Managing high blood sugar is essential to avoid serious health issues like diabetes or heart disease. However, you must first learn what high blood sugar (or hyperglycemia) is. Recognizing the signs of high blood sugar and the foods that can cause a spike helps prevent CKD type 2 diabetes. This article will discuss what constitutes high blood sugar levels and which foods to avoid to keep your numbers in check. What is high blood sugar? High blood sugar (or hyperglycemia) occurs when the blood has too much sugar (glucose). Glucose is the body’s primary energy source, but too much of it in the bloodstream can cause damage to the body’s organs and tissues. Usually, the hormone insulin helps to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood by allowing it to enter cells and be used for energy. However, when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use it properly, glucose can build up in the blood, resulting in high blood sugar. If left untreated, high blood sugar can cause serious health problems, including nerve damage, kidney damage, and even blindness. Thus, it’s essential to monitor blood sugar levels and consult a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms of high blood sugar.

Exhaustion, shortness of breath, and persistent pain in the back or elsewhere in the body are potential signs of multiple myeloma—a common type of cancer that affects the bone marrow. Sadly, many people overlook these symptoms, leading to a delayed diagnosis and treatment. This blog takes a closer look at the signs of multiple myeloma and the foods one should eat and avoid with this condition for a better prognosis. What is multiple myeloma? Multiple myeloma is a variation of blood cancer that develops in the plasma cells of the bone marrow. These cells are responsible for producing antibodies to ward off infection and disease. When affected by this condition, plasma cells become abnormal and divide rapidly. They crowd out healthy blood cells with time, damaging surrounding bones, organs, and tissues. Sometimes, they also form tumors in the bone marrow and other body parts. The tumors can cause bone pain, weakness, fractures, and other symptoms like fatigue, recurrent infections, and anemia. What causes multiple myeloma is not fully understood, but genetics, environment, and lifestyle are said to play a role. Cumulative exposure to radiation, especially ionizing radiation, has been suggested as a prevalent cause. Research has also highlighted that age and gender are potential risk factors; the condition is more likely to affect people over 65, and men are more likely to develop it than women.  Signs of multiple myeloma The following are a few symptoms that might help identify the condition.

The thyroid is an essential part of the endocrine system responsible for hormone secretion. Thyroid cancer is a disorder that affects the thyroid gland and is frequently challenging to identify in its early stages due to the absence of obvious symptoms. Consequently, recognizing early thyroid cancer warning signals is essential for early detection and effective treatment. Thyroid cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers among women today. This article covers 6 early warning signs of thyroid cancer. What is thyroid cancer? Thyroid cancer occurs when there is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. The thyroid gland produces hormones called thyroxine and parathyroid that regulate the body’s metabolism. Additionally, it regulates the amount of calcium in the body. In thyroid cancer, abnormal cells can form a lump or tumor in the thyroid gland. Some types of thyroid cancer grow very slowly and may not cause any symptoms for a long time, while others may grow more quickly and spread to other body parts.  Treatment for thyroid cancer may involve surgery to remove the thyroid gland, as well as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy, depending on the type and stage of cancer.

Hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood) is a common condition caused by kidney malfunction, excessive potassium intake, or certain treatments. It’s important to monitor your potassium levels closely and take the necessary steps to prevent hyperkalemia from occurring. Eating the right foods can help manage the condition and reduce symptoms such as muscle cramps and fatigue. This article will explore the best foods for managing hyperkalemia and various aspects of the condition. What is hyperkalemia? Hyperkalemia is an electrolyte imbalance health condition where the amount of potassium in the bloodstream is elevated above normal levels. Its symptoms may include weakness, palpitations, nausea, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing. Depending on the cause and severity of one’s hyperkalemia, it may be treated with food changes and treatments to help regulate the body’s potassium levels. Extreme cases can lead to health complications, including stopped heartbeats, heart attack, or cardiac arrest. Thus, you must talk to your physician if you suffer from the condition. What are the reasons for hyperkalemia? Kidney problems The kidneys play a vital role in regulating the level of potassium in the blood. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, they may not be able to remove excess potassium, leading to hyperkalemia.

