It might not be the end of the world for people to slip up and nibble on a cookie or grab some chips, which are common contents in the pantry. However, patients with blood sugar issues have to be careful, as too many “unhealthy” snacks can lead to grave consequences, primarily when some not-so-good foods are marketed as the healthiest on the shelves. Here are some surprisingly bad foods for diabetes that need to be avoided. Nut butter Peanut, cashew, and almond butter are all considered healthy choices, contributing to some good fats and proteins in the food. They work great as toppings on toast, oatmeal, and shakes. Their high-nutrient profile makes them a safe snacking option for those with various health concerns. However, are they as healthy as they are assumed to be? Consumers need to be careful of the ingredients being included in the packaged food products. Most store-bought nut butters list sugar within the first five ingredients on their list, along with hydrogenated oils. These two ingredients go a long way in bringing down the food’s nutrient profile and can contribute to unsteady spikes in blood sugar levels. Nut butter is therefore listed among the bad foods for diabetes.

Sugar makes everything taste excellent, there’s no denying it. As a matter of fact, sugar is essential to your survival, as it provides fuel for the body. But too much added and artificial sugar can actually wreak havoc on the body’s functions. It can cause serious health conditions and affect your mind negatively. But how do you know if you are consuming too much sugar? Here are 8 ways your body tells you exactly that. Poor skin Too much sugar in your meals can actually affect your skin negatively. In fact, acne is one of the most common skin conditions that could be caused as a result of too much sugar. High sugar intake can cause the release of androgen and also contribute to the oil production and inflammation of the skin. Too much sugar can also lead to the development of wrinkles and triggers aging. Exhaustion and fatigue Another common sign of too much sugar intake is exhaustion and fatigue. Sugar is a quick energy source but irrespective of how much you eat, you will find yourself feeling hungry again. Not to mention, consuming too much sugar can lead to large fluctuations in blood sugar and energy spikes, which can leave you feeling tired and exhausted.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-lasting, autoimmune condition that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to loss of joint function and other bodily damage. To manage the symptoms and cope with the illness, one can try home remedies and lifestyle changes alongside receiving professional treatment to reduce inflammation. Here, we’ve shared some of the best tips to manage rheumatoid arthritis. Maintain a healthy BMI A crucial step in managing rheumatoid arthritis is shedding extra pounds. Fat cells release cytokines, a protein that causes inflammation, exacerbating symptoms. Besides, excess fat puts a lot of pressure on the joints, making symptoms worse. Studies have also found that maintaining a healthy BMI can reduce the risk of some complications and increase the chances of remission. Besides, an imbalanced BMI can reduce the efficacy of certain other rheumatoid arthritis treatment options. Avoid red meat Many cuts of red meat, such as beef, pork, and lamb, are loaded with saturated fats. This type of fat can aggravate inflammation and contribute to an imbalanced BMI. Furthermore, red meat contains omega-6 fatty acids, promoting inflammation if consumed in excess. People who can’t do without red meat should choose lean cuts of the meat, as it offers protein and other nutrients without causing inflammation.

The colon is highly integral to the digestive system. And the cancer of this organ is the third most common type in the country. Some of the most signs and symptoms of colon cancer include diarrhea, constipation, bloody stools, and persistent abdominal discomfort. If one’s colon cancer is localized to the bowels, it can be treated with ease. Here, we’ve listed some treatment options along with foods and home remedies that help manage symptoms. Before looking at the treatment options, we shall discuss at-home colon cancer tests. There are mainly three types of at-home tests: Fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs), fecal immunochemical tests (FITs), and FIT-DNA. All three tests involve the self-collection of stool samples, but they work differently. Carefully reading instructions on the at-home test kits is important before taking a test. Treatments Here are three FDA-approved treatment options for colon cancer: OPDIVO® (nivolumab) OPDIVO is used in combination with another treatment option to primarily treat metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) colon cancer in people 12 years or older. Avastin® (bevacizumab) This treatment option is administered to those suffering from metastatic colon cancer. Avastin is made to work together with chemotherapy to prevent tumor growth. Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) Keytruda ® is designed to be the first treatment option for people with advanced colon cancer.

