The Liver…it’s the most important organ in your body! And you might wanna take care of it as much as possible. A lot of doctors give us plenty of advice because one of the most important things about maintaining a healthy liver is getting a good night’s sleep and eating healthy foods.
One of them is coffee (yes, don’t be surprised since coffee is drunk by 60% of the US population and it actually has plenty of benefits for your body), and so is green tea, garlic, berries, grapefruit, and fatty fish because it contains Omega 3 which is amazing for your heart as well.
If these foods are included in your daily diet, then you’re on the right path, but what if the liver still gives you signals that there is something wrong with it?
Read the the symptoms you might have in case your liver is in danger below:
Because oftentimes we have fluctuating moods, our hair does too. Not in the sense that it gets up and starts shouting at your or anything. But there are good hair days and horrible hair days, and that’s just the cruel reality.
So if you have been noticing for a while now that your hair moods are abnormal or are becoming inconsistent, it might be time to check in a little bit.
Our hair can help us discover if there are any underlying conditions in our bodies, all you have to do is know how to read them. So, here is some expert advice on how to understand your hair:
You’re shedding A LOT
If every time you take a shower you can’t help but notice the amount of hair you lose that goes down the drain, then you should start questioning it.
First things first, let’s not forget that it’s perfectly normal to lose a few strands every time you wash, such as 100 a day. Even so, excessive shedding could be indicating something more. According to Paradi Mirmirani, MD, dermatologist and regional director of hair disorders at Kaiser Permanente in Vallejo, California, it might be related to nutritional deficiencies, but also to other underlying issues.
You might get tested for thyroid disease and anemia.
Your hair is dry
If you suffer from dry hair all year round, then you might have to add a few healthy fats to your diet. And when I say a few, I want to say a lot. At least that’s what Megan Faletra recommended, MS, MPH, RDN, a global health consultant and dietitian. These healthy fats are extremely important to your diet, as they promote healthy skin and a healthy scalp, which will only enhance more life into your strands. She recommended looking at it as if it were about our skin. We have to take care of both. So try including more healthy fats in your daily diet, such as avocado, olive oil, and salmon.
Your hairstyle looks boring
And this time we won’t blame it on missing a touch-up appointment with our colorist or the poor weather outside that is at war with our hairstyle! No, this time we are talking about the kind of hair that just looks bad at all times.
If you glance in the mirror and notice a lackluster style, you might have to take into consideration other reasons, too. Your hair might lack vibrancy because you need to add more healthy fats to your diet, in order for your hair to shine.
Try eating foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, nuts, and that good ole’ avocado and salmon.
Photo by Nina Buday from Shutterstock
It has become brittle
If you can’t help but notice that your hair is more brittle than it ever has been, you should start asking yourself if there’s more to it than just that. And why is it so important to notice your hair’s brittleness?
Even if everyone’s hair might need a bit of moisture at a certain point, a super brittle texture to our hair can only lead to one cause: a sign of iron or zinc deficiency, as Tania Dempsey explained, MD from Armonk Integrative Medicine.
Zinc and iron are absolutely crucial for keratin production, so having a deficiency can be read in different changes in the structure of your hair.
Your scalp is very dry
If you can’t help yourself but scratch that itch in the middle of an important work meeting, all because you have a very dry scalp, then it’s no good.
Also, if you flake when you reach to give it a quick scratch, then you should ask yourself what the matter is with that because these are all signs that your body needs Omega-3s and Omega-6s, as Dr. Dempsey has clarified.
These essential fatty acids are very important for the health of the follicles, as they bring moisture. If you want to resolve this issue, eat more flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, fish, or consider taking fish oil supplements.
You noticed super-thin strands
Your hair is so thin, that you stopped noticing when it got even thinner. But you shouldn’t give up on it so quickly. As McMordie explains how all this might indicate that you need to add extra protein to your diet.
As she says, “hair cells are just like any other cell in the body, and they’re made up of amino acids, which are basically the broken-down versions of the protein.”
If you’re not getting enough, that’s why you might be losing all that hair. If you miss your full and bountiful hair, just consider adding more fish, eggs, poultry, and beef to your diet.
Photo by Jeng 468 from Shutterstock
You are graying prematurely
If your parents didn’t start graying up until they were 40 years old, you can either start the aging process earlier or later. While genetics might have their say in this scheme, in some rare cases, McMordie explains that the loss of pigment at a young age might be an indication of copper deficiency.
Even if it’s a trace mineral that doesn’t need that much consumption, consider eating more mushrooms, sesame seeds, and seaweeds, in order to fight against this process.
You can also try using supplements that are specifically designed for this process. Try finding a combination that has copper, zinc, and vitamin D.
You have dandruff
Yellow or white flakes in your hair, clothes, shoulders, and even your eyebrows are a clear sign of dandruff, which is a chronic scalp condition.
