3 tips that help manage depression

3 tips that help manage depression
health

Depression, one of the common mental disorders, affects about 5% of the global population. There are three stages of the disorder, namely mild, moderate, and severe. The moderate and severe forms can impact a person’s daily routine. In many cases, severely depressed people can feel suicidal. About 17.3 million people suffer from depression, and the disorder is more prevalent in females than males. These are the three ways to help manage mental disorders:

Get treated  
Although challenging and long-term, the illness is treatable. Getting the proper treatment at the right time can make a crucial difference to the quality of life. REXULTI and CAPLYTA are two proven treatment methodologies that have benefited many.   

  • REXULTI
    This is a psychiatric treatment belonging to the atypical antipsychotics class and is used for treating certain mental illnesses, including depression. It typically re-instates some of the natural chemicals in the brain and helps deal with everyday situations by controlling thoughts, nervousness, and hallucinations. It also positively influences the person’s energy levels, enhancing appetite, mood, and sleep quality.
  • Caplyta
    This is another treatment that has proven results in the case of bipolar and depression. It is advised for adults and is used for treating patients suffering from bipolar I and II. It affects certain natural compounds in the brain like serotonin and dopamine, resulting in improved mood.

What to eat  
There is no typical meal plan that people suffering from depression need to have. Doctors advise balanced meals so that the person’s overall health remains stable. For example, eating foods rich in antioxidants help fight free radicals and can create a healthy ecosystem for brain cells. If depression is making daily life difficult, consider choosing from these food items to boost mood:  

  • Dark chocolate
    This is brilliant as a mood enhancer and acts as an antidepressant. Compared to milk chocolate, the darker ones contain flavanols that contain brain-protecting nutrients. Flavanols help improve mood and cognition powers. Besides, dark chocolates contain adenosine-agonists, theobromine, fatty acids like N-acylethanolamines, and monoamines like Phenylethylamine. All of these promote the release of mood-enhancing hormones with euphoric effects.  
  • Yogurt
    Yogurt is rich in Lactobacillus, a gut-friendly bacterium. Low levels of this bacterium in the gut microbiome can cause stress and depression-like symptoms. Having yogurt can maintain the level of Lactobacillus in the gut and, in turn, address the symptoms of depression.  
  • Bananas
    The fruit contains high levels of tryptophan which is converted into a neurotransmitter in the human body called serotonin. It is responsible for mood elevation and helps overcome depression. The presence of magnesium and vitamin B6 helps relax the mind and improves sleep quality.  
  • Oats
    Oats are also a rich source of tryptophan that improves serotonin levels in the brain and contain magnesium that helps ease off symptoms of depression.  
  • Berries
    Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries are rich sources of vitamin C and flavonols that protect the brain cells and enhance cognition and mood.   
  • Nuts and seeds
    There are filled with vitamin E and selenium. The recommended intake of selenium in adults is about 55mg per day. The minerals impact mood, while vitamin E is rich in antioxidants that fight off harmful free radicals.  
  • Coffee
    The beverage can help reduce the risks of depression due to its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and microbiome-enhancing properties. Caffeine can block receptors in the brain that are responsible for fatigue and lower mood levels.  
  • Beans and lentils
    Beans and lentils are rich in folic acid and magnesium, which can significantly impact the mood levels of a person.  

Lifestyle changes
Making small changes in a person’s daily lifestyle can affect the mood and brain health. Focus on these to stay away from depression:  

  • Physical exercise
    Any physical activity can keep mental health issues under check. If a person is prone to anxiety, stress, and depression, take up activities or exercises that can keep the body and mind fit. Individuals can start with walking or swimming if they are not too comfortable with heavy-duty exercises. But before starting with any physical activity, get the consent of a doctor.  
  • Stress reduction
    This is essential to keeping depressive thoughts out of mind. Increased stress levels have been found to impact mental disorders negatively. Before someone realizes it, it becomes a vicious chain, stress and mental illness feeding off each other. Mindful meditation is an extremely impressive way to reduce stress and make the mind resilient. Another excellent way to address stress is through yoga. It helps stay physically fit and, at the same time, promotes self-analysis, opens the mind, and channels positive energy. All of this can bring positivity and enhance the mood.  
  • Getting enough sleep
    Sufficient rest refreshes the mind and the body. That is why it is crucial to follow healthy sleep hygiene. Set a routine that helps a person get to bed early and consistently at a given time every night. Do not consume heavy meals just before bedtime, and stay away from caffeine to be able to get good quality sleep.  

While there is no alternative to effective treatment, making changes in meal regimens and lifestyle will only drive better results. Since certain ingredients boost the mood, enhance sleep, and keep metabolism healthy, make sure to include them in meals. 

Latest.

