Kidneys help filter waste from the blood and dispose of it off the body via urine. They also help balance the electrolyte and fluid levels in the body. But, conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes may intervene with their ability to work as required. Furthermore, damage to the kidney might also result in chronic kidney disease. Hence making changes in your meal plan is a vital aspect of treatment. You can prevent damage to these organs by following a kidney-healthy meal plan. Below, we will address some foods to eat and avoid for better kidney health. Foods to eat Cauliflower Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable. It’s an excellent source of folate, Vitamins B, K, and C. It’s rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles, a fiber source. In addition, you can use mashed cauliflower as a replacement for potatoes. For example, a cup of cooked cauliflower has 40 mg of phosphorous, 176 mg of potassium, and 19 mg of sodium. Sweet potatoes They are relatively similar to white potatoes but have more fiber content, resulting in them breaking down more gradually. Hence, you will experience a less spike in insulin levels. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium that help balance the sodium levels in the body and lower their impact on the kidneys. But, since sweet potatoes have a high potassium content, people on dialysis or those with CKD should curtail the intake of this vegetable. Red bell peppers They are rich in flavor and low in potassium, but that is not the sole reason they are considered a hit among people with kidney disease . Red bell peppers have Vitamin C and A sources and are also high in fiber, folic acid, and B6 vitamin content. In addition, red bell peppers are also suitable because they have lycopene, an antioxidant that shields against some cancers.

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in people over 60. Presently, it affects over 10 million people in the country. As one gets older, the risk of developing the condition increases, and so those over 75 have a nearly 33% risk of being diagnosed with macular degeneration. While the disease does not have a permanent cure, a few treatment options and the following nutrient-rich foods can help one manage the symptoms. Whole grains, beans, and dairy Zinc is a vital mineral that helps in the absorption of vitamin A, which aids in melanin production, a pigment that protects the eye. This is why most sight-related issues, such as cataracts or poor night sight, are related to zinc deficiency. Research suggests those with high AMD risk can slow the progression of the disease by adding zinc and some antioxidants to their daily meals. Some great zinc sources are whole grains, dairy products, and beans. Even though one can find zinc supplements in the market, the products might intervene with the body’s ability to absorb copper. So, if one meets their daily zinc requirements via supplements, they opt for copper supplements too. However, before introducing such changes to one’s meal plans, one must discuss them with a nutritionist or a doctor. Nuts and seeds Omega-3 fatty acids provide the body with the nourishment to combat inflammation and are great for eye health. A few excellent omega-3 sources are flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil. These foods can help lower bad cholesterol in the body, typically associated with increasing the risk of macular degeneration. Oranges Folate is a B vitamin and aids in cell replication. People who have a substantial folate intake show signs of slow eye disease progression. One can meet the body’s folate requirements by choosing foods like peanuts, orange juice, oranges, Brussels Sprouts, black-eyed peas, grains, and spinach.

Have you experienced your heart racing faster as a response to a stressful situation? Did your palms ever get clammy when confronted with an overwhelming event or task? These are all typical symptoms of anxiety. It is your body’s natural response to stress and gets triggered by an event, a memory, or by a multitude of things in general. It is essential to identify your triggers and seek ways to cope with or manage anxiety. 11 tried and tested ways to manage anxiety Practice deep breathing Deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to the brain and helps calm the system down. So, if you feel yourself becoming tense, inhale and exhale multiple times, and you will feel relaxed. It is an excellent activity to slow down and recenter your mind. Write down your thoughts Maintaining a journal to regularly jot your thoughts on paper or in the notes app can help you process your emotions. It also paradoxically eases anxiety. When you dump the thoughts hovering in your head on the paper, you can string them apart and try and get a new perspective. It is known as cognitive defusion, wherein you develop an observer or witness perspective for your thoughts. From the mindfulness perspective, it is decentering, a skill vital for change. It also helps better your meta-cognition skills, which helps with cognitive flexibility, quintessential for mental fitness. Repeat it till you overcome it Do you have a fear of going on the stage? You may be able to get rid of it if you continually push yourself. So, go on the stage repeatedly and perform. Of course, you will be very anxious at first, but over time it will reduce and stop bothering you eventually. So, take the troublesome route and do it over and over again.

Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular among those looking to replace missing teeth. These implants are strong and durable and look just like natural teeth. Moreover, the procedure is simple. If you, too, are considering dental implants, it is essential to know all the facts before making an appointment with the dentist. This article discusses a few essential things you need to know about implants, from their types to the benefits they offer. What are dental implants? These are artificial teeth recommended for those with missing or damaged original teeth. The implants are affixed by dentists using a few tools. The look-alikes are made using biocompatible materials, such as titanium or zirconia, which blend with the bone over time. Dental implants are a long-term solution for replacing teeth. They are often considered the best option for people who cannot restore their teeth function using traditional methods, such as dentures or bridges. However, implants may need to be replaced if they wear down or are moved out of position due to chewing or dental issues. What are the steps involved in affixing dental implants? When considering dental implants, it is essential to understand the steps involved in the process. Dental surgery is complex and delicate and requires careful planning and execution. Here are the steps to be followed: Evaluation During this stage, your dentist will evaluate your teeth and determine which type of implant best suits you. This includes taking X-rays and performing a physical examination. Teeth extraction If necessary, the doctor will remove all your teeth before beginning the implant process. This is necessary to ensure no debris or other objects get in the way of implant placement. Grating After your teeth have been extracted, the dentist will use a special grater to create tiny grooves in each tooth surface.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the top causes of vision loss in people aged sixty and older. It is a disease that hampers your sharp, central vision. Central vision is pivotal to helping you see objects clearly and do tasks like driving and reading. AMD impairs your macula, the part of the eye that helps you see fine detail. It is not painful, but it kills the cells in the macula. It starts with blurred vision, but you gradually lose central sight. Seeing crooked lines is one of the initial AMD signs. In this guide, we will discuss everything related to AMD in detail. Types of AMD Dry People with dry AMD have drusen or yellow spots in the macula. Small drusen might not necessarily impair your vision, but as they grow in size and increase in number, they distort and dim your vision, especially as you read. Over time the condition worsens, and the light-sensitive cells in the macula get thinner and die eventually. If it is in the atrophic form, you will experience a blind spot in the center of the vision. Consequently, it worsens, and you lose central sight. Wet Blood vessels grow below the macula. These leak fluid and blood into the retina. So, when your vision is distorted, the straight lines look wavy. It might also lead to blind spots. At times, the blood vessels may bleed, leaving a scar and causing you to lose your central vision forever. Typically, people with age-related macular degeneration have dry AMD. But, sometimes, the dry form might eventually result in wet AMD. Only 1 in 10 people with macular degeneration get wet AMD. When you have macular degeneration, you must see your eye doctor frequently and closely monitor your eyesight. AMD symptoms The AMD symptoms depend on the stage.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition threatening one’s eyesight and general health. In AMD, the macula, the part of the eye that helps produce the most detailed and sharpest vision, starts to break down and thin, resulting in vision loss. It is one of the most prevalent causes of blindness in people aged 60 or older. Though there is no definite cure for AMD, some things can postpone its onset or lower its severity. Being aware of family history Family history and genetics are one of the leading causes of AMD. So, if you have a first-degree relative with AMD, your chances of developing it are also higher. Hence, you must be vigilant and educate yourself on the potential AMD signs, such as the inability to adapt to low light conditions, difficulty identifying faces, and straight lines looking wavy. Knowledge of these symptoms can help you reach out to an ophthalmologist and get timely treatment while AMD is still in an early stage. Getting routine comprehensive medical checkups In the early stages of AMD, you might not experience any symptoms. Hence, routine comprehensive eye exams with an ophthalmologist can help with timely diagnosis and treatment. It holds even for adults 40 or older with no risk factors or signs because this is when you may develop early AMD symptoms or experience changes in vision. After 65, consider increasing the frequency of eye examinations and get one every one to two years, even if you do not have any suggestive symptoms. Taking supplements A study found that supplementation with some micronutrients can lower AMD aggravation from the intermediate to the advanced stage by approximately 25%. In the market, one can find several vitamins sold over the counter claiming to help with AMD or eye-related diseases. If your eye doctor finds yellow spots on the retina in the eye dilation examination, they may prescribe them.