While dandruff doesn’t indicate any serious conditions, it’s very annoying and aesthetically unpleasing. It can be treated just by purchasing over-the-counter specialty hair shampoos, or even prescription shampoo. Dandruff might appear when you suffer from seborrheic dermatitis.
Those who suffer from this condition have red, greasy skin that’s covered with flaky white or yellow scales, and it might appear due to increased sensitivity, dry skin, or not having proper hygiene.
Plus, dandruff is known to get worse in winter, as indoor heating can dry up the skin faster.
People in the United States today may expect to live longer lives than ever before. As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after you reach the age of 65, you can expect to live another 19.3 years on average (CDC). For many people, senior life entails carefully managing chronic diseases in order to maintain their health.
Making good lifestyle choices, for example not smoking and decreasing weight, can help you minimize senior health hazards, but “you must also be physically active and consume a balanced diet.”
Having a geriatrician on your senior healthcare team, a doctor who specializes in the health problems of aging, can help you learn how to live better with any chronic conditions.
Then you may join the 41% of adults over 65 who say their health is very good or outstanding, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Most Common Health Issues Seniors Face
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1. Arthritis
Arthritis is most likely the most common ailment that adults 65 and older face. According to the CDC, it affects 49.7% of all persons over the age of 65 and can cause discomfort and reduced quality of life in certain seniors.
Even though arthritis might make it difficult to be active, it is critical to collaborate with your doctor to design a specific exercise plan that, together with other treatments, can help preserve senior health.
2. Heart Disease
As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is still the top cause of mortality among persons over the age of 65, accounting for 489,722 deaths in 2014.
According to the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, heart disease affects 37% of men and 26% of women 65 and older as a chronic illness. As people become older, they’re more likely to have risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which raise their risks of having a stroke or developing heart disease.
“Get some exercise, eat well, and get a good night’s rest,” doctors advise for treating this senior health risk, which may assist with heart disease as well as general senior health. Eating healthily entails following a well-balanced and nutritious diet in order to maintain a healthy weight.
3. Cancer
According to the CDC, cancer is the second highest cause of death among those over the age of 65, accounting for 413,885 deaths in 2014. According to the CDC, 28% of men and 21% of women over the age of 65 have cancer.
Many kinds of cancer are curable if detected early with screenings such as mammography, colonoscopies, and skin checks.
And, while you can’t always avoid cancer, you can enhance your quality of life as a senior living with cancer, particularly during treatment, by collaborating with your medical team and following their healthy senior living suggestions.
4. Respiratory Diseases
Chronic lower respiratory disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are the third leading cause of mortality among those 65 and older, accounting for 124,693 deaths in 2014.
As stated by the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, around 10% of men and 13% of women over the age of 65 have asthma, while 10% of men and 11% of women have chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
Although having a chronic respiratory disease raises senior health risks by making you more susceptible to pneumonia and other infections, getting lung function tests and taking the appropriate medication, or using oxygen as directed, will go a long way toward preserving senior health and your quality of life.
5. Alzheimer’s Disease
According to the CDC, Alzheimer’s disease killed 92,604 adults over the age of 65 in 2014. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in every nine persons aged 65 and older, or about 11%, has Alzheimer’s disease, but because diagnosis is difficult, it’s impossible to tell how many people have this chronic condition.
Nonetheless, experts agree that cognitive impairment has a substantial influence on senior health across the board, from concerns of safety and self-care to the financial burden of care, whether at home or in a nursing home.
6. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can make you less mobile and perhaps paralyzed if you fall and break a bone or your vertebral body collapse.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 54 million Americans over the age of 50 have low bone density or osteoporosis, placing them at risk for a fracture or break, which might lead to poor elder health and a lower quality of life.
7. Diabetes
According to the CDC, diabetes affects 25% of persons aged 65 and over, posing a serious senior health concern. Diabetes claimed the lives of 54,161 persons over the age of 65 in 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Diabetes may be detected and treated early by using basic blood sugar testing. The sooner you realize you have diabetes or are at risk for it, the sooner you may begin making adjustments to control the condition and enhance your long-term senior health outlook.
8. Influenza and Pneumonia
Even though the flu and pneumonia are not chronic diseases, they are among the top eight causes of mortality in persons over the age of 65, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seniors are more sensitive to these illnesses and have fewer defenses against them.
To avoid these diseases and their life-threatening consequences, senior healthcare guidelines include receiving an annual flu vaccination and, if advised by your doctor, obtaining the pneumonia vaccine.
9. Falls
With age, the likelihood of a fall necessitating emergency department treatment rises. According to the CDC, 2.5 million adults aged 65 and over are treated in emergency rooms each year due to falls.
