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6 foods to avoid to manage atrial fibrillation

6 foods to avoid to manage atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a type of arrhythmia or abnormal heartbeat because of irregular beats from the heart’s upper chambers. The heart may abnormally beat up to 400 beats per minute. The condition results from electrical impulses firing from multiple sites in both atria. However, there are treatments to help manage the condition. There are also trigger factors, such as these six foods, which one must avoid to reduce the risk of worsening the condition.

Salt
We add salt to food, usually while preparing meals, to help enhance flavor. However, the ingredient contains sodium, a potential trigger that may worsen Afib episodes. Consuming excessive salt may elevate blood pressure levels and consequently trigger the symptoms of Afib. It is better to exclude the sodium-rich property from meal regimes or significantly reduce intake.

Candy bars
Many people enjoy eating candy bars, but knowing their high sugar content is important. For those with Afib, consuming too many candy bars can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels and increase the risk of developing heart disease. Additionally, candy bars can cause digestive issues such as constipation, leading to bloating and gas buildup. This, in turn, may stimulate the heart muscles and potentially trigger AFib. Therefore, limiting candy bar consumption and opting for healthier snack options is best.

Coffee
Despite the energy boost a cup of coffee may give on an exhausting evening, it is unhealthy for people with Afib. Consuming too much might result in higher amounts of caffeine accumulation in the body. This property may stimulate the cardiac system and trigger episodes of Afib. Therefore, someone at risk of Afib should avoid the drink or speak to a healthcare expert about the ideal amount to drink in a day.

White rice
Despite being a staple food in most meal plans, white rice could lead to health issues. The food is usually polished and processed, which strips off healthy fibers, a property vital for heart health, managing cholesterol levels, and keeping one feeling full for longer. Therefore, the lack of healthy fibers could be problematic for individuals at risk of heart disease, eventually leading to atrial fibrillation.

Margarine
Many individuals think that using margarine instead of butter can assist them in managing ongoing health issues. But even this food item may prove unhealthy for people with atrial fibrillation because of its trans fat content. Layering foods with excessive margarine might drastically increase LDL (unhealthy) cholesterol and lower HDL (healthy) cholesterol levels. The phenomenon could turn blood platelets sticky and put one at a greater risk of heart disease. And this can heighten the chance of developing Afib.

Beef
Red meats like beef are foods that could lead to multiple health problems, such as heart diseases. It may increase unhealthy cholesterol levels and spike blood pressure levels. These occurrences are usually breeding grounds for developing complications like atrial fibrillation. Other red meats not ideal for one’s health include beef, veal, and pork.

Every individual has different needs, so it is a good practice to consult a nutritionist for a personalized meal plan.

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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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5 early warning signs of bone cancer

Cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled mutation of cells that can develop in any body part. Bone cancer or osteosarcoma is one such cancer type triggered when unhealthy cells invade the bone marrow or develop over the surface of any bone. While most bones are vulnerable to this cancer, it commonly affects the pelvic or long bones that make up the arms and legs. Here are five common early signs of bone cancer explained. Pain and swelling Bone cancer will cause pain to develop gradually over time and spread around the affected area. This pain is different from the type that is caused due to injury. Along with pain, spreading cancer will trigger inflammation and cause swelling to affect the bone minerals. If pain and swelling develop around the joints, it will be evident from the discomfort caused during simple movement. Pain is worse during the day but can persist overnight. Tenderness over the bones If a bone is painfully tender to touch and triggers sharp shooting discomfort upon contact, it could indicate the spread of underlying cancer. This happens mainly due to the increased sensitivity of nerves that come in contact with the swelling and inflammation on the surface or inside the bone marrow. Some people will also develop lumps around the tender area, indicating excess tumor growth that destroys healthy cells in the vicinity. Fractures that cause limping Cancer affects the bone’s calcium properties and can trigger weakness in the connecting structures. This causes the bones to become brittle and vulnerable to the slightest impact, which can cause hairline fractures. Cancer-related fractures are commonly referred to as pathological fractures as these injuries directly result from invading tumors weakening the collective bones. If the tumor is located in a vital joint that controls hand and leg movements, its spread will cause serious mobility problems. As the cancer progresses, even some of the most basic tasks like getting up, sitting down, walking, or bending the joints will cause unbearable pain. Digestive issues Bone cancer is not a direct trigger of digestive disorders. However, the spreading of cancer-causing cells can alter the composition of calcium levels in the bone, leading to a mineral imbalance. The unexpected changes can lead to problems like incontinence or constipation. Some types of progressive cancer can also trigger stomach bloating due to a buildup of fluids in the digestive organs. However, bloating is an overlapping symptom; further diagnosis is necessary to identify if cancer is one of the triggers. Other associated discomforts Bone cancer will also result in unexpected changes in a person’s BMI as a result of tissue, muscle, and bone density loss. Spreading cancer will also affect a person’s immunity as the body fights to counter the invasion of cancer. This will trigger fatigue and weakness that disrupts one’s regular routine. If the cancer metastasizes to other organs in the affected area, it will affect functions that control certain metabolic and automatic responses. This will depend on the affected organ triggered by end-stage cancer. If, at any stage, the pain persists or mobility is affected to the extent that it affects one’s daily routine, consult with a specialist immediately. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment planning are only possible after the symptoms confirm the stage and progression of bone cancer.

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