4 practical ways to deal with psoriatic arthritis

4 practical ways to deal with psoriatic arthritis

Arthritis commonly affects people with psoriasis, a disease that results in red patches on the skin with silvery scales. Typically, people experience psoriasis years before they get diagnosed with this arthritis. It affects thirty percent of people with psoriasis. However, in some people, joint problems start before psoriasis or during the same time. Swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the key signs of psoriatic arthritis. Here are the prevalent treatment options for psoriatic arthritis: Treatment options These prescriptions are known to work well against the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis: Otezla Otezla is an oral treatment plan that can be taken with or without food, or as the healthcare professional recommends. You should not chew, split, or crush the tablet before consumption. The recommended dosage depends on your response to treatment and condition. To keep side effects at bay, the doctor may start with a low Otezla dosage and gradually increase it. Rinvoq Rinvoq  should be consumed by mouth with or without food, typically once daily or as the doctor recommends. Do not split, chew, or crush the tablet. It can release the entire dosage in one go and heighten the susceptibility to side effects. To get maximum benefit, you must use Rinvoq regularly. The dosage depends on age and response to the treatment. Adalimumab A biological therapy, Adalimumab helps treat psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis, wherein the body produces excessive TNF. Adalimumab blocks TNF, and lowers inflammation. It is not a painkiller but helps with the condition and starts showing results in two to twelve weeks. Doctors do not prescribe it if you have an infection, your arthritis is not active, or you have not tried other treatment options first. Leflunomide Leflunomide helps treat psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis. It takes about four to six weeks for leflunomide to ease the symptoms. However, for the full effect, consume for six months regularly.
How to manage osteoporosis and improve bone health

How to manage osteoporosis and improve bone health

Osteoporosis is a condition that makes the bone brittle and weak. When severe, even slight pressure caused by coughing, bending over, or falling can cause a fracture. Such fractures are predominant in the spine, wrist, or hip. Osteoporosis occurs if the new bone fails to keep up with the loss of the old bone. It affects men and women, but post-menopausal women are more susceptible. Let’s discuss the correct osteoporosis treatment and management plan: Treatment plan Prolia It is a prescription treatment plan for relieving osteoporosis in women post-menopause who cannot use other options or have not responded well to prior treatment and are susceptible to fractures. Doctors will prescribe it for at least six months. Prolia helps treat both men and women. However, professionals do not recommend it for pregnant women, women trying to get pregnant anytime soon, or people with low blood calcium. Further, those allergic to denosumab or any other Prolia ingredient must avoid it.   Evenity Evenity helps with osteoporosis in two ways: it slows down bone loss and helps build new bone simultaneously. It is an FDA-approved treatment for osteoporosis that comes as a prefilled, single-use syringe with solution. But Evenity may have severe side effects. It aggravates the risk of developing a stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular problems. So, before receiving Evenity, discuss your history, like a stroke or heart attack, especially if it occurred in the last year. Boniva It helps treat and prevent bone loss and maintain stronger bones. Boniva also lowers the risk of fractures or broken bones. Use this treatment option as directed by the doctor. Usually, orthopedics recommend using it once orally on the same day of every month. Ingest it at least an hour before your first meal of the day. Avoid taking it while you are still in bed or at bedtime.
3 tips for diabetes management

3 tips for diabetes management

High blood sugar or hyperglycemia is associated with prediabetes and diabetes. The body generates insulin to manage blood sugar levels. But when the liver produces excessive glucose, and the body makes little insulin or fails to use insulin, it leads to high blood sugar levels. The condition can leave one tired and thirsty, cause blurry vision, and result in the frequent urge to pee. Read on to know some treatment plans for diabetes management: Treatment options for diabetes management Invokana® It is an excellent treatment plan that works in tandem with the proper meal plans and exercise to lower high blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. Invokana ® also reduces the risk of death from stroke or heart attack. Plus, it helps decrease the risk of end-stage kidney disease and worsening of kidney function. GlucoTrust GlucoTrust promises to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, reduce one’s craving for sugar and unhealthy foods, and support deep sleep. It also claims to have a formula of all-natural ingredients. However, it is strongly advisable to consult your doctor before opting for supplements like GlucoTrust since it may not bring the desired results in all cases. Kerendia® It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment that aids in lowering the risk of complications in people with Type 2 diabetes. Kerendia ® is typically recommended for people with end-stage kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes. It is available in two strengths of 20 mg and 10 mg. Dexcom G6 CGM System This tool helps decide diabetes treatment decisions sans any fingersticks or calibration. The Dexcom device is FDA-approved and helps one see glucose data in real time and also share the results with their close ones. You can opt for customizable alerts too to check if your glucose levels are too high or too low.
4 tips for dealing with asthma

