You may know what Type 2 diabetes is and are aware of some of its complications. What you may not know, or have a limited understanding of, is who develops this form of diabetes or who is more likely to become afflicted.
First, let us start by eliminating the most obvious option, which is not everyone develops Type 2 diabetes. Coincidences aside, this means some people are more likely to become afflicted than others. Which leads us to…
Some racial, ethnic, and age groups have higher rates of diabetes than others. We ought, to begin with, look at the factors already predetermined. Unfortunately, some people are by nature more at risk than others because of their background and family history. Statistics show…
are more at risk. Family history is also correlated with a higher risk.Fortunately, these uncontrollable factors play a small role in the development of the disease. Let us talk about the major ones…
Unhealthy eating habits. Anyone who eats unhealthy food is more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. If the carbohydrate intake is excessive and is combined with poor food choices, it is a sure recipe for blood sugar problems in the future. Those who do have high blood sugar levels always have a food issue – Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle disease and does not afflict anyone who has a healthy lifestyle, barring rare exceptions.
Physical inactivity. Those who are physically inactive are more at risk. It is not that physical inactivity alone causes Type 2 diabetes, but it facilitates its development, especially when you consider most people who are sedentary are also likely to have poor diets. Combine the two, and you have the recipe for blood sugar complications.
Harmful eating habits and being inactive often mean the development of another health problem, which is…
Obesity. Many adults are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and the majority are overweight or obese. The relationship between these issues is clear.
Who gets diabetes? Technically, those with poor eating habits tend to develop the disease, but that is the broader cause. The symptom of this is usually obesity, which can be easily identified, so it might be easier to respond by starting with those who are overweight or obese develop Type 2 diabetes.
By extension, anyone who leads an unhealthy lifestyle will be vulnerable to the disease as well. However, this can be seen as the culmination of all we have talked about. One thing is for sure: those who lead a healthy lifestyle which includes nutrition and activity habits, are the least likely to develop problems with their blood sugar levels.
So, are you at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes or have your recently been diagnosed? In any case, you know what you must do for prevention or treatment.
Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.
Nowadays, Nigerians who lead sedentary lifestyles and who have adopted irregular food habits, appear to be more prone to liver diseases than others. Fatty liver disease is the result of a build-up of fat in the liver. If the liver is healthy, there should be little or no fat in it. However, sometimes, fat molecules begin to collect in the liver cells. Small amounts of fat in the liver usually cause no problems. However, when too much fat builds in this organ, it can pose a lot of health hazards.
With the exception of the brain, the liver is the most complex organ and second largest organ in the body. Its function is to process everything we eat or drink and filter harmful substances from the blood. This process is however interrupted when the liver contains too much fat. When fat accounts for more than five percent of the liver’s weight, the condition is described as fatty liver.
It is becoming one of the most common types of liver disease and it’s also one of the causes of liver cancer and cirrhosis. The disease may also occur due to metabolic problems such as diabetes, obesity or Hepatitis B and C infection.
A diagnosis of fatty liver could raise the alarm for an impending Type 2 diabetes. Fatty liver disease can lead to an inflamed liver and scarring. This is called alcoholic hepatitis if it’s caused by drinking too much alcohol and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis if it’s not related to alcohol.
Risk factors
From what I have explained so far, it should be obvious that fatty liver disease is a lifestyle disease. Most people living with this disease are fat, obese and they take alcohol.
It is more common in men and persons above the age of 50. Hypertensive and diabetic patients are most likely to be diagnosed with fatty liver as they are already battling with high blood sugar, glucose and cholesterol.
However, chemicals like methotrexate and tamoxifen can, but rarely cause non-alcoholic fatty liver.
Symptoms
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease usually causes no signs and symptoms. When it does, they may include fatigue, poor appetite, pain in the upper right abdomen and weight loss.
Its complications include a swollen abdomen, itchy skin, vomiting of blood, confusion or poor memory, weakness and muscle wasting and jaundice.
Diagnosis
Fatty liver disease can sometimes be difficult to diagnose because one may not have any symptoms. There is no single test that can be used to diagnose fatty liver disease, but one may carry out some blood tests, liver biopsy, ultrasound, CT or MRI scan which help to create images of the liver. These images will show if there are any forms of fat in the liver.
Prevention
You may be able to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by maintaining a healthy weight for your height. Being active try to do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week or 30 minutes of exercise for days.
Those who are obese or overweight, a gradual weight loss and regular exercise is advised. This not only helps with fatty liver but also it will help to reduce other risks of developing cardiovascular problems.
Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages because alcohol even in modest amounts may make fatty liver worse.
Eating healthy foods that are low in saturated fat and reduce your sugar intake to control your blood sugar. Manage your cholesterol levels and use liver supplements.
