Mold and mildew are found everywhere in the environment. Both are a type of fungi that grow and thrive in moist conditions. Dark areas with little sunlight love to produce mold and mildew. The seeds and smores spread and spread and eventually enter the air. Those in the vicinity inhale and can encounter mold and mildew. Fortunately, the human body goes to bat working with the immune system to ward off these particles. Like anything in excess, when a person breathes in too much or is overly and repeatedly exposed, the body isn’t able to respond accordingly. Respiratory infections can occur as well as allergies and asthma. The eyes become irritated, itchy, and a person might start to cough and sneeze. Already having allergies or asthma can only complicate symptoms making them worse. Yet, some people are exposed to plenty of mold and mildew and have no side effects.
Some types of molds produce myotoxins which usually grow in outdoor areas. These myotoxins can also make their way into buildings, especially those that have moisture damage. Leaking pipes are a common culprit. Exposure to myotoxins has been linked to cancer, nervous system damage, and liver damage.
Mold can enter a person’s home through vents, doorways, windows, and heating and air conditioning systems. What is taken outside then taken inside can also cause mold in the home such as clothing, bags, shoes, and pets. Roofs and pipes are common areas. Mold likes to grow on wood products, paper products, ceiling tiles, wallpaper, drywall, carpet, and upholstery. Seems like anywhere there is moisture, mold can make its way in. It is very important to address the mold problem in the home. Some common remedies and suggestions include making sure the shower area, cooking, and laundry areas all have ventilation. Leaky roofs, windows, and pipes should be fixed right away. Any place that has been flooded should be dried and cleared up immediately.
Mold has a musty smell to it. No matter what color or type, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends removing the mold immediately. It doesn’t matter the type, as some people like to have testing done. Some people try to save money by determining what levels of mold are acceptable to get away with before a possible expensive removal process. Bleach is a self-home remedy to remove mold. Wearing protective gloves and being sure to ventilate is important.
Basements, garages, crawl spaces, attics, and bathrooms, are mold and mildew breeding grounds. Behind the refrigerator is also a common location. Mold and mildew don’t grow over night but letting the accumulation can lead to a costly clean up later. Fresh, clean, smelling good air, is what those lungs want. A breath of fresh air, especially in one’s own home, feels good and is invigorating. Hey, if you needed motivation to keep a clean house, well the threat of mold and mildew should do the trick.
Cornstarch has a bad reputation but is still so popularly used and consumed. It is an ingredient that thickens soups, sauces, and desserts. Cornstarch is versatile and the answer to many cooking recipes. Other uses include softening baked goods, holding together fruit fillings, and adding crispy coating to meats, vegetables, and crusts. Many people have it in their pantry because it is used for so many purposes. However, as good as it is for cooking, it isn’t so good nutritionally. It is considered a highly processed food that is stripped of all its nutrients.
When it comes to cornstarch in our diet, well, it happens to be high in both calories and carbohydrates. The good nutrients we benefit from and need like protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, are not part of the picture. Although we don’t consume a full cup of cornstarch when we do eat it, for content purposes, one cup of cornstarch has 488 calories, 117 grams of carbs, and only 0.5 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber. If you were to eat a fruit tart, you probably only have a tiny, tiny amount of cornstarch, but even this amount can affect your blood sugar. This is because cornstarch is high on the glycemic index. When we have foods that contain cornstarch, it is digested very quickly so your blood sugar spikes up quickly. Type 2 diabetics must be cautious.
A healthy diet can still have a minimal portion of cornstarch in it. Keep in mind, if cornstarch is used to thicken foods, well, it can do the same to your body. One to two tablespoons at a time on occasion is okay. It’s typically the type of foods you are eating that have cornstarch in them that probably aren’t the greatest. Having gravy, sauces, and desserts wouldn’t be foods to have daily. Puddings, custards, pancakes, waffles, beers, and ales aren’t what a healthy diet entails on a daily basis. The best way to stay away from cornstarch is to avoid processed foods entirely and when you cook leave this ingredient out of it. Basically, all foods with cornstarch also have plenty of sugar, fat, and sodium. There are other cooking alternatives to cornstarch such as tapioca, arrowroot, potato starch, or wheat flour. Be mindful, enjoy bites, and portion control might take willpower, but your overall health and body weight will thank you.
