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7 Most Essential Vitamins to Maintain Eye Health

7 Most Essential Vitamins to Maintain Eye Health

A person’s eyesight is probably the most important of the 5 senses. Eyes are complex organs that require different nutrients and vitamins for proper functioning. Common conditions like dry eyes, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma, can significantly impact a person’s eyes. Though various factors might be responsible for this condition, poor or insufficient nutrition influences it the most. Here is a list of vitamins one must consume to improve eye health.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A has antioxidant characteristics to help reverse or slow down oxidative damage to the cells and DNA. These have a significant role in several age-related conditions. Vitamin A is crucial and one of the quintessential vitamins for eye health. It enables the eyes to yield pigments, allowing eyes to see the full spectrum of light. Vitamin A also nourishes other parts of the eye.

Vitamin A deficiency causes Xerophthalmia, a condition that damages the cornea. It is also a prevalent cause of preventable blindness. People who consume less Vitamin A suffer from dry eyes. Of course, using dry eye drops is an option, but doing so won’t fix the body’s deficiencies. Thus, in addition to the dry eye drops, one must consume foods rich in Vitamin A. These include orange foods like cantaloupes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and green leafy vegetables. In addition, pumpkin, red pepper, and squash also have a good Vitamin A content.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C also plays a crucial role in eye health. It shields the eye against UV light damage. Naturally, the Vitamin C concentration in the eyes reduces with age. Vitamin C also guards the eyes against oxidative damage, a factor in two of the most prevalent age-related cataracts – nuclear and cortical cataracts. Cortical cataracts develop on the lens edges, whereas nuclear cataracts form deep in the center. People who consume sufficient Vitamin C in their meal plan experience reduced cataract progression. In addition, they also have clearer lenses. Some Vitamin C-rich foods to be added to daily meals are broccoli, oranges or orange juice, grapefruit juice, blackberries, and Brussels sprouts.

Vitamin E
It comprises antioxidants that shield fatty acids from dangerous oxidation. Since the retina has a high concentration of fatty acids, proper Vitamin E intake is crucial for maintaining eye health. However, severe Vitamin E deficiency might result in blindness and retinal degeneration. Sadly, there is no conclusive evidence of whether supplements offer added benefits if one gets adequate Vitamin E from the food consumed.

Studies suggest that adding over seven mg of Vitamin E to daily routine can lower the risk of age-related cataracts by six percent. A few of the best Vitamin E sources include vegetable oils like flaxseed oil, peanuts, sunflower seeds, safflower oil, wheat germ, soybean, corn oil, asparagus, and almonds.

Riboflavin or Vitamin B2
It is a B Vitamin that is essential for maintaining good eye health. Riboflavin, an antioxidant, can lower oxidative stress in the body, especially in the eyes. Scientists are studying its impact in preventing cataracts as continued Riboflavin deficiency is usually the prevalent cause of cataracts. A person can meet his/her Riboflavin deficiency by consuming foods like fortified cereals, yogurt, milk, and oats.

Vitamin B1 or Thiamine
B1 vitamin is also vital for the eye health. It also helps with cell function and converting food into energy. Studies suggest that consuming B1 Vitamin with other Vitamins can lower the risk of developing cataracts, but it needs more conclusive research. It is also called an anti-stress vitamin and reduces inflammation in the body. Research also proves that the B1 vitamin can help treat uveitis, an inflammatory eye condition that might result in blindness.

In addition, thiamine is also a potential cure for early diabetic retinopathy. Some of the foods rich in thiamine include whole grains. Thiamine is also added to pasta, bread, and breakfast cereals.

Vitamin B3 or Niacin
The primary function of B3 or niacin is to convert food into energy. It works as an excellent antioxidant. Niacin also has a role in avoiding glaucoma, a condition wherein the optic nerve in the eye gets damaged. However, one must consume Niacin supplements with caution. High niacin consumption (1.5-5 grams per day) can have severe side effects on the eyes, such as inflammation in the cornea, macular degeneration, and blurred vision. But no evidence per se indicates that eating foods rich in niacin has any adverse effects. A few of the top Vitamin B3 sources include legumes, peanuts, and mushrooms.

Vitamins B6, B9, and B12
Several B Vitamins, like B12, B9, and B6, also help maintain eye health. The combination of these vitamins reduces homocysteine levels. It is a protein that is responsible for eye inflammation. High homocysteine levels can also put a person at risk of developing age-related macular degeneration.

Some foods rich in Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine are leafy greens and chickpeas, and some good folic acid or Vitamin B9 sources include sunflower seeds, beans, peanuts, and dark leafy greens. Vitamin B12 sources are dairy products, yogurt, cheese, low-fat milk, nutritional yeast, and fortified cereals.

Tips for maintaining eye health
In addition to these Vitamins, one must also follow the following tips for maintaining eye health:
Wearing sunglasses : Sun damage can aggravate the risk of AMD or cataracts. So, it is suggested to shield the eyes using sunglasses, which block 99-100 percent UVA and UVB rays.

