health issues - Healthy Reads

11 Hidden Signs Your Heart Sends You

Post author By Marian
Post date March 15, 2022
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As you know by now, your heart is one of the most important organs in your body. You should take care of it and search for different ways and methods to make it even stronger.

According to several studies, it has been found that in the course of a year, there can be up to 600,000 heart disease fatalities. In addition to that, in the United States of America, this health issue is actually the first most common cause of death, followed by the new coronavirus.

If you pay attention to the way your heart is feeling, you will have a long and happy life, so why not take care of it?

It is believed that heart health and mental health are actually linked, given the fact that up to 33% of people who suffered from heart attacks also had symptoms of clinical depression.

Your heart pumps blood through your whole body, so in one way or another, we can say that it is responsible for every cell you have to receive minerals, food, water, vitamins, immune support, and oxygen it needs to function properly.

In today’s article, we wanted to talk to you about a few signs that your heart might not be that healthy. This way, you can know what to do further, in order to live a happy and healthy life!

Here are 11 hidden signs your heart sends you!

Hidden Signs Your Heart Sends You

1. Pain in the left shoulder

There are some nerves in your left arm and in your heart that can actually send signals to the same pain centers in your brain. This means that your brain can mistake your heart issues as left shoulder and arm pain.

This phenomenon is called “referred pain” and it is actually one of the most common signs your heart is not healthy.

…If you feel any type of pain in your left arm (and it is not related to exercise), make sure to seek out your doctor as soon as possible!

2. You have swollen feet

Having swollen feet can be a side effect of deep vein thrombosis, which may be followed by a pulmonary embolism. Besides that, it might also be a sign of a failing heart.

When your cord is not pumping blood the way it should, gravity makes its appearance and starts to gather your blood closer to your lower terminus during the day.

If you notice that at the end of your day your socks, shoes, and even pants feel tighter than normal, you should be aware of the possibility of having heart failure.
This can be followed by a blood clot which can lead to cardiac arrest or to a heart attack.

3. Fatigue

If you’ve read any of our articles, you already know that fatigue is one of the most common issues when it comes to health problems. There are many factors that can contribute to the feeling of constant fatigue, including bacterial infections and having the flu.

When you feel tired all day long, it might be due to the fact that your body doesn’t have enough oxygen to sustain you in a normal way. This is also a sign that you might have a weak heart and you shouldn’t neglect it!

4. Heartburn, stomach and back pain

All people, especially women, should pay attention if they feel any long-lasting back or stomach pain, and even heartburn. Even though everyone can experience these symptoms, females are more prone to developing them.

If these are not treated properly, they can spread even further and can result in left arm pain, as you’ve read in the paragraphs above.

You should pay attention to any discomfort you might be feeling, such as acid reflux, indigestion, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, and GERD. If you constantly feel these symptoms, it is time for a check-up!

5. Chest ache

Chest pain is also known by the name angina and it is one of the most typical signs of a sick heart. If you feel any uncommon sensations in your chest, such as discomfort, burning, pressure, or pinching, your heart might be the one to blame.

You can feel this pain both when you’re resting or performing any physical activity. Even though this symptom might be mild, you shouldn’t take it for granted and you should go to your doctor!

There are hundreds of heart attacks that happen daily in the United States and many of these people have experienced mild symptoms!

6. Uneven heartbeat

Irregular heartbeat is also called arrhythmia and according to several studies, not all of them are a sign of heart failure. There are more kinds of uneven heartbeats, as you can see in the list below:

Atrial Fibrillation – if the electrical regulation of your heart doesn’t work anymore, your heart might beat faster than it’s supposed to, by up to 300 beats per minute. People who are diagnosed with this are more prone to having a stroke. In conformity with many cardiologists, this health affection can have little to no symptoms, so investigations are mandatory.
Premature Ventricular Contraction – if your heart doesn’t beat the way it should, meaning that it usually skips a beat, it might be an indicator of heart disease.
Ventricular Fibrillation – when the electrical signals that are inside your heart are uncoordinated, the lower chambers start beating too fast. This means that the ventricles of your heart squeeze improperly. This affection is very threatening and it requires urgent medical assistance.

7. No stamina

‍Whether we like it or not, a healthy heart is always linked to a healthy and balanced lifestyle overall, which includes a nutritious diet and an active life.