According to research published in the August 2015 issue of the American Journal of Emergency Medicine, one-third of persons who go to the emergency department for a fall may return within a year. Also, keep in mind that the majority of falls occur at home, where tripping hazards such as area rugs and slick bathroom floors might occur.
10. Substance Abuse
According to studies done by the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, one in every five adults over the age of 65 has struggled with drug or alcohol misuse at some time in their lives. Alcohol and cigarettes were the most often misused nonmedical drugs among survey respondents.
Substance and alcohol misuse are a problem for senior health because of potential interactions with prescription medications, their influence on general health, and the increased senior health risks associated with intoxication, such as falls.
Your face is the only area of your body that you view, inspect, and maintain on a daily basis. The face is the most important factor in defining a person’s first impression, as it is the face that tells the full tale of the body.
When a person is sick or unhappy, their face appears weary or despondent. In happy times, on the other hand, it is the face that seems pleased and beaming. As a result, here are some more significant indicators that provide information about your health!
Health Issues Written on Your Face
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1. Yellowish Skin and Eyes
This is a case of jaundice. It occurs when your body produces an excessive amount of a waste product as a result of the breakdown of red blood cells. It’s common – and typically harmless – in newborns born before 38 weeks because their livers haven’t matured enough to function properly.
Adults with jaundice may have more serious illnesses, such as viral infections (hepatitis, mononucleosis), liver, gall bladder, pancreatic disorders, or alcoholism.
2. Moles
These are little lumps or patches that are usually dark in color. The majority are harmless, but skin checks can help you detect cancer before it spreads. Remember your ABCDEs when it comes to moles:
Asymmetrical: Is there a difference in the form on either side?
Border: Is it angular?
Color: Is it skewed?
Diameter: Is it larger than a pea?
Evolving: Is it different now than it was a few weeks ago?
If you responded yes to any of these questions, speak with your doctor.
3. Sores
Cold sores are provoked by the type 1 herpes virus, and are most likely to appear around your lips and mouth. (Oral herpes is most commonly contracted by saliva as a kid or young adult, rather than through sexual contact.)
Once you’ve contracted the virus, it’s impossible to get rid of it. When you’re unwell, nervous, or overtired, or if you’ve spent too much time in the sun, sores might appear. They generally go away on their own. However, if you lots of them or experience them frequently, your doctor may prescribe medicine.
4. Cracked Lips
Everyone has chapped or cracked lips now and then, especially in the winter. Balms can help protect and moisturize them. However, dry lips might be an indication of a health problem, such as dehydration, which occurs when your body is dehydrated. They can also be an allergic reaction to medicine, such as steroids, or a response to a drug.
5. Butterfly Rash
Most rashes aren’t significant and go away on their own, but this one is out of the ordinary. It looks like a butterfly on both cheeks and is a frequent symptom of lupus. This is a condition in which your immune system attacks your own tissues and organs.
You may also experience a fever, achy and stiff joints, and bluish fingers in the cold. Consult your doctor if you develop an unexplained rash, especially if it is accompanied by the accompanying symptoms.
6. Hair in Unusual Places
It might simply be a stray hair growing where you don’t want it to — this can happen to males around the ears and brows as they age, and to women around the chin. Facial hair in younger women can be an indication of polycystic ovary syndrome, a disorder that makes it difficult to conceive.
7. Drooping Eyelid
Doctors refer to it as ptosis or blepharoptosis. It can affect one or both eyes, and in extreme situations, your eyelid may get obstructed. You might be born with it or develop it over time. It’s usually innocuous, but it might indicate an issue with your brain, nerves, or eye socket.
Consult your doctor if it happens within a few days or hours, or if you have double vision, weak muscles, difficulty swallowing, or a severe headache – these are all symptoms of a stroke.
8. Can’t Move One Side of Your Face
If you are unable to move a part of your body, get medical help immediately. If you don’t have any other symptoms, it’s most likely Bell’s palsy. It occurs when something, most likely a virus, pushes or swells a nerve that controls muscles in your face.
It commonly manifests itself over hours or days and weakens one side of your face. You can also have discomfort in your jaw and behind your ear. It’s not usually dangerous and goes away in 3 to 6 months.
9. Facial Paralysis with Other Symptoms
A stroke happens when blood supply to a portion of your brain is cut off due to a blood artery rupture or being clogged.
If you detect any of the following symptoms of one, get medical attention immediately: paralysis of the lower half of your face, numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, slurred speech, double vision, dizziness, or difficulty swallowing.
10. Yellow Spots on Your Eyelids
Xanthelasmata are raised yellow pimples on and around your upper and lower eyelids. They’re composed of cholesterol, and while you may not like the way they appear, they’re neither hazardous or painful, and they can typically be removed.
However, they can be an indication that you’re at a higher risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack, so it’s a good idea to see your doctor for a physical.
