric patients over 12 and adults with asthma. Tezepelumab is an injectable option and the first and only biologic to significantly and consistently reduce severe asthma symptoms in clinical trials. Fasenra: This is a monoclonal antibody that works on the immune system activity in the body. Fasenra helps control the elevated eosinophil count responsible for severe asthma symptoms. This injection is suitable for children over 12 and adults and can be used with other treatment plans to keep flare-ups in check. Nucala: This is a monoclonal antibody that also reduces the eosinophils in the body.
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