7 factors to consider when choosing multivitamins

7 factors to consider when choosing multivitamins

Multivitamins contain a mix of several vitamins and minerals necessary for one’s growth, development, and well-being. When used correctly, they can help manage deficiencies in a person’s body and deal with particular health problems. For example, vitamin B7 can help with hair growth, and vitamins C, D, A, and E can nourish the skin. However, to get the best results, individuals should consider these seven critical factors when choosing multivitamins: Personal health goals Before choosing multivitamins, one should list the reasons why they need them. After an individual is clear about their health goals, they can pick a multivitamin that helps them reach those goals and satisfies their nutritional needs. A common health goal of many people using multivitamins is to address the nutritional gaps in their daily meals that lead to lethargy, sleep issues, fatigue, muscle cramps, etc. Such people need to purchase a multivitamin solution that helps address their nutritional deficiencies and prevent such problems. Choosing a multivitamin without knowing why one needs it is a big mistake. Picking the wrong one can increase the risk of several health complications that can be hard to manage. Allergies Some people develop allergic reactions after eating certain foods. For example, some people have milk allergies. This is because milk contains calcium and vitamin D, which their bodies consider a threat. Such individuals must check whether the multivitamin they buy has these elements. Sometimes, the doctor may still allow a person to consume these nutrients in multivitamin form, so individuals should consult the expert before shopping. Generally, people need to purchase multivitamins that have the nutrients they need but are devoid of other elements that may trigger allergic attacks. Age and gender Everyone has unique nutritional needs based on age and gender. For example, seniors need vitamin D to keep their aging bones healthy and their mobility and flexibility intact.
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6 foods to eliminate to manage EoE and acid reflux

6 foods to eliminate to manage EoE and acid reflux

EoE, or Eosinophilic Esophagitis, is an allergic condition that develops in the esophagus. In this condition, the esophagus becomes inflamed and cannot contract properly. This inflammation can create issues with proper contracting of the food pipe and also develop rings or abscesses. A food allergy or acid reflux can trigger this condition. Here are some tips on foods to manage EoE, and these foods can also help manage acid reflux. Elimination meal plan Anyone diagnosed with EoE is usually advised to get on an elimination meal plan, which helps identify which foods may trigger the condition. In this approach, all the foods most likely to cause a reaction are eliminated from the meals entirely at first, and the same foods are gradually retained in the meal plan to observe if they cause any visible symptoms. This is an effective approach to help identify the foods and manage the symptoms of this. Many of these foods are also responsible for acid reflux in individuals, so this elimination can also help manage that symptom. The process The doctor will suggest eliminating high-allergen foods from meals for around six weeks. After the six-week break period, the health professional will take a sample of the tissue in the esophagus. This process is called a biopsy and is an important step in the elimination approach because it helps the doctor determine a baseline for comparison in the later stage. Depending on the patient’s progress, the doctor will ask to add the food to the meals every 2 to 4 weeks. The doctor will take a biopsy through each stage to observe any changes in the tissue and any noticeable inflammation that a particular food group could have caused. Once the problematic foods have been recognized, they can be eliminated from the lifestyle completely to avoid any triggers for EoE and acid reflux.
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6 key benefits of keto gummies

6 key benefits of keto gummies

Establishing and maintaining a fitness routine and a healthy nutritional regimen is the key to improving overall health and boosting energy levels. To help achieve this goal, many may opt for dedicated food regimens like low-carb or keto plans. A part of such plans can be supplements like keto gummies that are known to help the body burn built-up fat and stay fit. Additionally, keto gummies can offer the following benefits: 1. Improvement in energy and performance One of the biggest benefits of keto gummies is that they provide a substantial amount of energy, improving one’s performance. Keto gummies contain a substance called L-carnitine, which can identify and locate extra fat that has accumulated in the body and help convert this fat into energy. This can then give a great boost to the body and help one stay more active. Additionally, these gummies contain DHEA, which allows the body to get instant energy from food. Or, DHEA can help the body store it as muscle mass rather than fat. So, along with instant energy, the body can even get more muscle mass, improving its ability to exercise and stay fit. 2. Immunity boost Some keto gummies also contain vitamin C and other antioxidants. These nutrients enhance the body’s healing process, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation. Antioxidants are also known to reduce the risk of heart disease. 3. Better absorption of nutrients Many keto gummies contain capsaicin, a compound commonly found in peppers. Capsaicin makes it easier for the body to absorb nutrients from food. So, by increasing the absorption of nutrients, keto gummies can help the body get the most out of daily meals. 4. Stable blood pressure and heart rate When following a keto regimen, one needs to steer clear of consuming any carbohydrates or sugar. Now due to this, one may experience a drop in their sugar levels, which can increase the risk of heart palpitations, headache, or dizziness.
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6 common mistakes to avoid when managing thyroid eye disease