11. Puffy Eyes
The region behind your eyes might fill with fluid, giving them a bloated or puffy appearance. Hot, humid weather, as well as a lack of sleep, too much salty food, and hormonal fluctuations, might cause your body to retain extra water.
It happens more frequently as you become older because the muscles that support your eyelids weaken. If your eyes are red and itchy, this might be due to an allergic response to food, pollen, cosmetics, scents, a cleanser, or an infection such as pinkeye.
12. Melasma
This results in gray-brown skin spots on your face. Doctors aren’t sure why it happens, although it might be caused by pregnancy or taking particular birth control drugs. Melasma usually disappears on its own once the baby is delivered or the lady stops taking the medicines.
In certain circumstances, it might linger for several years. However, medications and other treatments, including chemical peels, can be beneficial.
Glaucoma is a series of eye disorders that cause damage to the optic nerve, which is necessary for vision. An excessively high pressure in your eye is the most common cause of this injury. Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness in those over 60. It may happen at any age, although it is more common among the elderly.
Many types of glaucoma have no symptoms. Because the effect is so gradual, you may not detect a change in vision until the problem has progressed to an advanced level.
Because glaucoma vision loss cannot be restored, it is critical to have frequent eye exams that include measures of your eye pressure so that a diagnosis can be established, and proper treatment may be provided. If glaucoma is identified early, vision loss can be delayed or prevented.
If you have the condition, you will most likely need therapy for the rest of your life.
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What causes glaucoma?
Our eyeballs have a spherical appearance because they are filled with a fluid called aqueous humor. The fluid readily filters in and out of a normal eye. The fluid does not always flow out as easily as it comes in. When an excess of fluid gathers inside your eye, internal eye pressure is also known as intraocular pressure or IOP.
Ocular hypertension is defined as an increase in eye pressure over the usual range. Glaucoma suspects are those who have ocular hypertension but no indications of glaucoma.
The most frequent kind of glaucoma arises when intraocular pressure is too high for an extended period of time. This exerts outward pressure on the inner walls of the eye, eventually causing damage to the optic nerve, which connects in the rear of the eye.
Eye pressure can be elevated for several years before optic nerve damage affects your vision. The keys to successful glaucoma prevention include early identification and treatment of elevated ocular pressure.
There are two major types: Primary and Secondary causes of glaucoma:
Causes of Primary Glaucoma
1. Open-angle glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma, the most common kind of glaucoma, occurs when fluid drains too slowly through the meshwork. Normally, the drain appears normal to the human eye, but on a microscopic level, there is something wrong with the drainage area’s covering (which resembles a series of colanders) that creates higher resistance.
Because the fluid cannot drain as rapidly as it should, pressure builds up. Experts in glaucoma are still attempting to figure out what causes this, although genetics and age are both major risk factors.
2. Angle-closure glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the iris blocks the junction of the iris and the cornea, preventing fluid from draining properly. This, like open-angle glaucoma, can develop gradually over time.
However, it can also occur unexpectedly, resulting in a very rapid and dramatic increase in eye pressure and visible symptoms such as redness, impaired vision, halos around lights, and acute eye and head discomfort. It is considered a medical emergency when this occurs.
The reason this happens isn’t always clear—sometimes genetics and your specific eye structure merely make you more prone to it. The most obvious reason is an expanding lens inside the eye. As we age, the lens gradually expands, and it might eventually become so huge that it blocks or closes off the drainage angle.
3. Normal-tension glaucoma
Normal-tension glaucoma, a kind of open-angle glaucoma, is perplexing. According to the National Ocular Institute, it is a kind of glaucoma that occurs when the eye pressure is completely normal (NEI). The pressure is normal, and the drain looks to be working, but the pressure is still too high for some reason.
Experts are unsure what causes normal-tension glaucoma. According to NEI, the assumption is that some people’s optic nerves are just more sensitive and prone to injury than others, thus even “normal” pressure levels might create problems.
Because the pressure is technically normal, this kind of glaucoma is generally only identified if optic nerve damage is visible during an eye exam.
It must nevertheless be treated to prevent future optic nerve damage. Fortunately, most therapies for other forms of glaucoma that balance out the fluid in the eye also effectively control normal-tension glaucoma.
4. Congenital or childhood glaucoma
Congenital glaucoma occurs when a baby is born with an eye abnormality that prevents fluid from draining normally. What’s the cause? The drainage region of the eye just did not grow properly for whatever reason. Experts don’t know why it happens or how to avoid it. However, there may be a hereditary component in certain cases.
According to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, approximately 10% of all instances of primary congenital/infantile glaucoma are hereditary, and a few particular gene abnormalities have been related to the illness.
The good news is that symptoms normally appear after the baby is delivered, and prompt surgery can correct the condition so that the infant can acquire decent eyesight.