Yogurt is the result of bacterial fermentation of milk. This bacterium is called yogurt cultures. The fermentation of lactose produces lactic acid which is a milk protein. This milk protein gives yogurt both its taste and texture. Cow’s milk is the most popular dairy source used for yogurt production since it is the most readily available. However, yogurt can also be produced from the milk of a goat, buffalo, camel, ewe, or yak. Each type of milk produces different results, and it also depends on if the milk is pasteurized, raw, or homogenized. Most people eat yogurt as a dairy snack, with breakfast, dessert, at any time of the day because they like the taste. There are many good reasons to like yogurt.
Yogurt is filled with vitamins. It contains potassium, riboflavin, iodine, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and vitamin E. it also contains vitamin C which could help induce weight loss. Vitamin C tells fat cells to create less cortisol which is the hormone related to belly fat. This means that yogurt can help the body burn fat versus store fat. Yogurt is also filled with the good bacteria our digestive system needs. It contains active live cultures and probiotics. Low fat dairy products can also help lower blood pressure. Yogurt contains protein which helps a person feel satiated and fuller longer. Greek yogurt is especially high in protein. Specifically, for those who exercise, protein is important because it contains amino acids which can help muscles recover post-workout. The calcium in yogurt is great for bone health and strong teeth. Some yogurt types contain more than half of the daily requirement amount. The combination of calcium and Vitamin D can also help ward off osteoporosis.
All of these incredible health benefits certainly depend on the type of yogurt being consumed. Adding yogurt to one’s regular diet can be great, but reading labels is always necessary. One should consider the calories, fat, and sugar content. There are brands that add different fruits and preservatives that can almost make yogurt more of a dessert than a healthy option. Many reduced fats and low-fat options are packed with artificial sweeteners. Yogurt can also be used as an alternative to mayonnaise, to add thickness to salad dressings, or to replace sour cream. There are so many flavors and plain flavors can be used for many purposes. One must of course be able to handle dairy. Yogurt is a great tool for someone making healthy lifestyle choices. Find the type of right for your body, waistline, and taste buds and see how much it can help you.
Everyone has different types of skin lesions that are common and benign, meaning not cancerous. The most common are freckles, moles, and skin tags. Some people embrace these skin markers while others would rather do without and even try to get rid of them.
- Freckles: These are small brown spots found face, neck, arms, and chest. They are very common and a threat to one’s health. They are typically more common in the summertime and are more readily found on lighter skinned toned people. They are caused by sun exposure as well as genetics. It is always best to avoid excessive sun exposure and use protective sunscreen. People who develop freckles more easily are at increased risk for cancer. For those who don’t like the appearance of their freckles, they can be covered up with makeup.
- Moles: These are brown or black growths that can appear anywhere on the skin and sometimes are found in groups. They usually develop during the first 25 years of a person’s life. Some people can have up to 40 moles by adulthood. Over time, moles can slowly change by becoming more raised in shape, growing hairs, changing color, or they may not change at all. Some might even disappear over time. Moles are a result of the cells of the skin growing in a cluster instead of spreading out along the skin. These cells are called melanocytes. They can darken over time due to sun exposure and sometimes during pregnancy. Most moles are not dangerous. However, one should be mindful and check moles for any changes in height, size, color, or shape. Upon concern, a dermatologist can help determine if the mole is cancerous. Moles that are more often exposed to the sun should be checked often. Checking moles and using the ABCDE method is recommended.
Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other half.
Border: The edge of the mole is jagged or irregular.
Color: The mole has different shared throughout and not a consistent tone.
Diameter: The diameter of the mole is larger than a pencil eraser.
