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11 signs of high sugar intake that can cause health issues

11 signs of high sugar intake that can cause health issues

Although sugar is essential, people deem it unhealthy. That is because not all sugars are the same; natural sugars like fructose and lactose found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are healthy. These sugars are found in small amounts and contain healthy doses of fiber and calcium. However, added sugars in most processed foods can often lead to health troubles, as they have no nutritional value. Here are ten signs you’re eating too much sugar:

Increased hunger and weight gain
Although sugar satisfies the taste buds, it does not fill our stomachs. Processed foods rich in sugar generally lack protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and our body burns through this sugar quickly, making us feel more hungry and snacky. Consumption of extra calories may result in weight gain. High sugar intake also disrupts metabolism and the ability to process lipids and cholesterol, affecting hunger patterns and weight gain.

Frequent urination
Persistently high blood glucose makes the kidneys work overtime to filter and absorb the additional sugar. When the kidneys cannot keep up, the excess sugar goes into the urine, taking along fluids from the body’s tissues. This can cause dehydration. As a result, one might feel frequent urges to drink more fluids, which results in frequent urination.

Fatigue and low energy levels
Due to the easy absorption and digestion of sugar, regardless of how much we eat, our energy levels will crash in a short period. This makes us feel fatigued and low on energy. Constant swings in blood sugar also cause our energy levels to plummet drastically, making us feel tired constantly.

Cravings for sweets
The constant craving for sweets may indicate you are consuming too much sugar. Sugar triggers the rise of the “happy hormone” known as dopamine, which can increase your cravings for more sugar, making it a vicious cycle of consumption and momentary satisfaction. These cravings, however, can be curtailed by regularly consuming small meals or snacks made of natural, whole foods.

High blood pressure
Too much sugar in your bloodstream can contribute to hypertension or high blood pressure. The high glucose levels damage our blood vessels, making it easy for cholesterol to stick, and cause the hardening of blood vessels, leading to a rise in blood pressure.

Skin issues
Some scientific studies suggest that insulin resistance may influence the development of acne. Food with high sugar levels can trigger acne and accelerate the skin’s aging process, causing more wrinkles and fine lines to develop. If you have witnessed a sudden surge in skin issues, it may be advisable to check your blood sugar levels and consult your physician.

Difficulty sleeping
Studies point out that poor sleep quality is significantly associated with higher levels of sugar consumption. Consuming excessive sugar hinders sleep quality and tinkers with your sleep cycle. If you have been experiencing trouble sleeping, it may be worthwhile to consult a doctor and check your blood sugar levels.

Digestive issues
If you’re experiencing stomach pain, cramping, and diarrhea, it may be helpful to consult your physician and check your blood sugar levels. Sugar is a common gut irritant and may be a possible factor behind these troubles. If high sugar foods replace high-fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables, constipation may also be a problem.

Cavities
You’ve heard this multiple times before from your caregivers and dentists. Too much sugar can cause an increase in cavities or gum issues, as bacteria love to feast on simple sugars. Try to limit your sugar intake. Moreover, swish your mouth with water after eating sugary foods to eliminate excess sugar that may promote the growth of bacteria.

Brain fog
Lack of focus and concentration could be a sign of increased sugar intake. Even though glucose is the primary fuel source for our brains, too much of it (hyperglycemia) can cause inflammation and impact cognitive functioning. This may also contribute to information processing and working memory issues, causing delayed recall and hampering learning abilities.

Eyesight problems
Too much sugar in the bloodstream can damage blood vessels and nerves that run throughout your body, including the eyes. Eye diseases due to diabetes include diabetic retinopathy, macular oedema, neovascular glaucoma, and cataracts. In the case of macular oedema caused by diabetes, a treatment plan with Aflibercept may be prescribed by a doctor to stop abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the eyes (that may otherwise cause loss of vision).

Is Ingrezza for diabetic treatments?
No, Ingrezza is not a diabetes treatment. It is a treatment prescribed for adults with Tardive Dyskinesia (TD). TD is a chronic condition characterized by involuntary movements that may occur anywhere in the body.

Health issues linked to high blood sugar
Excessive sugar intake may also make one susceptible to the following health issues:

Blindness: High blood sugar can lead to diabetic retinopathy, an eye condition that may ultimately lead to vision loss. This develops as the excessive sugar in the bloodstream could damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing vision problems.

Cardiac issues: High sugar intake can also negatively affect heart health by elevating triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and the risk of developing heart disease. Further, eating too much sugar could cause inflammation in the blood vessels and promote the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiac issues.

Fatty liver: Excessive sugar intake in the form of refined sugars might overwhelm the liver’s ability to metabolize it. The organ may subsequently convert the excess sugar into fat, leading to fat accumulation in organs like the liver. The phenomenon may go unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages, in which case, it may cause conditions like liver cirrhosis and liver failure.

While it is not realistic to completely cut out sugar from daily food intake, it may help to consume healthy doses of sugar in its more natural forms, such as fructose and glucose found in many fruits and vegetables. For patients with diabetes, it may help to keep a keen eye on any of the above symptoms and consult with a doctor immediately in case of spikes in blood sugar levels. It is also advisable to avoid cheat meals, as they may trigger a desire to indulge in sugary foods. Instead, focus on staying hydrated, eating nutritious whole foods, and exercising regularly.