Childhood or juvenile glaucoma—glaucoma that occurs after the age of 3—is uncommon in the United States. Many instances have no known cause, while others are linked to a different illness or disease.
Other causes of glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma occurs when glaucoma is linked to or caused by another disorder that elevates eye pressure. Health issues can cause a direct increase in pressure in certain circumstances; in others, they can produce damage that eventually blocks the drainage region, causing the pressure to rise (angle-closure glaucoma).
Neovascular glaucoma, for example, is a type of secondary glaucoma that develops when additional blood vessels grow in the eye as a result of a medical condition and obstruct drainage.
According to the National Eye Institute, some of the more prevalent causes of secondary glaucoma include:
High blood pressure or diabetes
Cataracts and surgery for cataracts
Optic neuritis (inflammation of the eyeball)
Tumor in the eye
Trauma or damage to the eyes
Using steroid eye drops on a regular basis
Scarring because of an injury or previous eye surgery
Calcium is undoubtedly, the most essential vitamin in your body. More than 99% of the calcium in your body is stored in your bones and teeth, which supports skeletal function and structure.
The remaining calcium in your body is needed for other vital processes such as muscle contraction, blood vessel contraction and expansion, and nervous system communication.
Despite the fact that it is one of the most important minerals for your health, most individuals do not receive enough of it. According to one research, up to 68% of the American population is calcium deficient.
Adolescent girls and boys, women over 50, and men over 70 are all in danger of not getting enough calcium in their regular diet. Calcium deficiency is more common in menopausal women, vegetarians, and people who have a dairy allergy than in the general population.
12 Signs Your Body Desperately Needs It
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What is Calcium Deficiency (Hypocalcemia)?
Hypocalcemia is a condition in which the blood calcium levels are abnormally low. Symptoms can range from moderate and imperceptible to major and life-threatening, depending on the severity. Acute and chronic calcium insufficiency are both possible.
The most important mineral in your body is calcium. It is necessary for the bones, heart, muscles, and neurological system to function properly. Calcium is required by every cell in your body! However, only around 1% of your calcium is present in your blood, with the rest being stored in your bones and teeth.
Keep in mind that blood calcium levels often decline owing to non-dietary factors, rather than dietary calcium insufficiency.
Calcium Blood Test
A calcium test determines the amount of calcium in your blood. The test most often measures your total serum calcium, which includes:
Calcium linked to proteins, primarily albumin (40–45%)
Phosphate and citrate complexed calcium (about 10%)
Ionized calcium, typically known as free or active calcium (about 45–50%)
An ionized (free) calcium test may also be ordered by your doctor. The active form of calcium in your body is ionized calcium. It is estimated to account for 45 – 50% of total blood calcium. However, the actual percentage may vary.
Total blood calcium and albumin levels are frequently used to determine ionized calcium levels. Ionized calcium testing is significantly more exact, but it needs specialized equipment and is costly.
Signs and Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency
Your body communicates with you in some manner. It notifies you of critical and non-critical circumstances, allowing you to take preventative actions and save money on hospital bills. When calcium levels in the body are low, a deficiency disorder known as ‘hypocalcemia’ arises.
If the disease is not treated, it can become life-threatening and even fatal.
If you’ve been suffering any of the following signs and symptoms, it’s likely that your body is short on calcium and needs to be replenished as soon as possible.
1. Muscle Cramps
You’ve been fast asleep for a while when the pangs start. They assault the calf muscles of the leg and cause agonizing pain throughout the body, causing you to wake up. The rest of the night is spent stretching and massaging. This is a common technique for your body to alert you to a calcium deficiency. You may accomplish this by drinking a glass of milk and eating other calcium-rich meals.
2. Numbness and Tingling
Tingling in the extremities, particularly the hands and feet, is another common sign of hypocalcemia. Numbness can also be caused by a severe deficit. Every nerve cell in your body needs calcium. Nerve cells struggle to register feelings and deliver impulses when calcium levels fall too low.
3. Fatigue
Fatigue can be caused by hypocalcemia. Calcium is required for muscle fibers and neurons, hence its depletion in cells causes weariness, exhaustion, and weakness.
4. Abnormal Heart Rhythm
Irregular heartbeat is a common symptom of hypocalcemia, and it can be dangerous if it is severe. It typically results in a number of anomalies that may be detected by an electrocardiogram (ECG).
Given that the heart is a muscle, it’s no wonder that calcium insufficiency might cause problems. When cardiac cells do not receive enough calcium, they cease performing properly. This can disrupt the regular cardiac rhythm, produce heart muscle spasms, and restrict the arteries.
5. Seizures
Calcium is required for the release of neurotransmitters by brain cells and for muscular contraction by muscles. Hypocalcemia can cause the brain to become too excited, resulting in seizures.
