After the pandemic, diabetes has been reported to be on the rise. This is because low-grade inflammation caused by the virus may worsen pre-existing diabetes due to high insulin resistance. Moreover, studies have shown that the virus can multiply within insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells and weaken the secretion and synthesis of insulin. Therefore, one must avoid excess sugar intake and be aware of the eight noticeable signs of excess sugar intake. Feelings of irritability Studies indicate that eating foods with too much sugar may lead to irritability, stress, and moodiness. Sugar-rich foods contain less protein and fats which may lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. In turn, the body will rush to process the compounds and cause the energy levels to crash. Foods don’t taste sweet anymore Sometimes you may feel that the sugar-laden foods you consume are not as sweet as it once was. It may be an indication that you are consuming too much sugar. You may also find yourself less satisfied when you consume foods with low sugar content. Excess visceral fat Sugar is also known to affect leptin, a hormone that signals the brain when you have enough to eat. And processed snacks are rich in sugar but low in protein, healthy fats, and fibers.

Arthritis is a condition that causes severe pain and stiffness in the joints. Its types are varied but widely divided into two categories – inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common form of inflammatory arthritis. The degree of stiffness or inflammation is affected by many factors, the primary being the food you eat. Its symptoms can be managed by limiting foods that trigger inflammation. Here are seven things rheumatoid arthritis patients should avoid. Foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids The intake of excess foods with omega-6 fatty acids can trigger inflammation in arthritis. These foods are soybeans, corn, safflower, sunflower, canola oils, nuts, and meat. It is best to switch to mono-saturated fats like olive oil and fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, or cod to provide the body with healthy calories. Excessive sugar Patients with arthritis should limit the consumption of excessive sugar items such as candy, ketchup, barbecue sauce, soda, chocolates, and pastries. Sugar flares the release of cytokines, a form of protein in the body that results in inflammation. Avoid forms of sugar like corn syrup, fructose, maltose, and sucrose. One should also limit the intake of certain carbonated or fizzy drinks. They contain high levels of phosphoric acid, which promotes calcium excretion through urine.

Statistics suggest that more than 30% of the country’s population fails to get quality sleep. This could be due to poor lifestyle choices. Improvement in these lifestyle choices may include avoiding stimulants and switching to branded mattresses. However, at times even mattresses from Tempur-Pedic, Saatva, Sleep Number, Serta Mattress, and Essentia Mattress may not be enough to improve sleep quality. To improve your sleeping patterns, here are some mistakes you should be avoiding: Habits to avoid before going to bed for better sleep Using electronic devices Modern lifestyles require the constant use of electronic gadgets. Unfortunately, phones, iPads, laptops, and even televisions emit blue light, which reduces the production of sleep hormone when it falls on the retina. Although you can install a blue light filter on most devices, it still adversely affects melatonin production. Switch out staring at your phone to reading or meditating to improve sleep quality. Indulging in stimulants Consuming caffeinated beverages or other harmful stimulants can disrupt sleep. While sweets may promote sleep, eating chocolate that contains high amount of caffeine may make it difficult to fall asleep. Although dark chocolate has its benefits, sleep experts recommend consuming it and caffeinated beverages at least four to six hours before bedtime.

Urinary tract infection or UTI can cause persistent itching, a frequent and strong urge to urinate, abdominal pain, cloudy urine, burning sensation, fever, and even leakage. These symptoms can interfere with the daily lives of those affected and make them extremely uncomfortable. One can get a UTI multiple times during their lifetime. However, adding certain food items to one’s meals and following an appropriate treatment plan can help fight the symptoms and prevent reinfection. Cranberry This is one of the most popular food items to combat UTIs. Doctors may recommend cranberry supplements to UTI patients as the fruit contains chemical compounds that keep bacteria from developing and accumulating in the lining of the urinary tract. Even after the infection has been treated, the berry can help prevent reinfection. The most effective way to utilize cranberries is to have the whole fruit instead of buying cranberry juice or drinks that contain a lot of sugar. Cinnamon This spice is loaded with antibacterial properties and so can help fight inflammation. Cinnamon is known to keep the bacteria E. coli from developing and sticking to the walls of the bladder and urethra. You can add this spice to many recipes or even use it in tea to make it a part of your daily routine.