4 tips for dealing with asthma

Asthma is a respiratory condition wherein the airways in the lungs swell up, become narrow, and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe. People affected can experience breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing. The disease could be a minor issue for some, while others may have to deal with serious long-term symptoms. Although there is no permanent cure for asthma, here are treatment options, foods to have and avoid, and alternative therapies to manage the symptoms: Treatment options Doctors can recommend the right course of treatment based on the severity of asthma symptoms. Here are a few popular options: Tezepelumab:  It is a popular treatment option, approved by the FDA as a supplementary maintenance remedy for pediatric patients over 12 and adults with asthma. Tezepelumab is an injectable option and the first and only biologic to significantly and consistently reduce severe asthma symptoms in clinical trials. Fasenra:  This is a monoclonal antibody that works on the immune system activity in the body. Fasenra helps control the elevated eosinophil count responsible for severe asthma symptoms. This injection is suitable for children over 12 and adults and can be used with other treatment plans to keep flare-ups in check. Nucala:  This is a monoclonal antibody that also reduces the eosinophils in the body. Doctors recommend this option with other treatment plans to control severe symptoms in children (over 6) and adults. Nucala is administered once every four weeks, and it cannot work as a rescue treatment to deal with sudden attacks or breathing problems. Xolair:  This option helps treat moderate to severe allergic asthma symptoms in children (over 6) and adults. This oral treatment option lowers the allergic response in the body, but it is not a rescue treatment to cure sudden asthma attacks. Zyrtec:  Antihistamines like Zyrtec target allergy-related symptoms like runny nose and watery eyes and can ease breathing difficulty in patients with mild to moderate asthma.
4 useful tips for managing migraines

4 useful tips for managing migraines

Migraine is a prevalent health condition in which a person experiences severe headaches, usually on one side of the head. There may also be other symptoms like sensitivity to light, tiredness, and nausea, which can last a few hours to two days. The ailment is triggered due to stress, certain foods, and other factors. While there is no cure for migraines, the following tips can help manage the symptoms effectively: Use the correct treatment options There are several treatments for migraines, but it is essential to choose the correct one after consulting a doctor. The popular options include: Nurtec ODT Nurtec ODT is an oral treatment that can help alleviate symptoms like headaches, pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light in adults. One can use Nurtec ODT on alternate days or as the doctor recommends. Its side effects include allergic reactions, trouble breathing, and rash. UBRELVY It is a fast-acting treatment option that blocks a specific protein in the body known to induce migraine attacks. One can consult a doctor to determine the dosage according to their condition. The most common side effects of UBRELVY are nausea and sleepiness. Excedrin Excedrin is suitable for temporary relief from migraine headaches. It can also treat aches caused by other factors, such as arthritis and toothaches. The treatment has a combination of compounds that work to relieve the symptoms. The side effects include skin reactions and liver damage. QULIPTA QULIPTA is recommended for patients with more frequent migraine episodes. The treatment helps reduce the frequency of migraines by blocking a particular protein that triggers them. Its most common side effects are fatigue, constipation, and nausea. Follow a healthy meal plan Certain foods help alleviate the symptoms, while others aggravate them. So patients must choose wisely. The best foods are: Walnuts Studies have shown that migraine patients usually have low magnesium levels, a nutrient that can relieve pain.
Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Food gets broken down into glucose by the body to release energy for its functioning. Most meal plans combine fats, proteins, sugars, and other essential carbohydrates vital for healthy growth and organ function. However, people with diabetes should be careful about seemingly healthy foods as it can trigger a spike in their blood glucose levels. Here are different foods that are bad for diabetes and should not be eaten regularly: Various foods that are bad for diabetes patients Fruit juices and other drinks Sugar consumption via beverages can spike insulin levels drastically. Did you know that lots of seemingly healthy store-bought fruit smoothies, sports drinks, bottled juices, and sodas can spike blood sugar levels too? Also, natural fruit juices are not necessarily a healthy option as they are high in fructose. Aside from this, cola, iced tea, lemonade, and other flavored beverages are excessively high in carbs, sugar, and fructose. Their regular consumption can trigger insulin resistance, forcing healthy cells to reject insulin and extract glucose for energy.  Another crucial thing to remember is to avoid any type of spirit if you have diabetes. These contain empty calories and can worsen the condition significantly. Cereals, yogurt, and dried fruits Daily breakfast cereals are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients that make up for a wholesome meal. However, most store-bought cereals are also high in carbohydrates and added sugars that can trigger an instant spike in blood glucose levels. Another seemingly healthy food, yogurt is an excellent probiotic necessary for the body to maintain and improve gut health. But, flavored yogurts or yogurt with assorted berries can cause more harm than good to diabetes patients. Additionally, while dried fruits can be had in moderation, it is advisable to stay clear of sweetened berries and raisins. Also, avoid consuming canned fruits as they contain preservatives and artificial sweeteners.