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4 best foods for flawless skin

4 best foods for flawless skin

An unhealthy meal plan can affect the body’s metabolism and damage organs like the heart, liver, and skin, to name a few. Hence, scientists are heavily invested in showcasing new insights into the relationship between the skin and food habits. Some foods clear the skin, while others accelerate aging and inflammation. Simply put, those who want radiant skin should pay attention to their food habits. Here are foods that can prevent skin-related problems:

Gut-friendly foods
One of the ideal ways to improve health through food is with probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics are foods that enhance the gut biome by adding to the supportive bacteria. They can be supplied to the body mainly through fermented foods like kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and yogurt. There are several readily available supplements too. These reduce inflammation in the gut, and hence it positively impacts the skin and metabolism. On the other hand, prebiotics supports a healthy gut by creating an environment where bacteria can thrive. They act like fertilizers for the microbiome. Foods to eat include leeks, garlic, soya beans, asparagus, banana, and whole grains. A healthy gut means healthy skin, so remember to stock up on probiotics and prebiotics.

Omega-3 fatty acids
While most people run away when they hear the word “fat,” they fail to realize that healthy fats, like Omega-3, have tangible health benefits. Long-chain fatty acids like DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) help reduce the skin’s sensitivity to UV rays that trigger cancerous changes in skin cells. This nutrient also moisturizes the skin and reduces inflammation. Hence, people with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis should consider increasing their intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish like salmon, nuts like walnut and almonds, and seeds like chia are rich in long-chain fatty acids. The body absorbs it easily; thus, adding one food rich in omega-3 fatty acids is bound to make your skin flawless.

Nuts and seeds
Besides the omega-3 foods mentioned above, nuts and seeds are also tiny storehouses of several micronutrients. Additionally, nuts are filling and are perfect healthy replacements for inflammatory junk foods that contain excess salt, hydrogenated oils, and artificial flavoring. Deficiencies of minerals like selenium, copper, and zinc often lead to or correlate to skin problems. So to make your skin flawless, stock up on brazil nuts, almonds, pistachios, and cashews. These are rich in powerful antioxidants that reduce acne and protect the skin from free radicals. Walnuts are also ideal snacks since they contain vitamin E, zinc, and small amounts of selenium. Most nuts and seeds also contain vitamin A, magnesium, calcium, and iron, so remember to munch on these if you want your skin to glow.

Dark chocolate
While most desserts are a no-go if you want clear, perfect skin, the sole exception to this is dark chocolate. Reach for bars with a minimum of 70% cocoa to reap the health benefits of this food item. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants, and regular consumption leads to thicker, more hydrated skin. This, over time, can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Like omega-3 fatty acids, dark chocolate improves the UV resistance of the skin and makes you less likely to suffer from sunburns. The antioxidants in dark chocolate also improve blood flow to the skin and, as a result, may benefit skin healing. If you want that perfect natural blush and unblemished skin to withstand all kinds of damage, include dark chocolate in your meal plan.

Treatment options for inflamed skin
A complex combination of genetics and environmental factors makes each person’s skin different. Thus, the benefits of the foods referred to earlier can differ from individual to individual. For those with adverse skin conditions, a healthy meal routine can only be a supplement to prescribed treatment options to make the skin glow.

DUPIXENT ®
This is a treatment option for moderate to severe eczema, which is injected subcutaneously. It is a preventive measure to avert eczema flare-ups. DUPIXENT® is designed for all age groups – from children six years and above to adults – though the dosage will vary considerably. Remember, it requires a prescription, and you will need a doctor to specify the correct dosage. It is the preferred treatment when topical treatments fail.

CIBINQO ™
CIBINQO™ is another prescription remedy to treat moderate-to-severe eczema in adults. It is a pill you must take once a day and is perfect if other dermatitis treatments do not bring it under control.

This treatment option from Pfizer is completely steroid-free and promises fast itch reduction by inhibiting the JAK1 protein and reducing inflammation.

Upadacitinib
Upadacitinib is another JAK inhibitor usually prescribed to individuals with psoriatic arthritis when the usual prescription for arthritis, methotrexate, does not work satisfactorily. It has quicker itch relief and skin clearance ability compared to other options. However, since it hinders the functions of the immune system, you must consider several risk factors. This is why doctors prescribe Upadacitinib only after other options have been tried and failed.

EUCRISA ®
EUCRISA® is a topical cream that treats mild-to-moderate eczema in anyone over three months of age. Its main ingredient is Crisaborole. While some may be allergic to this substance, most people have positive and almost instant relief from itching. It is non-steroidal and is effective for most adults with eczema. Remember to do a patch test since the most common side-effect is reactions at the application site.

