The type of day you are going to have is largely dependent on the hours and quality of sleep you clocked in the night before. It is just as crucial for your well-being as it is for your productivity. However, sleep problems are a common occurrence among a majority of the population. This article will help guide you through some tips for better sleep and things you should avoid before bed. Coffee/tea You are all well aware of the effect caffeine can have on your minds and body. Despite that knowledge, caffeine in the form of tea, coffee, chocolate, and sodas is often consumed later during the day. By doing this, you are ensuring that your body does not get the quality or the quantity of rest it requires for optimal performance. It is better to avoid caffeine closer to bedtime to avoid losing hours of sleep and forego sleep fragmentation. Staring at screens Lights stimulate brain cells and send across a message to the body that it needs to be active and alert. On the flip side, the darkness gets the brain and body ready to rest. Late-night screen time results in an alert mind and can inadvertently lead to unrest.

Arthritis can affect people of all ages, including children. However, it is increasingly common in aged individuals. It causes stiffness and painful aches in the joints and muscles of the body. There is a lot of confusion about arthritis, from its causes to ways to manage the condition, but even more so related to what foods are good or bad for it. This article busts some common food-related myths surrounding arthritis. Top food myths concerning arthritis you should not believe Tomatoes can be harmful Tomatoes were previously believed to be poisonous and often associated with making arthritis worse. The myth originated because tomatoes contain solanine, a naturally produced toxin that is believed to cause inflammation, swelling, and joint pain. But there is no medical evidence of tomatoes proving to be harmful to arthritis patients. Vegetables in the same family, such as eggplants and potatoes, are also safe to eat. Citrus aggravates inflammation There is a lot of misinformation on the internet that warns arthritis patients to stay away from citrus fruits because they aggravate inflammation. This is not true. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which helps manage arthritis pain and protects against free radicals, which could damage the cartilage, flaring inflammation.

Eczema is an umbrella term that describes a group of skin disorders that can lead to dermatitis or inflammation of the skin. Individuals suffering from eczema often experience redness of the skin and itching. This is because eczema damages the protective skin barrier and makes the skin sensitive and more prone to infections and dryness. Read on to find out the effect of soap on the skin and how certain soaps can trigger eczema. The relationship between soap and eczema Soaps are a great cleaning tool, but if you do not use the right one, they can cause damage to the skin. This is because most soaps and detergents eliminate the natural oils of the skin. This can make the skin itchy, red, and more sensitive to external irritants. Many soaps also contain irritants that can worsen preexisting skin conditions like eczema. Here are some common soaps that could trigger eczema. Soaps that have surfactants Surfactants, also known as surface-active agents, are key ingredients in many soaps. But studies have shown that surfactants can actually have an adverse effect on the skin. In fact, it contributes to unhealthy skin by increasing oxidative stress and increasing redness and dryness. Soaps with strong cleaners Another type of soap that could trigger or worsen eczema is a soap that contains harsh cleansing agents.

This autoimmune disease is characterized as an inflammatory disease that attacks the lining of the joints in the body. The inflammation around the joints causes swelling, tenderness, and pain. This chronic disease may affect one or multiple joints at once. Over a period, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. Given the seriousness of this long-term illness, we have enlisted things that can worsen rheumatoid arthritis. Too much rest is not a good idea Moving around with rheumatoid arthritis could get challenging, but adopting an active lifestyle is instead a smarter thing to do. Doing daily chores, going for a stroll, and picking hobbies like gardening keeps. An active lifestyle rewards the body in the long run. After all, working out is one of the most important ways to lessen the disability associated with this condition. Exercise regularly can improve strength and flexibility in those with rheumatoid arthritis. Stronger muscles can support the joints well; on the other hand, better flexibility can aid joint function. Skipping treatment It’s not wise to stop treatment or avoid taking the prescribed tablets for the condition. If a dose is missed, it’s advised to have it as soon as possible.