Dental implants are a major surgical procedure. Hence, you must take the necessary post-operative measures to ensure a speedy recovery. One of the first things you will feel after the surgery is hunger, as dental implants demand abstaining from food for six hours since the procedure temporarily impacts your chewing ability. So, you must adhere to selective foods and avoid some, especially for two weeks. Therefore, here’s a list of foods to eat and avoid: Foods to eat Smoothies In the initial days post-surgery, you may be unable to chew your favorite food. So, the next best thing is drinking it as a smoothie. Smoothies are wholesome and tasty meals. You can make them with whatever vegetable or fruits you like, ensuring they have a high nutritional value and are rich in vitamins. Muffins You might be unable to eat the muffins on the first or the second-day post-surgery, but after the initial few days, you can easily enjoy a good muffin. They are easy to chew and are very delicious. Hence, they can be an incredible snack or breakfast option following dental implant surgery. Potatoes They are versatile and soft. You can prepare them in different ways. So, even if you eat the same ingredient, you will not get bored. Moreover, you can enjoy potatoes in various recovery-friendly ways, like in boiled form or mashed. While preparing the potatoes, ensure they are as soft as possible to reduce chewing. Mashed potatoes are an excellent way to meet your protein requirement and taste delicious. If you like, you can cook them in gravy to make it a tasty option. Dairy products Dairy products like yogurt and cheese demand a little chewing, but they can be excellent for oral health. They are a must-have for someone adapting to life with dental implants.

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is characterized by an irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia in the atria or the heart’s upper two chambers. It causes a disturbance in the typical cycle of the electrical impulses in the heart. The condition results in a rapid and chaotic heart rhythm and poor blood movement from the upper chambers to the ventricles or the lower chambers. Below, we address the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management of AFib. Causes AFib, or a change in the electrical signals in the heart, can affect anyone, regardless of age. But it is more prevalent in older people. A few risk factors that amplify the condition’s susceptibility are: Heart diseases People with an underlying heart condition, like a heart attack, coronary artery disease, and heart failure, have a greater risk of AFib. Hypertension If left unchecked, high blood pressure can strain the heart and aggravate the risk of this disorder. Familial link People with a family history of AFib have a greater chance of suffering from the condition. Sleep apnea This sleep disorder can also increase a person’s susceptibility to AFib, especially if it is severe. Besides the above, other chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, and thyroid also put a person at risk of this heart problem. Symptoms While AFib might cause noticeable signs in some people, others might not encounter any symptoms. The signs to look out for include chest pain, fatigue, weakness, heart palpitations, lightheadedness, fainting, dizziness, and inability to exercise. Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down or performing any physical activity, is also one of the indicators. The symptoms might vary over time and go from subtle to very apparent. Their timing can help specialists detect and treat atrial fibrillation. Hence, it is crucial to monitor the discomforts as and when they occur, understand their severity, and note how long they last.

Macular degeneration is a progressive disease that destroys the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine details. It can make activities like reading, writing, and driving difficult or impossible. The disease typically occurs in older adults and can lead to blindness. While macular degeneration can be managed in its early stages, it has no cure. This article discusses the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatments of macular degeneration. What is macular degeneration? Macular degeneration is a disease of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. The former develops when the macula dries out and loses its function. Wet macular degeneration is a result of new blood vessels under the retina leaking fluid or blood, causing vision loss. Symptoms of macular degeneration The symptoms of macular degeneration can develop differently in individuals, but here are the typical signs one must note. One of the main symptoms is a gradual loss of central vision, which can progress over time and may not be noticeable at first. Additional symptoms are difficulty reading small print or close-up objects, trouble seeing in dim light or when looking up from a low angle, problems with depth perception and peripheral vision, and poor night vision. People might also experience changes in color discrimination, a difficulty distinguishing between colors. In advanced stages, one might face difficulty recognizing faces, trouble with distance vision and finding things in your home or office. Causes of macular degeneration The condition can be a result of a combination of causes or due to one specific reason. Age Our eyesight gradually declines as we get older. This occurs as the lens loses its ability to focus on objects both close up and far away. Genetics Some people are more likely than others to develop macular degeneration.

