Over 130 million people in the country are prediabetic or suffer from either form of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the more prevalent form as per these statistics. It is a chronic condition that affects how the body regulates glucose for energy. There is no cure for diabetes. But simple changes in daily nutrition and lifestyle habits along with the use of certain prescriptions can help prevent symptoms from affecting one’s daily routine. Foods to avoid for better diabetes management Any nutritional imbalance impacts the progression of chronic diseases like diabetes. The following foods trigger unexpected changes in blood glucose levels. It is better to avoid eating these foods completely or have them in moderation. Refined carbohydrates Refined starchy foods are the most common forms of carbohydrates consumed daily. The body’s digestive system breaks down all carbs into glucose for energy. However, this poses a problem for people who are already diabetic. Refined foods like white bread, pasta, cereals, crackers, baked goods, and confectionaries are processed quickly by the digestive system. This triggers a sudden release of glucose into the bloodstream and causes an imbalance in blood sugar levels. Artificial sweeteners Added sugars found in sauces, condiments, nectars, sweeteners, syrups, sweets, and flavored beverages contain no nutritional value.

Schizophrenia is a chronic thought disorder that affects the way in which a person thinks, behaves, and communicates. It can lead to severe symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking and behavior. The symptoms have a major impact on the patient’s daily life. Early diagnosis is critical, as it can help an individual in managing the symptoms to an extent. This article highlights the treatment options, types, and symptoms of schizophrenia. Symptoms Abnormal motor behavior This is one of the most common symptoms among schizophrenia patients. It may manifest itself in ways like jerky, irregular movements, continuous spasms, and muscle contractions. Additionally, a person suffering from schizophrenia might get agitated unpredictably. They may have an inappropriate posture, a total lack of response, or they may show excess movement. Delusions Approximately 90 percent of the patients face delusions, which include illogical or bizarre ideas. The patient may think everyone is trying to harm or harass them, or they may also be under the impression that someone is in love with them. Hallucinations Here, the patient is able to hear or see things that actually don’t exist. Hearing sounds or voices is the most common type of hallucination experienced by schizophrenia patients. Treatment options Medical intervention When schizophrenia is diagnosed at an early stage, its symptoms can be managed with prescription treatments. The treatment options listed below can help in the management of schizophrenia symptoms:

Hyperkalemia is a condition that results from increased levels of potassium in the body. Although potassium is an essential mineral in the functioning of the heart and the neuromuscular system, its abundance can cause harm to these organs. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, nausea, muscle spasms, and shortness of breath. One of the most effective ways to prevent or manage the condition is by eliminating these high-potassium foods from one’s daily meals. Bananas Bananas are the first food that comes to mind when discussing high-potassium foods. It is the easiest and fastest way to replenish the body’s stores of potassium. It helps in faster recovery from workout sessions and is a snack of choice among athletes. However, it is important to avoid this potassium ambassador for hyperkalemia patients. Tomatoes These are among the common foods that contain high amounts of potassium. Moreover, the amount of potassium goes up in tomato products like tomato sauce, paste, powder, and more where the concentration grows. Moreover, sun-dried tomatoes contain high levels of potassium. Since they are a common ingredient in foods like sandwiches, pastas, and salads, it is best to avoid them. One can try finding alternatives for sun-dried tomatoes or not including them in meals frequently.

Heart disease is one of the most leading health concerns in the country. Moreover, research suggests that food plays a crucial role in heart health and can impact the risk for heart-related problems. Fortunately, many common foods and some exotic ones are packed with nutrients that can boost heart health and lower the risk for various heart problems. So, include these superfoods in daily meals to make your heart healthier. Oats Oats are a type of whole grain that is full of soluble fiber, which not only boosts digestive health but also prevents the body from absorbing cholesterol, thus reducing the risk for heart attacks and strokes. When selecting oats, it’s best to prefer steel-cut oats, as they contain no sodium, sugar, and preservatives. Plus, they take longer to digest and are less likely to cause spikes in blood sugar. Fatty fish Fatty fish are well-known superfoods for heart health. They are among the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are a type of healthy fats that can help control high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats. They can also reduce the risk for stroke and heart failure. Some fatty fish known to be heart-healthy include salmon, lake trout, sardines, anchovies, and herring.

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a type of cancer that develops in the blood or bone marrow, in which the body produces too many white blood cells. This disease is common among older adults and is rarely observed in children. Weakness, anemia, fever, and bone pain are some of the symptoms that develop over time. While there is no cure for this condition, one can manage its symptoms through treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes. Making healthier food choices According to the American Institute of Cancer Research, two-thirds of the food in meals should be plant-based. Adding lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans is a great way to meet the nutritional requirements of the day. Further, plant-based foods are low in calories, and this helps in maintaining a healthy weight. Green leafy vegetables:  Spinach, broccoli, kale, and cabbage are cruciferous vegetables that are excellent sources of essential vitamins. The anti-inflammatory properties and other compounds in these vegetables are known to combat the inactive carcinogens in the body, which aid in the recovery process. Other leafy greens and vegetables like sweet potatoes, asparagus, and peas contain folate/folic acid and vitamin A, which can help create and repair the cells’ DNA structure.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a health condition that results in weakened muscles and atrophy, which is a decrease in muscle size. It is a genetic disorder that affects the central nervous system, voluntary muscle movement, and peripheral nervous system. The condition is rare and affects one out of 6,000 to 10,000 children every year. As of today, there are 10,000 to 25,000 children in the country who live with SMA. Cause The most common cause of spinal muscular atrophy is when children have two copies of broken genes, one from each parent. The defective genes prevent the body from producing sufficient amounts of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein needed to maintain regular function and overall health of the neurons. The lack of protein leads to the deterioration and elimination of the cells that control muscle growth, ultimately leading to disorders. Symptoms The symptoms of spinal muscular atrophy depend on its type. There are four primary types of SMA range: severe (Type 1), intermediate (Type 2), mild (Type 3), and adult (Type 4). The primary symptom of the disorder is the weakness of the voluntary muscles. Affected individuals will find that the muscles closer to the center of their body are the most affected.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders among children. Often the symptoms develop during childhood and continue throughout adulthood. In fact, with ADHD diagnosis, the symptoms determine the type of neurodevelopmental disorder. Since it is a complicated condition, patients and family members should be well aware of the common signs, treatments, and disease management to improve long-term outlook. Here is a comprehensive overview. Most common signs of ADHD ADHD signs and symptoms vary depending on the patient’s gender and age. Signs observed among young children will not necessarily be the same as those observed among adults. Inattention Reduced attention to detail, not listening intently in an active conversation, not following up on assigned tasks, experiencing trouble organizing activities, reluctance to complete important tasks, losing possessions, and easily getting distracted are all the major signs of inattention linked to ADHD. Diagnoses are confirmed when these symptoms last six months or longer during the initial development stages. Hyperactivity and impulsive behavior Behavioral changes will become more evident after the initial development of the disorder. Children and adults struggle with sitting still in one place, often fighting the urge to do something. This is quite evident with tapping hands or feet, fidgeting excessively, and visibly being nervous or in a state of discomfort.