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6 toxic plants to keep away from dogs
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6 toxic plants to keep away from dogs

It has become the norm to keep ornamental at home, especially since they beautify the space tremendously. But, if you are a pet parent, you must exercise caution in picking the potted plants you want. While some plants can cause vomiting or dysentery, a few can cause respiratory, digestive, neurological, or cardiac problems, leading to death. If you have become a pet parent recently, here are six plants toxic to dogs to note: 6 plants that dog parents must take note of Sago palm Sago palm is a very popular ornamental plant for indoor and outdoor spaces. It is known by many names like coontie palms or cardboard palms and is part of the Cycads group of plants. It contains multiple toxins, including cycasin and BMAA. Every part of the sago palm is toxic for your dogs, and the seeds can be the most dangerous. If a dog ingests even a small amount of any part of a sago palm plant, it can affect its nervous system, liver, or gastrointestinal system. You may see symptoms within 15 minutes or many hours. The most common reaction is gastrointestinal irritation, with initial symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also lead to serious complications like neurological problems, resulting in weakness, seizures, and tremors.
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Psoriasis – Symptoms, Food choices, and Remedies
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Psoriasis – Symptoms, Food choices, and Remedies

Psoriasis affects over 125 million people around the world. But what are the symptoms of psoriasis, and how can they be managed? This serious autoimmune skin condition is characterized by raised, red, and scaly skin patches. It can be caused by the immune system overreacting, causing inflammation and disruption of average skin cell growth and turnover. It can develop anywhere, but the symptoms are usually observed on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Symptoms Usually, the disease causes red, scaly patches on the skin. It can also cause itching, pain, and burning sensations. There are several types of psoriasis, including plaque (the most common form), guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic psoriasis. Symptoms and treatment options can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. The common symptoms of this disease are: Raised, reddish patches on the skin, along with a layer of silver-white scales Small bleeding patches when scales are removed Itching, burning, and soreness around the affected area Dry skin that may crack and bleed Swollen and stiff joints Thickening and cracking of the nails If one observes any such symptoms associated with the condition, they must consult a doctor to get timely treatment for psoriasis.
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Warning Signs of High Blood Sugar
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Warning Signs of High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar levels in the body are the common cause of Type 2 diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). According to the National Kidney Foundation, type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of CKD. Thus the best way to prevent CKD related to type 2 diabetes is by controlling high blood sugar levels. Here are some warning signs and foods that may indicate and contribute to a spike in blood sugar levels. What is blood sugar level? Glucose is an essential energy source for the body and is obtained from different foods. The blood sugar level, also known as blood glucose level, measures how much glucose (sugar) is present in the bloodstream. Upholding healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health and well-being. Various conditions, including diabetes and other illnesses, can cause high or low blood glucose levels. When it comes to blood sugar levels, it is essential to understand how to monitor and manage them to maintain optimal health. Warning signs that increase blood sugar levels Here are some crucial warning signs of diabetes that you should be aware of. If you experience any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s important to see a doctor and get tested for diabetes.
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Foods to Eat With Chronic Kidney Disease
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Foods to Eat With Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a health condition in which the kidneys cannot effectively filter waste from the blood, leading to an accumulation of toxins. If left untreated, it can cause serious health complications. While chronic kidney disease can be an onerous burden, it does not have to prevent the patient from living a fulfilling life. Many treatments help manage the symptoms and discomforts, and doctors also recommend a few nutrition and lifestyle changes. Foods for managing chronic kidney disease Healthy nutrition is an essential part of managing chronic kidney disease. Certain foods have nutrients that help improve overall kidney health and manage diseases that affect the organ. Below are a few such foods to consider adding to meals: Low-sodium foods Reducing salt and sodium intake is essential when dealing with chronic kidney disease. Cutting back on salt helps maintain healthy blood pressure, reducing the risk of complications that can arise with this condition. Eating fresh foods like greens, broccoli, and cauliflower is a great way to reduce sodium intake. Besides being low in salt, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats are excellent sources of nutrients and protein. Another way to reduce sodium intake is to avoid canned foods, as they use salt as a preservative.
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Foods That Help Manage Hyperkalemia Symptoms
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Foods That Help Manage Hyperkalemia Symptoms