Blood sugar levels of diabetic patients can dip or peak depending on the food they consume. Hence, it is extremely important to eat right. A nutritious meal should include a balance of carbs, protein, starches, and sugar. But it can be tricky to get proper nutrition, especially with foods that sound healthy but, in reality, cause damage to overall health. Let’s take a look at some of the bad foods for diabetic patients. Sugar-sweetened beverages Avoid drinking cola, sweetened ice tea, or lemonade as they contain an excessively high amount of added sugar and carbs. Additionally, these drinks contain fructose, which can lead to insulin resistance, belly fat, and unhealthy metabolic changes. According to studies, people who consume too many sugar-sweetened beverages have a higher risk of developing diabetes-related conditions like fatty liver disease. A surprising beverage to avoid is fruit juice. Although they contain more vitamins and minerals than sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juices have concentrated amounts of fruit sugar that can spike your blood sugar. Opt for cucumber and mint-infused water or naturally flavored seltzer with a dash of lime for a refreshing taste. White bread, rice, and pasta All these processed foods contain a high amount of carbs that can significantly raise blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

With the pandemic, diabetes is reportedly on the rise as the low-grade inflammation caused by the virus could worsen pre-existing diabetes by increasing insulin resistance. Studies also indicate that the virus can multiply within insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells and debilitate insulin synthesis and secretion. While excessive sugar intake is associated with various health concerns and must be avoided, this is another reason to understand the eight noticeable warning signs of excess sugar intake listed below. Excessive tiredness Added sugar leads to an increase in insulin production to process the excess calories. These abnormal changes can lower energy levels during the day and trigger excessive fatigue. It is essential to understand the body can only process a finite amount of sugar with the insulin produced by the pancreas to break down all carbohydrates for energy. Unexplained increase in appetite Not feeling full enough or satiated throughout the day is a clear sign of excess sugar intake. The body absorbs proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients from daily foods to support all functions. Sugar only has empty calories and does not add any additional nutritional value. To supplement this energy requirement, people resort to compulsive snacking. Skin problems like acne Clinical studies reveal that blood glucose spikes trigger the body to produce more sebum, an oily substance found in the skin.

Sugar can be an addictive ingredient in food and drinks. With all the processed and fast food available at every store, it becomes difficult to avoid this component. While some are strict about their diet, some do not keep a tab on their daily sugar intake. Let’s look at some of the signs and symptoms that may point toward excess sugar intake in a diet. Weight gain Sugars tend to be used up by the body very quickly, leaving it hungry for more. Most processed foods and sugary treats do not have anything nutritious content in them – no protein, fiber, or healthy fats – to keep the body full and satiated. So consuming sugary foods or drinks is like consuming empty calories with no benefits. According to research, it was also observed that sweet beverages promoted weight gain in adults as well as children. High blood pressure Research suggests that too much sugar in the diet can lead to hypertension or high blood pressure in individuals. Studies observe that high glucose levels could be responsible for damaging the lining inside the blood cells, making it vulnerable for cholesterol to stick to them. This can cause the vessels to narrow down, making it difficult for blood to flow.

Diabetes is a condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It interferes with the body’s ability to process blood sugar, or blood glucose. Every single diabetes patient probably knows that they must eat healthy to maintain normal blood sugar levels. However, the problem is that many foods marketed as healthy and considered diabetes-friendly can actually cause a spike in blood sugar levels. In this article, we’ve listed foods many people don’t know are bad for diabetics. Brown rice When thinking of healthy rice, brown rice is the first thing that comes to many people’s minds. It is a whole grain that has the bran, germ, and endosperm intact. Indeed, brown rice is healthier than white rice, thanks to its rich fiber content. But it also contains a high amount of carbohydrates, which quickly break down into glucose, sending blood sugar levels soaring. Before making a brown rice recipe, it’s important to watch the portion size to prevent a spike in blood sugar. Dried fruits Many people have the habit of noshing on dry fruits. But these fruits, particularly raisins, are bad food choices for those with diabetes. When a fruit is dried, it loses all water, resulting in a higher concentration of its various nutrients, including sugar and carbohydrates.