The eyes are complex organs and need a variety of nutrients to function optimally. Many common health conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and others can negatively affect our eyes, which may lead up to a complete loss of vision. While some conditions like moderate astigmatism can be corrected using contact lenses or eye lenses, others can be prevented by consuming a healthy dose of these 4 vitamins: Vitamin A Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common causes of blindness globally. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining a clear cornea (outside the covering of the eye). A person with this vitamin deficiency may find their eyes not producing enough moisture to stay lubricated. It is also essential for maintaining the eyes’ light-sensing cells called photoreceptors. A deficiency of vitamin A can also lead to xerophthalmia, a progressive eye disease that begins with night blindness. Continued deficiency can lead to the drying up of the eyes and tear ducts, and softening of the cornea, resulting in irreversible blindness. To maintain eye health, it is recommended to eat vitamin-A-rich foods, like sweet potatoes, leafy greens, pumpkins, squash, bell peppers, carrots, dairy products, egg yolks, and liver. Vitamin E Eye conditions have also been related to oxidative stress – the imbalance between the antioxidants and free radicals in the body. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the eye cells from damage by these harmful, unstable molecules called free radicals. Some studies have reported that vitamin E may help prevent age-related cataracts. A vitamin E deficiency can lead to retinal degeneration and blindness. Vitamin E rich foods include nuts, seeds, salmon, avocado, leafy green vegetables, and oils like flaxseed, soybean, corn, and safflower. Vitamin C Vitamin C is another powerful antioxidant that can protect our eyes against free radicals.

Sugar is an incredibly common ingredient; people enjoy its use in cakes, sodas, and more. However, it isn’t uncommon for the ingredient to adversely affect our overall health, especially if one is at risk of diabetes. Consuming excess amounts of sugar may lead to a range of problems, including those with the digestive system. Thus, here are eight early warning signs that may indicate complications with gastrointestinal health due to too much sugar intake. Bloating People may experience bloating for various reasons, including swallowing air when they chew on foods like gum, overeating, and even menstruation. However, one may also experience this symptom if they consume too much sugar. While absorbing water is the primary job of the large intestine, too much sugar may draw water from the intestine or prevent its absorption. As a result, one may feel bloating or heaviness in the gut. This symptom should be checked by an expert, especially if it persists. Gas Another common symptom that most individuals may experience is gas. When an individual consumes too many sugar-rich foods, the body might not be able to break down the excessive amount of sugar. As a result, the food may lie around in the large intestine, where it ferments. The sugar may also move slowly through the large intestine, feeding yeast and unhealthy bacteria along the way, which triggers a buildup of gas. People who have gas due to too much sugar intake may notice other symptoms like spasms, pain, and cramping around their stomach. Diarrhea Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms people experience because of poor gastrointestinal health. It results in stools turning loose and watery and may also compel one to visit the bathroom several times. Diarrhea may last for one or two days or weeks, based on what has caused it.

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.

Fruits are an important source of nutrients that humans need. Having these natural desserts is a delicious way of satisfying sudden bouts of hunger, which is a common symptom that people with diabetes experience. However, fruits may contain carbs and sugar. So, can diabetes patients have them to satisfy their sweet cravings and nutritional needs? While they can add certain fruits to their nutritional regimen, here are some tips that people with diabetes should follow: Choose the right fruits Adding fruits to one’s meals when affected by diabetes requires caution, as one has to avoid foods that can negatively affect their blood sugar levels. Nevertheless, one must try to opt for fresh fruits. Alternatively, people can choose frozen fruits or those packed in their juice. However, processed fruits in cans and jars should be avoided as they can come with added sugars, which can raise the glucose levels in diabetes patients. One should check the food labels to avoid buying food products with added sugar. Sugar can be added to a product in different forms, including cane sugar, corn sweetener, invert sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and dextran. Here are some of the safest and healthiest fruit choices for people with the condition: Apple Avocado Apricot Blackberry Blueberry Cherry Grapefruit Grape Orange Peach Pear Plum Strawberry Kiwi Research suggests that adding whole fruits like apples, blueberries, and grapes to one’s regimen is associated with lower risks of developing type 2 diabetes. Check the portion size Most studies recommend at least five servings of vegetables and fruits per day for adults and children. However, people with diabetes should check the carb content of the concerned fruit to determine its serving size. Each serving of fruit contains about 15 grams of carbs. However, this number can vary depending on the type of fruit.