In accordance with many studies, having a sedentary lifestyle can make you more prone to suffering from heart disease. However, even if you work out 6 times a week, you can also be the victim of heart failure.

You should pay attention to the way your body feels when you perform any sort of physical activity. Pay attention to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

If you are dripping in sweat after a workout, especially in a cold sweat (like the one you experience when you have the flu), it might be a sign of heart disease.

If you are feeling fatigued and you see that your strength and endurance are not the same, you should seek professional help!

8. Shortness of breath

The majority of people are aware of their heartbeats, but they don’t pay attention to the way they inhale and exhale. However, when things are not working the way they should, everything becomes observable.

Shortness of breath is the feeling that you can’t breathe properly. Your lungs might feel heavy, or you might be obligated to breathe fast and shallowly.

This affection can be the result of many conditions, such as anemia, allergic reactions, and anxiety. However, these are just the surface factors. The hidden causes are actually the heart and the lungs.

If your lungs are affected, you might experience immediate shortness of breath. However, there are times when this problem can evolve gradually and it can be a sign of many health issues, such as heart failure, arrhythmia, and aortic disease.

9. Feeling lightheaded or dizzy

When your brain doesn’t have enough oxygen, you can feel dizzy and lightheaded. That can be the result of not having enough oxygen in the blood.

Even though it might not sound so dangerous, these can actually be the symptoms of heart failure and blood pressure problems. Given the fact that gravity attracts your blood closer to your lower extremities, it can be harder for your heart to pump enough blood into your head.

10. Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition that occurs during sleep and means that the breathing stops and then immediately begins again. This affection is often linked to snoring, but not everyone who is diagnosed with this snores, and vice-versa. Sleep apnea is dangerous and it can lead to prediabetes and potential heart disease.

There are many factors that are responsible for this issue, such as diabetes, obesity, age, alcohol consumption, and even medicine. In addition to that, sleep apnea might be a result of heart failure, which can disrupt the way your brain functions, such as involuntary breathing reflex.

11. Intimate issues

There are many reasons why men can be the victims of several health problems related to intimacy. Males who have higher risk factors, such as a surplus of body fat, diabetes, and family health issues, should take into consideration that the problems associated with the way they “perform” can be linked to an early symptom of coronary artery disease.

…If you want to know more about health and overall well-being, we recommend checking this article out: 10 Serious Conditions That Look Like Psoriasis But Aren’t!

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15 Diabetes Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Post author By Guest Post
Post date March 13, 2022
No Comments on 15 Diabetes Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

WHAT IS DIABETES?

I guess we’ve all heard at some point in our lives about diabetes, but not all of us know about its symptoms or how our bodies react to it. It is a metabolic disease that causes excessive blood glucose (hyperglycemia). This disease is incurable and once diagnosed requires lifelong treatment.

There is also a special and rare form of this disease, developed by some women. This is called “gestational diabetes” and usually lasts only during pregnancy. Diabetes is different from “kidney diabetes”, a term that means the presence of excess glucose in the urine, but not in the blood.

There are two main types of diabetes, which are differentiated by the mechanism of onset. Overall, any form of diabetes is due to insufficient insulin in the body. Insulin is the hormone that introduces blood glucose into the cells for use. In type 1 diabetes, insulin is completely absent, and in type 2 diabetes, it is reduced and/or less effective.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, and its onset is unrelated to external factors. For type 2 diabetes, obesity is the main factor that increases the risk of developing this disease.

Diabetes treatment involves several components. Proper diet and physical activity ensure a constant blood glucose level and better insulin action. Oral treatment is often recommended for people with type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, as well as some forms of type 2 diabetes, are treated with insulin, which is injected by the patients under their skin several times a day.

Here are 15 diabetes symptoms you shouldn’t ignore:

1. Frequent urination

Frequent urination can be caused by a urinary tract infection or excessive fluid intake. However, if you urinate frequently without finding yourself in either situation, you may have diabetes.

In diabetes cases, the kidneys are overworked because the body strives to eliminate excess glucose through urine.

2. Excessive thirst

This symptom is usually associated with the previous one. As the body eliminates urine, the thirst intensifies due to the need to replace lost fluids.

