Processed foods like cakes, cookies, candies, and breakfast cereals contain added sugar, and most people find them delicious and irresistible. However, they have little nutritional value. Eating too many sweets can increase the risk of several health issues. For instance, it can lead to blood sugar spikes and heart disease. When a person eats too much sugar regularly, the body begins to give signs that it is time to cut back on sweet foods. High blood pressure Besides monitoring salt intake, people suffering from high blood pressure should watch their sugar intake because eating too much sugar is also linked to high blood pressure. According to a study, foods high in sugar can reduce nitric oxide in the blood vessels, which can, in turn, impact blood flow and lead to high blood pressure. Mood swings or irritability Feeling moody, irritable, or depressed on and off is a common sign of high sugar intake. Mood swings occur as foods high in sugar affect the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood. Sugary foods also negatively impact gut function, another factor linked to a person’s mood. Low energy or tiredness Binging on sugary snacks wreaks havoc on one’s blood sugar levels. It first causes blood glucose to rise, providing a boost of energy.

A good night’s sleep is as important as following a balanced meal plan and exercising regularly. Poor sleeping habits have an adverse effect on your hormones and the functioning of the brain. It can interfere with your cognitive functions as well as physical health. Tossing and turning every night causes sleep disturbance. There are many reasons for this, including poor sleep hygiene. Therefore, you need to follow a proper sleep routine to maintain your health.  Here are a few things that you should avoid for a healthy sleep cycle. Avoid making poor food choices before bedtime Don’t overeat or starve yourself before bedtime. It is best to avoid having a heavy meal three hours before bedtime. Overeating can trigger  heartburn , and this can cause delays in falling asleep. Also, try to avoid caffeine-based products as they have stimulating effects on your body, which may further interfere with your sleep. They will initially make you feel drowsy but later disrupt your sleep cycle. It is also said that such beverages can increase the symptoms of snoring, sleep apnea, and disrupted sleep patterns. Also, harmful substances can reduce the production of melatonin during night-time, leading to sleep deprivation. Late night binges on greasy, processed foods like pizza, and burgers may also affect your sleep.  Cut down on daytime naps Napping at the wrong time of day may be harmful if you habitually do it.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a kind of cancer that forms in the plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. Plasma cells allow one to fight against infections by producing antibodies that attack any foreign substance entering the body. Multiple myeloma happens when cancerous plasma cells outnumber healthy blood cells in the body. Keep reading to learn about the warning signs of multiple myeloma to remember for an early diagnosis and timely treatment. Causes When a person has cancer, plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and outnumber healthy blood cells. Instead of producing normal antibodies, these cancerous cells make abnormal proteins, which cause several health complications. In multiple myeloma cases, the body might or might not show symptoms. Since the disease often does not cause symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage, an early diagnosis is difficult. Sometimes, it gets accidentally detected during a routine blood test by showing an abnormal protein level. Signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma Some early warning signs and symptoms of multiple myeloma are listed below. Symptoms Nausea – When cancerous plasma cells cause bone damage, bones break down, and calcium enters the bloodstream. Excessive calcium levels can trigger nausea. Bone pain, mainly in the chest and spine, is a common symptom of MM, triggered by bone damage due to the myeloma cell growth in the bone marrow.