Lung cancer is a disease that doesn’t show any symptoms in the initial stages. Signs like cough with blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, bone pain, and headache start showing over a period of time. One needs to consult a doctor if they have any of these signs persisting for a prolonged period. This article highlights a few treatment options, foods to consume and avoid, and remedies to help manage the health condition. Treatment options The course of treatment depends on the advancement of the disease. However, generally, doctors recommend getting rid of the cancer tissue with surgery. And if surgery is not an option, they recommend a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, or either of the one to relieve symptoms of lung cancer. Targeted therapy is also an option to target specific cells of cancer. There are many FDA-approved treatment options that a doctor may prescribe for their patients, depending on the type of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an advanced stage of lung cancer that may have a poor outlook at treatment options. But to cope with the painful symptoms, a doctor may prescribe Abraxane, Afatinib Dimaleate, Alectinib, Lumakras, and Opdivo, among others.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are characterized by burning sensations, abdominal pain, and cloudy urine. These infections are significantly more common in women than in men and can affect any part of one’s urinary tract including the kidneys, bladder, and even the urethra. If left untreated, UTIs should not be left untreated as they can lead to severe pain and other serious complications. Read on to know about the ways to keep UTIs in check: Get the right treatment FETROJA® (cefiderocol), is a cephalosporin antibacterial treatment option used to tackle complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs). These include pyelonephritis caused due to susceptible Gram-negative microorganisms. This treatment is prescribed to individuals over 18 years of age. It is often a last resort for those who have limited or no alternative treatment options. Common side effects of FETROJA® include diarrhea, injection site reaction, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Individuals may also experience constipation, rash, cough, and low blood potassium levels. FETROJA® can interact with other ongoing treatments, so it is best to consult a doctor before going for this treatment option. Eat the right foods Foods can go a long way in managing UTIs. Berries such as cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries can help fight UTIs.

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer associated with white blood cells. In this condition, the white blood cells fail to perform their usual function of fighting infections. These unhealthy white blood cells crowd out the healthy cells. Multiple myeloma is a rare type of cancer in the country, with a lifetime risk of 1 out of 132 (0.76 percent). This article highlights some treatment options, food choices, and tips to manage the condition: Treatment options Two major treatment options for multiple myeloma are BCMA therapy and the use of monoclonal antibodies. BCMA (B-cell maturation antigen) can be seen in almost all multiple myeloma cells. Many studies indicate that targeting BCMA can significantly help in multiple myeloma treatments. BCMA is a part of signaling pathways that lead to the survival and growth of cancerous plasma cells. Many new BCMA-targeted therapies are being developed, which could help in the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. The use of monoclonal antibodies is another treatment method. Monoclonal antibodies can help in restoring, modifying, or improving the immune system’s attack on unwanted cells, like cancer cells. Some monoclonal antibodies prevent cancer cells from connecting with proteins that promote cell growth. Thus, they can block the growth of cancer cells.

The lymphatic system is part of the body’s germ-fighting network, comprising lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow. When cancer begins in the lymphatic system, it is called lymphoma. Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin are the two main types of lymphoma, the latter being the most common. Both types are often treatable, especially if detected in the initial stages. Here are some treatment options, foods to eat and avoid, and other ways that help manage lymphoma: Treatments Treatment options for all types of lymphoma usually include a combination of therapies. One of the most common therapies is an oral therapy, such as IMBRUVICA® (ibrutinib). IMBRUVICA® is used to treat mantle cell lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, and other types of cancers. The active substance in IMBRUVICA®, ibrutinib, inhibits the enzyme Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), which is linked to lymphoma. IMBRUVICA® is typically taken once a day and can work alone or together with other treatments. Common side effects include diarrhea, tiredness, rash, bruising, muscle pain, and bone pain. Other treatment options for lymphoma include chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation. Foods to eat and avoid Although no specific food or meal plan can cure lymphoma, eating and avoiding certain foods can help ease symptoms and reduce the side effects of treatments.