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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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4 tips for managing menopause symptoms

Menopause is a transitional phase that indicates the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle. It is usually observed within and after 12 months of the last menstruation, and its symptoms can last over many months. Menopausal women usually experience symptoms like night sweats, hot and cold flashes, irregular periods, issues with sleep, vaginal dryness, and thinning of bones and hair during this phase. However, menopause and its symptoms can be managed by following these tips: Get adequate sleep Insomnia is a common symptom that most women experience during this phase. Hot flashes, frequent urination, and joint pain are other symptoms that can further disrupt sleep. Here is how one can set up and stick to a sleeping schedule: Consult the doctor, who may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or mild anti-depressants to help people sleep. Engage in physical activities like aerobics, jogging, and running to induce good sleep and increase your sleep duration. Do not sleep right after dinner. Develop the habit of eating at least two hours before bedtime. Have no more than one or two cups of coffee, tea, chocolate drinks, or cola every day. Caffeine can trigger both hot flashes and night sweats. It is also a natural diuretic that can increase the urge to urinate and disturb your sleep. Make the bedroom comfortable by setting the right temperature and humidity levels for undisturbed sleep. Develop a sleeping routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Start exercising Being physically active during the phases can help people manage their moods and reduce the chances of undergoing severe stress. Allocating 30 minutes a day for physical activities can help with one’s overall health. Some ideal exercises for women going through menopause are: Aerobics that increase heart rate and improve blood circulation Stretching exercises Walking, running, cycling, jogging, or any sport that they enjoy Manage stress Making small yet significant changes to the lifestyle can help one adapt to the physical and emotional changes experienced during the period. Picking up a new hobby like music, art, pottery, or working on something one enjoys can keep stress at bay. This can help one overcome the fatigue that is a natural consequence of experiencing menopause. Make better food choices Lower levels of estrogen can cause irregular or heavy periods, which also leads to loss of fertility. High blood pressure and higher cholesterol levels are common consequences of menopause. They can put one at a higher risk for heart diseases. The efficacy of HRT depends on the type of hormone used and one’s current health condition. HRT is also not recommended if one has a risk of endometrial and breast cancers. In such cases, people can work on managing symptoms with the right food and lifestyle choice to reduce the impact of lower estrogen levels. The following items should be added to meals: Calcium-rich foods: People start losing calcium from the age of 35, and this gets accelerated during menopause, leading to a higher risk of osteoporosis. Plan a menu that has portions of calcium-rich items like leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, watercress, and broccoli; fruits like dates, kumquat, kiwis, and mulberry; cheese, milk, and yogurt; fish like salmon, whitebait, pilchards, and sardines; nuts like Brazil nuts and almonds. Foods with vitamin D: The best source of Vitamin D is sunlight. Spending about 10 minutes outdoors in the morning and evening can help one’s skin can absorb sunlight. Further, doctors can recommend supplements along with foods rich in vitamin D like mushrooms; fish like salmon, herrings, sardines, and egg yolk; food fortified with vitamin D like soy milk, cereals, and orange juice, oatmeal. Foods that help absorb calcium: The reduction of bone density is an unavoidable fallout of low estrogen. Apart from increasing calcium intake, one should also focus on combining it with food that helps the body absorb calcium. Peanuts, meat, cheese, onions, garlic, whole grains, nuts, soya, linseeds, and legumes are some foods that help increase calcium absorption. Change cooking style One can also change their cooking habits to make the food healthier and able to manage the symptoms. Some such changes include: Shifting from animal-based fat to plant-based oils for cooking Reducing the amount of salt in cooking Using more herbs and spices for seasoning Shifting from simple carbs to complex carbs and high-fiber food Eating a bowl of nuts and seeds four times a week Adding 4 or 5 colored vegetables or fruits to the daily nutritional regimen  Explore treatment options Doctors classify the transitional period into 3 phases—perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. The first phase can last for five years with irregular periods and reduced possibility of pregnancy. The second is when one goes through their last period. Post-menopause is observed after 12 months of the last menstruation, and it implies that the body no longer produces estrogen. The phases can increase the risk of hormonal changes, osteoporosis, urinary incontinence, and even heart diseases. It is important to communicate concerns with the doctor to help understand the associated risks and manage persistent symptoms. The doctor can recommend the following options: Increased consumption of calcium and vitamin D through meals and supplements Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the form of tablets or injections Gabapentin to control hot flushes Use of vaginal lubricants to reduce discomfort and dryness Low-dose anti-depressants (if needed) Pelvic floor muscle exercises for reduced bladder control Periodic health check-up

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Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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What you should know about depression

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Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

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