Evolution: The mole is changing in color, shape, and size.
- Skin tags: These are a small flap of skin that hangs off by a connecting stalk. They are usually found on the neck, armpit, chest, back, under the breast, or near the groin. They are more common in women and arise when weight gain occurs or sometimes more often with age. They are not painful but might be irritating to the person if they wear jewelry or with some clothing. They can be cut off or burned off.
Our skin is our outer later and what we should take care of to protect. Afterall, our skin is our protective layer. Take time to take care of yourself and your body will reward you with radiating beauty and a great reflection you like to see.
Symptoms of heavy menstrual cycles, infertility, and abdominal pain may be due to the develop of tissue lining outside the uterus. The area outside the uterus is called the endometrium. The key players for this condition are the ovaries, tissue lining the pelvis, and the fallopian tubes. The tissue becomes displaced but still operates as if all is normal. Therefore, the tissue, just like during a period, thickens, breaks down, and bleeds. This displaced tissue has no way to exit the body and this trapped tissue can now cause problems. The ovaries can become involved, and cysts can start to form. The existing healthy tissue can become irritated having to interact with the displaced tissue and scar tissue can form.
A person who has endometriosis has increased pelvic pain when having their menstrual cycle. Painful periods are called dysmenorrhea. Periods also have excessive bleeding and bleeding can occur between cycles. Also, during this time, the lower back can start to hurt. Sexual intercourse can be painful. Sometimes endometriosis is discovered when a woman goes to seek treatment for infertility. Bowel movements and urination can be painful too.
This condition can be caused by retrograde menstruation. This occurs when the endometrial cells flow back through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvic cavity instead of out of the body. Levels of estrogen can actually transform embryotic cells. It is possible that endometrial cells attach to areas that had a surgical incision such as a hysterectomy or C-section. Immune system disorders can cause this problem. The blood vessels might also carry endometrial cells to other parts of the body (endometrial cell transport).
Women who have never given birth, those going through menopause at an older age, those with high levels of estrogen, having a low body max index, or someone who started their period at an earlier age, are all at increased risk to develop this condition.
For diagnosis, a doctor can perform a pelvic exam, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or a laparoscopy (looking at the abdomen). Depending on the severity of the condition, a doctor will select the appropriate treatment. A doctor might recommend over-the-counter pain medication, surgery to remove the endometriosis implants, or hormone therapy. Birth control can help control the buildup of endometrial tissue. Fertility treatment can be performed for those trying to get pregnant. Doctors used to perform hysterectomies as the main treatment for this condition, however, doctors are now focusing on removing the tissue rather than the ovaries.
Endometriosis is often hard to detect, but it can be helped. Discomfort is normal during a period, but pain is not. Whenever the body is speaking, one should seek medical attention to find a solution. The displaced tissue should not wreak havoc on your health.
Cucumbers are part of the gourd family called Cucurbitaceae. There are three main varieties of cucumbers include seedless, pickled, and sliced. They are usually consumed raw or pickled. The leaves, stem, and seeds are used in Asian cuisines. It is also readily used in the cosmetic industry for lotions, soaps, shampoos, and fragrances. This green vegetable will not hurt your waistline as one cup of slices has about 16 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates, with only 2 grams of sugar. To maximize nutritional value, cucumbers should not be peeled when eaten.
Cucumbers have multiple benefits. They are high in nutrients with vitamin C, K, magnesium, potassium, and manganese. They are 95% water and some people get as much as 40% of their water intake form the foods they eat. Being properly hydrated is important for many health aspects and between the fiber and water of this vegetable, bathroom regularity can be helped. This promotes detoxification and weight loss. They also contain antioxidants they help block free radicals. This can help reduce the risk of cancer, lung, heart, and autoimmune disease. Some studies have shown that they may also reduce blood sugar levels.
