Food plays an important role in managing diabetes. According to several studies, the most severe and chronic diabetes cases and complications triggered by the condition are caused by the excessive consumption of unhealthy foods. These can increase insulin resistance and heighten blood sugar levels in the body. It is, therefore, important to learn about the foods that can worsen the condition. Here are some of the foods that those with diabetes should avoid. Flavored coffee drinks Flavored coffee drinks, unlike regular coffee, are loaded with sugar, carbohydrates, and calories, all of which may lead to an increase in weight and spikes in blood sugar levels. Such complications will eventually lead to a severe form of diabetes and other health conditions, like high blood pressure and cholesterol. Margarine Margarine is used as a healthy alternative to butter because it is low in saturated fats. However, the food contains high levels of trans fats. These fats may trigger inflammation, increase insulin resistance, and reduce the healthy cholesterol levels in the body. White bread White bread is a processed food that is rich in carbohydrates. Studies indicate that foods high in carbohydrates may raise blood sugar levels in those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Arthritis triggers inflammation affecting one or more joints. Symptoms include pain and stiffness that worsen with age, as there is no cure for the chronic inflammatory condition. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis are the most diagnosed forms in adults. In most cases, symptoms can be managed with changes in food and lifestyle and taking pain relief prescriptions. To help ease the condition, eliminating these foods from one’s meal regimen can help. Processed, preserved, and sugary foods like baked desserts Foods bought off the shelves in supermarkets contain copious amounts of sugar and preservatives. Most ready-to-eat meals are also made with refined flour, fructose, and sucrose which can trigger an imbalance in blood sugar levels. Baked desserts, pastries, white bread, white rice, and pasta are some of the common refined foods to avoid. Sweets, candies, and sugary beverages, including flavored sodas, can also flare symptoms. Unhealthy fat sources like red meat Saturated and trans fats are the worst and most persistent triggers of inflammation linked to arthritis. Red meats, full-fat dairy products like milk, cheese, and desserts made with refined grains all contain saturated fats. Trans fats can be found in fried foods, frozen foods, and products that are mostly made with margarine or hydrogenated vegetable oils.

The air in our homes is not perpetually clean. There are many chemicals, harmful gases, dust, and other airborne allergens that degrade the air quality in your home. These pollutants often stem from external factors and even the appliances you use at home. Furthermore, such pollutants can deteriorate health and trigger several health problems when inhaled. Therefore, here are 11 ways to keep the indoor air quality in your home clean. Open the windows Opening the window will let oxygen in and remove any harmful toxins in the air. It can even help keep the room breezy in the summers. Do not use aerosol sprays Aerosol sprays release harmful chemicals into the air. So you must use non-aerosol versions when it comes to hair sprays, furniture polish, and deodorants. Mop hard floor surfaces Mopping surfaces made from hardwood, vinyl floors, tile, or other toughened materials with a disinfectant will keep your home free of allergens. Inspect the air vents HVAC systems filter out harmful substances from the air to keep the atmosphere inside your room clean. Clean such air vents periodically to ensure they are working properly. Use exhausts Moisture in your home can lead to mildew, bugs, bacteria, and mold.

It is vital to eat better to ensure one’s overall health is maintained. In cases where someone has diabetes, it becomes more crucial to choose the right foods to control the blood sugar. Rapid and unchecked changes in its levels can lead to complications. One of the simplest ways to maintain blood sugar is by choosing the right breakfast food; accordingly, here are some of the top breakfast options a person with diabetes can have. 4 breakfast foods that help maintain blood sugar levels Eggs Eggs are a healthy and reliable source of essential nutrients, including proteins, for the body. Paired with sauteed vegetables or a slice of toasted bread topped with seed seasoning, eggs never fail to make for perfect breakfast food. Its high-quality fat and abundance of nutrients also ensures that the blood sugar level is controlled without erratic spikes and dips. Chia seed pudding Chia seeds are known for their high omega-3 fatty acid content and their ability to soak up to ten times the quantity of water in comparison to their weight. This promotes a feeling of fullness, and the high fiber content keeps the blood sugar control maintained. Add your choice of nuts, fruits, and/or seeds to soaked chia seeds.