A stuffy or congested nose develops when nasal and adjacent tissues and the blood vessels are swollen with excess fluid, resulting in one’s nose feeling plugged. It may be accompanied by a runny nose or nasal discharge and can be especially uncomfortable for children. Nasal congestion can be a common symptom of allergies, cold and sinus infections, or even environmental irritants. However, one can manage nasal congestion by the following treatment options, foods, and remedies: Treatment options Allegra: As an antihistamine, Allegra lowers the impact of the natural chemical histamine in the body. This chemical can trigger symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, itching, and sneezing. Allegra helps treat symptoms of seasonal allergies in both children and adults. This oral option can be taken on an empty stomach or 1–2 hours after a meal. It must not be consumed with fruit juices. One should consult a doctor for the dosage and check the label for instructions. Avoid using it for longer than recommended or in larger or small amounts than prescribed. Xyzal: This is also an antihistamine that can help with nasal congestion symptoms and can help overcome hives and skin itching. Like Allegra, Xyzal blocks histamine to relieve allergy symptoms. One should take it orally, with or without food. Doctors recommend one dose every 24 hours, preferably in the evening. However, the dosage depends on the patient’s response to the treatment, medical condition, and age, so it is important to consult a physician before opting for this option. Claritin: This antihistamine can provide relief from hives, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, skin rash, itching, hay fever, and other allergy or cold symptoms. People allergic to desloratadine or loratadine should avoid Claritin. Before consuming, one must read all the instructions on the packaging and label.  Better food choices Some foods can help relieve nasal congestion.

Feeling frequent bouts of hunger is not unusual for kids. In fact, it’s quite normal for children in their developing years to feel hungry frequently. However, extreme hunger can lead children to reach out for processed foods, most of which are filled with artificial ingredients, added sugars, and refined flour. These foods have empty calories and no nutritional value. Here are some nutrition-rich kid snacks you can make for your kid without any hassles: Celery with peanut butter and raisins Also known as “ants on a log,” celery with raisins and peanut butter can prove to be a fun way to make your child have a vegetable. Chop a twig of celery into three or four pieces. Take some peanut butter and spread it evenly inside the hollow part of the celery. After that, put some raisins on the peanut butter. The three foods combined in this recipe can offer an excellent balance of nutrients like protein, fat, and carbs. However, ensure that the peanut butter you use is not loaded with added sugars or vegetable oils. Nuts Nuts are notable for their high-fiber content, along with healthy fats and antioxidants. To support your child’s growth, it is essential to provide them with sufficient dietary fats. Earlier, health professionals used to withhold the prescription of nuts to prevent allergic reactions. However, they have now studied that introducing nuts at an early age has many benefits. Nevertheless, make sure that your child develops a habit of chewing properly before offering them nuts as a snack, as it is a choking hazard. Oatmeal Oatmeal is popularly considered a healthy breakfast. However, very few know it can also serve as an excellent snack. With a high-soluble fiber content, oats make great food for the digestive tract, as they increase the number of good bacteria and deliver other health benefits.

There are many reasons why sugar is considered a culprit, and one of them is its negative effect on our skin. When we consume excess sugar, our body experiences an imbalance in glucose levels, leading to various skin complications. To ensure healthy skin, it’s essential to be aware of sugar’s impact on our body and find ways to improve our bodily function without relying on it. Here are some signs of excess sugar. Increased acne When you eat food that is high in sugar, it causes a spike in the blood sugar levels in the body. This spike can have severe side effects, the major one being inflammation that can be difficult to manage. The blood sugar spikes also make excess sebum, the skin’s oily substance. Though this natural oil keeps the skin well hydrated and is necessary, excess sebum can cause issues like acne. The sebum blocks or clogs the pores on the skin, making it difficult to breathe and cleanse. The dirt can collect when this happens, leading to infections and acne problems. The blood sugar spike is not just due to sweets but also junk and processed foods, including dairy products. These foods can cause a hormonal imbalance and lead to hormonal acne. Appearance of wrinkles Consuming too much sugar can accelerate the formation of wrinkles on your skin. This happens because the telomeres in our DNA act as protective caps at the end of chromosomes. As these telomeres become shorter and shorter with each cell division, they eventually become too short to protect the cell from damage. This can cause the cell to die or be unable to divide, leading to premature aging and wrinkles and lines on the face. Studies have linked increased sugar intake to faster telomere shortening. Moreover, excess sugar consumption can cause collagen cross-linking, which can reduce the skin’s elasticity.

