Hyperkalemia is when the body has high potassium levels. There are many ways to manage the condition, but the easiest method is to limit potassium intake. This means patients must follow a strict meal plan and choose foods wisely. Below, we have listed a few high-potassium foods to be avoided to manage the symptoms better. However, it is advisable to always check with a nutritionist or healthcare professional before making these meal changes. Bananas Fruits like bananas are high in many essential nutrients. They are chock full of fiber and also contain loads of vitamins. However, bananas are extremely high in potassium, so those with hyperkalemia should keep them out of their menu. The fruit can suddenly increase potassium levels in the body, aggravating the symptoms. Other fruits like melons, oranges, nectarines, mangoes, papayas, dried figs, and prunes can have similar effects. Instead, one can consider apples, blueberries, pears, grapefruits, and strawberries, as these have low levels of potassium. Still, it is essential to limit their intake. Spinach Spinach is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. A healthy meal would typically include tons of veggies, even spinach. But for those with hyperkalemia, it is best avoided. This vegetable can lead to high potassium levels in the body, triggering symptoms like muscle cramping and irregular cardiac activity.

Schizophrenia is a term used to signify a spectrum of disorders that involve a disconnection from reality. Its symptoms include paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. It is a serious but treatable disorder, and patients can live a healthy and fulfilling life. Schizophrenia is also a particular mental health condition that falls under the spectrum mentioned above. According to the World Health Organization, schizophrenia affects approximately 1 in 300 people across the globe. Stages and symptoms of schizophrenia The condition can be broadly divided into three stages. Each of these stages has a different level or intensity of symptoms. Prodrome or onset is when patients have mild symptoms. It can be identified by signs like lack of personal hygiene, anxiety, and social withdrawal. The active stage is when the symptoms are more intense, and the patient has been disconnecting from reality. The following symptoms can be observed during the active phase: Depression Depression is a common health condition that is a cause for concern. Individuals who are depressed and lack trust in others or have misplaced distrust in others can be considered at a greater risk of schizophrenia. Other signs that can be present along with depression include increased pessimism and delusions.

Multiple sclerosis is a potentially disabling condition of the brain and spinal cord, wherein the immune system attacks the protective sheath that covers the nerve fibers. This issue causes communication problems between the brain and other body parts, leading to permanent damage or deterioration of the nerves. Signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis differ from one person to another over the course of the disease and the location of the affected nerve fibers. Symptoms There are quite a few common signs of multiple sclerosis, some of them include Numbness or weakness in the limbs Shocking sensations with certain neck movements Tremors and unsteady gait Partial or complete loss of vision Prolonged double vision Blurry vision Slurred speech Fatigue Dizziness Tingling or pain in some parts of the body Risk factors The following factors are known to have quite a major role as far as the development of multiple sclerosis is concerned: Age Such a condition can occur at any age, but the onset usually begins between the ages of 20 and 40. Gender Women are more likely to develop relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis compared to men. Family history Those with an immediate relative who has such a condition have a much higher chance of being diagnosed too.

Flawless and ageless-looking skin is a goal that most individuals aim for. And these people pick up several skin care hacks and routines from magazines, online videos, and by word-of-mouth to maintain the texture of their skin. However, most people are unaware that certain routines may negatively affect the skin, contrary to claims by several websites and companies. So, here are five skincare mistakes that may lead to premature aging if left unchecked. Going to bed with makeup Many individuals return from work and sleep with makeup on. If a person is out, they expose themselves to hoards of pollution. The free radicals in the air quickly latch on and embed themselves in the exposed surfaces of the skin. These radicals can affect the body’s natural ability to produce collagen and elastin. This makeup also clogs pores, making it impossible for the skin to recover. Furthermore, not washing off such pollutants may lead to the development of fine lines and premature wrinkles. So one must ensure they wash off all makeup before bed. Also, it is equally important to cleanse when one wakes up in the morning to get rid of the dirt that develops on the skin overnight. Neglecting sunscreen Several people tread outdoors without sunscreen, especially when the climate is cooler.

Crohn’s is a common inflammatory bowel disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract. There are different forms of Crohn’s disease, and the symptoms generally vary depending on the location. Such a condition can be managed to improve one’s quality of life by combining prescriptions, treatments, and alternative remedies. Simple changes in daily nutrition can also help avoid flare-ups. Here are the common foods to avoid or have in moderation with Crohn’s disease. Nuts with skin on Crohn’s disease primarily affects the digestive system’s ability to process foods. So, food not rich in soluble fibers will put the system under pressure. Assorted nuts are foods that fall under this risk category, as people with Crohn’s disease will not be able to digest the healthy fats and nutrients when nuts are consumed raw. Nuts can also irritate the lining of the gut, causing pain and triggering flare-ups. Unpeeled fruits Fruits, in their natural and organic form, pack a ton of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are good for gut health and overall immunity. However, it becomes exceedingly difficult for the body to process raw fruits, especially with the peel on, when one is suffering from digestive distress caused by Crohn’s disease. One of the reasons is that the fruit’s pulp contains soluble fibers, but the fibers in the peel cannot be dissolved, making digestion a lot harder.