6. Osteopenia & Osteoporosis
A calcium shortage condition can result in osteoporosis or brittle bones. Osteopenia is a kind of osteoporosis that is less severe. When calcium levels in the blood decline, the body must adjust by releasing more calcium from the bones. Calcium shortage can lead to significant bone fragility, frailty, and an increased risk of fractures over time.
7. Dry skin
Hypocalcemia can manifest itself in the form of dry or scaly skin. Calcium plays a lesser-known role in skin health by lowering the pH of the skin and protecting the skin barrier. This stops the skin from losing too much water. When calcium levels in the blood drop too low, the skin loses its ability to retain moisture and a balanced pH.
8. Confusion and Memory Loss
Hypocalcemia can cause confusion, disorientation, and memory loss, among other things. Calcium is required by nerve and brain cells. Calcium promotes the release of neurotransmitters when it enters nerve cells. A calcium shortage has been shown to have a major impact on cognitive performance.
9. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is exceedingly frequent, for a wide range of reasons. According to a major evaluation of 28 studies, low levels of vitamin D and calcium can either cause or contribute to the symptoms. Vitamin D and calcium can help to alleviate or even eliminate PMS symptoms in such circumstances.
10. Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Calcium helps to keep your teeth healthy. Minerals in the teeth can be degraded by food, beverages, and oral germs. Calcium levels must be adequate to prevent this mineral loss. Furthermore, research indicates that calcium shortage is one of the causes of gum disease.
11. Rickets
Rickets in children can be caused by a lack of calcium (or vitamin D). Calcium shortage impairs adequate bone mineralization, which is critical for a growing youngster. Bones become weak and brittle, and abnormalities are possible. Rickets is very uncommon in the industrialized world.
12. Depression
Some evidence shows that calcium insufficiency may be connected to mood disorders, including depression, although further study is needed to prove this.
If you feel like a calcium deficit is contributing to depressive symptoms, you should see a doctor. After a calcium level check, the doctor may recommend a calcium supplement.
Fatigue is defined as a temporary state of decreased functional potential of the body, caused by prolonged or excessive activity. It’s generally caused by increased energy consumption and is accompanied by unpleasant local or general sensations.
Normally, the human body is in a balance of the internal environment, which does not change if we make a moderate effort.
Fatigue, especially as a result of sports training, causes destabilization internally, forcing the body to make extra effort to restore balance. If we repeat the sustained effort, fatigue can turn into a phenomenon that affects our health.
The body tries to overcompensate to restore balance, and has the ability to adapt to increasing effort, but exceeding the limits of effort and fatigue can lead to decreased performance, accompanied by a number of unpleasant phenomena, state which is called overtraining or overwork.
In addition to extreme physical exertion, which can lead to a state of general fatigue in the body, there are several causes that can cause internal imbalances.
Certain ailments (food and beverages) contain substances that cause fatigue. Some of these foods are consumed to raise energy levels, but most of the time they have the opposite effect. Sweets have the effect of raising blood sugar levels and give us extra energy, but this causes serious problems for people diagnosed with diabetes.
The category of foods that contribute to the feeling of fatigue in the body includes processed meat (from fast food or sausages), fried food, which is very difficult to digest, products based on white flour, which do not contain vitamins, minerals or fibers which feed the body with energy, or soy, which contains oxerin, a compound that causes fatigue and drowsiness.
It is important to note that caffeine used in excess can cause fatigue indirectly. When consumed in moderation, black tea and coffee give us a significant amount of energy for daily activities, but excessive consumption leads to high blood pressure, palpitations, insomnia and anxiety. When caffeine is eliminated from the body, we feel a sudden and very strong fatigue.
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to a number of conditions and health problems, including fatigue. When muscles are not used and blood circulation is not intense enough, a number of unpleasant effects occur: sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, obesity or diabetes.
A sedentary lifestyle is not a challenge for the body, which is need to rest. Over time, they lead to fatigue and the body’s inability to sustain daily activities.
Stress is a constant element in the modern life, which can significantly affect our quality of life. Worries, anxiety and emotional stress can lead to stress and can lead to cardiovascular disease and fatigue, which are reactions to the body’s adaptation to stressful conditions.
Fatigue is a reversible phenomenon; after a period of rest and sleep, the body resumes its functions at optimal parameters.
Pollution has an immediate impact on the body and, when exposed to pollutants, we may experience severe fatigue, headaches, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Pollution is responsible for many central nervous system, endocrine, respiratory and cardiac disorders.
Another important risk factor for fatigue is body mass. Overweight and obese people, who do not exercise regularly, have a high risk of developing chronic fatigue due to the body’s effort to support excess weight.
Exercise fatigue, even in the case of routine activities, affects our quality of life and has a negative impact on the body in the long run. Increased fatigue is associated with impaired cognitive functions, such as decreased information processing speed, slow memory function, and reduced ability to assimilate new information.