Exercising regularly : It is important to exercise regularly to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. These diseases are often responsible for vision or eye-related problems. So, with regular exercising, one can keep them at bay.

Giving eyes some rest : If a person has a high screen time, one often forgets to blink their eyes. It can be tiring for the eyes. So, to reduce the strain on the eyes, follow the 20-20—20 rule. After every twenty minutes, look away for twenty seconds at anything twenty feet in front.

Wear protective eyewear : While playing sports, working at the construction or factory site, or doing repair work around the home, one must wear protective eyewear to prevent injuries.

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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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11 Signs of Headaches That Should Never be Ignored

Headaches are one of the most prevalent forms of pain. They can affect anyone regardless of their age. Sometimes, it is a primary headache, implying the problem is the headache itself. For this, you can get a migraine prescription online, and the prescribed treatment can cure your pain. However, at other times, a headache indicates an underlying medical condition. This is known as a secondary headache. Here are some headache signs you must never ignore. Temple pain or tenderness In people aged over 50 or older, a throbbing headache concentrated around one’s temples might indicate temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis), meaning the blood vessels in the head are inflamed. A few more signs of this disorder include fatigue, tenderness of the temples or the scalp, trouble chewing or jaw pain, vision changes, and flu-like symptoms. The condition is more prevalent in women than in men. Typically, the headache from giant cell arteritis aggravates over time or might go away and recur. Regardless, it is vital to get it checked. It can result in sudden vision loss if one fails to get it treated in time. Fever It can be concerning if the headache is accompanied by a fever and might imply an infection in the brain, like meningitis, or encephalitis. In some people, fever and headaches are a sign of an altered mental state, making them act unlike themselves or forget things and people. Head injury Headache following a head trauma might indicate a brain injury like a hemorrhage or concussion. Usually, such headaches will start a few days from the injury date. They can be more concerning if they linger even after the injury. Sometimes, even a minor bump or a fall to the head might lead to a potential life-threatening hemorrhage. A few related signs of brain injury coupled with headache include weakness, vomiting, loss of consciousness, compromised mental state, impaired vision, or memory loss. Intense and sudden pain Headaches can vary in location and severity. For instance, if one has a migraine headache, it will cause migraine symptoms like throbbing or intense sensation on one side of the head, coupled with increased sensitivity to smells, light, and sound. For this, it is not necessary to go to an ER. You can book a consultation with your general physician and avail of remedies for migraine relief online. However, keep a tab on your migraine symptoms and understand your triggers to keep them in check.  On the contrary, occipital headache commences at the nape of your neck and spreads to the side, back, and front of the head or behind the eyes. Even though you can get relief from these headache conditions with professional treatment, a sudden and severe headache might also indicate a leaking aneurysm causing bleeding within the brain. It is a potentially life-threatening condition. If it is like your usual migraine headache, you can seek migraine relief online, but if it feels like the worst headache you have had, one should consult with a doctor immediately. Persistent headaches Sometimes a headache might last for several days. If that happens, it is not normal. Although it might not indicate a fatal health disorder, it might indicate an underlying problem or a headache disorder, such as the temporomandibular disorder. You must not ignore it and discuss this with your doctor.  Headaches with vision and speech changes If the headache comes with troubled speech, vision changes, weakness in one side of the body, and inability to walk, it might indicate an ischemic stroke. It is a prevalent occurrence resulting from a blood clot in a blood vessel that cuts the blood flow to the brain.  Headaches that aggravate over time or come and go when you stand up It could indicate low or excessively high blood pressure in the head. If you have a headache that aggravates over time, it could mean that various other issues are also persistent. Hence, it is best to get it assessed. Typically, any chronic pain must never go unmonitored.  Sudden, severe headaches This type of headache is known as thunderclap because its intensity peaks within the first minute of the onset and is usually very unexpected. However, it is a dangerous headache sign, and you must not ignore it even if you start feeling fine a little while later. Usually, thunderclap headaches indicate a brain hemorrhage or bleeding in the brain resulting from a head injury, stroke, or aneurysm. Such headaches demand immediate medical evaluation. Headache following a new treatment Some therapies might not suit you. As a side effect, one may suffer from a headache. Many patients do not realize it, and their immediate instinct is to fix it with a headache or a migraine prescription online. This is not ideal, as episodes of such headaches will be routine, and you will experience them every time you take that treatment. So, speak to your doctor anytime you develop a headache after starting any prescription. However, unless your doctor advises against continuing a prescription, one should not stop it. Some prescriptions that usually result in headaches include those meant for erectile dysfunction or heart disease. Headache coupled with face and neck pain Breakage in one of the carotid arteries responsible for supplying blood to the head, ears, face, and neck can be responsible for such headaches. These can result in strokes. They usually come as intense and sudden headaches.  Headache that affects sleep If the pain from your headache is so intense that your sleep gets hampered, it indicates a severe health condition. Furthermore, if your headache intensifies at night, that can be concerning too. Typically, headaches aggravate when you sleep because the lower jaw falls backward at night. It amplifies the pressure on the nerves and blood vessels, resulting in head pain. 

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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

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
03

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

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

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