There are also some other interesting uses for cucumber. When the mirror gets foggy after a steamy shower, try taking a cucumber across the mirror to see clearly again. They can also help get rid of creatures in gardening soil. They can also be used to tighten and firm skin. Some claim they get rid of cellulite. They might also prevent a hangover if eaten before bed after having too much alcohol. They can be used to polish shoes. Cucumber, when held at the roof of the mouth, can help reduce bad breath when mints or gum aren’t handy. They can also wash crayon and pen off walls which is handy if there are young children around. Cucumbers also clean stainless steel really well. Seems like having cucumber on hand (ALWAYS) is a great idea. Talk about a versatile vegetable.
Cucumbers are easy to add to your diet and have access to. They can be eaten raw, added to a sandwich, infused in water, pickled, eaten with goat cheese (a popular combination), or be used to make a cold cucumber salad. Eating cucumbers and using them for other skin or beauty related purposes, is a great and easy addition to utilize. Making healthy food choices and at home-remedies are money saving, convenient, and nice to have.
Hair loss can be embarrassing, concerning, and even a sign of a health problem. Hair might start to show up on you pillow, more on the hairbrush, in the shower drain, and in some cases small bald spots have become noticeable. A possible cause of this excess hair loss could be from a condition called alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune disorder. This type of hair loss can also be called spot baldness. In this case, the immune system has started to attack the hair follicles. Hair can start to fall out in clumps that can even be the size of a quarter. Some might only lose hair in a few spots, while others might see this phenomenon all over their scalp. Hair loss might just occur on the scalp or it can occur over the entire body. Most people appear to be overall generally healthy, but then sudden hair loss occurs. Alopecia areata is a case by case basis. For some, hair loss comes and goes and regrows itself each occurrence, however, for others the hair loss can be permanent. Most people only experience hair loss with this condition, while others notice possible changes in the text and shape of their finger and toe nails.
A dermatologist is the type of doctor to seek treatment for help. He or she might perform blood work and examine some of the hair. Unfortunately, alopecia areata cannot be cured. It can be treated to help the hair grow back. Treatment might include topical immunotherapy which involves applying chemicals to the scalp. These chemicals will cause an allergic reaction if they work. The reaction is what causes the hair to grow back. This usually must be repeated several times for the itchy rash to be most effective. Corticosteroids can also be used. These are prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs which can come in the form of injections that can be made into the scalp, given as pill form, or applied as an ointment or cream. Minoxidil, most commonly known as Rogaine, can be applied to the scalp and usually takes abut 12 weeks for the hair to start to grow again.
Like many other autoimmune disorders, causality differs and is not always evident. For those who have alopecia areata, there are some lifestyle changes to help. Stress seems to trigger this condition; therefore, one should aim to reduce their personal troubles as well as feelings of anxiety and sadness. Wearing hats, wigs, and scarves can be done. It is important to remember that the lost hair can grow back, depending on what your immune system will allow. There are options to cover up and there are options to try that have been effective for others. Sudden hair loss should be paid attention to and should be checked by your doctor. Fortunately, life can still carry on with or without hair and success comes in all types of packages, hair and hairless.
Most people often forget about or don’t even consider including beets as part of a healthy diet. It hardly makes the list for the grocery store maybe because they aren’t front and center in the produce section and popularity hasn’t quite hit the dining out menus. Beets are a superfood that we shouldn’t neglect. Here are a number of reasons you may want to pick up some beets the next time you shop:
- Low in calories – Every 100 grams of beets only has 43 calories. They don’t have any fat either. Adding them to a salad or in a smoothie makes it easy to consume them. This can help with weight loss by sticking to lower calories options.
- Low in carbohydrates – in 100 grams of beets there are only 10 carbs. Compared to other foods, especially fruits that often go into smoothies or juices, this is a low amount. Less carbs can be conducive to achieving weight loss. This means they’re also lower on the glycemic index which is good for diabetics. Their score is only 8.3 which means you would have to eat a whole lot of beets for them to impact blood sugar levels.
