Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot make enough or can’t use insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body regulate sugar in the blood. It is caused by several factors, some that can be controlled or managed such as high blood pressure and smoking, while other factors are uncontrollable, like belonging to a higher-risk ethnic group. For some people, managing diabetes will include eating healthy meals and snacks, getting regular physical exercise, and even insulin shots. Most doctors can agree that diabetes can be managed by following a diabetes diet. By following a diabetes meal plan you can regulate blood sugar levels and help with losing and maintaining a healthy weight. We’ve compiled a helpful list to make your diabetes meal planning go as smoothly as possible: 1. Portion control The biggest challenge when starting any diet, let alone a diabetes diet, is to learn how to control your portions. Not only can it help with diabetes management, but it will also help with weight management. We recommend trying the plate method. This involves filling half of your plate with vegetables and splitting the other half in half again with complex carbohydrates and protein.

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. A person can become infected with hep c virus (or HCV) by being exposed to infectious blood and secretions from another already infected person. This virus can lead to serious liver damage and death, if left untreated. In most cases, there are few symptoms linked to HCV, so individuals may not know they are infected. There are different types, symptoms, and treatments available for this particular virus. Read on for more details: 1. Transmission of hepatitis C Hepatitis C can be spread by being stuck with infected needles, from mother to child during birth, sharing drug needles, or getting tattoos or piercings with infected equipment. 2. Symptoms of hepatitis C Sometimes symptoms of viral hepatitis C will not show up until the virus has advanced. Some symptoms to look for early on in the disease process are fever, fatigue, nausea, stomachache, vomiting, dark urine, and joint pain. An infected person may later experience some weight loss, itching, easy bleeding and bruising, gallstones, fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. 3. Risk factors for hepatitis C The CDC recommends people get tested if they have a mother with hepatitis c, have received blood transfusions, have ever injected drugs, been in prison, or if they were born between 1945 and 1965.

Migraines are an intense headache that is typically focused on one side of the head. Different from tension or cluster headaches, symptoms of migraines are a chronic pulsing sensation that is commonly accompanied by nausea and light and sound sensitivity, lasting up to three days. Migraines can be brought on by many different types of stimuli, or triggers, and normally start with a group of warning symptoms called an aura. These symptoms can happen before and during a migraine and include visual disturbances, vomiting, facial tingling, loss of balance, and difficulty speaking. Migraine triggers can include diet, exercise, stress, or changes in sleep pattern, but strong smells can also increase incidents. Here are a few common smells that may trigger migraines: 1. Cigarette smoke Both smoking cigarettes and inhaling the smoke affects those who experience migraines. Cigarettes and other nicotine containing substances alter the size of blood vessels throughout the body, especially in the brain. The growth of these vessels, along with an increase in blood pressure, can quickly bring on a headache. The smoke also can irritate the esophagus, entering the lungs, and bloodstream. For those who suffer migraines, this is just another reason to quit smoking and hanging around those who do.

Melanoma only makes up around one percent of skin cancer cases. However, it is the most deadly form of skin cancer. There isn’t one specific thing that causes melanoma, but it is thought to be greatly impacted by both genetic and environmental factors. The main cause of melanoma development is believed to be ultraviolet radiation (or UV ray) exposure from tanning beds and the sun. Since this form of skin cancer is so aggressive, it is important to be able to identify the symptoms of melanoma: 1. Sores that don’t heal If you start to get random sores and aren’t sure where they are coming from it, it may be melanoma. These spots can pop up out of nowhere and can have a difficult time healing. 2. Changes in skin texture Melanoma can cause your skin to get scaly and rough. It can also make it appear like there is a new bump on your skin. This change of texture can happen on the mole or on a completely new spot on your skin. 3. Itchiness If you have spots on your skin that are starting to get itchy, then it may be a sign of melanoma. There may also be itching around the mole.

Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that causes inflammation of the skin. It may cause the skin to become rough, cracked, swollen, red, and itchy. Eczema is a condition that is seen more often in children, but it may recur in patients of any age. There is no cure for eczema, but there are several natural treatments and self-care methods that can help to prevent outbreaks and reduce symptoms. There are also certain foods that can cause eczema to flare-up, and which should be avoided: 1. Citrus fruits Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, grapefruit, and oranges can cause eczema to flare-up. The citrus fruit peel can also have an effect on a person with eczema. Citrus fruit contains a few known allergens in two itchy chemicals within, known as salicylates and amines. Also, excess acids from citrus fruits may irritate and cause skin inflammation in some patients with eczema. 2. Dairy The most common food that can cause an eczema flare-up is cow’s milk. Cow’s milk has trigger molecules. These two molecules are known as whey and casein. This is especially problematic in children with existing dairy allergies as well as eczema, which may go hand in hand.