Eczema is a chronic skin disease characterized by dry, red, and itchy skin. It typically appears around the arms, elbows, and knees; however, it can show up anywhere. As the condition can flare up due to various triggers, it is vital to understand its nature and how to treat it. This article provides a guide to everything one needs to know about eczema, from its causes and symptoms to treatment options and helpful management tips. What is eczema? Eczema is a skin condition that can be both painful and itchy. It can also be embarrassing, as it often appears as a rash on the face, hands, or other visible areas of the body. Because eczema weakens your skin’s barrier, you’re also more susceptible to infection. Is eczema contagious? There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that eczema is contagious. There are some reports of people with eczema who have also had close family members with it, but these cases are rare and not always linked. Something in the person’s environment (such as dust mites or other allergens) may trigger the condition in someone who has never had it before. Symptoms of eczema Eczema is a skin condition that can be extremely frustrating for those who suffer from it. Its symptoms can vary, but they typically include dry, cracked skin that may or may not ooze with a clear liquid. Eczema is often accompanied by redness and swelling, and it’s common for the skin to become infected. If left untreated, the condition can lead to further skin damage and scarring. Many treatments are available for people with eczema, but the best approach depends on the individual’s symptoms and preferences. Different types of eczema Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its healthy skin cells.

Nasal Polyps are a significantly underrated problem. Most people only experience minor symptoms, so the polyps are often left untreated until they cause more problems. This article will look at the triggers, symptoms, and management of nasal polyps in more detail. We will start by looking at nasal polyps and what causes them. Finally, we will look at the best ways to treat nasal polyps to ensure that one gets rid of them quickly and safely. What are nasal polyps? Nasal polyps are benign growths on the nasal septum, the cartilage that separates one’s nose from the throat. They’re usually harmless but can cause problems if they block the nasal airway or make breathing difficult. Symptoms of nasal polyps Following are some symptoms of nasal polyps: Headaches Nasal polyps may cause headaches due to their enlarged blood vessels in the skull. The pressure from these enlarged vessels may cause pain behind one’s eyes or along the temples. Snoring Snoring is often caused by an obstruction of airflow through the nose during sleep. This obstruction causes the throat to vibrate, producing a noise known as snoring. Nasal congestion When mucus accumulates in the nose due to blocked airflow, it can cause nasal congestion and an unpleasant smell called rhinorrhea (a discharge from the nose). Nasal drainage The enlarged polyp may block the flow of mucus and blood from the nose, leading to congestion and pressure in the head or sinuses. Sleep apnea Obstruction of airflow during sleep can lead to snoring, pauses in breathing, and fatigue during the day. This condition is more common among people with nasal polyps because they have an increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Facial pain Polyps may press on nerve endings near facial muscles, causing pain when touched or moved around. Nosebleeds Nasal polyps can increase the risk of nosebleeds because they can enlarge the blood vessels in the nasal passage.

Chronic inflammation of the large intestine, or  ulcerative colitis , is a devastating and exhausting disease that can wreak havoc on every aspect of one’s life. From physical health to mental well-being, ulcerative colitis can take a toll on overall health if left untreated. Here are simple ways to manage ulcerative colitis. By following them under a doctor’s supervision, you can take back control of life and manage the condition better. What is ulcerative colitis? Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. UC acts on the innermost walls of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. It is a chronic condition that can last for months or even years. Types of ulcerative colitis Ulcerative proctitis is the most common type and accounts for about two-thirds of all UC cases. People with this type have frequent episodes of diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Ulcers may form in the rectum or anus. Proctosigmoiditis is less common than ulcerative proctitis but affects more people overall because it causes more severe symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea that may lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Extensive colitis/pancolitis occurs when inflammation spreads beyond the rectum or anus to other parts of the gastrointestinal tract (large intestine and small intestine). Left-sided colitis is uncommon, but it happens when Crohn’s disease or another autoimmune disorder attacks one side of the colon. Symptoms of ulcerative colitis Following are certain signs of the condition that need to be addressed as soon as it is experienced.  Persistent abdominal pain that doesn’t subside with rest or antibiotics Diarrhea that lasts more than three days Blood in your stool Fever Fatigue Tips for managing ulcerative colitis Get screened regularly One of the most important steps you can take is to get screened regularly.