6 common mistakes to avoid when managing thyroid eye disease

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and damage to the muscles and tissues around the eye. Common symptoms include dry and irritated eyes, watery eyes, red eyes, bulging eyes, double vision, pain, and difficulty closing the eyes completely. The condition is closely related to Graves’ disease, another autoimmune condition that leads to hyperthyroidism. One must avoid the following six mistakes to manage thyroid eye disease better. Not following healthy eating habits To manage their thyroid health, patients must pay special attention to what they eat. Experts often recommend a special nutritional plan rich in minerals like iodine and selenium to synthesize thyroid hormones. These hormones manage the body’s metabolism, energy production, and hormone balance. Some foods can help improve thyroid function, while others may slow it down. Those with thyroid eye disease should eat foods with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, such as leafy greens, berries, ginger, and green tea. At the same time, they must limit caffeine intake and avoid the following: – Cruciferous vegetables Eating too many cruciferous vegetables may disrupt how the thyroid uses iodine, leading to several health complications in those with thyroid eye disease. Some common cruciferous vegetables one should avoid are broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. – Refined carbs Refined carbs in baked goods, candy, and sugar can worsen inflammation. Therefore, patients should swap sugar for natural sweeteners like agave or date syrup and switch to gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour. – Excessive iodine While iodine-rich foods are important, one must carefully monitor their intake. Foods with high amounts of iodine, such as seaweed, kelp, fish, carrageen, and agar-agar, may worsen the symptoms in cases with hyperthyroidism. Ignoring the treatment plan When diagnosed with thyroid disease, doctors may prescribe certain treatments that patients must use regularly. The treatments usually aim to reduce the production of thyroid hormones.
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7 things to avoid for a healthy sleep cycle

7 things to avoid for a healthy sleep cycle

Nothing can heal and relax the body like a good night’s sleep. While some people are getting the recommended amount of sleep—at least eight hours every night—a fairly large population is having trouble falling and staying asleep. In most cases, this can be an outcome of one’s daily habits. Sleep disruption has been a growing concern, but it can be rectified by avoiding certain things for a healthy sleep cycle. Large meals before bed One of the main things to avoid for a healthy sleep cycle is sleeping with a full stomach. Sure, staying hydrated and well-fed through the night is a good practice, but not when one is off to bed within a couple of hours. The body slows down its processes when one is sleeping. This means the food would sit in the stomach for a longer time and might cause uneasiness. This would inadvertently impact the person’s sleep quality. It may also lead to heartburn symptoms. Besides, one should also avoid sleeping with a full bladder as that could mean repeated bathroom visits throughout the night, disrupting the sleep cycle. So, both these things can keep a person from sleeping through the night and impact their brain activity. Long naps To nap or not to nap? That is a debatable question. And this is where the world is divided. While some advocate for midday naps, others advise strictly against them. Ideally, individuals need to keep their daytime napping to a minimum. If one finds it difficult to sleep well during the night, they should avoid napping. These small bursts of restful sleep could further disrupt their sleep cycle. Naps are essentially people adding fuel to the fire of their already sleepless nights. And if one is experiencing excessive sleepiness during the day, it might be time to consult a doctor.
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8 questions to ask a doctor during a routine health check-up