3. Dry mouth

Excessive dry mouth is very unpleasant and can signal the presence of serious health problems. In addition to suggesting that you are dehydrated, this symptom may indicate that you have type 2 diabetes.

In addition, an excessively dry mouth creates an environment conducive to the proliferation of bacteria, increasing the risk of developing gum infections and dental problems.

4. Excessive fatigue

Excessive or chronic fatigue is a symptom that should never be ignored. Although it is natural to feel tired due to physical or mental overload, the feeling of fatigue may also indicate that the cells are not supplied with enough glucose.

Fatigue can also be maintained by frequent urination, including at night, which interrupts sleep and, in the long run, it can be extremely exhausting.

5. Excessive appetite

Feeling hungry can be caused by both hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). The cause of this diabetes symptom is that the cells do not receive the optimal amount of sugar. They send alert signals to the brain, and the affected person becomes hungry.

6. Vision disorders

The eyes are the organs most affected by diabetes. High blood sugar affects the retina, causing blurred vision. Sometimes there are flashes of light that impede proper vision. If you suffer from diabetes and do not get proper treatment, the risk of developing irreversible vision problems or losing your sight completely is very high.

7. Infections

Bacteria, viruses and fungi grow more easily in glucose-rich environments, so diabetes increases the frequency of infections of any kind. Diabetics often develop vaginal, skin or urinary tract infections.

8. Numbness or tingling in the extremities

Tingling and numbness are the effect of nerve damage due to diabetes. Both sensations can be recurrent and are often accompanied by pain and inflammation. If the disease is not controlled, the nerve damage can become permanent, which has dramatic consequences.

9. Weight gain/loss

Weight loss or weight gain may be a consequence of the body’s inability to use insulin. Diabetes prevents the cells from supplying glucose, which is why the body uses muscle proteins to get energy. Diabetes can also significantly increase appetite, especially sweets, which leads to weight gain.

You may need a scale to keep track of your weight!

10. Wounds are difficult to heal

Diabetes causes blood vessels to degrade. As a result, the body will no longer be able to heal small cuts and scratches as quickly. Excess glucose affects the veins and arteries, reducing their ability to carry blood to the cells to heal the lesions.

11. Irritability, lack of concentration

Glucose is one of the main sources of food for the brain. In the absence of insulin, the cells can no longer carry glucose from the blood to the brain; and that’s why lack of concentration can be a sign of diabetes.

12. Itching and dry skin

Diabetes can affect the blood circulation in the body, so the glands become dysfunctional and make your skin dry and itchy. But still, if you’re experiencing itchy and dry skin, that doesn’t mean you’re automatically a diabetic.

13. Potency issues

Statistics show that up to 70% of men with diabetes have potency problems. The reason: diabetes affects the blood vessels and nerve endings in the genital area, which makes performance difficult. For women, vaginal dryness occurs.

14. Areas of red, yellow, or brown skin

The condition begins with the appearance of small papules (wrinkles of the skin that are felt when you run your hand over them) that look like some type of acne. As they evolve, these papules turn into hardened plaques and the skin in these areas thickens. The tiles can be red, yellow or brown. They may be accompanied by:

• shiny porcelain look of the surrounding skin;
• visible superficial blood vessels;
• itching or even pain.

15. Hard, thickened skin

The appearance of hard and thickened skin on the fingers or toes is called digital sclerosis. On the back of the hands, the skin looks waxy and the movements of the fingers can become difficult. The marks can extend to the forearms and arms, to the chest, shoulders, neck and even to the face.

In rare cases, there is the thickening of the skin on the knees, ankles and elbows, thus affecting the mobility and the movements of the patients (they can no longer straighten the leg or bend the arm). Thickened skin areas almost always have an “orange peel” appearance.

This skin condition usually occurs in people who already suffer from other complications of diabetes or whose treatment is ineffective. It can also be the beginning signs of diabetes. Better control of diabetes can also lead to an improvement in skin thickening. Patients with this problem may also benefit from physiotherapy to regain joint mobility.

Now that above we’ve listed fifteen of the most common diabetes symptoms, it’s extremely important to remind you that this disease can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Also, some very good advice is to maintain a healthy weight and to avoid smoking, a sedentary lifestyle and diets rich in saturated fats, sugars and processed foods. It’s extremely important to be aware of the severity of this disease and to keep in mind that diabetes doesn’t forgive anybody and if you have any of the symptoms enumerated above, you need to immediately see a doctor.