- Fight cancer and premature aging – Because beets are loaded with antioxidants (phytonutrients) they are able to ward off damage to the cells. This can keep cancerous cells away and cells that damage our skin, especially since antioxidants are powerful for repairing damaged cells.
- Vitamin A – Beets contain beta carotenoids which can improve learning, cognition, and mitochondria performance. This means you get more energy.
- Inflammation – Beets contain betaine which protects the cells from various environmental stressors. Reduction of inflammation can ward off achy joints, arthritis, depression, and brain fog.
- Improve respiratory system – Beets have been said to heal respiratory issues such as asthma. They can reduce both the risk of asthma and the number of attacks a person has.
- Fiber – In 100 grams of beets, there are 2.8 grams of fiber which is 11% of the daily recommended value. It is soluble fiber that gets absorbed into the bloodstream so we can reap the benefits of reducing blood sugar levels and lowering blood pressure. This can also lead to lowering your cholesterol.
- Potassium – Beets are a great source of potassium which can help improve physical performance. Beet juice is considered an isotonic drink because it has sodium and calcium that help replenish and nourish the body for performance and recovery.
- Performance enhancing – Beets are vasodilators which means that they widen the arteries and the veins. This makes it easier for our body to get blood and oxygen. More blood and more oxygen moving more freely in our body means more energy. Beets act as vasodilators because they contain nitric oxide. In our body, nitric oxide is needed for the body to perform at optimal levels. That is why many athletes eat beets or drink beet juice before events.
- Brain power – Another area of the body that benefits from the nitric oxide in beets is the brain. More blood flow to the brain improves memory and mood.
- Lower blood pressure – Because beets expand the diameter of the blood vessels, this lowers blood pressure. The heart doesn’t have to pump as hard, so blood pressure goes down with less work.
- Improve recovery time- Again, the widening of the blood vessels also allows more nutrients to be delivered to the muscles more quicky. Those little micro tears in the fibers can be repaired quicker and muscles can feel the gains faster.
- Reduce the risk of heart disease – Lower blood pressure of course leads to a healthier heart with less risk for heart disease. This is important because heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. Beets also have lots of antioxidants which help fight cellular damage from free radicals.
Oh, who doesn’t like chocolate? Any excuse to eat some and then have a little more seems to make reasonable sense. Any occasion will do for chocolate consumption in some form or another. Luckily, there actually have been proven health benefits to eating chocolate. These include lowering cholesterol, reducing the risk for diabetes, boosting brain health, and even fighting inflammation in the body. Sounds too good to be true and the catch is that not all chocolate is created equally and not every form of chocolate is created the same. So, let’s compare what the benefits and/or consequences of eating half a bar of dark chocolate vs milk chocolate are…..
Dark chocolate vs milk chocolate
Pros – cons
A half bar of dark chocolate contains about 250 calories, 26% fat, and 50% saturated fat, and 5 grams of monosaturated fat. A half bar of milk chocolate contains about 220 calories, 18% fat, 40% saturated fat, and 3 grams of monosaturated fat. Dark chocolate’s key winning attribute is that it contains fewer carbohydrates at 6% as the result of a few factors. It has 10 grams of sugar compared to 21 grams of sugar in milk chocolate, so that’s practically 50% less sugar. Dark chocolate also has four times the amount of fiber (16 grams) compared to milk chocolate (4 grams). You could have guessed with the name milk chocolate that is contains more calcium at 8% compared to 3% in milk chocolate. Fiber and calcium are certainly needed in our diets so dark chocolate as a source of these is quite appealing.
Believe it or not, chocolate does contain iron so you could say that chocolate makes you stronger. Dark chocolate has 28% iron and milk chocolate has 6%. Dark chocolate also has more magnesium at 23% compared to 7% in milk chocolate. Potassium is also higher in dark chocolate (8% versus 4%) and has much less sodium (0.3% versus 1.3%). Dark chocolate also more zinc (9% versus 6%) and has less cholesterol (0.3% versus 3%). For caffeine lovers, dark chocolate also wins at 32 mg compared to 8 mg in milk chocolate. Finally dark chocolate wins again as it contains 324 mg of theobromine versus 82 mg in milk chocolate, which is the element of cocoa that helps lower blood pressure. Over and over, dark chocolate beats milk chocolate among these comparisons.
