Food is fuel for the body, and many studies have proved that certain superfoods are beneficial to include in the long run to promote daily healthy body functions. For example, eating carrots and other foods rich in beta carotene and vitamin A have been linked to better eye health. Here is a comprehensive list of suggested top vitamins and nutrients that promote better vision and eye health for children and adults. Vitamin A Vitamin A, one of the essential vitamins for eye health, can be found in carrots, red peppers, sweet potatoes, and even pumpkins. These foods can be incorporated regularly to help prevent vision complications like night blindness. Studies also show that vitamin A improves visibility in low lighting conditions. Most fruits and vegetables also contain an essential compound called beta carotene. The body converts the beta carotene from plant-based foods into vitamin A, and enables the retina to make more pigments, promoting better vision. Apart from beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin are excellent alternatives in carotenoids. Nutritionists suggest a recommended allowance of 700 to 900 micrograms for women and men. Vitamin E Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body combat harmful free radicals that cause cell damage. Research suggests free radicals can also damage the healthy cells in the eye and compromise vision in the long run. Foods like asparagus, soybean, corn, peanuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, and safflower or wheat germ oils, contain vitamin E. Studies also indicate intake of vitamin E via foods or supplements can lower the risk of eye disorders like cataract among older people. Vitamin C Oxidative damage is known to trigger both cortical cataracts and nuclear cataracts. Studies indicate a deficiency of vitamin C increases the risk of these eye disorders in the long run, and cataracts could even develop prematurely.

While skincare has become an essential part of people’s daily routine, one can make tiny mistakes that can take a toll on their skin health. Even the most informed people can overlook essential steps and practices to adopt for skin that looks young and is clean, dewy, and smooth. These missteps can be brought on by misinformation, and so here are a few skincare mistakes one should avoid to keep premature aging at bay. Over-exfoliation Excessive exfoliation increases the risk of breaking the skin’s barrier, leaving it vulnerable to inflammation. Exfoliants, physical or chemical, if used often, can strip the skin’s protective layers and dry it out. Dry skin is more prone to developing lines, wrinkles, rashes, and flaky texture. Picking at the skin A serious mistake that can make one’s skin age faster than they are is picking at one’s skin. Picking and poking one’s blemishes can irritate and damage the skin and spread bacteria around the surface. Instead, one should consult a dermatologist and figure out a treatment plan to get rid of stubborn marks and acne, which does not introduce scars and wrinkles. Choosing the wrong moisturizer Moisturizer is one of the skin care products most people get wrong as people can choose the moisturizer that does not match their skin type. Further, lathering up a moisturizer with an extremely thick consistency can lead to clogged and congested skin. While a lot of people use excessive moisturizer to help with dry skin, this can again lead to the early appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Overnight deep moisturization is a convenient and easy way of protecting the skin if one uses the right moisturizer. Choosing the wrong sunscreen Skipping sunscreen is a bad idea regardless of whether one is indoors, traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle, in the winter, or working from home.

Hyperkalemia is when the body has high potassium levels. There are many ways to manage the condition, but the easiest method is to limit potassium intake. This means patients must follow a strict meal plan and choose foods wisely. Below, we have listed a few high-potassium foods to be avoided to manage the symptoms better. However, it is advisable to always check with a nutritionist or healthcare professional before making these meal changes. Bananas Fruits like bananas are high in many essential nutrients. They are chock full of fiber and also contain loads of vitamins. However, bananas are extremely high in potassium, so those with hyperkalemia should keep them out of their menu. The fruit can suddenly increase potassium levels in the body, aggravating the symptoms. Other fruits like melons, oranges, nectarines, mangoes, papayas, dried figs, and prunes can have similar effects. Instead, one can consider apples, blueberries, pears, grapefruits, and strawberries, as these have low levels of potassium. Still, it is essential to limit their intake. Spinach Spinach is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. A healthy meal would typically include tons of veggies, even spinach. But for those with hyperkalemia, it is best avoided. This vegetable can lead to high potassium levels in the body, triggering symptoms like muscle cramping and irregular cardiac activity. The other veggies that can be equally harmful include Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, pumpkin, potatoes, winter squash, and even broccoli. Alternatively, doctors or nutritionists may ask patients to consider asparagus, cabbage, carrots, wax beans, green peas, water chestnuts, and eggplants when dealing with hyperkalemia. Specific dried beans Besides particular fruits and vegetables, dried beans like black beans or peas can have high levels of potassium which can affect the individual negatively. So, patients must avoid them or limit their quantity as far as possible.