Tags health issues, signs

10 Serious Conditions That Look Like Psoriasis But Aren’t

Post author By Guest Post
Post date March 13, 2022
No Comments on 10 Serious Conditions That Look Like Psoriasis But Aren’t

WHAT IS PSORIASIS?

Although psoriasis is included in the category of skin diseases, it actually begins inside the body, being a disease of the immune system. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects about 2% of the world population. In about a 1/3 of cases, the immune problem is genetic. In the families of people with psoriasis, there are often other members with this disease.

Yet, other factors also play a role in the onset of the disease. Psoriasis has been associated with stress, smoking, obesity, alcohol, streptococcal tonsillitis, viral infections, and certain medications, including beta-blockers (used to treat high blood pressure) and lithium (prescribed for affective disorders).

Psoriasis can occur in a variety of areas of the body, with slightly different symptoms; The five variants of the disease are known as: plaque psoriasis, gouty psoriasis, reversed psoriasis, pustular psoriasis and erythrodermic psoriasis.

CAUSES OF PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is known as a disorder of the immune system that causes the skin to regenerate faster than normal. It is not known, however, the exact cause of this immune problem. According to research, both genetic and environmental factors play a role in triggering the disease. Psoriasis is NOT contagious. (Psst! You may find this book helpful!)

Many people prone to psoriasis can remain asymptomatic for years until an environmental factor becomes a trigger. Other causes can be:

• Respiratory and skin infections
• Climate, especially cold or dry weather
• A skin wound (mosquito bite, severe sunburn)
• Stress
• Smoking and secondhand smoke
• Massive alcohol consumption
• Certain medications

PSORIASIS SYMPTOMS

• Itchy, dry, cracked, bleeding skin;
• Well-defined, red plaques, which appear symmetrically, especially in certain areas, like elbows, knees, scalp, often on the trunk, arms, and legs;
• A number of small, scaly, red spots on the arms and legs (psoriasis gout);
• Areas of smooth, inflamed skin, armpits; these areas can occur especially on armpits, under the breasts, or in the groin area.
• Areas of skin full of pimples or pustules

CONDITIONS THAT LOOK LIKE PSORIASIS

Psoriasis, even though it has specific symptoms, without being informed it can be mistaken with other skin conditions; some of them can be less serious and others can be more serious.

1. ECZEMA

Eczema is known as a chronic skin condition that can affect babies, children and adults. It is represented by the appearance of skin lesions like redness, blisters and crusts which may evolve into pimples. The condition causes severe dryness of the skin and a deterioration of the skin barrier.

It is accompanied by pain and itching, sometimes intense, which can affect a person’s daily activity. Healthy skin helps retain moisture and protects against bacteria, irritants and allergens.

Eczema is closely linked to a variation in the gene that affects the skin’s ability to provide this protection and which allows the skin to be affected by environmental factors, irritants and allergens. In some children, food allergies may play a role in triggering eczema.

2. ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS

Contact dermatitis is a red rash that occurs as a result of direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it. The rash is not contagious but can be very uncomfortable. Many substances can cause such reactions, including soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, jewelry and herbs.

In order to efficiently treat contact dermatitis, you need to identify and avoid the cause of your reaction. If you can avoid the trigger, the rash usually heals in two to four weeks.

3. SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS

Seborrheic dermatitis is a dermatological condition represented by a chronic inflammation predominantly in the scalp, which is not contagious.

To date, the exact causes of seborrheic dermatitis have not been established, and the manifestations of chronic inflammation that accompany this disease are similar to those of other conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis of sensitive skin.

However, it has been found that seborrheic dermatitis is frequently associated with hyperhidrosis, vitamin B deficiency, high-calorie diets and obesity.

4. PARAPSORIASIS

Parapsoriasis refers to a group of skin conditions represented by maculopapular or scaly lesions. Treatment may include a combination of various topical and oral medications and phototherapy. Parapsoriasis is not related to psoriasis, but is so named because the scaly plaques that appear in this condition sometimes resemble those in psoriasis.