If we were to tally up the scores, dark chocolate would be the winner.
You might also feel less guilty buying and eating dark chocolate because of all the antioxidants it contains which are great for your heart. Always look at the amount of sugar any type of chocolate bar contains and even some dark chocolate brands are better options than others. Look at the ingredients and aim for those that have higher cocoa percentages (preferably 10% of more).
Oh yeah, and keep in mind that portion control. The score card above was based on only eating half of a bar. Sugar is sugar whether dark or milk chocolate so even though natural sugar found in fruit might be nutritionally better for us, the body still recognizes sugar in any form in the same way. Nutrition labels are there for a reason, so read them and decide the best option out of the selection.
Best benefit
Flavonoids are a type of phytonutrient found in chocolate and they’re also found in fruits vegetables and wine. So just like the debate about wine being good or bad for us, chocolate can fall under that controversial category similar to wine because of the phytonutrients. Flavonoids have the power to reverse cellular damage especially those associated with heart disease. Because flavonoids help with vascular function, this in turn can help lower blood pressure. The research on this is limited, but at least in the short term is credible. Chocolate is sometimes served in the shape of a heart, so not only is it a sign of love, passion, and affection, but the heart can be symbolic of helping your heart health.
Not that you need it, but here are 5 other reasons you can make the case to eat chocolate, preferably the dark kind:
1. Stress relief – the feel good hormone, serotonin, is released when you enjoy chocolate. This is because chocolate has magnesium which has a calming effect. Many people turn to chocolate when cortisone levels rise as tension gets high in their personal matters. The feel good effect of chocolate seems to suppress the stress and there actually is reason behind this.
2. Weight loss – seems contradictory, but some studies have shown that eating chocolate can reduce insulin resistance because of the healthy fats it contains. The healthy fats slow down how sugar is absorbed in the bloodstream which helps control spikes in sugar. This in turn can help keep blood sugars stable.
3. Antioxidants – chocolate has plenty (included are flavonoids) which help fight free radical damage. Damage to these cells can contribute to heart disease, cancer, aging, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Every day as we perform functions, we are breaking down the cells that we use, so replenishment and repair are important, and of course, the quicker the better.
4. Curb your appetite – some dietitians claim that eating a small amount of dark chocolate everyday (yes, everyday) can help curb cravings for sugar and other candy. Sometimes knowing that you can have something doesn’t leave you feeling deprived. Rebellion can lead to binging so pacing yourself with a little nightly treat can ward off your appetite for desserts galore.
5. Make you smarter – it’s a stretch, but the association has been made that the countries who have the highest amount of chocolate consumption per capita also have the highest number of Nobel Prize Winners. Cognitive and visuals functions have also said to improve. Cocoa flavanols (CF) influence physiological processes.
Latest chocolate health trend
Drinking chocolate milk has hit the workout scene by storm. Now instead of eating chocolate in a solid form, you drink it typically in powder form or syrup mixed with milk. It is most popularly used now for exercise recovery although some do use it for a boost in energy pre-workout. Mixing chocolate with milk now adds the nutrients from milk to those benefits of chocolate. These include high amounts of calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin A and D, protein, and potassium.
Benefits of chocolate milk
1. Nutrients – chocolate milk contains all of the following: phosphorus, Riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, iodine, B1, B6, and B12. All of these help with growth and body functioning.
2. Carbohydrates – although given a bad rap, carbs are actually needed for energy. Your brain functions on glucose found in carbohydrates. Unlike other energy drinks, chocolate milk has a 4:1 carbohydrate:protein ratio.
3. Calcium – This is a must for strong bones, which milk contains and this wards off osteoporosis, as well as the risk for fractures and bone diseases. Having a little chocolate mixed in adds taste to this benefit.