Certain foods and ingredients may be used in many dishes, but they may not be safe for our furry little friends. If you have a dog, it is very important to be aware of foods that may be toxic or cause mild to severe allergic reactions. Hence, vets highly recommend keeping the following foods away from your dog’s bowl, as they may be potential allergens. Let’s take a look at them. Garlic and chives While garlic causes nothing more than bad breath to humans, it is harmful to our furry little friends. Dogs are sensitive to garlic, as it makes their blood cells more likely to break, thereby increasing the risk of anemia. It has been especially observed that Japanese breeds like Shiba-Inu and Akita are more sensitive to garlic than other dog breeds. Black pepper Black pepper is typically harmful to dogs. While small quantities may not cause a reaction, some breeds may have severe reactions. Hence, vets recommend avoiding this ingredient in a dog’s daily food. Common side effects of black pepper ingestion may include respiratory issues, burning reactions, and hemorrhoids. Onion powder Like garlic, onion powder is also toxic for dogs. In fact, any form of onion may cause health complications.

Proper nutrition is essential when dealing with a chronic condition like arthritis. Every meal is an opportunity to give your joints the much-needed support. Since inflammation plays a significant role in the development and progression of arthritis, it’s essential to start your day with foods rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and nutrients that help reduce pain, swelling, and other symptoms. Here, we’ve rounded up the best breakfast options for fighting arthritis inflammation. Greek yogurt and berries What better way to start your day than with a healthy dose of good bacteria? Greek yogurt is an excellent source of live microorganisms called probiotics, which aid with digestion, help prevent inflammation, and keep you satiated. Top your bowl of plain regular or Greek yogurt with different berries for sweetness, flavor, and, most importantly, polyphenols, which are bioactive compounds with antioxidant-like effects that help stop arthritis inflammation. Scrambled eggs with turmeric Eggs are one of the best sources of protein. They’re also among the few foods that contain high amounts of vitamin D, a nutrient that can curb arthritis inflammation. Another crucial ingredient in this scrambled egg recipe is turmeric, a yellow spice known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, thanks to the primary bioactive substance in it called curcumin.

Research about the benefits of bone broth still awaits scientific approval. But those who make this dish at home praise it for its high nutritional value. Boiling a mixture of bones, marrow, and connective tissues releases healthy vitamins like calcium, silicon, phosphorus, magnesium, collagen, glycine, and glutamine. Such compounds can tackle osteoporosis: a condition in which the bones become brittle and weak. Here are four bone broth recipes that help improve one’s condition. Chicken feet broth Broth made from chicken feet is not only healthy but quite delicious too. To make this broth, you will need two pounds of chicken feet, two large carrots, and one onion. Throwing in two celery ribs, a bunch of fresh thyme, 10 peppercorns, and a bay leaf will enhance the flavor. This broth will nourish the body with collagen, calcium, and glucosamine. Fishbone broth Fishbones contain gelatin and collagen that reduce excess friction between the joints and relieve osteoporosis. A few ingredients needed to make the broth include five to seven pounds of non-oily fish carcasses, two sliced carrots, two medium onions, and two celery ribs. Other ingredients include a bay lead, two whole cloves, and two teaspoons of peppercorn. Beef bone broth This broth needs three to four pounds of beef bones, two carrots, three celery stalks, two medium onions, and a bay leaf.

Most households today have vacuum cleaner as they are one of the most important cleaning tools. But not everyone uses the appliance properly. Improper use and handling of vacuum cleaners can result in its malfunctioning and reduction in shelf life. This can lead to replacing it with a new one and the cycle repeats without realizing that all a vacuum cleaner need is some TLC. So, avoiding these 5 mistakes will ensure a vacuum cleaner’s longevity. Using the wrong attachment Vacuum cleaners come with variety of attachments including crevice tools, dusting brushes, and other extension tools to reach inaccessible corners and ceilings. Using these attachments on the wrong surfaces will not only make vacuuming tedious, but it may also damage the cleaning tools. Vacuuming with a filled dust bag or canister This is one of the common mistakes made while using a vacuum cleaner. Not emptying the vacuum cleaner’s dust collection bag or canister can reduce the suction power and even put load on the motor. This can decrease the longevity of the vacuum cleaner. Some vacuum cleaners come with ‘check/change bag’ indication. So, make sure to empty the bag as soon as it is full. Vacuuming hard objects Although vacuum cleaners have a powerful motor, they are made to suck in dust and debris.

