The liver is a vital organ responsible for carrying out essential functions in the body, like removing toxins, metabolizing nutrients, and regulating blood sugar. Excessive sugar intake can take a toll on the liver, leading to health complications. Sugar can also increase the risk and worsen the symptoms of liver disease. Recognizing the effects of high blood glucose can help one make necessary changes to prevent any harm to the liver and overall health. Fatigue and weakness One of the early signs of liver problems linked to high sugar intake is fatigue and weakness. The liver plays a crucial role in converting sugar into energy. When dealing with excessive amounts of sugar, the function of the organ may be compromised. This can lead to a lack of energy. Frequent digestive issues Liver issues linked with high sugar intake can also manifest as recurring digestive issues. The liver produces bile, a substance necessary for the digestion and absorption of fats. But, when dealing with liver dysfunction brought on by excessive sugar, one can experience digestive problems like bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. Elevated blood sugar The liver plays a pivotal part in regulating blood sugar by storing and releasing glucose as required.

Diabetes or diabetes mellitus is the term used to refer to a condition that results in excessive blood glucose or sugar levels. It generally occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or use it effectively. When left unmanaged, high blood sugar levels can cause several complications. One of these complications is joint pain. Signs and symptoms of some diabetes-induced conditions that may cause joint pain include the following: Diabetic Arthropathy High blood glucose levels can damage the nerves, causing diabetic neuropathy that can also affect the joints, known as arthropathy. Some conditions that fall under this category include: Charcot’s foot This condition affects the foot joints, causing them to deteriorate over time. It may also cause symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, redness, numbness, the area being hot to the touch, or changes in the appearance of the feet. Diabetic hand Some people with diabetes may experience shoulder pain and limited mobility due to a frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis. Arthropathy may also affect joints in the hand by causing conditions such as: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This occurs when the median nerve is compressed. It may cause symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand. Trigger finger:

Today, sugar-laden treats are readily available, which tempt one at every turn. While the occasional sweet indulgence may seem harmless, excessive sugar consumption can silently or indirectly impair one’s immune system, the body’s defense mechanism against illness and infections. It’s essential to recognize the impact of sugar on one’s immune health. Here are a few common indicators of a compromised immune system due to excessive sugar intake. Check them out. Effect of glucose on one’s immune system Glucose is needed for the body to produce energy. In moderate amounts, it can support one’s daily activity. Still, excessive consumption of refined sugar and carbohydrates can cause various health issues, including a higher risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. It also affects one’s immune system, a complex network of cells and tissues that work in tandem to defend one’s body from foreign invaders and maintain one’s overall health. Any spikes in sugar intake suppress the optimal functioning of one’s immune system. Those with type 2 diabetes, a common autoimmune disease marked by high blood glucose levels, are among those who get affected the most. A diabetic person’s immune system recognizes sugar as a harmful substance and triggers an inflammatory response. This inflammation can damage the pancreatic cells, which are tasked with producing a sugar-regulating substance called insulin.

The human heart supplies oxygen to different parts of the body, maintains blood pressure, and expels carbon dioxide through exhalation. But with an increasing frequency of heart conditions, as per 2021 reports, heart disease costs the country a whopping $239.9 billion each year. Heart problems may have various underlying causes; however, diabetes is often responsible for triggering or worsening them. Some heart problems caused by excessive sugar intake and diabetes are as follows: Arrhythmia Arrhythmia refers to irregular heartbeats. Since diabetes disrupts the heart’s structure, the condition may be caused or worsened by diabetes. Individuals with this condition experience shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, etc. Stroke Diabetes pathologically alters the body’s blood vessels, which can trigger the onset of stroke. Studies have also shown that survival rates of individuals with stroke are lower among patients with diabetes. Heart attack Patients with type-2 diabetes are twice as susceptible to heart disease as those with regular blood-sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes may also develop silent heart attacks, which do not have any initial symptoms. Patients having suffered a heart attack may experience swelling in their legs or ankles, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain, and nausea, among other symptoms. Atrial fibrillation According to research reports, diabetes significantly increases one’s risk of developing atrial fibrillation.