Doctors don’t exactly know why some people get parapsoriasis, no specific reasons have been identified, which means that there is no known method to prevent the occurrence of this condition. Given that the disease is underreported, the prevalence is unknown. The data shows that parapsoriasis is a rare disease that occurs mainly in the elderly.

5. SKIN CANCER

The name “skin cancer” is representative for several types of skin cancer that can be classified by the stage of evolution in which it is.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body. It protects the body against infections and wounds and helps the body to regulate its temperature. The skin also helps the body to store water and fat and to produce vitamin D.

Skin cancer is characterized by symptoms like :

• A bleeding wound that may have crusts and remain open for weeks.
• A reddish, raised spot or irritated area that may have crusts or itching, but rarely hurts.
• A knot that is bright pink, red, pearl white or translucent.
• A pink outgrowth, with a raised edge and a central notch.
• A white, yellow or waxy scar-like area, often with a poorly defined edge.

6. RINGWORM

Ringworm (trichophytia or dermatophytosis) is a type of fungal infection of the skin. The infection can occur pretty much anywhere on the body and has been given different names depending on which body part it affects.

This superficial fungal infection does not cause any condition under the skin. The ringworm of the body, which mostly affects the trunk and limbs, is called tinea corporis. The specific symptoms of ringworm depend on the location of the infection on the patient’s body surface. These usually include:

• Irritated, itchy skin;
• Red, dry, scaly or very cracked skin;
• Ring/circle rash;
• Hair loss in the affected area.

7. HIVES (URTICARIA)

Urticaria is a sudden rash, in the form of papules (blisters) and erythematous plaques (extensive red spots), mobile, intensely itchy that persists for less than 6 weeks. The condition is the most common dermatological condition treated in emergency rooms worldwide.

The appearance of urticaria can be triggered by both allergic and non-allergic mechanisms, the skin lesions being due to the release of histamine and other compounds following mast cell degranulation. These substances cause vascular dilation, extravasation of fluid into the dermis and the appearance of consecutive edema.

Feeling tired all the time? This might be why!

8. KERATOSIS PILARIS

It is a very common skin condition, usually confused with “pimples”, due to the appearance of “goosebumps”, which is actually given by the dead cells/keratin plugs of the hair follicles. It is common on the arms, thighs, buttocks, but can spread to the forearms or legs, and some children may have lesions even on the cheeks.

They may look like dry skin and may be of a reddish or purplish hue. The number of injuries varies from person to person. Keratosis Pilaris can be accompanied by itching, dryness or even changes in appearance.

9. ROSACEA

Rosacea is an inflammatory dermatological condition characterized by reddening of the face. Episodes of rosacea can affect the appearance of the face and can cause discomfort to the patients who are suffering from it. There are several types of rosacea and each of them has the same form of treatment.

What you should know is that rosacea does not occur due to lack of hygiene, but has other causes that trigger it. Very rarely, rosacea can lead to more severe complications. A visit to the dermatologist can resolve the unpleasant effects of this condition.

10. ACNE

Acne is a condition of the skin that causes the appearance of comedones (pimples), and even cysts and nodules when we are talking about severe forms of acne. Acne is mostly present on the face, chest and back. It is more common for adolescents, although it affects people of all ages.

It is not dangerous, but it can leave scars on the skin and can cause some social and emotional problems, especially among young people.

Without proper information, psoriasis may be mistaken with other conditions and vice versa. The safest scenario is to see a dermatologist in order to receive an accurate diagnosis and he’ll help you with everything you need to know about your condition.

Tags health issues, skin

6 Healthy Foods That Can Make You Bloated

Post author By Marian
Post date January 25, 2022
No Comments on 6 Healthy Foods That Can Make You Bloated

Who doesn’t hate bloat? We sure do! But let’s think about it, for a little bit. When we are feeling bloated, we tend to think about what we ate, which is great. But the first thing that comes to mind is all the unhealthy foods we might be consuming, such as dairy, ice cream, chips, junk food, fried food,… you see where I’m going.

However, did you know that there are certain healthy foods that can make you feel uncomfortable and lethargic as well? No worries, we are here to tell you what you can do to avoid that!

What IS Bloating?

bloated — Photo by siam.pukkato from shutterstock.com

As you already know, bloating happens in your stomach, when your gastrointestinal (GI) tract is full of gas or air. The GI tract goes from your mouth to your bottom area and it consists of your whole digestive system.

