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9 health benefits of a foot massage

A foot massage can be an incredibly relaxing and calming experience after a long workday. Professional foot massages not only benefit the feet, but they also have many advantages for the body and mind. The feet have several acupressure points connected to different body parts, making the massage even more comforting. Additionally, foot massages improve mental and emotional health. Here are some unexpected health benefits of a foot massage one can experience:

Reduced stress and anxiety
Stress has become a part of life with increased work pressure and less sleep. Studies suggest that foot massages can lower stress, manage anxiety, and help the body relax. In fact, when patients with a history of stroke were given foot massages, their anxiety levels were reduced.

Improved blood circulation
The muscles in the feet are not used enough these days because of a lack of physical activity. A good foot massage can compensate and reactivate the feet muscles because it stimulates blood flow, increasing blood circulation in the feet and legs. People with diabetes can particularly benefit from such increased blood circulation.

Better sleep quality
Disturbed sleep can be caused by many factors, including stress, specific health issues, worrisome thoughts, or even a mentally stimulating day. A few minutes of foot massage before bedtime can help with better sleep quality because it makes one relax completely and relieves muscle tension.

Quick recovery from foot injuries
A foot massage is an effective way to soothe foot and ankle injuries and help recover quicker. Massages can also help reduce the impact of injuries by strengthening the feet and ankles and making them more flexible.

A boost to the immune system
One needs a strong immune system to recover quickly from diseases and fight bacteria, germs, etc. With regular foot massages, white blood cells tend to become more active, so they help fight infections and diseases better.

Better appetite
Loss of appetite is common if one is suffering from digestive problems. Getting a foot massage stimulates the digestive system, making one feel hungry after the massage. So, it can help induce appetite and aid digestion.

Reduced instances of headaches
Those who often experience headaches opt for head massages, but surprisingly, foot massages can also reduce headaches. Some pressure points on the feet are connected to the head and brain. When these points are activated with external pressure, it reduces headaches and their intensity.

Lowered blood pressure
High blood pressure can cause other problems like lightheadedness and shortness of breath. Many people with high blood pressure benefit from a foot massage because it relaxes and soothes the body. Even 10 minutes of a good foot massage can calm the body and mind and lower the pressure of the blood.

Reduced menstrual symptoms
Menstrual pain, cramping, mood swings, and other symptoms are common among women. A week of constant bleeding can be difficult to endure. A foot massage can relieve stress associated with periods and manage its symptoms better.

Foot massages are generally safe. However, those with certain conditions like varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and others, may have to avoid the process. Therefore, consult a health care expert before opting for regular foot massage sessions.

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 jointsâ 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 poppingÂ 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 oneâs 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.

4 side effects of antidepressants

Antidepressants are meant for the management of depressive disorders such as clinical depression, bipolar depression, persistent depressive disorder (PDD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), atypical depression, seasonal affective disorder, bulimia, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social phobia. Healthcare providers generally prescribe these in combination with psychotherapy (talk therapy) to address the root cause of depression. While antidepressants help manage these conditions, there are a few side effects to be aware of. There are a few typical side effects of anti-depressants and some not-so-common side effects. These are mentioned below: 1. Typical side effects Every individual may experience different reactions to antidepressants. Some of the most frequently occurring side effects include nausea, trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleeping too much, dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, decreased alertness, agitation, and anxiety. A few other symptoms also include loss of appetite, loss of libido, headache, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, tremors, and increased sweating. 2. Bleeding Some antidepressants can affect the blood-clotting process, increasing the risk of bleeding. One may experience this in the form of frequent, easy bruising and nosebleeds. 3. Lower sodium levels Antidepressants may also negatively impact the sodium levels in the body. This is more common among older people. Symptoms of low sodium levels (hyponatremia) include headaches, confusion, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, fatigue, crankiness, restlessness, muscle cramps or weakness, and seizures. 4. Serotonin syndrome This is a rare but fatal reaction to antidepressants. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, diarrhea, high temperature, shivering, sweating, tremors, muscle twitching, over-responsive reflexes, agitation, dilated pupils, confusion or delirium, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), and high blood pressure. In more serious cases, individuals may also experience convulsions (fits), arrhythmia, or coma. Reactions to antidepressants may depend on factors such as interactions with other treatment options, age, genetics, and the type of antidepressant. Tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) typically cause more reactions in comparison to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Strategies to cope with side effects The side effects of antidepressants generally tend to improve within the first few weeks of starting them. However, they may sometimes require professional intervention or lifestyle changes. Some strategies that may help one cope with these side effects include the following: Take the prescriptions with food unless specified otherwise. This will reduce the risk of nausea. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Drink lots of fluids (especially water) throughout the day. This helps with nausea and dry mouth. Avoid consuming sweets and sugary beverages. Maintain a food diary to check if a particular food is causing a reaction. Engage in light exercise, such as walking, jogging, biking, swimming, or aerobics, to keep drowsiness at bay. This will also help reduce feelings of restlessness and anxiety. If the antidepressant causes insomnia, speak to the doctor about taking it during the day. Alternatively, if it causes drowsiness, take the antidepressant at night if the doctor approves. Avoid caffeinated food or drinks later in the day. Eat low-calorie, high-fiber foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Those experiencing frequent bouts of dizziness must use handrails or canes for support, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery, and get up slowly from a seated position. Try breathing exercises.