Sugar has become an integral part of modern lifestyle and eating habits. It is present in most store-bought foods, from packaged snacks, cereals, and baked goods to sauces and energy drinks. While sugar can provide a momentary burst of pleasure to taste buds, excessive consumption can harm one’s dental health. Therefore, recognizing the early signs of these dental issues due to high sugar consumption is crucial for early intervention and optimal oral health. Tooth decay and cavities The bacteria in one’s mouth feed and thrive on the sugar consumed through food and produce acids. These acids erode tooth enamel, leading to the formation of cavities. Tooth sensitivity Sugar-rich foods can lead to enamel erosion, exposing the sensitive dentin underneath. As a result, individuals may experience discomfort or pain when consuming hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks. Toothache As cavities progress, they can cause toothaches characterized by sharp or throbbing pain. The pain may worsen when biting down or consuming cold or sugary foods. Tooth discoloration Sugar is a major food source for harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to the formation of plaque and tartar. Over time, these substances can stain the teeth, resulting in a yellowish or brownish appearance.

With the fast-paced world, getting a good night’s sleep is becoming harder. We often attribute sleep loss to external factors like stress or technology, but sugar can also be a culprit that we tend to overlook. Despite its seemingly harmless nature, sugar can negatively affect our sleep patterns and overall health. Many people are unaware of sugar’s harmful impact on sleep and its correlation with sleep disturbances and constipation. Here’s everything you should know. Disrupts the sleep-wake cycle Consuming excessive sugar close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle. Sugar stimulates insulin release, leading to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. This spike in energy can make it difficult for your body to relax and enter the sleep phase, causing insomnia or fragmented sleep. Promotes restless sleep Sugar can contribute to restless sleep by causing blood sugar fluctuations throughout the night. As your blood sugar levels rise and fall, your body may experience sudden awakenings or interruptions in sleep. These disruptions can leave you tired and groggy in the morning, even after a seemingly long night of rest. Increased risk of sleep disorders Studies have shown that high-sugar foods are associated with an increased risk of sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring.

Everyone has their own tried and tested makeup routines. There might be products you have been using for years. Or you may have been following specific steps over time. Although these routines and products have worked for you in the past, it’s never too late to learn new things and update your routine. There are some products you may want to do away with or some routines you may want to add to. Not prepping your skin Cleanse, tone, and moisturize your face before you apply any makeup products. This will prevent any cakey effect once you are done applying your products. Also, before applying foundation or concealer, ensure you have applied primer on your face. This will prevent the makeup from melting on your face. Using the wrong lighting When you apply makeup under the wrong lighting, you won’t see the true colors of the eye shadow or lip color on your face. The best lighting to use while doing any makeup is natural sunlight. If this is not an option, pick a warm white LED light. Using a thick concealer You probably prefer layering up your face with concealer to hide dark circles, pigmentations, and acne scars. However, if the consistency of your concealer is thick, you may end up with a patchy or cakey look.

One thing that most people want to do after a hectic day at work or after engaging in intense exercise is get a good night’s rest. Sleeping ensures that the body gets the opportunity to relax and recharge for the next day. However, the position in which one sleeps may have an effect on their sleep quality and overall health. So, here is a look at how sleeping positions can affect sleep: Fetal position Taking on a fetal position is one of the healthiest ways to sleep, especially for those who are pregnant or dealing with lower back pain. It can also help reduce snoring. However, here one should ensure that their posture is relatively loose, or it could limit deep breathing while asleep. One could try the fetal position by sleeping on their side with bent legs curled toward their body. Sleeping on one side Although similar to the fetal position, here, the legs are not pulled in toward the body. The posture could help with digestion and reduce heartburn, but it may not be ideal for everyone, as it can cause stiffness in the shoulders and jaw tightness on that side. Placing a pillow between the lower legs could help improve the alignment of the hips and prevent low back pain.