When you’re eating, your stomach is getting filled up with food and after that, it moves down a little, into your small intestines. Eventually, the food goes into your large intestines, making you feel bad. Why, you might ask?

When food is being broken down and digested in your intestines, there is gas is produced during that process. In addition to that, the food might need some extra water to help push it through. Having extra liquid and gas is what creates bloating.

Bloating can make you feel uncomfortable like you have eaten a huge meal and there is no space in your stomach anymore. Your belly might look bigger and tighter and the worst part is that it can actually get really painful.

As we have already discussed, bloating can happen due to the foods you’ve consumed. There are certain meals that can produce more gas than others. For example, people who are lactose or gluten intolerant can feel a lot of discomfort in their stomachs after eating these types of foods.

Healthy foods that cause bloating issues

Is it possible that healthy and nourishing foods can create digestive issues? Yes, of course! That is because they have some vitamins and fibers that can make them harder to be digested. For example:

1. Beans

They are a legume full of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. They contain a lot of fiber and oligosaccharides, which is a type of sugar that is harder to digest. Even though it’s extremely healthy and a good alternative for vegan and vegetarian people, eating too many beans can make you feel uncomfortable.

If you love beans and you want to consume them as often as possible, you should try soaking them for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This way, you will reduce their ability to create extra gas in your body. You can eat small amounts of beans every day, in order to get your stomach used to it. By doing so, you will help your gut build up good bacteria and also reduce gas.

2. Garlic and onion

Although these two vegetables give a great flavor to all the dishes you might be cooking, unfortunately, they contain fructans. These are a type of soluble fibers that can create bloating issues.

You can find fructans in other foods as well, such as leek, agave, or wheat. Even though you might be consuming garlic and onion in small quantities, you can still feel uncomfortable afterwards, especially if you eat them raw.

If you want an alternative to onions, you can try fennel, collard greens, and celery. If you wish to have a similar taste to your meals as garlic gives, you can swipe it for different herbs and spices, such as basil and chives.

3. Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous is the name of the vegetables from the Brassicaceae family and they include things such as cabbage, garden cress, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and the list goes on.

These foods are really healthy for you, due to their high numbers of nutrients, such as fiber, potassium, and vitamins C and K. However, if you eat these types of vegetables raw, you are more likely to suffer from digestive issues.

In order to avoid getting bloated, you should always cook cruciferous vegetables. If you want to avoid them, you can always substitute them for something else, such as sweet potatoes, spinach, zucchini, carrots, asparagus, celery, and ginger. These are also rich in minerals and vitamins, but they will not cause you any bloating issues.

4. Apples and pears

Apples and pears taste amazing. They are sweet, crunchy, and juicy, and they can make the perfect snack for when you’re in a rush. Also, these fruits are great when you crave something sweet, but you don’t want to eat something that is covered in sugar, so you drizzle some peanut butter and cinnamon on a few slices of apples or pears, and call it a day.

Besides them having a nice taste and texture, they contain a lot of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber as well. However, because of the high amount of fructose that they contain, which is nothing else but natural fruit sugar, sometimes it can be hard to digest them.

Other than fructose, pears also have in their composition sorbitol, which is known for making people feel bloated after eating. A good option for people who love these fruits and want to include them in their diets is to cook them before eating.

However, there are always other options that won’t create digestive issues, such as blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, grapefruits, oranges, bananas, grapes, mandarins, and cantaloupe.

5. Canned soup

If you were thinking that a canned soup is a healthy choice when you don’t have time to cook, take a second guess! Even though it is true that it’s lower in calories and fat, it doesn’t mean that it won’t affect you in a different kind of way. And we don’t think that you like it when you are feeling bloated!

Usually, soups that you can find in stores have an increased amount of sodium. For example, a serving size of a soup can have anywhere between 750 to 1,100 milligrams of sodium. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest consuming less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium in a day. If you eat a can of soup that has 1,000 mg of sodium in it, you are halfway through your recommended total daily intake.

Although you need salt in order to have a healthy and balanced life, if you consume too much sodium you will end up causing trouble for your kidneys. That is because they won’t be able to keep up with your high intake and salt will remain in your bloodstream. Furthermore, they will attract more water, which will cause bloating issues and water retention.