8 questions to ask a doctor during a routine health check-up

An annual checkup is important, as it helps track one’s physical fitness and health. This is an opportunity to ask questions one might have related to one’s health. A family physician may be the best person to go to for regular checkups, as they know one’s medical history and may know which specialist to refer one to in case one has a condition that may require their expertise and diagnosis. Regardless, here are some questions one should ask one’s doctor during a routine checkup. 1. What do these symptoms mean, and which symptoms should be addressed immediately? During the checkup, one should speak to the doctor and inform them about any symptoms they may be experiencing. These could be big or small issues, but it is important to address them. It could be pain somewhere in the body, a mole on the skin, a bump somewhere on the body, sudden fluctuations in body mass, and so on. Patients aware of their condition and have received a diagnosis should confirm with their doctor which symptoms they need to look out for. For instance, someone with an autoimmune condition may need to change their management strategy if they experience sudden flares and symptoms like persistent low-grade fever. 2. Should the current management plan be altered? Patients with a pre-existing health condition may be on a treatment plan suggested by the doctor. This is an opportunity to speak to them to understand if any changes are needed in the treatment plan or if they should continue to follow what was prescribed. Patients can also discuss how the treatment may work for them and if any changes or improvements are observed. If patients are experiencing any trouble regarding the current treatment, such as side effects or unusual signs, they should also take the time to discuss that.
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6 contact lens mistakes and how to avoid them

6 contact lens mistakes and how to avoid them

If one wears contact lenses, either regularly or occasionally, they should adopt certain habits to maintain good eye health. This is because research suggests that those who use contact lenses frequently are at a higher risk of eye conditions like dry eyes. Further, improper handling or use of lenses can increase the risk of eye infections. So, to keep such issues at bay, one must avoid the following mistakes while wearing and storing contact lenses:   1. Not cleaning the contacts As they come in direct contact with the eyes, contact lenses should be carefully and thoroughly cleaned. Lenses can accumulate lipids, proteins, and other microscopic compounds. The deposits of such unwanted substances will only grow if one skips cleanup. This might make wearing the lenses uncomfortable and irritating. To avoid this issue, it is important to clean and disinfect lenses after every use. One should use a fresh contact lens solution every time. It is also important to clean the lens case to ensure it does not carry any contaminants. Once the case is rinsed with the solution, one should let the case dry upside down and place the contact lenses in the case with fresh solution. 2. Touching contacts with dirty hands One of the key things to do when dealing with lenses is to ensure that everything that comes in contact with the lenses is clean. This includes hands. So, one should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water before touching the lenses or the lens case. Skipping this step could allow harmful microorganisms to enter the eyes as soon as one wears lenses, resulting in a higher risk of infections like conjunctivitis. Such infections can cause redness, excess tears, inflammation, itching, and grittiness in the eyes, among other issues. Further, while wearing lenses, one should avoid rubbing the eyes, especially with unwashed hands, as this could damage not just the lenses but also the cornea.
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Tips and questions to consider when choosing a specialist

Tips and questions to consider when choosing a specialist

Finding the right doctor is the key to getting the best healthcare. The decision can also affect one’s overall health and treatment outcome. So, whether one is looking for a cardiologist, neurologist, oncologist, or any other specialist, it is essential to spend some time shortlisting suitable healthcare professionals before choosing the best one. Additionally, asking the right questions during the initial consultation can help one understand the kind of care the specialist can offer. Tips for choosing a medical specialist 1. Seek referrals and recommendations One can begin their search for a doctor by asking their primary care physician to refer them to a specialist. Alternatively, one can ask friends, family, neighbors, and other acquaintances if they know of a specialist they can recommend. Such recommendations can also give one some insights into the doctor’s qualifications and bedside manner. 2. Consider credentials and experience One should look up the specialist’s qualifications before scheduling an appointment with them. Also, when dealing with a specific health issue, it is better to go with doctors who have experience in treating the condition. One can also check if the doctor is a board-certified healthcare professional. The certification is an indication that the doctor adheres to the standards set by the board.  3. Check medical specialty Before making an appointment with a doctor, one should check if they have the necessary specialization to offer the care one needs. One should choose a doctor who specializes in treating a specific condition one is dealing with. This ensures that the doctor’s expertise aligns with one’s healthcare needs. Some specialists also have subspecialties within their field. 4. Consider hospital affiliation Before making an appointment, one should find out which hospitals or medical centers a specialist is affiliated with. Then, one must examine the standard of care offered by the facility and check if it has the equipment and services necessary to provide the comprehensive care one needs.
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