6 surprising migraine triggers and ways to manage them
health

6 surprising migraine triggers and ways to manage them

No one can know what a painful affair a sudden onset of migraine pang is other than the person who goes through it. While the migraine triggers differ from person to person, a few culprits are there, which seem to attack everyone indiscriminately. When one can identify their triggers, they are a step closer to effectively managing migraine and avoiding future attacks. Here are six surprising migraine triggers which you may not have been previously aware of: Excessive stress Stress is the most common reason that tends to trigger migraine pangs. According to some studies, stress is a catalyst for 70 percent of migraine attacks in patients. Besides, such studies have revealed a close relationship between daily migraine activity and stress levels. Furthermore, there seems to be a continuous cycle in which the day-to-day stress levels are further loaded with the worry of upcoming migraine attacks. How to manage: One can begin by preparing an exhaustive list of things that seem to bug daily but are pretty mundane and can be dealt with quickly without any undue tension or stress. Once the list is prepared, work on those triggers to reduce their effects on your stress levels. Besides that, try relaxation therapy, yoga, meditation, exercise, biofeedback, and massage to calm your mind and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
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7 snack ideas for lowering cholesterol levels
health

7 snack ideas for lowering cholesterol levels

The CDC suggests that about 38% of adults in the country have high cholesterol levels. This puts them at risk of heart diseases and serious complications. So, it is important to regulate ones bad cholesterol levels by getting an adequate amount of heart-healthy fats and fiber. Adding sources like fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, whole grains, and legumes can help one get the necessary nutrients. So, here are seven snack ideas to lower one’s cholesterol levels: Oatmeal The versatility of oats is unmatched, so one can add them to any recipe of choice. Additionally, oatmeal is the go-to snack when it comes to lowering cholesterol. It is rich in soluble fibers that bind to cholesterol and flush them out before they can reach the bloodstream. Besides fiber, one serving of oatmeal contains high levels of protein and heart-friendly antioxidants. Fresh or dried fruits and honey are recommended additions to oatmeal as they can help achieve better results. Fruit bowl Fruit bowls are another way of adding low-cholesterol snacks into one’s daily diet. Fruits are incredibly rich in fiber and can make people feel full for extended periods. Additionally, they are a rich source of essential minerals and vitamins. Some of the most effective foods include almonds and fruits like berries and apples.
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These 7 signs indicate excess sugar intake
health

These 7 signs indicate excess sugar intake

Many scientific reports have found that diabetes is on the rise as a result of the pandemic. This is apparently possible due to the virus worsening pre-existing diabetes in people through increased insulin resistance. Studies have found that the virus can multiply within insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells and debilitate insulin synthesis and secretion. Due to these developments, it is imperative for everyone to know the noticeable signs of excessive sugar intake and blood sugar composition. Signs that you’re consuming excess sugar: Constant craving for sugary things The reward center in your brain activates when you ingest some food or drink containing sugar. When sugar enters your body, your brain responds to dopamine, also known as feel-good chemicals. To put it simply, the brain informs your body that it feels good and wants more of that sweet-tasting thing. The issue with such a feeling is that your brain gets addicted to it over time and starts craving more. This is similar to how you develop an alcohol tolerance and need more of it to feel the buzz. Feeling lethargic throughout the day The pleasure of the sweet taste spikes your insulin, which makes the brain happy. But after this initial high, it is inevitable for your brain to come down and feel low.
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10 myths about sunglasses that could damage your vision
health