Doing one’s laundry is a necessary, albeit mundane, task to ensure clean and tidy clothes throughout the week. Doing laundry regularly not only facilitates clean clothes but also maintains the fabric’s freshness and increases their durability. While modern laundry products and appliances allow for considerable ease of washing clothes, understanding some techniques and strategies can enhance the process. This article lists some common mistakes one should avoid while doing laundry: Not removing stains before doing laundry Often, hard stains may not be eliminated when clothes are directly washed in the laundry without stains being pretreated. Hence, it is advisable to remove these stains first by applying some vinegar and baking soda paste on them or blotting them with a laundry or dishwasher detergent for a while. Washing and drying clothes at extremely high temperatures Setting extremely high temperatures while doing laundry can cause the clothes to shrink or tear, reducing their quality and lowering durability. As a thumb rule, clothes should be washed in cold water to ensure that they last long. Maintaining a temperature of 30 degrees while washing works well for most clothes. It is also recommended to avoid using the tumble dryer, preferably opting for a clothesline instead.

In a world filled with ever-changing trends and fleeting fashion fads, there are certain jewelry pieces that stand the test of time. These timeless treasures not only add a touch of elegance and charm to any outfit but also hold sentimental value and can be passed down through generations. Whether you’re a jewelry expert or an enthusiast, investing in these luxury pieces is a decision that will benefit you in the long run. The classic pearl necklace A symbol of grace and sophistication, the pearl necklace is a must-have in every woman’s jewelry collection. Its timeless allure and versatile nature can easily elevate formal and casual ensembles. Choose a strand of lustrous pearls that complements your skin tone and personal style, and let it be a reminder of the timeless elegance that never disappears. Statement Earrings Make a bold fashion statement with a pair of stunning statement earrings. These eye-catching accessories instantly draw attention and add a touch of drama to any outfit. Whether you opt for chandelier earrings adorned with crystals or oversized hoops with intricate designs, let your earrings reflect your unique personality and sense of style. Delicate diamond studs Simple yet striking, diamond studs are a timeless investment that can be worn day or night with any attire.

When it comes to traveling, a common cliché is that it involves the discovery of the unknown. This causes people to make certain travel mistakes, which are fairly basic. But with time, one learns to eliminate such errors. Essentially, one has to tick several boxes while traveling, especially if the trip is for multiple days. Keeping that in mind, here are some of the common travel mistakes that one should avoid. Overpacking One should only carry what they need during a journey. This is because carrying multiple large, heavy suitcases can be tiresome and dispiriting for long travels. Additionally, one will always have worries in the back of their head about their luggage throughout the journey. What’s more, packing multiple items also causes one’s hotel room to be messy, having too much dirty laundry to wash back home, and, ultimately, a sore back and a headache. Booking flights too close together One always takes a risk while booking connecting flights for a travel plan. If there are delays or cancellations on the first flight, then there is always the risk of the second one being affected. This is why, it is never advisable to book connecting flights too close together.

Embarking on a home improvement project can be an exciting endeavor. These projects offer homeowners the chance to add value, functionality, and a touch of their personality to their living spaces. However, without proper planning and execution, these projects can rapidly go over budget. So, here are some common home improvement mistakes to avoid to ensure the remodeling journey is smooth, satisfying, and adds lasting value to one’s property. Underestimating the budget Homeowners often make the mistake of underestimating the total cost of their project before embarking on it. It’s essential to create a detailed budget, accounting for materials, labor, and any unexpected contingencies. One should allow for a buffer in one’s budget to tackle unforeseen challenges that may arise during the renovation process. Skipping research and planning Jumping into a home improvement project without proper research and planning can lead to inefficient use of resources and unsatisfactory results. One is advised to take the time to thoroughly research design ideas, materials, and potential contractors. One can plan out the entire project step by step, considering timelines, permits, and potential disruptions to one’s daily life during the renovation. Hiring the wrong contractors Selecting the right contractors is crucial to the success of one’s home improvement project.