Several active ingredients are regularly advertised as the holy grail for perfect skin. However, you don’t need them all, especially the ones without a dermatologist’s approval. That is just the right recipe for disaster and rash-ridden skin that could lead to other skin diseases. It is important to skip the common skin sins and cut off habits and foods that contribute to the flare-ups and new acne spots that magically appear overnight. Sunscreen skimping Sun protection is one of the key elements for problem-free skin. It protects the skin against immediate and long-term damage that exposure to harmful rays can cause. Religiously using sunscreen can prevent the skin from developing premature fine lines, wrinkles, loose skin, and freckles. It should also be noted that it lessens the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, skimping or even skipping sunscreen completely is an absolute no-no. Wrong product selection Using products that worked for your friend or your mom is not necessarily going to give you the same result. It is of utmost importance to select products that work for your skin type. A dermatologist is going to be your best friend in concurring issues like psoriasis, dry skin, rashes, eczema, and similar skin diseases. Unclean brushes Even if you are not plagued with any skin disease, you are inviting trouble by using those unclean makeup tools every single day. The used brushes probably have dirt, dust, grime, and oils piled up on the bristles, which on contact with the skin, may cause reactions. You could develop rashes, acne, or even an infection. Make sure the brushes or tools are cleaned after use. Ignoring moles If a mole makes you take a double look, it’s time to head to the dermatologist. One of the many reasons for this is nipping cancer in the bud, if it is diagnosed.

Schizophrenia is a term used to signify a spectrum of disorders that involve a disconnection from reality. Its symptoms include paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. It is a serious but treatable disorder, and patients can live a healthy and fulfilling life. Schizophrenia is also a particular mental health condition that falls under the spectrum mentioned above. According to the World Health Organization, schizophrenia affects approximately 1 in 300 people across the globe. Stages and symptoms of schizophrenia The condition can be broadly divided into three stages. Each of these stages has a different level or intensity of symptoms. Prodrome or onset is when patients have mild symptoms. It can be identified by signs like lack of personal hygiene, anxiety, and social withdrawal. The active stage is when the symptoms are more intense, and the patient has been disconnecting from reality. The following symptoms can be observed during the active phase: Depression Depression is a common health condition that is a cause for concern. Individuals who are depressed and lack trust in others or have misplaced distrust in others can be considered at a greater risk of schizophrenia. Other signs that can be present along with depression include increased pessimism and delusions. Anxiety Anxiety is yet another sign that can be indicative of schizophrenia. It is imperative to keep an eye out for these symptoms in people genetically susceptible to this health condition. Like depression, anxiety, too, can be present along with other signs like misplaced distrust, paranoia, and delusions. Sleep abnormalities Another sign that can indicate schizophrenia in patients is the presence of sleep abnormalities. Patients often experience difficulty falling asleep; once they do, staying asleep is as challenging. Waking up frequently during the night and facing sleep disruption is a problem some schizophrenia patients face regularly. Hypochondria A form of psychosis in itself, hypochondria is one of the symptoms to keep an eye out for.