Finally, it is not enough to only make lifestyle changes with diabetes, as complications due to blood sugar spikes can require professional intervention. Fortunately, most insurance benefits covered under Part B Medicare cover up to two screenings for blood sugar monitoring and associated services. Part B also covers diabetes self-management with up to 10 hours of initial training split into individual and group sessions. These sessions help teach management for long-term symptoms and aid patients in improving their quality of life.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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3 types of soaps that can trigger an eczema flare-up

Eczema is a condition that leads to red, dry, and scaly patches of skin on the body that itch. It affects roughly 31 million people in the country in different age groups and can be caused due to allergens or genetics. Various treatment options help tackle this skin disorder, and individuals can also try home remedies to manage symptoms and keep their skin healthy. Here are some types of soaps that can trigger eczema flare-ups: Soaps with harsh cleaners One of the things that can trigger and worsen eczema is a harsh chemical or cleaner. Unfortunately, most soaps are often filled to the brim with harsh cleansers, which could be terrible for those suffering from eczema or other skin conditions. The only way to avoid this is to steer clear of such soaps. One method to identify products with harsh chemicals is to keep an eye on the label. Look for words like parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and even triclosan. Avoiding soaps with harsh chemicals will help protect the skin barrier, retain natural proteins, and maintain moisturizing factors to prevent dryness and eczema breakouts. Instead of harsh chemicals, one should use soaps with a pH-balanced formula. Fragranced soaps Fragranced soaps are also best avoided with eczema. Typically, one would read the label to understand the products' ingredients. But unfortunately, the FDA does not require soap and skincare manufacturers to mention the ingredients that go into creating a product's scent. This means tons of harmful toxins and chemicals could be used to achieve a particular smell without a description on the label. Studies have found that fragrances in soaps and other skincare and cosmetic products usually come from allergens. These are bad for people with sensitive skin as they could lead to eczema, dermatitis, and more. Hence, it is essential to avoid fragranced soaps, especially when diagnosed with a skin disorder. Instead, one can opt for soaps labeled "unscented" or "fragrance-free." It is also advisable to shop for products made specifically for sensitive skin. Soaps with surfactants The key ingredient in many soaps or skin cleansing products is a surfactant or surface-active agent (SAA). This element can damage the skin and lead to the loss of skin barrier even in those without a skin disorder. But it is more harmful to people with sensitive skin or skin conditions because it can lead to oxidative stress and worsen inflammation. An eczema patient, in particular, may experience more severe redness, itching, and dryness. They could also witness an increase in the frequency of flare-ups, making the condition hard to manage. Avoiding the triggers can go a long way in fighting eczema in the long term. But, during flare-ups, patients may need other treatments to tackle the symptoms. A practical option for eczema is CIBINQO (abrocitinib). It is a once-daily oral treatment suitable for adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The treatment is mainly prescribed to adults who have not been able to find relief with other less-severe options. CIBINQO (abrocitinib) eczema treatment is recommended in 100 mg and 200 mg doses. Doctors may also prescribe 50 mg to patients dealing with renal impairments. But CIBINQO (abrocitinib) eczema treatment may have serious side effects, including infections that could lead to hospitalization, increased mortality risk, malignancies, thrombosis, cardiovascular conditions, and renal and liver impairments. Other side effects include nausea, increased blood creatinine, dizziness, urinary tract infections, acne, vomiting, influenza, gastroenteritis, hypertension, and abdominal pain. A good health insurance coverage and a reliable prescription-based product provider are essential for the successful treatment of eczema. Copay cards are a useful avenue to get health insurance policies or prescription-based products at affordable prices. For instance, using CIBINQO's copay card, one can purchase recommended products at highly reasonable rates. Eczema does not only affect adults but also adolescents. The signs and symptoms of the condition in children are similar: dry and itchy skin and scaly patches on different areas. While there is no known cause of eczema in children, doctors attribute it to genetics, sensitivity, and allergies. Adolescents' eczema treatments include many home remedies combined with other safe therapies. Here are a few natural ways to tackle eczema in children: Moisturize the skin One of the best ways to tackle itchy and dry skin is to apply a moisturizer. Children can use ointments like petroleum jelly or scent-free moisturizers from the store. It is best to apply it after a bath or shower, two or three times a day. If unsure, parents can consult a doctor to learn about safe moisturizers for kids. Bathe with warm water Opting for a hot water bath is normal, especially during the cold seasons. But, it could backfire and lead to dry skin and inflammation in those with eczema. So, one can opt for warm water baths and keep their time in the shower short. Patients can also wear gloves if their hands stay in water for long. After the bath, it is advisable to pat dry as rubbing could lead to loss of skin barrier and even cause inflammation. Switch to cotton Specific types of fabric can also irritate and inflame the skin. For instance, wool and nylon are harsh on sensitive skin. Instead of scratchy fabrics, children can opt for cotton or linen clothing. Besides choosing the suitable material, the clothes should be comfortable or loose. Tight garments can rub against the skin and cause irritation, which can be hard to manage in adolescents.

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