Diabetes patients must focus on their daily carbohydrate intake as it is one of the major factors that affect blood sugar. Excess carbohydrates in the system trigger the pancreas to produce and release more insulin. For diabetics, one of the main concerns is eating fruits, as they are rich in natural sugars and fructose. But here are a few simple ways one can include more fruits in daily foods without worrying about type 2 diabetes. Consider low glycemic (GI) fruits Low GI fruits contain natural fibers that help the body with digestion. Cherries, grapefruit, pears, peaches, plums, strawberries, grapes, blackberries, and oranges are excellent fruits that supplement daily nutrition. Fibrous fruits also help one feel more satiated throughout the day and curb hunger pangs. Don’t eat in one go The body can only process a finite amount of sugar and carbohydrates in a single day. So, it is better to have a smaller serving of fruits to balance carbohydrate and calorie intake. Also, consider fresh fruits over frozen or dried options. Fresh fruits contain a lower and more easily digestible concentration of natural sugars, minus any preservatives or additives. Portion sizes matter People with diabetes should really pay attention to portion sizes.

Those with high cholesterol should ideally opt for healthy snacks rather than empty calories or artery-clogging foods. Snacks with excessive fats or sugar can adversely affect cholesterol levels, so every calorie counts here. Moreover, skipping snacks is not an option. This is where healthy snacks come into the picture; they can help maintain metabolism, blood sugar, and even cholesterol levels. Here are eight easy snacks that will help lower cholesterol. Avocado on toast Avocado contains unsaturated fats, which keep cholesterol levels in check. This fruit contains about 10 grams of fiber. Pair it with whole grain, pumpernickel, or rye toast to make the snack even more fibrous. Popcorn According to the American Heart Association, popcorn lowers cholesterol levels since they are high in fiber content. In fact, popcorn contains more fiber than whole-wheat bread or brown rice. Although it has low calories, it should be eaten in moderation. Nuts Studies have concluded that bad cholesterol can be controlled by replacing fatty foods with healthy monosaturated foods, like nuts, almonds, and walnuts. But be sure to eat only a handful. Tuna nori wraps Tuna helps lower cholesterol since it contains omega-3 fatty acids. Make a tuna salad by adding olive oil, onions, or celery.

Buying a smartphone is a major hassle that requires a lot of deliberation. The number of options available across brands, variants, and features can make the buying process challenging. Moreover, it’s a one-time purchase, so you want to make sure you don’t end up with an inferior product or an overpriced gadget. To help you, here are ten common smartphone buying mistakes to avoid at the time of your next purchase. Being brand specific Premium brands have always dominated the smartphone market. But you should consider alternatives that offer the same features for a more affordable price point. Not knowing your needs Understand why you want a smartphone. What is the point of buying a phone with a basic multimedia setup when you actually need a better core processor for gaming? Going by the commercial Smartphone commercials are shot with the sole purpose of promoting the product. But don’t let this extravagant marketing strategy fool you into buying a phone that you don’t need. Always getting the latest model Understand that companies will continue to launch new phones with some new upgrades. But often, the existing variants will have most of the same features and is a much more affordable option.

Multiple manufacturers launch new smartphones daily. The vast availability of smartphones may also compel users to buy the device based on impulse. But this way, as a buyer, you may spend a large sum of your money on an inferior phone. And nobody wants to spend their money on a poorly made product. Therefore, in this article, we have listed ten mistakes you must avoid when buying a new smartphone. Getting insufficient storage If you love clicking pictures and recording videos, getting a device with less storage is a bad idea. Not buying the screen protector Not using a screen protector or a bumper case for your new smartphone will increase the risk of damage if it falls. Tying up with a bad carrier service A carrier may offer the best deal on a device. But always check how good their network coverage is in your region. Skipping the protection plan Though a protection plan may seem expensive at the time, you are better off buying it. If your phone breaks in the future, you will pay much less for repairs with a protection plan. Purchasing the incorrect size Smartphones with larger screens are not always better, so you must consider the purpose of your device before investing in it.