Vision problems, numbness, and extreme fatigue are potential warning signs of multiple sclerosis, a prevalent autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. The condition is said to impact around 2.5 million people worldwide. While multiple sclerosis cannot be cured, it can be managed to the extent that it does not significantly affect a person’s routine activities. This post discusses five common early warning signs of multiple sclerosis one should look out for.  What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies healthy cells as a threat and attacks them. The reason behind this faulty immune response is not fully understood, but it is thought to be linked to a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. In multiple sclerosis, the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the myelin sheath, a protective layer surrounding nerve fibers in the CNS. This damage disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses, leading to various neurological symptoms and deteriorating health. Doctors typically diagnose the health condition by examining a person’s health history and performing imaging tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Treatment usually involves modifying the immune system, managing symptoms, and reducing the frequency and severity of relapsing multiple sclerosis.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition characterized by red patches, white scales, itchiness, and discomfort. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. While there is no cure for this condition, certain treatments and lifestyle habits can help manage the condition. This article will look in-depth at the signs of psoriasis, foods to eat and avoid for managing this irritating skin condition, and the available treatment options, along with home remedies. What is psoriasis? Psoriasis is a health condition in which patches of red and inflamed skin develop on certain body parts, most commonly the arms, legs, scalp, and torso. These patches cause itchiness and discomfort. Often, even regular moisturizing does not provide enough relief. Psoriasis usually has an autoimmune element that causes an overproduction of skin cells; therefore, it cannot be cured. However, the condition can be treated with prescription or special creams to help manage the symptoms. Those with psoriasis may have varying levels of severity at different times, such as when exposed to certain environmental factors or stressors. Fortunately, mental health practitioners can help those with psoriasis better cope with the condition. What are the symptoms of psoriasis? These are common symptoms of psoriasis: Red patches on the skin with thick, silvery scales Itching or burning sensation Dry or cracked skin Pain or discomfort in affected areas Thickened, pitted, or ridged nails Swollen, sore, or stiff joints Fatigue or a general feeling of discomfort Depression or anxiety Worsening symptoms during periods of stress or illness 6 foods to manage psoriasis One of the methods of managing psoriasis is eating the right anti-inflammatory foods.

For individuals diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, managing their meal plans can be crucial in maintaining their overall health. The foods they consume can significantly impact their respiratory function and quality of life. Fruits, vegetables, and optimal hydration are necessary to keep pulmonary fibrosis in check. The right dietary choices can help reduce inflammation, improve lung function, and alleviate symptoms. Therefore, this article will explore foods that can help manage pulmonary fibrosis and maintain optimal health. What is Pulmonary Fibrosis? Pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that causes the development of fibrous, scar-like tissue in the lungs, making it harder for the lungs to work correctly. Over time, this scarring can become widespread, causing the lungs to lose their ability to expand and contract effectively, leading to reduced blood oxygenation. Cystic fibrosis is a similar condition but develops in people since birth, thickening mucus in the lungs and making breathing difficult. The most common symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis are: coughing shortness of breath fatigue chest pain a dry cough and losing weight unintentionally The progression of the disease varies from person to person, and in some cases, the symptoms can develop rapidly, leading to acute respiratory distress (fluid build-up in the lungs).

For those living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), meals play an important role in helping maintain overall health and comfort. Food choices can significantly impact their ability to deal with the disease. Further, adding nutrient-rich foods to meal plans today can help ensure better kidney function in the long run. So, here are a few foods that should be added to the nutritional regimen when dealing with chronic kidney disease.  What is chronic kidney disease? Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood. It typically develops gradually over a long period and can cause various symptoms, including fatigue, swelling, and changes in urination. The causes of CKD include high blood pressure, diabetes, and inherited conditions. Unfortunately, CKD often goes undiagnosed until it has progressed to an advanced stage, leading to serious complications such as kidney failure and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. As CKD progresses, it begins to affect vital organ functions until it ultimately develops into kidney failure. In advanced cases, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be required to replace the lost function of the kidneys. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of this common health concern early on is key to preventing further health problems.