If you still want to enjoy a canned soup, you should look for one that has no more than 600 milligrams of sodium per serving.

6. Corn Can Also Make You Bloated

Even though it may be delicious to eat barbecued corn, it might not sound so good when you find out that it will make you bloated. According to Lisa Moskovitz, who is a registered dietitian, not all carbohydrates are easy to digest. She stated that corn has a type of carb that makes it hard for the body to break it down. Furthermore, this can create GI bacteria fermentation, which will attract more gas and air. As a result, you will feel bloated and tired.

TAKEAWAY

Keep in mind that these foods are more likely to create bloating issues, but they won’t affect people the same way! It’s always better to listen to your body and if you are feeling really uncomfortable and you have stomach pain, it might be a good option to talk to your doctor. At the end of the day, you can eat everything you want to, but make sure you don’t overdo it, in order to feel light, not bloated!

Have you ever had any digestive issues due to these healthy foods? We are curious about your experiences, so make sure to let us know by leaving a comment in the section down below! If you enjoyed reading this article, don’t forget to check this one out as well!

Tags food, health issues

11 Frozen Meals You Should Avoid at All Costs

Post author By A.I.
Post date January 19, 2022
No Comments on 11 Frozen Meals You Should Avoid at All Costs

Let’s just face the truth: We LOVE frozen meals, they are simply delicious! They are easy to make, and we can’t get enough of them. Some of the frozen foods are not even as bad as people would think,… or, are they?

There are several reasons you shouldn’t eat any of those meals, mostly because of the fact that they are not healthy at all, they contain lots of damaging substances that can potentially affect your organs in a negative way. And so, the following foods should be avoided at all costs:

1. Gluten-Free Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese

People often tend to assume that if something is gluten-free it is also healthy. Well, that’s not entirely the case, especially when it comes to frozen gluten-free mac & cheese. It sounds and looks like a delicious meal, doesn’t it?

Well, the problem is that it has 31 grams of saturated fat, and that’s a very bad thing for your overall health and body. It’s a problem that the meal has a lot of cheese, whole milk, butter, and liquid smoke. The last ingredient is terrible for you since it consists of only smoke, water, and in some cases, molasses and caramel coloring.

Now that we’ve exposed every detail about it to you, it doesn’t seem so delicious, does it?

frozen meals — Photo by Robyn Mackenzie from shutterstock.com

2. Swedish Meatballs

Really? These, too? Yes, unfortunately, these delicacies that many of us are crazy about, are high in sodium. And when we say high in sodium, we mean over half the amount we are supposed to eat in a day.

Now, that may not mean anything to you, but for your body and health, it’s HUGE. What’s even more shocking is that all the salt and saturated fat comes from the sauce that’s covering them. It’s bad that the people who prepare this meal, for the sake of comfort and convenience, are adding all the ingredients in individual containers and freezing them during manufacturing.

That process alone is very unhealthy.

3. Mexican Style Fiesta

We love Mexican food, and we can’t help it, but maybe we should. But one portion of Mexican Style Fiesta is almost half the calories you should eat in one day! That’s WAY too much sugar and fat coming from one meal, and it doesn’t even make you feel full.

If you were to eat two light meals and snacks and then this, it’s slightly better, but it’s still not healthy for you to eat this. There are plenty of recipes that you can try that are way tastier and you don’t even have to put too much effort into them.

But, in the end, your body will remain strong.

4. Chicken Bacon Ranch Meal

This dish, just like the name suggests, has chicken, bacon, and ranch, so there shouldn’t be any problems with it, right? Wrong. Ranch sauce has plenty of junk in it, including lots of calories and fat.

The meal itself has plenty of fiber, however, the lack of protein isn’t good. In addition, they are rich in sodium and saturated fat, way too much for the dish’s size. Even if you decide to purchase a smaller portion, it’s still not worth buying it.

There are plenty of recipes out there that will provide a much healthier alternative for your body.

5. Country Fried Beef Steak & Gravy

We know this looks delicious, but by the name of it, we should’ve guessed it’s far from being good for our body and overall health. The thing is that anything that’s fried is bad for us, because of the level of saturated fat and carbs in it, but if it’s also a frozen meal…We suggest you keep yourself as far away as possible from it.

