Diabetes is an illness in which the sugar levels in the blood are either too high or too low. This condition can be managed with a strict meal plan that ensures the body’s insulin levels do not exceed the normal amount. However, the urge to snack can be random and unplanned. For such an occasion, here are some safe snacking options for those with diabetes who need healthy choices to satiate their food cravings. Guacamole All you need to make this yummy dip is fresh avocados, onions, tomatoes, some cilantro, lime, and salt to taste. One of the best ways to prep this is to use a mortar and pestle and grind these ingredients gently together. Avocados are known for their polyunsaturated fatty acids, which help keep insulin levels balanced. It also has vitamins and antioxidants, good for the body and skin. Guacamole makes for a great dip or even a spread on a slice of multigrain bread. Apple and peanut butter This is a nutritious and tasty snack that does not spike insulin levels in the body. It can simply be made at home! Just cut some slices of an apple and use homemade peanut butter (crunchy or smooth) as a dip.

Food plays an important role in managing diabetes. According to several studies, the most severe and chronic diabetes cases and complications triggered by the condition are caused by the excessive consumption of unhealthy foods. These can increase insulin resistance and heighten blood sugar levels in the body. It is, therefore, important to learn about the foods that can worsen the condition. Here are some of the foods that those with diabetes should avoid. Flavored coffee drinks Flavored coffee drinks, unlike regular coffee, are loaded with sugar, carbohydrates, and calories, all of which may lead to an increase in weight and spikes in blood sugar levels. Such complications will eventually lead to a severe form of diabetes and other health conditions, like high blood pressure and cholesterol. Margarine Margarine is used as a healthy alternative to butter because it is low in saturated fats. However, the food contains high levels of trans fats. These fats may trigger inflammation, increase insulin resistance, and reduce the healthy cholesterol levels in the body. White bread White bread is a processed food that is rich in carbohydrates. Studies indicate that foods high in carbohydrates may raise blood sugar levels in those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Food choices matter a lot when you try to combat a health condition. And diabetes is a chronic, long-term disease that needs to be managed with a combination of a healthy lifestyle and food choices. Quality sleep, an active lifestyle, and nutritious food choices can be rewarding for those with diabetes. However, while some foods make for a good choice, some can do equal harm. This article highlights the worst foods for those with diabetes. Starch While carbs are important, the source of carbs is what matters the most. Some of the worst choices in this food category for people with diabetes are rice, white flour, cereals, fries, white bread, and fried tortillas. Canned vegetables Vegetables are best eaten in their raw, organic form. Avoid canned vegetables and try to cook a meal from scratch, using fresh produce. Also, stir-fried veggies made using a generous amount of butter are not a good option too. Sodium-rich foods Pickles, frozen and canned foods are all high in sodium, which can spike the blood pressure levels in people with diabetes. Diabetes is an illness associated with the heart and kidneys, so the diet must be low in sodium. Artificial fruit juices and packaged by-products While fresh fruits are a good choice and are recommended to be consumed as is, other forms of fruits are to be avoided.

The pandemic has led to an increase in the number of diabetes cases. This has happened because the virus disrupts the production of insulin. Moreover, the inflammation caused by the virus can worsen the symptoms of pre-existing diabetes. According to research, the virus spreads to the pancreatic beta-cells responsible and interferes with the synthesis and secretion of insulin. All of these factors have made it critical to understand the various signs of excessive sugar intake. Increase in appetite Sugary foods are rich in calories. But they do not have the nutritional value that the body otherwise gains from proteins, fiber, and antioxidants found in healthy foods. Empty calories cannot satiate a full-grown adult. So, to fill this void, many people turn to compulsive snacking throughout the day. Excess fatigue People who eat sugary foods and beverages regularly might experience frequent bouts of fatigue. Excess sugar triggers abnormal changes in insulin levels, and energy levels drop rapidly as the body tries to process the extra calories. Acne and skin problems One of the most noticeable signs of excess sugar intake is adult acne and skin problems. This is mainly because of blood glucose imbalance since the body’s glycemic levels influence skin health.

Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is the inflammation of joints, leading to cartilage degeneration. It is an autoimmune disease wherein the immune system attacks the body’s tissues and can be caused by the wear and tear of the joints. It is estimated that more than 20 percent, which is over 50 million people, get diagnosed with rheumatic conditions like arthritis. Here are some things to avoid in daily lives for better management of rheumatoid arthritis. Leading a sedentary lifestyle A sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis. Lack of movement can weaken the joints, making it challenging to manage rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors recommend doing some light intensity exercises to relieve pain due to arthritis and help build stronger joints. Bad posture Bad body posture can put excess weight on weakened joints, which can worsen rheumatoid arthritis. A good body posture reduces the pressure on the joints, thereby reducing other symptoms like excess joint pain and trouble walking or doing simple chores. Wearing high heels High heels can put a lot of pressure on the hips and knees. This can aggravate arthritis symptoms. The cartilage around the joints can get damaged further, resulting in pain and inflammation.

Whether it is merely jogging or playing an outdoor sport such as football, active people or athletes must eat a nutritious and balanced diet. Adequate nutrition ensures ample fuel for the body. Proper nutrition, like any sports activity, has basic ground rules. Following these rules and getting plenty of practice can help people lead a healthy life. This article sheds light on the importance of both fitness and nutrition. A well-balanced diet is crucial, as it provides the required energy in the form of carbohydrates, fats, essential protein, vitamins, and minerals. But, what is a well-balanced diet? Several health experts and nutritionists suggest that a diet containing 55-60% of calories from carbohydrates, around 20% of calories from fat, and the remaining (about 10-15%) from protein can help you stay at the pink of your health. The calorie percentage translates into eating a variety of foods every day: fruits, vegetables, beans, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats. The base of the diet must comprise starches and sugars. Water and other fluids are also an essential part of the winning combination. The fluids not only help transport nutrients throughout the body but also avoid dehydration. Lack of hydration can stop even the fittest individual from playing his or her best game.

Today, weight management has become essential for a healthy body and mind. Staying fit and maintaining a healthy body mass index reduces the likelihood of health complications like high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterols, and morbid obesity. While exercise and lifestyle changes are crucial, certain dietary changes must also be made to ensure effective weight loss or healthy weight gain. Check out the following simple tips that help you stay on track. Eat more vegetables Less than a tenth (just about 9%) of the adults in the country actually meet the minimum requirements of vegetable intake recommended by medical professionals. There is no doubt that green is the way to go, especially when you want to supplement your diet with nutrient-rich foods and maintain a healthy weight. You must include broccoli, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, onions, cauliflowers, and brussels sprouts in your daily food intake. These non-starchy veggies are loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that counter inflammation and improve digestion. Whole grains Whole grains are your best bet when it comes to foods that help promote weight loss. Whole grains are rich in nutrients and loaded with fiber to aid digestion and increase metabolic activity. There are plenty of whole-grain options that you can include in your breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a more nutritious diet.

There are approximately one million people over the age of 18 who suffer from multiple sclerosis in the country. A disease that can be benign to some and incapacitating to others, multiple sclerosis is highly unpredictable. This is why it is important to be fully aware of this debilitating disease. What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that attacks the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain, nerves, and the spinal cord. When a person suffers from multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibers. This disrupts the transmission of signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Types of MS There are four basic stages of the progression of multiple sclerosis. Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS): CIS is the first episode of neurological symptoms caused by MS. The symptoms will show up due to the inflammation and demyelination (destruction of the protective coating of the nerves) in the central nervous system. Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): RRMS is the most common route taken by the disease. In this stage, there will be new or a greater scale of existing neurological symptoms. It is at this stage where one can go into complete remission if the disease will advance further.