10 Causes That Are Behind Your Fatigue
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1. You don’t exercise!
Not exercising in order to conserve your energy is a mistake that almost all of us make. One that turns against us. In a study by researchers at the University of Georgia, a group of sedentary but healthy adults performed light exercise three times a week for 20 minutes.
After six weeks, participants said they felt more energized and less tired. Regular exercise stimulates strength and endurance and also helps the cardiovascular system to function more efficiently, and provides oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. So, the next time you want to laze around on your couch, you better go for a walk in the park.
2. You’re not drinking enough water!
Dehydration causes a decrease in blood volume, which makes the blood thicker. This makes your heart stop pumping so efficiently, reducing the rate at which oxygen and nutrients reach your muscles and organs. To simply calculate what the daily amount of fluid needed per day is, take your weight in pounds, divide it by two and drink as many glasses of water.
3. You don’t eat enough iron-rich foods!
Iron deficiency makes you feel irritated, tired, weak, powerless. Fatigue comes from the fact that muscles and cells receive less oxygen. To maintain a constant level of iron in the body you need to eat red meat, beans, lentils, egg yolks, green leafy vegetables or nuts. Combined with foods rich in vitamin C, iron absorption will be easier.
4. You are a perfectionist!
Striving for everything to be perfect, although, there is no such thing. You end up working much harder than your body can. You set unrealistic goals, which are extremely difficult to achieve, if not impossible, and which do not bring you any satisfaction.
That’s why it’s good to set work limits. It is equally important to determine how much time you spend on projects and how much time you spend on yourself.
5. Overthinking, anxiety and stress!
If every time your work phone rings, you expect to be fired, or if you don’t ride your bike for fear of having an accident, then you’re definitely in the super-pessimistic category. This anxiety is mentally exhausting. Therefore, it would be good to learn some breathing techniques or practice meditation.
Quick and super effective techniques for deep relaxation are included in the book Instant Relaxation, a practical guide to healing stress by quickly calming the mind and relaxing the body. It can help you relax and get things right. Mental health is a huge factor in the health of the whole body.
6. You’re skipping breakfast!
The food that you eat is like fuel for your body. During the night, the body continues to consume them to maintain the pumping rate of the blood and maintain the flow of oxygen. Therefore, in the morning it is necessary to refill the body with this so-called fuel.
By skipping breakfast, the body runs out of “coal” and the fire can no longer be started. Hence the lack of energy and the state of permanent fatigue.
7. You eat fast food!
Foods high in sugar and simple carbohydrates only increase your glycemic index and therefore keep your blood sugar high. The outcome? Guaranteed fatigue, poor energy, lack of concentration and headaches.
8. You don’t know how to say NO!
Being a helpful person can also be a disadvantage. It consumes energy and time to the detriment of yourself. Therefore, learn to use the negation as well. If you are asked to work on Saturdays, you do not have to say yes. Pay attention to your body and give it rest when it needs it. Energy reserves are quickly depleted if you pull on them and do not constantly recharge them.
9. You’re messy!
A cluttered house or office exhausts you by limiting your ability to concentrate. So, at the end of the day, make sure you keep everything in order. A study conducted at Princeton University states that an organized office or a clean house provides the psyche an excellent comfort to start a new day.
10. You also work on vacation!
Checking email, when you should relax by the pool or in the mountains, puts pressure on you and your psyche without even realizing it. It takes away your energy and makes you tired. Respect your free time! This habit charges you with vitality and positive energy.
Fatigue is considered to be the “disease” of the century. It affects both women and men alike and is often ignored until the body gives in and the disease occurs. By paying attention to the reasons described, even if there are just a few of them, you’ll need to try eliminating them and you will improve your health, increasing your energy level.
Take care of yourself. No one else can do it for you.
Would you know if your diabetes was threatening your life?
Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of people all over the world and is a problem, especially in the U.S. While this life-threatening disease is manageable when treatment regimens are followed, those who fail to properly monitor and maintain their diets may experience worsening symptoms.
Diabetes can have an impact on how your body handles blood sugar (glucose). Because glucose is a significant source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues, it is essential to your health. It’s also the primary source of energy for your brain.
Some people are just unaware that they have this disease and continue to live their lives without making the necessary changes. When diabetes is left untreated and blood sugar levels aren’t closely monitored and controlled, it can lead to a slew of serious health issues.
This is why it’s important to know if your diabetes is getting worse in order to treat it before it’s too late.
1. Kidney issues
High blood sugar levels might harm red blood vessels all over the body. When diabetes is uncontrolled, vital organs such as the kidneys are more prone to harm. Lower back pain, blood in the urine, and severe urinary tract infections are all signs that your kidneys are failing, so you should seek medical attention to prevent further kidney damage and to receive diabetic medication.