Embarking on a sea cruise is a fabulous way to spend holidays with family and friends. Such a trip combines the very best of sun, sand, surf, and seafood to provide a relaxing experience. Unwinding on a luxury vessel away from the daily grind will put your mind at ease. However, a few things should be considered to ensure your holiday goes smoothly. Here are 10 mistakes to avoid while on a cruise ship: Not following the ship’s rules Every ship has a code of conduct that requires passengers to be on their best behavior and not undertake activities that could endanger their own lives and those of fellow passengers. Breaking this code of conduct could mean that the cruise staff is entitled to disembark you at the next port. For example, certain areas of the ship, such as the engine room, are only accessed by the technical crew and not passengers. Respect this rule to ensure your safety and that of others. Being rude to the crew and passengers Traveling on a cruise ship involves being in close quarters with a large number of people with varying personalities. In such circumstances, petty disagreements have the potential of blowing out of proportion. Be courteous and respectful to both crew and fellow passengers. Avoid cutting in line at the buffet or being rude to the crew to save yourself a lot of trouble. In some cases, passengers have been banned from certain facilities for unruly behavior on the ship. Engaging in dangerous acts Many passengers put themselves in danger while trying to capture the perfect vacation photo. Avoid taking selfies while standing on the railing or perching precariously on any part of the ship that is off-limits to passengers. Falling overboard is an extremely high-risk situation that can be fatal. Keeping food in the cabin Most cruise liners offer a highly extensive buffet spread throughout the day.

A bright, healthy smile is often a goal for many. While several in-office procedures can help one achieve the perfect smile, it is also important to practice oral hygiene regularly. Without a good dental regimen, one could experience a variety of problems, such as cavities, tooth decay, halitosis, gum disease, and more, leading to severe infections and tooth loss. So, one should keep an eye out for the following common signs of dental problems: Toothache Toothache is one of the most common signs of poor oral health. It could develop during the formation of a cavity or be linked to more serious conditions when accompanied by swelling or pus around the tooth or a fever. Until one gets a chance to visit the dentist, rinsing the mouth with warm water and flossing to remove any food particles stuck between the teeth can help alleviate the pain. Stained teeth The color of the teeth is determined by a variety of factors, such as food, medical treatments, lifestyle choices, and even physical trauma. To get rid of stains on the teeth and give them a brighter appearance, one can invest in at-home teeth whitening kits, whitening toothpaste, and rinses that help remove surface stains. For long-term whitening solutions, one should consult a dentist. Cavities Cavities are one of the most common dental problems. Also known as tooth decay or dental caries, cavities develop when bacteria form plaque on the surface of the teeth. The bacteria feed on the sugar one eats and turn it into acids, which can permanently damage or break down the enamel, reaching the inner layers of the tooth. So, those who opt for excessive amounts of sugar daily are more likely to experience the formation of cavities. Tooth decay can cause toothaches, bad breath, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, and black or brown spots on the teeth.