This meal alone contains more sodium than any meal should. We know that anything fried tastes heavenly, but is it worth it? The extra calories, and all of the toxins that come along with it? We say a strong NO.

6. Bourbon Chicken Pasta

Looks…great…doesn’t it? For starters, specialists don’t recommend the recipe, to begin with, because the ingredients altogether are too much. If you decide to make your own pasta, add some simple seasoning and some chicken, the outcome will be much better for your health.

If you have fewer artificial ingredients in your meals, it’s for the best, since those are incredibly sickening. Also, the best part about making your own pasta is that you can choose the amount of sauce that you’re pouring and that you can opt for healthier choices.

One frozen meal of bourbon chicken pasta is about 1,000 milligrams of sodium which is WAY more than your body can handle.

7. Crispy Fish Tenders

Yes, even our favorite crispy fish tenders are a bad frozen meal choice. If you want to enjoy some fish, this is not the way to do it. They may seem like the perfect choice when you’re craving something crunchy, but these go through an INSANE amount of processing before they hit your kitchen table.

Besides that, the crispy tenders have way too much sodium tripolyphosphate, fillers, and modified food starch. Oh, and, don’t even get me started on the gigantic quantity of all that added sugar!

Don’t let the idea that they are rich in omega-3s and protein fool you, the amount of junk is just sickening!

8. Spinach, Egg & Cheese Medley

This frozen meal may seem harmless, but in reality, it’s the complete opposite. This sandwich has spinach, egg, and cheese in it, and you may think it’s not that bad and it can’t do much damage, because it’s a rich collection of fat, protein, and carbs.

It’s good enough to start your day right, or is it? It sounds like a good option, but it doesn’t leave you full one bit since it provides you with only 170 calories. It’s not a lot of energy at all, and remember that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, that being said it needs to be a booster for you.

9. Smothered Turkey

Just by the name of it, you can tell how bad this frozen meal is for you. Specialists usually advise us not to eat the combination of turkey, mashed potatoes, and vegetables because it’s an extremely unhealthy option.

The real problem stays in the gravy because it contains 1,500 milligrams of sodium, which as we’ve mentioned before, is a lot for a meal alone. A lot of doctors are saying that sodium is a HUGE trigger for most health issues.

That alone should make you reconsider purchasing the frozen meal, shouldn’t it?

10. Sweet & Sour Noodle

We know it’s tastier than life itself, however, the problem with this frozen food is the fact that it’s not sustainable at all. It doesn’t have too many calories, but don’t be too quick to think that’s a good thing, because it’s also poor in proteins, carbs, and fat.

You still need a moderate amount of those in your meal, not an excessive amount, but balance is key. Noodles indeed have tofu, vegetables, and noodles, but there’s a big lack of fiber and protein in it, that your body requires.

If you had this frozen meal, and after eating it you still wanted to grab something to eat, now you know why that is.

11. Steak Meal with Mashed Potatoes

Let’s settle this popular myth: if a product is low in calories, it doesn’t mean it’s a healthy thing for you to eat. For example, this frozen meal has more than 40 grams of carbs in it and over 1,000 milligrams of sodium in it.

That is an insane combination for your body.

Takeaway

Treat your body as a temple, you must take care of it in every way, which also means eating foods that don’t jeopardize your health. Frozen meals can be the best delicacy you’ve ever had, but don’t eat too much of them, because they can affect your health in a bad way.

If you need some inspiration and new ideas to try in the kitchen take a look at this: Instant Loss: Eat Real, Lose Weight

Tags food, health issues

12 Signs You May Not Be Healthy

Post author By Sidney
Post date January 18, 2022
2 Comments on 12 Signs You May Not Be Healthy

rules signs — Image By Nicoleta Ionescu From Shutterstock

We can all agree by now that staying healthy has become extremely complicated. We need to take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally, and to keep an overall sense of wellness. First things first, what really matters is to feel good, and to feel healthy.

While we know that suffering from a health condition or being classified as overweight might be considered “unhealthy”, there are other ways of discovering if you need to improve your health. Some of these signs are more obvious than others, so pay attention and see what you can do. Here are 12 signs you’re not as healthy as you thought:

Tags health issues, signs

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