Food choices matter a lot when you try to combat a health condition. And diabetes is a chronic, long-term disease that needs to be managed with a combination of a healthy lifestyle and food choices. Quality sleep, an active lifestyle, and nutritious food choices can be rewarding for those with diabetes. However, while some foods make for a good choice, some can do equal harm. This article highlights the worst foods for those with diabetes. Starch While carbs are important, the source of carbs is what matters the most. Some of the worst choices in this food category for people with diabetes are rice, white flour, cereals, fries, white bread, and fried tortillas.  Canned vegetables Vegetables are best eaten in their raw, organic form. Avoid canned vegetables and try to cook a meal from scratch, using fresh produce. Also, stir-fried veggies made using a generous amount of butter are not a good option too. Sodium-rich foods Pickles, frozen and canned foods are all high in sodium, which can spike the blood pressure levels in people with diabetes. Diabetes is an illness associated with the heart and kidneys, so the diet must be low in sodium.  Artificial fruit juices and packaged by-products While fresh fruits are a good choice and are recommended to be consumed as is, other forms of fruits are to be avoided.

The pandemic has led to an increase in the number of diabetes cases. This has happened because the virus disrupts the production of insulin. Moreover, the inflammation caused by the virus can worsen the symptoms of pre-existing diabetes. According to research, the virus spreads to the pancreatic beta-cells responsible and interferes with the synthesis and secretion of insulin. All of these factors have made it critical to understand the various signs of excessive sugar intake. Increase in appetite Sugary foods are rich in calories. But they do not have the nutritional value that the body otherwise gains from proteins, fiber, and antioxidants found in healthy foods. Empty calories cannot satiate a full-grown adult. So, to fill this void, many people turn to compulsive snacking throughout the day. Excess fatigue People who eat sugary foods and beverages regularly might experience frequent bouts of fatigue. Excess sugar triggers abnormal changes in insulin levels, and energy levels drop rapidly as the body tries to process the extra calories. Acne and skin problems One of the most noticeable signs of excess sugar intake is adult acne and skin problems. This is mainly because of blood glucose imbalance since the body’s glycemic levels influence skin health.

Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is the inflammation of joints, leading to cartilage degeneration. It is an autoimmune disease wherein the immune system attacks the body’s tissues and can be caused by the wear and tear of the joints. It is estimated that more than 20 percent, which is over 50 million people, get diagnosed with rheumatic conditions like arthritis. Here are some things to avoid in daily lives for better management of rheumatoid arthritis. Leading a sedentary lifestyle A sedentary lifestyle is one of the biggest risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis. Lack of movement can weaken the joints, making it challenging to manage rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors recommend doing some light intensity exercises to relieve pain due to arthritis and help build stronger joints. Bad posture Bad body posture can put excess weight on weakened joints, which can worsen rheumatoid arthritis. A good body posture reduces the pressure on the joints, thereby reducing other symptoms like excess joint pain and trouble walking or doing simple chores. Wearing high heels High heels can put a lot of pressure on the hips and knees. This can aggravate arthritis symptoms. The cartilage around the joints can get damaged further, resulting in pain and inflammation.

Finding the ideal pair of sunglasses is not easy in most cases. Earlier, making the right choice was all about the style of the frame and color of the glasses. But today, with advanced technology, there are several things to consider that go way beyond appearance. Before you go shopping for sunglasses, take a look at a few tips that will help you select the right one. Look for a customizable fit Gone are the days when you struggled to keep your sunglasses on your face as you can now get options with an adjustable fit. Take a pair of black Oakley® KATO sunglasses with Prizm™ lens technology, for example. It has nose pads, a tilt feature, and an ergonomic design for an exact fit. If this particular choice is outside your budget, look for these little features before you order a new pair of sunglasses. UVA and UVB protection are a must This one is a no-brainer since you will be spending a substantial amount of time outdoors wearing your sunglasses. So, choose the pair with maximum ultraviolet protection. This will prevent the harmful rays of the sun from damaging your eyes. Avoid buying glasses that don’t have a tag highlighting the UV-protection information.