Our genes play a vital role in shaping our personalities, behaviors, thought processes, and appearance. However, they also act as contributing factors to the development of several health conditions. Genetic testing is an effective means of determining one’s genetic predisposition to a particular disease and preventing future risks of developing the condition. Here are some things to know about genetic testing, from the benefits of the process to the conditions one can test for. The benefits of genetic testing To take preventive measures Genetic testing is not the same as a diagnostic test — positive results do not imply that one has the disease. It only indicates the presence of the gene mutation causing the disease. Thus, testing for genetic vulnerability to a health condition allows one to take measures to prevent it if the result is positive. A sense of relief for families Family members are often worried about having passed on certain diseases to the future generations. Genetic testing can provide a sense of relief to family members in the case of negative results and reassurance in knowing that the disease can be prevented if the results are positive. A pathway to accurate diagnosis In many cases, genetic testing can be the first step to diagnosing a disease and starting the treatment course.

The eyes are one of the most important sensory organs, and they play a massive role in helping one carry out day-to-day tasks. They may seem like simple organs, however, eyes are complex organs that require a lot of care and attention. Additionally, the eyes also need various vitamins and nutrients that help them function properly and keep diseases at bay. In the country, more than 3.4 million people suffer from eye problems. Eye health and problems People affected by eye-related ailments and issues prefer using lenses either in the form of contact lenses or eyeglasses to lessen the discomfort. Many eye-related problems plague people around the world. Some of the common problems are: Blurred vision: Many people are affected by blurred vision, where they are either unable to see objects far away or face trouble seeing objects closer to them. In such cases, they may their ability to see clearly is limited to a particular distance. These problems arise because of the structure of the eye, making it difficult for the light to be refracted. These issues can be fixed with the help of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and even laser surgery. Astigmatism: One of the most common vision problems is astigmatism.

Pain is something that is difficult to identify, especially in pets. Mostly, dogs have a survival instinct to hide their pain, and it is your responsibility as their primary caregiver to understand what the problem might be. Dogs may experience acute or chronic pain from underlying medical conditions or an injury. And it is not always the case that the source of the pain is easily identifiable or visible. In other cases, most dogs do one of the following things to indicate a problem. Knowing how to respond during this time will certainly help you stay prepared to administer a proper pain management procedure. Here are a few signs and ways to identify if your furry little friend is suffering from some discomfort. Check for physical indicators Dogs have a tendency to hold their big ears flat against the head when in pain. Notice how the same ears are straight and alert when the canine is active. Similarly, when he or she keeps the ears fall flat for a long period, it is an indicator that something might be wrong. If the pain persists, they tend to get vocal by whimpering or making loud unusual sounds. Constantly licking a certain area on their body is a conscious effort on their part to soothe the wound or irritation that is causing pain.

When the glucose levels in the body are high and insulin levels are not proportionate enough to convert this glucose into energy, the risk of diabetes increases. It is basically the inability of the body to convert food into energy using insulin. The glucose is broken down into energy for cells to absorb and when this conversion doesn’t take place, blood sugar levels rise. If left unchecked, it can lead to a number of complications. However, there are certain myths about diabetes that can create confusion among the masses. Here is what you must know and understand about the condition. Myth 1: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same. The fact of the matter is that both type 1 and 2 are linked to insulin deficiency that causes diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce any insulin, and people suffering from this condition must rely on regular doses of insulin to supplement these requirements. Type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune disorder that is mostly diagnosed in children. In type 2 diabetes, the body still manages to produce insulin but the cells are unable to absorb the compound necessary for converting food into energy.

All of us feel low, upset, and unmotivated at some point in our life, but this isn’t classified as depression. Depression is a mood disorder that overshadows a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Signs and symptoms of this grave disorder can range from feeling hopeless and tired to completely losing the will to live. There are several types of depression and they are listed below so you can understand depression and people suffering from it better. Major Depression (Clinical Depression) The hallmark trait of this type of depression is the constant feeling of sadness or loss of interest in social life or any outside stimuli. It often lasts for two weeks or more in which a person can experience symptoms such as hopelessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) Dysthymia lasts for years and can disrupt daily life and interfere with personal and professional relationships. Individuals with dysthymia are often seen as dark, pessimistic, or complainers by others, and they have a hard time being happy in typically pleasant situations. Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) People with manic depression experience high degrees of mood swings. Their train of thought can take them from feeling euphoric to feeling suicidal in just a few weeks.