For the body to function optimally, it is vital to have a stable blood count and good blood circulation. Blood count refers to the total amount of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets in the blood. Of these, the count of the RBCs and platelets should not drop below the normal range. A low RBC count can cause anemia, while a low platelet count can result in internal bleeding. Foods that help improve blood count A natural way to boost blood count is to include certain beneficial foods in the meal plan. The following foods help in raising and maintaining RBC and platelet numbers and preventing complications: Red meat Red meats like beef, poultry, and liver are rich in iron, an essential element for producing RBCs. These foods also boost hemoglobin levels in the blood, which are crucial in supplying oxygen throughout the body. Spinach This green leafy vegetable is a good source of folic acid (vitamin B9) and iron, which are vital for maintaining RBC levels. Spinach also helps increase platelet count to some extent. Dairy products Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, can help stabilize blood count. They contain vitamin B12, which is critical for creating RBCs and platelets in the blood.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes swelling and inflammation of the airways. It is estimated that more than 339 million people worldwide suffer from this disease. It affects people of all age groups, and genders. However, it is more common in adult women than in men. Asthma has no specific underlying cause, but various allergens like pollen, dust, mold and even perfume can trigger asthma. Read on to learn more about the condition. What is uncontrolled asthma? Uncontrolled asthma is when affected individuals have persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life, even when they are on regular medication. It is estimated that over 60% of adults who are asthmatic suffer from uncontrolled asthma.  Causes of uncontrolled asthma Stress People may experience asthma attacks due to excessive stress and strong unpleasant emotions like unhappiness or crying. One must try to reduce one’s anxiety and stress. Underlying health condition Some respiratory health conditions like sleep apnea that block the upper airway while sleeping can lead to an asthma flare-up. Environmental allergies could also worsen asthma attacks. Weather change Moving from drier to humid air or warmer to colder air might cause asthma attacks. This condition can be brought on by minor weather changes or leaving a controlled environment.  Looking at the global statistics, the prevalence of asthma is observed more in the country.

The eyes are extremely delicate organs that must remain healthy at all times, as once injured, they cannot regenerate or repair. The body requires several vitamins and minerals to maintain clear eyesight and good eye health. So, it is crucial to make better food and lifestyle-related choices to maintain sharp eyesight. While one can choose supplements to avoid nutrient deficiency, vitamin-rich foods are excellent, natural ways to ensure healthy eyes. Vitamin A Vitamin A, or retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be found in two different forms in foods: provitamin A carotenoids and preformed vitamin A. Carotenoids are found in green leafy vegetables, orange and yellow vegetables, tomatoes, and fish oils. Milk and meat products such as liver and fish are excellent sources of preformed vitamin A. This vitamin is an essential component of rhodopsin, a protein in the retina that aids in night vision. Additionally, vitamin A helps in protecting and preserving a clear cornea, the transparent outer surface of the eye. It also protects the eyes against many eye diseases. Studies have shown that maintaining an adequate level of vitamin A in the body can help minimize the chances of developing juvenile blindness and cataract. According to anecdotal evidence, the nutrient appears to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  If one is experiencing a persistent deficiency of vitamin A, their tear ducts may dry up.

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that develops in some people with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. It occurs when a person’s immune system starts to attack the body’s cells, leading to inflammation in joints and the overproduction of skin cells. It affects close to 1-3 percent of the world’s population. It is non-curable, and few treatment options aim to manage the symptoms. Read along to learn about its symptoms, triggers, and more. What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis? Many signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis. The manifestations of this disease also may vary from person to person.  Some of the common indicators of the condition include: Scaly and inflamed skin, especially on the knees, scalp, and elbows. Pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more back, hips, or neck joints. Lack of energy or tiredness. Tenderness in the soles and heels  Swelling of a whole toe.  Dents or pits in the nails. Inflammation of the eye and blurry vision accompanied by redness or pain. What triggers psoriatic arthritis? The cause of psoriatic arthritis is an immune system disorder, where your immune system acts against your body. Both genetic and environmental factors seem to influence this response.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that can affect anyone, irrespective of age and gender. It causes skin dryness and discomfort that can affect a person’s quality of life. Eczema has no definitive cure, but certain home remedies can help prevent flare-ups and control the symptoms. It’s recommended to start with a good skin care regime, along with other treatments, when its first signs start to show up.  Early warning signs of eczema The most important thing to know about eczema is its symptoms differ for everyone. It can also impact different areas of the body depending on an individual’s skincare routine.  Itchy skin This condition always begins with itchy skin. Eczema-related itchiness may range from mild to moderate. People with severe itchiness may even feel the need for constant scratching resulting in bleeding and inflamed skin. Rashes People with eczema may develop unique rashes in specific areas. They tend to have flaky skin that lets irritants and allergens penetrate the outer layer. This, in turn, causes an inflammatory response leading to redness and rashes.  Inflamed and discolored skin The area of the rash may get inflamed and swollen. There will be a noticeable discoloration which means the affected skin may look darker than the surrounding skin.  Scaly patches Scaly patches occur when the outer layer of the skin starts to form scales due to dryness.