Multiple sclerosis is a potentially disabling condition of the brain and spinal cord, wherein the immune system attacks the protective sheath that covers the nerve fibers. This issue causes communication problems between the brain and other body parts, leading to permanent damage or deterioration of the nerves. Signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis differ from one person to another over the course of the disease and the location of the affected nerve fibers. Symptoms There are quite a few common signs of multiple sclerosis, some of them include Numbness or weakness in the limbs Shocking sensations with certain neck movements Tremors and unsteady gait Partial or complete loss of vision Prolonged double vision Blurry vision Slurred speech Fatigue Dizziness Tingling or pain in some parts of the body Risk factors The following factors are known to have quite a major role as far as the development of multiple sclerosis is concerned: Age Such a condition can occur at any age, but the onset usually begins between the ages of 20 and 40. Gender Women are more likely to develop relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis compared to men. Family history Those with an immediate relative who has such a condition have a much higher chance of being diagnosed too. Infections Infections caused by the Epstein-Barr virus have been linked to the development of multiple sclerosis. Race Caucasians, particularly those of European descent, are most likely to develop multiple sclerosis compared to other races. Those of Asian, African, or Native American descent are known to have the lowest likelihood. Climate As far as geographical regions are concerned, the climates in countries like Canada, the northern United States, New Zealand, southeastern Australia, and parts of Europe play a big role in increasing one’s risk of this condition. Vitamin D Low exposure to sunlight is associated with higher susceptibility to developing multiple sclerosis.

Flawless and ageless-looking skin is a goal that most individuals aim for. And these people pick up several skin care hacks and routines from magazines, online videos, and by word-of-mouth to maintain the texture of their skin. However, most people are unaware that certain routines may negatively affect the skin, contrary to claims by several websites and companies. So, here are five skincare mistakes that may lead to premature aging if left unchecked. Going to bed with makeup Many individuals return from work and sleep with makeup on. If a person is out, they expose themselves to hoards of pollution. The free radicals in the air quickly latch on and embed themselves in the exposed surfaces of the skin. These radicals can affect the body’s natural ability to produce collagen and elastin. This makeup also clogs pores, making it impossible for the skin to recover. Furthermore, not washing off such pollutants may lead to the development of fine lines and premature wrinkles. So one must ensure they wash off all makeup before bed. Also, it is equally important to cleanse when one wakes up in the morning to get rid of the dirt that develops on the skin overnight. Neglecting sunscreen Several people tread outdoors without sunscreen, especially when the climate is cooler. But going out without using the product can expose the skin to the sun’s harmful effects. Excessive exposure to the sun may result in rough skin, hyperpigmentation, and premature wrinkles. So one must apply it before outdoor travel to protect them from the damaging effects of the sun. When purchasing a good quality sun block, one must opt for ones containing minerals or zinc. These offer the best results if the individual applies the lotion more than once. Furthermore, speaking to a skincare specialist before using sunscreen is advisable.

Crohn’s is a common inflammatory bowel disease that affects the gastrointestinal tract. There are different forms of Crohn’s disease, and the symptoms generally vary depending on the location. Such a condition can be managed to improve one’s quality of life by combining prescriptions, treatments, and alternative remedies. Simple changes in daily nutrition can also help avoid flare-ups. Here are the common foods to avoid or have in moderation with Crohn’s disease. Nuts with skin on Crohn’s disease primarily affects the digestive system’s ability to process foods. So, food not rich in soluble fibers will put the system under pressure. Assorted nuts are foods that fall under this risk category, as people with Crohn’s disease will not be able to digest the healthy fats and nutrients when nuts are consumed raw. Nuts can also irritate the lining of the gut, causing pain and triggering flare-ups. Unpeeled fruits Fruits, in their natural and organic form, pack a ton of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are good for gut health and overall immunity. However, it becomes exceedingly difficult for the body to process raw fruits, especially with the peel on, when one is suffering from digestive distress caused by Crohn’s disease. One of the reasons is that the fruit’s pulp contains soluble fibers, but the fibers in the peel cannot be dissolved, making digestion a lot harder. This factor also applies to vegetables that can be eaten as they are too. Spicy foods Any foods and condiments that contain capsaicin, i.e., the compound that gives chilies their spice, is a strict no-no for those who suffer from severe Crohn’s disease. The extra heat can trigger abdominal cramps, shooting pains, and even vomiting as the body’s digestive tract struggles to process these foods. Some people can tolerate moderate spice levels, but if the symptoms worsen immediately upon eating, it is best to avoid them.