Conclusion
Alcoholic fatty liver disease is reversible. The liver should return to normal if one stops drinking alcohol. Even if one has been a heavy drinker for many years, reducing or stopping alcohol intake will have important short and long-term benefits on the liver and one’s overall health.
Most people don’t give blood circulation much thought. Even when they have common symptoms of poor blood circulation like numbness in the legs and hands, cold hands and feet, fatigue and swollen feet or fingers.
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more serious problems like cardiovascular disease and stroke. Luckily, there are things you can start doing today to improve circulation. But making these changes may not help much if you don’t avoid habits that cause poor blood circulation. These habits include Heavy alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, poor diet, inactivity, high caffeine intake.
Get a good massage
Massage creates pressure which forces blood in congested areas to flow. This pressure also allows easy flow of new blood to different body parts. Get a good massage several times a week if you experience the symptoms of poor blood circulation I mentioned above.
Add herbs into your diet
Some herbs are good for blood circulation. They strengthen the blood vessels and help unclog the arteries.
Research shows that gingko biloba and cayenne pepper improve circulation. Cayenne pepper strengthens the blood vessels and stimulates the heart while gingko Biloba improves blood flow which consequently improves memory.
Other helpful herbs include garlic, ginger, bilberry and parsley.
Keep your legs elevated
It’s hard for blood to flow from the feet to the heart since it has to flow uphill. In fact, this is the main reason poor blood circulation largely affects the legs. Elevating your legs will make it easier for blood to flow. Lift the legs above heart level and keep them elevated for 20 minutes.
Exercise every day
There’s a lot of research showing that exercise improves blood circulation. Even simple exercises like walking, climbing stairs can help. You may want to start with low intensity exercises if you’re out of shape and then increase intensity as you get fitter.
Reduce salt intake
Research shows that high salt intake can cause poor blood circulation. This is alarming because most people consume an average of 3.4 grammes of salt a day. That’s higher than the recommended 2.3 grammes per day.
Avoiding canned food and reading food labels can help reduce sodium in your diet.
Don’t wear tight clothes for long
Those skinny jeans can cut off blood circulation to the legs, research shows. In fact, one woman had to be hospitalised for four days because of squatting while wearing skinny jeans. On the other hand, clothes like the compression socks are said to improve blood circulation in the legs.
Drink more water
I don’t think you need any convincing that water is good for your health. Aim for two litres of water a day.
Here are tips that can help you drink more water.
Add nuts into your diet
Nuts contain vitamins and minerals that can improve blood circulation. According to this study, raw almonds and walnuts boost blood circulation. Nuts are also a great source of healthy fats. But eat them in moderation if you want to lose weight.
An Abuja based herbal doctor, Dr Bamidele Joshua, said the consumption of mango leaves helps in the treatment of kidney and gallstones among others.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja that consumption of mango leaves also helps in the treatment of many health conditions.
According to him, Mango leaves contain vitamins C, A and B as well as vital minerals such as Copper, Potassium and Magnesium.
He explained that the leaves could be boiled to be taken as water or dried into powder form to be used in any food or drink.
Joshua added that for medicinal purposes, the use of young and tender leaves was best for optimal benefits.
The expert noted that the consumption of the leaves helps prevent and regulate diabetes, lowers blood pressure, fights restlessness and stops hiccups.
Mango leaves are very useful for managing diabetes. The tender leaves of the mango tree contain tannins called anthocyanidins that may help in treating early diabetes.
Soak the leaves in a cup of water overnight, strain and drink this water to help relieve the symptoms of diabetes. It also helps in treating hyperglycemia.
Mango leaves also help to lower blood pressure as they have hypotensive properties that help in strengthening the blood vessels and treat the problem of varicose veins.
People suffering from restlessness due to anxiety should add few mango leaves to their bathing water. This helps in relaxing and refreshing the body.
Daily intake of a finely grounded powder of mango leaves with water kept in a tumbler overnight helps in breaking kidney and gallbladder stones as well flush them out.
Put some mango leaves in warm water, close the container with a lid, and leave it overnight. Next morning filter the water and drink this concoction on an empty stomach.
Regular intake of this infusion flushes out toxins from the body and keeps the stomach clean,” he said.
He however enjoined patients with serious health challenge to seek medical advice before consumption.
Healthy food means to eat clean and organic while keeping you away from the chemical and sugar rich foods. However, without even realizing their presence, our diet includes a major portion of artificial food content and high calories that claims to be significantly low. Such foods forms acids in the body and they are required to be eliminated as soon as possible. The foods creating inflammation disturb the hormonal balance in the body, congest the liver, and higher the blood sugar levels, as result, it nullify the efforts of restoring the good health.
Foods You Should Avoid While Losing Weight:-
Low Fat Ice Creams
Even when your ice creams are low on calories and loaded with the fruits, there are still lots of sugar content and harmful trans fat hidden inside the cup that makes you gain weight. Moreover, the artificial colours and flavours are nothing to do with your than worsening the situations. Instead, make your own ice cream at home with the natural fruit flavours less of harsh chemicals.