Hyperkalemia is a health condition characterized by excessive potassium levels in a person’s bloodstream. Maintaining healthy potassium levels is crucial for optimal health, and one can do this by following a healthy nutritional regime that helps manage hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is potentially life-threatening, so prompt treatment is necessary to keep its symptoms at bay. Various healthy foods are proven to help reduce potassium levels, and some of these food items are listed below. Hyperkalemia Hyperkalemia is a medical condition in which the potassium concentration in the blood is too high. The condition can lead to various symptoms, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, tingling sensations, and an irregular heartbeat. The best way to manage hyperkalemia is to make lifestyle changes that help maintain healthy potassium levels in the body. These include reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced meal with an adequate amount of potassium the body requires. Types of foods to manage hyperkalemia A balanced meal plan low in potassium helps manage hyperkalemia symptoms to a great extent. Four different types of foods that help manage and reduce the risk of developing hyperkalemia are listed below. Vegetables Vegetables are an essential part of a balanced meal plan to manage hyperkalemia.
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Multiple Sclerosis – Causes and Early Warning Signs
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Multiple Sclerosis – Causes and Early Warning Signs

Multiple sclerosis is an immune-mediated condition. This means that the system that is supposed to keep the body healthy accidentally destroys healthy body parts. Damage to the nerve cells’ protective coatings results in a decline in brain and spinal cord function. MS is a condition that can cause unanticipated symptoms of varying severity. While some MS sufferers report feeling worn out and numb, more severe cases can result in paralysis, visual loss, and impaired brain function. What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune infirmity of the central nervous system. Relapsing multiple sclerosis is the most-common type of MS. It is characterized by episodes of worsening neurological symptoms, or “flares,” followed by periods of partial or complete recovery. The symptoms of MS can vary significantly from person to person and range from mild to severe. The diagnosis of MS is made through a physical exam, imaging tests, and a review of one’s medical history. Treatment of MS usually includes supplements to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression. Other therapies, such as physical and occupational therapy, are also commonly used to manage symptoms and improve the overall quality of life. Causes of multiple sclerosis Understanding the causes of this condition can help patients, and their healthcare providers develop appropriate treatment plans.
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6 Warning Signs of Thyroid Cancer
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6 Warning Signs of Thyroid Cancer

The thyroid is a vital component of the endocrine system, responsible for producing hormones. Thyroid cancer is a health condition affecting the thyroid gland and is often difficult to diagnose in its early stages due to the silent symptoms. Therefore, understanding the early warning signs of thyroid cancer is crucial in early diagnosis and prompt treatment. The main risk factors and some silent warning signs of thyroid cancer are discussed below. Thyroid cancer As mentioned earlier, thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and body mass. There are four types of thyroid cancer- papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. The symptoms of this cancer vary depending on the type and stage. Early detection is essential for successful treatment, so it’s important to be aware of any changes to your health. Regular health check-ups with your doctor can help detect any underlying health issues early on. One can prefer the MSK thyroid cancer center, where experts diagnose and treat thyroid cancer patients using the latest research findings. Other tests, such as ultrasounds, physical exams, or biopsies, may also be advised to check for possible signs of thyroid cancer.
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5 Conditions That Can Trigger Hair Loss
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5 Conditions That Can Trigger Hair Loss

Hair loss is a universal problem that affects many people. While some amount of hair loss is normal and is brought on by age, lifestyle, or genetics, severe hair loss may indicate an underlying health condition. Further, treating the condition can, at times, help reduce hair loss or stop it from worsening. Here are a few conditions that can trigger the loss of hair and the management options to deal with it: Understanding hair loss While there is no permanent cure for hair loss, certain treatment options and therapeutic measures can help manage the condition. Many may experience mild to moderate hair loss at some point, but severe hair loss is a much more serious condition requiring treatment. The prognosis for someone who experiences severe hair loss depends on the degree of damage. If one loses a significant amount of hair, it may be difficult to reverse the damage. However, scalp treatments, supplements, surgery, or hair transplant can help restore hair growth. If the cause is unknown or if hair remains unaffected by treatment, doctors may be unable to predict a clear outcome. Here, seeking psychological support may be necessary to help manage the emotional impact of hair loss. In any case, it is essential to consult a doctor to understand the cause of hair loss and explore the best treatment options.
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Migraine – Triggers and Home Remedies
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Migraine – Triggers and Home Remedies