10 myths about sunglasses that could damage your vision

Did you know that excessive exposure to harsh sun rays can aggravate the risk of eye diseases? However, the prevention is very straightforward. You can wear sunglasses, which block at least 99 to 100 percent of UVB and UVA radiation. However, there are several myths associated with eye health and sunglasses. So, today, we have taken it on ourselves to debunk the common myths about sunglasses, which may damage your eye health. Let’s address them below. Expensive shades are better A higher price tag is not indicative of a sunglass’s ability to shield you against harmful UVA and UVB rays. At times, even some affordable sunglasses can do a good enough job at offering good eye protection. So, before checking the price tag, read through the packaging label. It is good to go if it clearly states that the sunglasses can block 100 percent UVA and UVB rays, regardless of the price tag. Oakley has some of the best options you can try. Sunglasses are only for sunny days UV light can easily penetrate through the haze and the clouds. Irrespective of the season, you must wear sunglasses. Excessive sun exposure puts you at risk of cancer, cataracts, and growth in the eye.
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3 effective ways to improve bone health
health

3 effective ways to improve bone health

The human skeleton protects the internal organs, so keeping bones healthy and strong is important. Issues with bone density can lead to conditions like osteoporosis which can make the bones brittle. About 10 million people in the country are affected by osteoporosis, and about 54 million people are at risk of breaking their bones due to low bone density. So here are a few treatment options, food choices, and lifestyle changes to improve bone health: Treatment options One should get their bones checked if they are suffering from serious health issues like diabetes and lupus. Further, one should get regular checkups as they grow older and discuss persistent concerns with their doctor. They may recommend the following option: Evenity: For postmenopausal women, Evenity may be recommended for bone strengthening and treating osteoporosis. This is because in the period after menopause, women may have an increased risk of fractures and weakening of bones. This option is a form of anabolic treatment that promotes bone formation and is also known to stimulate the body’s natural healing powers to slow down the bone loss process. Changes in nutritional regimen One’s bone health invariably depends on what one eats. Further, making responsible choices in this regard can go a long way in keeping the skeleton strong:
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Odors that trigger migraines and ways to manage the condition
health

Odors that trigger migraines and ways to manage the condition

Around one in seven individuals worldwide suffer from migraine. It is a severe headache that affects one side of the head, usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting. While migraine can be caused due to several reasons, increased sensitivity to smells, or osmophobia, is a prevalent trigger. It is not clear why some are sensitive to specific smells and develop headaches. Below are a few odors that can trigger migraines and ways to manage the condition: Which odors can trigger migraines? Smells are just as powerful a trigger for migraine as sleep deprivation. The most prevalent smells that can lead to migraine are gasoline, car exhaust, perfumes, pesticides, asphalt, nail polish, cooking steam, and detergents. However, it can take over 15 minutes for a person to develop symptoms after exposure to a problematic odor. Why do smells trigger migraines? As mentioned, hypersensitivity to these smells is the cause of the problem. Experts suggest that increased sensitivity may be linked to a smaller olfactory bulb, a brain receptor responsible for processing odors. Studies show that people with migraines have a relatively tinier olfactory bulb than others. How to manage migraines? Migraines caused due to osmophobia can be extremely painful and unpleasant. Many individuals report feeling disgusted by the smell of food being cooked and repelled by raw food.
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5 things to avoid doing before bedtime for quality sleep
health

5 things to avoid doing before bedtime for quality sleep

Sleep is crucial for good health. It refreshes the body and mind and provides energy to carry out daily tasks. But unfortunately, many people find it hard to get quality sleep, which affects their overall health. Several factors, such as ongoing treatment or underlying health conditions, can affect a person’s sleep. But for some people, an unhealthy pre-sleep routine is the cause. Here are five things to avoid doing before bedtime for sound sleep: Staring at a screen If you stare at your mobile, TV, or laptop screens before bedtime, you might struggle to sleep well. LED screens of digital devices emit blue and white light that lower a particular hormone released by the brain called melatonin. This hormone is required to feel drowsy and fall asleep. When the release of melatonin is reduced, sleep quality is hampered, and you cannot fall asleep quickly. Research says that exposure to any light before bedtime is unhealthy, but blue light has the most harmful effects on sleep. So, avoid it as much as possible before bedtime. Exercising Heavy exercises just before bedtime can harm your sleep quality. When our body prepares for bedtime, the temperature starts to fall, heart rate reduces, and the brain slows down.
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