Thin Crust Veggies Loaded Pizza
People used to think that not all pizzas are bad for your health, however, even the thin crust slices are loaded with cheese that contains saturated fats and processed so heavily to make you gain those extra pounds easily. Go for homemade whole wheat crust, healthy sauce, superfoods pizza along with the right cheeses.
Zero Calories Drinks
All that fizz drinks claiming zero calories in the cans are the way to distract you from eating healthy. It is extremely acidic, hence; it takes more than 30 cups of water to neutralize the acidity of a single can. Such residues are hard on the body and make an evil impact on your kidneys.
French Fries
The trans fat and acrylamide present in the food cause inflammation in your body. It is also a greater cause of many other serious problems in the body including heart diseases, weight gain, cancer, etc. Try out finding how to cook them to maximize the nutrients and eliminate the formation of acrylamide.
Potato Chips
When the white potatoes are deeply fried it produces the highest level of toxic acrylamide which is the main reason of accumulation of the fat. As they are loaded with the healthy herbs, it doesn’t mean it will save some calories for you. Instead, try indulging in the crispy sweet potato chips and you will not miss the original chips for sure.
To be healthy, one must eat a wide variety of vitamin-rich foods. But with the growing number of people consuming fast food today, most would probably prefer it over homemade food which is a much better healthier choice. This daily consumption of fast food and junk food is so bad that it is putting the health of many people at risk. In order to prevent serious health problems and maintain a healthy lifestyle, you should consume foods that are rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals.
Eating a variety of antioxidant vitamins and mineral enriched foods can contribute to improving your quality of health for many years to come.
Now, here is a list of some superfoods that can help you achieve better health:
1. Berries
All kinds of berries are rich in fiber that can help promote weight loss. Raspberries contain ellagic acid which has a compound that prevents cancer.
2. Avocado
Avocados provide Vitamins A, B, C, E and K that are several important antioxidants along with glutathione.
3. Beans
It is a source of iron that transports oxygen from the lungs to all the cells in your body.
4. Bananas
It is a highly alkalining nutritious superfood that contains the best sources of potassium which help in maintaining heart function and normal blood pressure.
5. Salmon
Superfoods are not only categorized as fruits and vegetables. This kind of fish contains Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. It is anti-inflammatory and can alleviate joint pain and reduce the risk of heart disease.
6. Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the healthiest leafy green vegetables which is rich in vitamins A, C and folic acid. It also has sulforaphane that is considered a cancer-fighting agent.
7. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are high in alpha and beta carotenoids which are converted into an active usable form of Vitamin A by your body. These compounds can help keep your eyes, bones, and immune system healthy.
8. Cacao (Should be more than 60% Dark Chocolate)
Cacao is high in essential minerals that most people do not get in their diet. It has magnesium which is used in more than 275 biochemical reactions in the body. Cacao also contains manganese, zinc and iron.
Try to consume at least three to four servings daily of a variety of superfoods (even more is better) for optimal health.
Achieving better health is not only about the foods you consume. You must also include proper exercise that can help you become physically fit.
Protein — along with amino acids, which make up proteins — are considered the building blocks of life.
Every cell in your body, from your muscles and bones to your skin and hair, contains proteins.
Proteins are made up of amino acids attached to each other in long chains.
Up to 20 different types of amino acids can be combined to make a protein, and the sequence of amino acids determines each protein’s structure and function in your body.
Proteins do many important things in your body, including:
You get protein from the foods you eat. When you eat protein-containing foods, the protein is broken down by your body into amino acids.
Animal sources such as meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are especially rich in protein.
Non-animal products can also provide adequate amounts of protein. Plant sources that may provide substantial amounts of protein include soy products, beans, nuts, and some grains (such as wheat germ and quinoa).
For most people, eating a well-balanced diet will provide enough protein without the need for protein supplements.
The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults get a minimum of 8 grams of protein daily for every 20 pounds of body weight, and says that getting 10 to 35 percent of calories from protein is a healthy range for most people.
Most adults require two to three servings of protein-rich foods each day.
However, this recommendation may vary depending on your age and health and may be particularly different for children and teens.
The following are examples of a serving size of protein-rich foods:
Good sources of protein include:
It’s important to consider the fat content of protein-rich foods when deciding what to eat. Ideally, you should aim for foods that are high in protein and low in saturated fat.
In fact, more and more research is showing that eating foods like fish, chicken, beans, and nuts in place of red meat can lower your risk of premature death and certain health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.
When your body has too much protein, the following can occur:
The amount of protein that you obtain through a well-balanced diet is usually safe.
Still, talk with your doctor if you plan to follow a diet that’s very high in protein or one that includes protein or amino acid supplements.