The eyes help one perceive different stimuli. Therefore, promptly diagnosing eye-related conditions is essential to ensure eye health. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition involving damage to the macula or a part of the retina situated at the back of the eye. Individuals aged 50 and above are particularly susceptible to this condition. This article discusses a few early warning signs of AMD that one shouldn’t ignore. Early warning signs of age-related macular degeneration In general, age-related macular degeneration is classified as dry and wet. Dry AMD involves gradual thinning of the retina caused by age and is characterized by symptoms like blurred vision and progressive vision loss. Wet AMD, considered a more serious condition than dry AMD, results from irregular growth of blood vessels in the retina, causing accumulation of fluid in the back of the eye. Dry AMD may gradually progress to wet AMD with time, particularly if left untreated. Some early warning signs of AMD are as follows: 1. Blurred vision Since AMD involves blood or fluid leakage from blood vessels into the macula, individuals with this disease may experience blurry vision. 2. Wavy appearance of straight lines Age-related macular degeneration significantly affects one’s central vision, which is indispensable in facilitating the recognition of shapes, lines, colors, etc. Consequently, patients with AMD may perceive straight lines as curved or wavy. 3. Problems with recognizing familiar faces As mentioned earlier, AMD hampers one’s central vision, which is also responsible for face recognition. Hence, patients with AMD often find it difficult to recognize familiar people—even their close family members and friends. 4. Issues with sleep Some studies have found an association between the prevalence of AMD and increased rates of sleep issues, such as sleep apnea, insomnia, and generally poorer sleep quality than individuals without the condition.

Breastfeeding is a universal way to nourish a newborn. Many mothers exclusively breastfeed their baby for six months, which is the minimum duration doctors recommend around the world. During this phase, nursing mothers need to have healthy, nutritious foods as this is how infants get the nutrients they need. Additionally, certain foods can help increase the milk supply. So here are a few superfoods that are ideal for nursing mothers:  Avocados This superfood is loaded with nutrients like heart-healthy fats that can help new mothers feel full for long periods. Breastfeeding mothers usually feel frequent hunger pangs due to having to nurse often. Further, women need more calories during their nursing period. This is why avocados are a great and versatile option for filling recipes. The fruit contains essential vitamins and is a versatile option to add to meals.  Nuts Nuts like almonds, Brazil nuts, pistachios, and macadamia nuts are great snacking options for new mothers. These nuts are usually high in essential minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamins K and B. They are known to be lactogenic and also excellent sources of healthy fats and protein, essential for babies and mothers alike.  One can have these nuts by the bedside to make them easily accessible. Coconut Coconut consumed in any form is great for nursing mothers as it is high in fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K. Additionally, coconut contains high amounts of fiber that help regulate bowel movement. Also, it is especially recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it helps improve the milk supply. Further, coconut water is full of electrolytes that can serve as a great source of hydration for breastfeeding mothers. Beans and legumes These are a great source of protein and vitamins essential for one’s overall health. Additionally, some legumes, such as chickpeas, have been categorized as galactagogues (or lactation boosters)—foods that increase breast milk supply.

Alopecia, or in colloquial terms,  hair loss, is a condition impacting over 80 million people in the country. Several causes of hair loss may include genetics, excessive stress, hormonal fluctuations caused by menopause or pregnancy, harmful haircare like bleaching or perms, chemotherapy, fungal infections, thyroid disease, and many more. Even though not all types of hair loss  (like cicatricial alopecia) are reversible, here are some key ways to manage them. Consult a health professional without delay Shedding 100 strands per day is expected in humans. With new strands replacing the older ones, the loss of previous strands hardly makes any difference. However, receding lines or thinning regions can be observed on the scalp when little or no hair grows back to replace the lost strands. This is when the patient must consult a health professional to ascertain the cause of their hair loss and seek appropriate treatment. To identify the exact cause of alopecia, the doctor may inquire about the patient’s genetic history, hair care routine, and food habits. Besides that, they may also conduct a physical examination along with tests like a pull test, blood test, light microscopy, and scalp biopsy. Depending on the type of hair loss the patient suffers, the health professional will prescribe specific treatment plans comprising oral prescriptions and surgeries. Some of the most common treatments the doctor may prescribe are: Hair transplant The doctor recommends a hair transplant when the patient experiences a receding hairline due to female or male pattern baldness. This treatment option can reverse the hair loss condition permanently. Corticosteroids These are steroids made up of synthetic versions of hormones generated by the adrenal glands. The doctor prescribes these injections when the patient suffers from patchy alopecia areata. The doses are injected every four to eight weeks into the thinning region of the scalp.