A migraine attack can result from various factors, including stress, weather changes, hormonal changes, and even certain foods and smells. The trigger can vary from person to person, and there isn’t any universal cause. The best way to determine one’s trigger is to work with an experienced doctor who treats chronic migraines. This post discusses the common foods and smells that can cause migraines and home remedies to combat the same. Foods that may trigger migraines Studies suggest that foods may cause migraines only when combined with other triggers. Nevertheless, patients should be cautious about including the following in their meals: Highly caffeinated beverages According to experts, high caffeine intake can trigger migraine attacks, so patients should avoid or limit beverages like energy drinks, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. However, since sudden caffeine withdrawal can also cause headaches, one should reduce their intake gradually. Chocolate Chocolate is considered the second most prevalent migraine trigger, affecting around 22 percent of patients. Beta-phenylethylamine and caffeine are two ingredients in chocolate that might cause the problem. Foods with MSG MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a sodium salt of glutamic acid naturally present in the body. It’s also commonly used as a food additive in instant noodles, soups, fast food, and processed meat.
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Understanding COPD and Managing it Using Food
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Understanding COPD and Managing it Using Food

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a lung disease that can make breathing difficult. It is often caused by long-term exposure to damaging particles or gases, such as tobacco, air pollution, dust, and other irritants. The condition can weaken the body’s immune system, making it more vulnerable to sickness and disease. Fortunately, certain foods can help boost your immunity and also increase overall lung health. Read on to know about COPD and foods to have for it. Symptoms of COPD The primary symptoms of COPD are persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. The symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common signs are difficulty breathing, increased mucus production, frequent flare-ups or exacerbations, fatigue, and changes in sputum color. Diagnosing COPD COPD is a condition that affects the airways and can make it difficult for you to breathe. It is crucial to get a diagnosis as soon as possible so you can start treatment and begin to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis process may include a physical exam, a review of your health history, pulmonary function tests, and imaging tests. During a physical exam, your doctor will listen to your lungs using a stethoscope and may use a peak flow meter to measure your breathing.
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Managing Multiple Myeloma – Best and Worst Foods

Managing Multiple Myeloma – Best and Worst Foods

Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow and is associated with severe health complications. Many symptoms of multiple myeloma can go unnoticed until the disease has progressed to other parts of the body. So, recognizing uncommon signs of the condition can help one get an early diagnosis. Further, treatment options and lifestyle changes, including choosing the right foods, can help manage the condition. Best foods Certain foods can help one manage multiple myeloma symptoms and maintain strength when undergoing treatment. Fruits and herbs: Ursolic acid is a naturally occurring compound in foods like apples, basil, rosemary, and cranberries. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, which can help reduce the symptoms of this condition. Apples are especially rich in ursolic acid, making them a great choice for those with multiple myeloma. Further, pterostilbene, a compound found in blueberries, has been linked to potential anti-cancer benefits. Its antioxidant properties may help reduce inflammation and fight free radicals. Cruciferous vegetables: Isothiocyanates are natural compounds found in cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. The compounds are derived from sulfur-containing chemicals that may inhibit cancer cell growth. Studies suggest that isothiocyanates can reduce the risk of multiple myeloma and other types of cancer.
10 Foods that Help With Period Pain

10 Foods that Help With Period Pain

Living with period pain can affect your daily life and routine, making it difficult and uncomfortable. Eating the right foods can help alleviate some of the cramps and general pain and make your period more manageable. This article discusses ten foods that have been scientifically proven to help manage period pain. Read on to learn about the benefits of each food item and how you can incorporate them into your food regime. What causes period pain? Period pain, also known as dysmenorrhea or menstrual cramps, is a common symptom experienced by women during menstruation. The tolerance for this pain, and the extent to which it affects one, can vary from woman to woman, with some experiencing slight discomfort while others experience extreme pain and might be unable to function normally. The cause of period pain is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its occurrence, including hormones, inflammation, vitamin D deficiency, and stress. Foods to manage period pain For some people, period pain can be debilitating. Here are certain foods to help manage its symptoms and make that time of the month a little more bearable. Cruciferous vegetables These belong to the cabbage family and includes popular vegetables such as kale, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, turnips, and radishes.