The importance of staying hydrated for the smooth functioning of our bodies cannot be overstated. This is why having at least eight glasses of water every day is recommended. However, when and how you have water throughout the day is just as important as ensuring that you meet your hydration goal. Here are the best times to have water can help you get the maximum benefits and avoid feeling tired and drained: Right after waking up A glass of water first thing in the morning has numerous benefits: This not only rehydrates the body, but also prepares the stomach lining for the day, gives the body and brain a kickstart, and keeps the drowsiness at bay. Research also suggests that the first glass of water can boost skin and hair health, along with the health of other vital organs. In fact, you should get reusable water bottles and keep one on your nightstand so that you can get your first 8 ounces as soon as you wake up. 30 minutes before a meal A glass about 30–45 minutes before a meal can help you feel fuller and avoid overeating, thus keeping your calorie intake in check. This can also improve digestion as it prepares the stomach and intestinal lining for the food.

The body’s joints are junctions where the bones meet, which help carry out our day-to-day activities. Additionally, these joints, especially those of the hips, spine, and knee, support the weight of the whole body. As time passes, wear and tear of these joints result in pain. And that’s why taking care of these body regions is critical. Here are some of the ways that can be adopted to care for them.  Ways to care for your joints Many reasons are responsible for joint pain, and these factors impact the body through illnesses such as osteoarthritis, which causes inflammation and pain. If osteoarthritis has affected the back, it may also lead to overwhelming pain and discomfort while sitting, standing, and walking. Joint pain and discomfort can be addressed through proper care, and here are some of these methods:  Stretching One of the most common reasons for joint pain is stiffness in the body. As the stiffness increases, the pain may also increase, causing a lot of discomfort and pain. Activities such as cycling and swimming help in mobilizing different joints of the body and aid in keeping stiffness at bay.  Strengthening the muscles The joints comprise bone and a non-stretching and tough band called ligament and muscles that can be strengthened by regular exercise.

The eyes are a vital sensory organ of the human body that helps us interpret our surroundings and respond to them. Hence, investing time and effort in eye care is necessary. Not doing so can increase the risk of several eye ailments, especially with age. While there are many ways to maintain eye health, nutrition plays an important role. Specific vitamins replenish the body and are required for healthy eyes and good eyesight. Vitamin E Vitamin E helps prevent age-related eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration. Besides using chewables that have this vitamin, one can avoid dark circles by applying vitamin E-oil under the eyes. Some foods rich in this nutrient are peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts, leafy greens, pumpkin, and wheat germ oil. Apart from promoting healthy eye lenses, vitamin E helps deal with various health conditions, thanks to its antioxidant properties. Vitamin A Night blindness is an eye disorder caused by a lack of rhodopsin, a photopigment activated by vitamin A. Therefore, the body requires sufficient vitamin A to prevent the problem. This nutrient also helps maintain the cornea. Carrots are among the richest sources of vitamin A, and they also have high levels of beta carotene, a natural compound that helps fight many ailments.

Psoriasis is a prevalent skin disorder that leads to various symptoms, the most prominent being skin inflammation and itchy, red, and white patches on the skin. Although the condition is mainly seen in adults, it can impact individuals of all ages. In most cases, it affects specific areas, such as the knees, elbows, and lower back. Sometimes, it also affects joints, causing pain and swelling. When that happens, the disorder is called psoriatic arthritis. Causes The exact cause of psoriasis is unclear. Experts believe that it is an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune conditions are when the immune system attacks the healthy cells in various body parts, leading to inflammation and other symptoms. In psoriasis, the immune cells act as though they are fighting an infection or tackling a healing wound. They produce chemicals that lead to inflammation and cause excessive growth of skin cells. Doctors have determined specific factors that increase the risk of developing this condition. These include cardiovascular diseases, trauma to the skin, diabetes, hypertension, infection, and even metabolic syndrome. Doctors have also found that genetics play a vital role in developing psoriasis. Individuals with a family history of psoriasis are more likely to develop this condition than others.