4. Protein – chocolate milk is loaded with protein which is great for our muscles. Some bodybuilders even add chocolate flavored protein powder to their chocolate milk for an added bonus.
5. Electrolytes – part of chocolate milk’s post workout recovery use is the replenishment of electrolytes. This drink provides water, but also magnesium, potassium, sodium, and calcium. Magnesium is particularly useful for muscle recovery.
Reading nutrition labels is necessary when it comes to chocolate milk as some might be higher in sugar and carbohydrates than others. The sweeter it is, typically the more added sugar there is for taste, which is another case of something being too good to be true. There’s a nutritional difference between chocolate milk sold for children and that on the shelves sold for adults and families.
Final thought
Dark chocolate is the reining champion when it comes to the healthiest chocolate choice. It appears that dark chocolate milk (which is not readily found or considered) would be the overall winner with the combination of benefits. Dark chocolate wins, but that doesn’t mean you can skip out on the calories and fat on whatever that dark chocolate is covering or part of when eating it. So, either have it with the milk or just as a bar because when pretzels, nuts, cake, cookies, raisons, ice creams, pies, and pastries become part of that dark chocolate, the game changes and the winner might not be the same. Yet again, one might then consider dark chocolate cake or dark chocolate almonds as their justification.
We might not be perfect in our eating habits, but sometimes the plan of attack can be choosing the better of the options that we shouldn’t be having all the time. If late night snacking taunts you and candy is your nemesis, then it might be a good idea to keep individually sized dark chocolate bites available. As mentioned, maybe just having this small amount even if it is a nightly occurrence, will offset worse choices and succumbing to having more in quantity and more frequently. Dark chocolate has proven its health worth.
Gout is a form of arthritis that typically affects the big toe area. Warning signs include pain, redness, swelling, and the area feels hot. A gout “attack” can strike swiftly, even waking someone up during the night. The joint becomes extremely tender to even the slightest touch. Although it is most commonly occurring in the big toe joint, gout can take its toll on any joint it decides. Then moving that joint becomes difficult. The first 12 hours are the worst feelings of pain reported by sufferers. The pain can last for a few days or for a few weeks.
This condition occurs when urate crystals start to accumulate in the joint. These crystals come from high levels of uric acid in the body. The body has to break down purines that are found both naturally in the body as well as in foods like steak and seafood and alcoholic beverages. A bi product of this breaking down process is uric acid. Typically, uric acid dissolves in the body, passes through the kidneys, and is excreted through urine. However, if the body is on uric acid overload and the kidneys aren’t passing the biproduct through, this uric acid builds up. Soon, sharp crystals start to form in a joint and pain sets in.
It is important to take note of what can cause uric acid to build up in the body. As mentioned, eating too much meat or seafood can cause accumulation. This is true for alcoholic beverage consumption as well in excess, especially beer. Obesity is also a cause due to this body type producing more uric acid for the kidneys to struggle to push through. High blood pressure and diabetes are also uric acid culprits. Gout is genetically related. Men tend to experience gout more than women. However, after menopause, women’s uric acid levels seem to rise.
There are medications to treat gout, especially if one experiences this condition repeatedly. It is important to treat gout at early onset in order to prevent kidney stones. Drinking plenty of water can help the kidneys do their work. A doctor might test the fluid of the affected joint for crystals. An ultrasound can also detect urate crystals. Luckily, there are medications to treat and prevent gout attacks. NSAIDs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or Aleve that a doctor might prescribe in a higher dose. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can come in pill or shot form to help alleviate pain. Colchicine is a pain reliever that specifically reduces gout pain. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOIs) actually block uric acid production. Uricosurics help the kidneys remove uric acid.
Pain anywhere in the body should be addressed. This is certainly the case when any sign of gout arises. Pay attention to what triggers an attack. Your body and kidneys will thank you for taking care of your health. Uric crystals mean the near fortune is not good, so be sure to hydrate, watch your diet, and manage your weight.