When you have severe asthma, COPD, and other serious breathing problems, what you eat is important. Your diet could determine whether your breathing gets worse. After your diagnosis, the doctor will suggest some foods that have to be avoided. Here are the most common foods to avoid when you have a serious breathing issue: 1. Corn You might not think this to be a problem, but gas and bloating are major issues when you have breathing complications. It takes space away that is allocated for breath. Any food that can cause gas, like corn, is troublesome 2. Cabbage This is another culprit that attacks you with gas and bloating. Also, it can make mucus thicken, which will produce less air in your lungs. It will be harder for you to breathe, thus putting more strain on your condition. While vegetables are a huge component in the most healthy of diets, for those with breathing problems, it’s not the best choice 3. Carbonated beverages Soda and other carbonated beverages have no nutritional value. So, drinking caffeine through coffee or energy drinks will only heighten COPD, asthma, and the like. The artificial additives and preservatives can easily dehydrate. It is ideal to drink an adequate amount of water to maintain healthy hydration 4.

Joint pain associated with arthritis can lead to an increased probability of developing osteoporosis. Arthritis is tenderness and swelling in your joints. Symptoms include stiffness, redness, pain, swelling, and a decreased range of motion. Osteoporosis causes bones to become brittle and weak, joint pain, and the possibility of bone fracture. Osteoporosis can also cause back pain, loss of height as you age, stooped posture, and bones that break easily. Taking medication for arthritis and osteoporosis does help with joint pain. However, another way to get the nutrition you need is an easy-to-make smoothie. Smoothies offer incredible health benefits and are convenient. Treat your joint pain and inflammation with a smoothie a day and add these must-have ingredients 1. Plain yogurt Yogurt contains probiotics that reduce gut inflammation. Yogurt is also chock full of calcium and added vitamin D, important ingredients that help build bones. Yogurt is also high in B vitamins, riboflavin, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. Most nutrients that your body requires are in plain yogurt. Do avoid the yogurts that have added sugars 2. Flaxseed Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids and have anti-inflammatory properties include flaxseed. This nutrient comes from the flax plant that is cultivated all over the world.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a spinal cord and brain disease that can cause disability. The immune system’s attack on the brain and spinal cord can lead to multiple sclerosis. Although the cause of this phenomenon is unknown, some researchers say it might be a blend of hereditary and environmental causes. The condition affects each individual differently and can range from mild to severe. Here are possible early indicators of multiple sclerosis that you should not disregard: 1. Bladder issues The two most common MS bladder issues are storage and emptying. An obstruction in the spinal column can cause the bladder to contract in response to even a little quantity of urine. This causes a rise in the frequency of urinating. Another issue is the inability to ‘hold on,’ often known as urgency. Additionally, when the bladder’s muscles aren’t in sync, it might lead to weak and erratic urine flow and incomplete bladder emptying. If your bladder isn’t emptying entirely, you may not feel it at first. However, if you have to urinate again shortly afterward and are still passing around the same volume of urine, this may indicate that your bladder isn’t emptying completely. Urine that remains in the bladder after urination (known as the post-residual volume) drives further bladder contractions, exacerbating urgency and frequency.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition where stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. The most common symptom is heartburn. Patients also experience chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and backwash. Since many people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) also have other health concerns, like Kesimpta treatment or if they’re taking Crohn’s medication, diet is a common way to manage symptoms that doesn’t conflict with their other treatments. There are six foods in particular that GERD sufferers often find helpful to add to their diets: 1. Ginger Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help many people with GERD and other stomach issues. Unfortunately, there is a delicate balancing act involved. Getting enough into the diet may help reduce inflammation, but too much will cause acid reflux to happen. The amount varies for every individual, so some level of experimentation is required. It’s a good idea to write down the amount that works best for you and work with that amount in mind. It may fluctuate based on how many other acidic foods are in your diet, so keeping a routine can be useful. 2. Oatmeal When people with GERD overeat, their symptoms can get worse. For this reason, eating foods that make a person feel more full can help curb overeating and therefore manage their symptoms.

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes the appearance of itchy, rough, and scaly patches of skin with severe swelling and redness. Various doctors may recommend that atopic dermatitis and sensitive skin patients limit their exposure to irritants as part of the eczema treatment plan. Eczema remedies may also include limiting exposure to specific triggers—like soaps, dyes and perfumes. Choosing the right clothing detergents may also help lessen or alleviate eczema symptoms. Try these eczema-friendly gentle laundry detergents: 1. Purex Baby Laundry Purex promotes that this specific detergent in their line has been tested by dermatologists and is also hypoallergenic, which means it’s free of any perfume or dyes. Their product is scented, however. Their product is safe for use in high-efficiency washers and on the most sensitive skin, even for newborns. 2. Dreft Dreft boasts that it doesn’t add phosphates, chlorine or dyes to its detergent, but it is scented. It is labeled as hypoallergenic and is great for those who have sensitive skin. It has been trusted for many years as a great detergent for baby clothes, but it can also be used on regular loads of laundry as well. This detergent has been known to be particularly good for getting formula stains out of clothing.