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6 harmful effects of sugary soda

6 harmful effects of sugary soda

Sugary sodas are the go-to drinks for many, especially when they are looking for a cold beverage. Some sodas that contain lots of sugar might also be marketed as energy drinks to help one stay awake or take on a strenuous task. But such sugary drinks can do more harm than good, especially when one has such beverages every day. So, here are seven ways in which sugary beverages affect health:

Liver problems
Sugary drinks are usually loaded with compounds like glucose and fructose. While glucose can be metabolized by all cells in the body, fructose is only broken down by the liver. When one has too many sugar-rich drinks, the liver may be overwhelmed. As a result, instead of breaking down all of the fructose, some of it gets converted into fat. A portion of such fat stays in the liver, which can trigger certain types of liver diseases.

Leptin resistance
Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells and regulates the number of calories an individual eats and burns. The levels of this hormone can fluctuate in response to certain factors, and excessive intake of sugary sodas could make the body resistant to the hormone’s effects, which is known as leptin resistance. This could make the body burn fewer calories than it should. Further, as a result of the resistance, the brain is unable to tell when one is full after eating, making one overeat.

Type 2 diabetes
Insulin is a hormone responsible for the transfer of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. However, a high intake of sugar leads to excessive production of insulin, over time making the cells resistant to the effects of insulin, known as insulin resistance. The phenomenon is associated with the pancreas producing more insulin to remove glucose from the bloodstream, causing a spike in blood insulin levels. Resistance to insulin is a key trigger for health conditions like type 2 diabetes.

Lack of nutrition
Despite the temporary energy boost that one may get from sugar-rich sodas, such drinks may not offer essential vitamins, minerals, or fibers. So, the drink has no nutritional value and provides only calories to the body.

Increased risk of heart diseases
Excessive intake of sugar is linked to a higher risk of heart disease. When one overeats, the body stores additional calories in the form of fat called triglycerides. However, a meal regimen rich in sugar may further increase the amount of such fats in the body, increasing the risk of heart disease. High sugar intake may also lead to an increase in bad cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and inflammation, all of which are risk factors for heart diseases.

Poor oral health
Sodas contain carbonic and phosphoric acid. The compounds usually create a highly acidic environment in the mouth, attacking the teeth and making them more vulnerable to decay. Further, the high sugar content in these drinks may further aggravate such symptoms by providing easily digestible energy to unhealthy bacteria in the mouth. So, regularly drinking sweetened beverages could worsen oral health.

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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 signs of a weakened immune system

The immune system serves as the army of the human body, with various defense mechanisms to combat threats such as bacteria and viruses. The stronger a person's immunity, the more resilient to illnesses they will be. Unfortunately, there are times when a person's immune system weakens due to a host of reasons: a lack of sleep, bad lifestyle habits, and consumption of non-nutritious food. Here are the signs of weak immune systems in people: High levels of stress Although short-term acute stressors can be beneficial for the body as they increase alertness and mental clarity during tense, fight-or-flight situations, chronic stress is harmful to one's health. Unfortunately, a weakened immune system increases the likelihood of chronic stress in people. In turn, chronic stress further debilitates one's health through immune suppression and dysregulation. Frequent episodes of stress trigger auto-immune issues such as ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis, and also flare-ups of allergic reactions like asthma and eczema. Frequent sickness and longer recovery times As implied earlier, the immune system fights viruses and infections with various components such as b-cells, killer-t cells, dendritic cells, and a host of white blood cells. When these components lose effectiveness, the body becomes more vulnerable to health issues like infections and illnesses. Moreover, as the immune system is not fighting at full capacity, people with such health conditions will take much longer to recover from them too. Stomach issues The digestive system is like a yardstick for one's immune system, and both are closely linked. A significant portion of the immune system is located in the digestive tract, particularly the stomach. Therefore, any stomach-related or digestive issues such as flatulence, diarrhea, or constipation are the clearest indicators of immunity issues in people. This is especially true if these digestive problems do not disappear within a day or two (and persist for weeks). Essentially, digestive problems stem from the fact that there are not enough healthy bacteria in the gut. Therefore, apart from consuming healthy, nutrition-filled food, one can also consult a healthcare professional to know what to do to restore the powers of their digestive and immune systems. Perpetual fatigue Sickness affects the flow of blood, nutrients, and oxygen to all parts of the body. So, critical organs such as the brain and lungs do not receive these elements to sustain themselves. As a result, people with immune problems tend to feel tired and out of breath most of the time. This is why someone with the flu will not have the energy to get out of bed in the morning. More worryingly, sleep is unlikely to help people when they feel tired due to their body's defenses not being strong enough. Fatigue is a common symptom of much bigger health issues too, which is why consulting a health expert is advisable when someone feels tired most of the time. Slow-healing wounds The immune system facilitates the healing of wounds through white blood cells and other components. When this system is undermined, people will not only suffer more rashes and wounds due to deteriorating skin health but also discover that those wounds are not healing quickly enough. Besides these, another sign to look out for is a change in tongue color. A healthy tongue is pinkish red. If it turns unusually pale, it could indicate immune system imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, or a general lack of energy. Paying attention to the tongue’s color is vital to detect underlying health issues early and take the necessary steps to bolster the immune system.

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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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