When people have food allergies, it means that their immune system overreacts to at least one type of protein in the food. The following protein-containing foods are responsible for the majority of dietary allergic reactions:
Contact your doctor if you think you may have an allergy to any food.
System fire fighters: The body requires energy to live. Even breathing requires energy for the muscles to use. Everything you do, even thinking, requires a lot of energy. Though it’s a clear fact of life that most of us are missing is the result of such process. The body converts the food into energy through oxidation. This is similar to burning of fuel from cars. But what is left after the so called combustion process is the heat. And for the human body that would mean trouble. This is where antioxidants come to the rescue. We have natural antioxidants within our body that can counter the damage. But truth is, it is not sufficient. From breathing, digestion to thinking, all of these require energy which in turn requires antioxidants to cool down millions of cells at once. But modern society has even more. Pollution and stress release free-radicals as well. And to cope with this gap we need to consume additional antioxidants to relieve the body from these harmful effects.
Cleanses the destructive aftermath: The aftermath of using energy is very disadvantageous for the cells. Thus it requires cleaning and repairs. Cleansing of free-radicals in the body needs a huge amount of antioxidants. The more energy you use, the more destructive it is for the body. Active lifestyle is good for your health but it should be balanced with the right amounts of antioxidants as well.Taking antioxidant supplements is not just for fancy lifestyle, it’s good for your health.
Lengthens your cell’s life: The body’s cell depends on nutrients from the food. But destructive energy production makes it even harder for individual cells. Each time it uses energy it needs to repair itself. And each cycle makes the cell’s life shorter. This is a natural process but it can become even more challenging if free-radicals come into action. This can further shorten the life of cells. This is the reason why some people age very rapidly, not with the number of years but with their body. Healthy cells dictate how old your body would be. With the aid of antioxidants, body cells may give you more extra years to enjoy.
Lowers risk of diseases: Old age comes with diseases. It sounds all natural but the reason behind this is, again, your cells. On one side the body has the capacity of repairing and healing itself. This phenomenon happens each day without you noticing it. On the other side, each time the body repairs itself, the cell’s life shortens as well. If you expose yourself to loads of stress, physically or mentally, the body will have a harder time repairing itself. If left unaided the body will be overwhelmed with free-radicals, making cells weak. This will ultimately cause ageing and diseases. The antioxidant can aid in this problem. It will help eradicate the harmful free-radicals and help in cell repairs as well.
Antioxidant is not an all-in-one solution to all diseases that plague the human body. But this is one thing that could help your body recover naturally. Remember, healthy cells equates to healthy body.
First, some background: trillions of bacteria live in our guts. They contribute to our immune system, metabolism, and many other processes essential to human health.
When the delicate balance of microbes in our intestines is disturbed, it can have serious consequences.
Irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, allergies, asthma, and cancer have all been linked to abnormal gut microbiomes.
A healthful diet supports bacterial diversity and health, but could chocolate be an integral part of this?
Cocoa is the dry, non-fatty component prepared from the seeds of the Theobroma cacao tree and the ingredient that gives chocolate its characteristic taste.
Many health benefits have been attributed to cocoa and its potent antioxidant functions. These include lowering cholesterol, slowing down cognitive decline, and keeping the heart healthy.
Cocoa metabolism is partly dependent on the bacteria that live in our intestines.
Our bodies are only able to absorb some of the nutrients in chocolate. As such, we need our tiny microbial passengers to break complex molecules into smaller components, which we would not be able to take into our bodies otherwise.
This allows us to make full use of the many health-promoting molecules in cocoa. It doesn’t stop there, however. The gut microbes also benefit from this relationship, which, in turn, has an even greater effect on our health.
Several studies show that the consumption of cocoa increases the levels of so-called friendly bacteria in the gut.
Researchers from the Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom measured higher levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species in the intestines of human volunteers who drank high-cocoa chocolate milk for 4 weeks.
The same team previously showed that components in cocoa can reduce the growth of Clostridium histolyticum bacteria, which are present in the guts of individuals with inflammatory bowel disease.
In pigs, higher levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species were also found in the colon in response to a high-cocoa diet. Interestingly, the expression of known inflammatory markers was reduced.
Friendly bacteria including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have, in fact, been implicated in actively promoting anti-inflammatory processes in our intestines, keeping our gut healthy.
Despite the fact that these scientific studies support the claim that cocoa can be beneficial for our gut microbiomes, cocoa does not equal chocolate.
The cocoa extracts used in research do not contain the high levels of sugar and fat found in our everyday chocolate bars.
Unsweetened cocoa powder or high-cocoa content dark chocolate are the closest alternatives to the cocoa used in these studies. Consumed in moderation, chocolate may therefore promote friendly bacteria, and, by extension, a healthy gut, keeping inflammation at bay.