Everyone’s style is a unique reflection of their tastes, moods, and creativity. Gone are the days when we were subjected to a long list of rules dictating how to dress up. Today, the world of fashion has taken several steps forward, allowing every individual to explore their sense of style. As you undertake this journey, here are a few styling errors to avoid to help you put your best foot forward! Accessorizing too little or too much Accessories can make or break your outfit. Wearing too many accessories with one outfit can make you appear out of place, while going for too little can make even the most well-thought-out outfit appear like a last-minute look. Take some time to select the perfect accessories for your chosen outfit, such as layered necklaces, a set of pearl earrings, a stylish watch, or a chic handbag. Following antiquated fashion rules When styling your outfit for any occasion, remember that you only need to impress yourself! Several fashion “rules” surrounding colors and patterns have been around for decades. It’s time to put these in the bin and style your outfit based on your comfort and preferences. Only wearing fashion trends With every season, there is a change in trends.

When packing for a vacation, one is likely to load up on sunscreens and other skin essentials while overlooking the effects of extreme weather and sunlight on the eyes. Leaving the eyes unprotected can increase the risk of retinopathy, photokeratitis, and corneal thickness, which can lead to vision-related complications. So, one should be prepared for extreme weather conditions, dry air, and excessive sun exposure. Here are some tips for protecting the eyes while traveling: Avoid contact lenses for long trips Although it might feel convenient to wear contact lenses while traveling, most healthcare professionals suggest otherwise. This is because longer trips—either by car or airplane—come with constant temperature fluctuations and low humidity, irritating the eyes. Moreover, when traveling long distances, one may fall asleep without removing the lenses, which is a huge risk factor for eye infections. So, as an alternative, one must stick to eyeglasses on long trips. Additionally, on a road trip, the air vents should be directed away from the eyes to keep the glasses from fogging up. Pack eye care essentials If prone to allergies due to changes in weather, altitude, or air quality, one needs to pack allergy treatment options before leaving for a trip.

Road trips can be an excellent way to explore new places while traveling solo or with friends and family. Here, the last thing you want is your vehicle breaking down in the middle of the freeway. You can prevent this from happening by performing a few safety checks before getting on the road. What’s more? You do not have to spend a lot of time and money to perform the following safety checks: Check the tire pressure Driving interstate nonstop is a true test of endurance both for you and your vehicle. So, the first thing to check for such a trip is the tire pressure and the vehicle’s tire pressure monitoring system. Also, look for any cuts or bulges in the sidewall to avoid dealing with a flat tire on the journey. Test the brakes and lights The vehicle’s hydraulic and electrical systems are critical components that control your brakes, handling, and real-time vehicle feedback. Check for hydraulic fluid leaks, worn-out brake pads, and rotor wear. If the brakes feel sluggish or there is excessive vibration, you should get it checked by an expert. Also, have a technician run checks to test the car battery, lighting systems, and all components that need electricity to function.

Studies indicate that nearly 30% of people in the country have insomnia. Short-term insomnia is prevalent in approximately 9% of the population. If left untreated, this sleeping disorder can lead to various complications, including diabetes, stroke, heart attack, etc. Therefore, when an individual faces trouble staying asleep, it is important to address it soon. Practicing good sleep habits, along with some helpful remedies, can help individuals manage this condition from home. Noise machine White noise or, at times, brown noise is found to help relax the mind and body. It is said to calm racing thoughts and assist individuals in sleeping better. It helps people with insomnia who find it difficult to fall asleep and are experiencing severe symptoms. The noise machine works by generating a buffer to drown out noises, such as traffic and other unpleasant sounds in the environment that could make it difficult for you to fall asleep. Chamomile Traditionally, chamomile is a useful herb to help wind down. The plant relieves stress and muscle tension and relaxes the patient. It can be used as an essential oil or a warm cup of tea just before bedtime. Chamomile tea is an effective remedy for insomnia as it contains a flavonoid – apigenin – which offers soothing and relaxing properties to help you sleep better.