2. Infections
High blood sugar levels make it easier for the body to become infected while also making it harder to fight infections efficiently. Ear, yeast, and urinary tract infections, for example, may be more common than usual for people who suffer from this disease.
Illnesses may be taxing on the immune system, and without medicine, they can swiftly spiral out of hand. The longer you let an infection install into your body, the more difficult it will be to control it, and the higher your chance of developing SEPSIS, which can be fatal.
Scary, right?
3. Poor vision
Diabetes can cause problems with your eyes over time, creating a variety of issues. This is particularly the case for diabetics who do not take adequate care of themselves. This is a condition that occurs when diabetes is uncontrolled, which is why it’s important to always have an EYE on it. It is a collection of eye illnesses that can affect your eyesight, including cataracts, glaucoma, and many others.
If you notice changes in your vision and have diabetes, you should consult a specialist for an examination and to discuss possible procedures or treatment choices to keep the situation from worsening to the point where nothing can be done anymore.
4. Numb sensation
Photo by Bangkok Click Studio from Shutterstock
High blood glucose levels for an extended period of time might harm nerves all over the body. Diabetic neuropathy is characterized by numbness and tingling feelings, mostly in the hands and feet.
This illness is irreversible and might aggravate with time, interfering with daily activities, but it can be prevented from getting worse by controlling the blood sugar levels, having a healthy diet and taking medication. Quitting unhealthy habits can also be a plus, since they might aggravate this disease.
5. Increasingly high sugar levels
High blood sugar levels are one of the most evident indicators that your diabetes is out of control or getting worse. When your blood glucose levels remain high on a regular basis, it’s an indication that you should seek medical help.
You may ask yourself: How do I know if my blood sugar levels are too high?
Before and two hours after a meal, it’s recommended to use a blood glucose monitor. There are a few things you should do if the levels are regularly greater than 70-130 mg/dl and 180 mg/dl two hours later. To receive the proper insulin dosage, first visit your doctor and address the issue. After this, you may need to consult a nutritionist to understand how to consume a healthy diet and what foods are best for you.
6. Dental Issues
People that suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop oral health issues, since uncontrolled diabetes can damage the body’s white blood cells, which are responsible for preventing infections, including ones that can occur in the mouth. Untreated plaque can lead to a variety of issues, including: gingivitis, periodontitis and even tooth loss.
No matter if you have diabetes or not, dental hygiene is an important aspect that requires attention and regular care. Seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups is a MUST if you want to avoid serious dental issues.
As a good chunk of the people who suffer from diabetes have also reported skin problems, it’s also a symptom to watch out for. High levels of glucose provide a favorable environment for bacteria and fungi to spread, which makes the skin loose the ability to heal itself.
Fortunately enough, most skin conditions can be prevented and treated if detected early. If neglected, a minor skin issue can turn into a serious issue with consequences that can cost you a lot.
How to handle your diabetes
Early medical treatment is the way to managing your disease without further complications. Seek medical help as soon as you see symptoms of having this disease or you know yourself prone to having diabetes.
There are a lot of factors that you have to include in your life when having this condition.
Don’t skip the medication prescribed by your doctor, since diabetes can not usually be cured, only kept under control. Not following the prescription can lead to even more serious health complications, so it is not something you can joke around with.
Always checking your blood sugar levels is vital when having this condition, since it helps you track your progress, monitor the effectiveness of the medication, and make you understand how certain factors such as stress or illness affect your blood sugar levels. Here is a diabetes kit to help you on your journey of fighting with the disease.
Eating a healthy diet is an important part of managing your blood glucose level and keeping it in the targeted range.
Physical activity, among with healthy eating habits can help you stay as healthy as possible and avoid other complications.
If you have diabetes, you should probably quit smoking, since you don’t want to develop other diseases, that together with your diabetes, can be fatal.
When to seek medical help
Most common types of diabetes appear in people over 40, but type 1 can develop even during childhood or adolescence. If you suspect that you have this condition, get in touch with your doctor and address the symptoms you noticed. The earlier you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can begin your medical treatment and can keep it under control without further complications.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, be sure to visit the doctor’s office more often, since you’ll require constant verifications. Be aware that things can go south suddenly and it’s best to always monitor your disease.
Hopefully you won’t have to deal with the consequences of having this disease, but it’s vital to know how to keep it from getting worse.
If you’ve ever caught the flu from a colleague or came home with a cold after you stood next to someone who was constantly sniffing their nose on a crowded bus, you have probably come to the conclusion that we are walking disease vectors.
Even so, while you might not be aware of some of the most common ailments you can get from your close contact with others, there are many conditions that are contagious and you weren’t aware of them. Before you put yourself in harm’s way, at least make sure you know which surprising conditions you might get.
