Health News

High levels of uric acid not only affect our joints and cause kidney stones etc but it can lead to eye issues also.  Shocking right!! Purines are present in foods like certain legumes, red meat and seafood etc and uric acid is produced when our body breaks down purines. We can get hyperuricemia if uric acid doesn`t get excreted through urine that is when production exceeds excretion. It is noteworthy that excess uric acid could form MSU or monosodium urate crystals and this MSU can accumulate in our joints, kidneys and ocular tissues etc. It was published in the journal National Centre for Biotechnology Information that excess uric acid could lead to ocular based complications. Therefore, it is necessary that we must keep an eye on uric acid levels for our eye health. High uric acid levels can affect our eyes in these ways. Causes Dry eye disease: We can get dry eye disease if we have high uric acid levels in us. Persons with dry eyes would have insufficient tear production in their eyes. They might have symptoms like irritation, redness, burning and blurred vision etc. There are chances of getting corneal damage also if dry eyes issue persists for a long time. Causes tophi formation: If a person has high uric acid levels, then he or she could have deposits of monosodium urate crystals or topi on their eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea etc. In the beginning, topji might be painless but can lead to swelling, redness and issues in the vision etc. Truth is that the presence of ocular trophy indicates that the person has long term uncontrolled hyperuricemia. Causes uveitis: Iris, ciliary body and choroid form the uveal tract and uveitis is inflammation of this tract. Those persons with uveitis would show symptoms like eye pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision and floaters etc. It is true that if left untreated then uveitis can lead to permanent vision damage. By systemic inflammation and by oxidative stress, hyperuricemia can lead to uveitis in us. Causes glaucoma: Increased intraocular pressure can lead to damage of the optic nerve and this is glaucoma. It was brought out by research that high uric acid levels in us can lead to glaucoma by promoting oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction in the eye. Causes retinal complications: There are chahances of getting decreased capillary density and retinopathy due to persistent high uric acid levels in us. The retinal vessels in the eyes would get damaged due to oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. By this, our vision would get damaged. We could avoid retinal based complications by means of regular eye checkups and by managing our uric acid levels.  How to protect our eye health by managing uric acid levels? Uric acid levels can be managed by medications, limiting the intake of purine rich foods and intake of low purine foods like vegetables, whole grains etc. Uric acid could get flushed out from our body by drinking adequate water throughout the day. By this, crystal formation in the joints and ocular tissues would be avoided.

How will you react if you come to know that the food you eat has herbicide in it? For the sake of extending the shelf life or for improving the appearance etc, certain toxic chemicals, additives or substances are used in the processed foods. How many are aware of this? The numbers of additives that are added to the processed foods have increased over the years.  It is worthy to note that these substances could cause harm for our health. Various toxic substances that are present in the processed foods that could harm us are Glyphosate: The fact is that glyphosate is linked to genetically modified food items like soybeans, corn etc. Even certain amounts of this chemical is present in non-organic grains etc. The shocking piece of information is that glyphosate are herbicides used to eliminate weeds. It is revealed that chronic use of this additive could result in cancer or hormonal disruption etc. Artificial sweeteners: In many processed foods, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin etc are present. These are added to the processed foods like soft drinks etc to provide sweetness without adding calories. It has been brought to light by some research study that high intake of artificial sweeteners could cause changes in gut microbiome and would affect the insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism etc. It must be noted that intake of artificial sweeteners for a prolonged time could cause heart issues and depression etc in adults. Sodium nitrate and nitrite etc: Non-vegetarian processed food items like hot dogs, sausages, bacon`s etc have sodium nitrate and nitrites. These substances are added to maintain the colour and inhibit bacterial growth etc. Point is that when these chemicals meet high temperatures in the stomach, they start to form acid in the stomach and get converted to nitrosamines. It is learnt that nitrosamines could cause certain cancers in us. Excess intake of processed meats can lead to stomach and colorectal cancers in us. Mono sodium glutamate or MSG: Monosodium glutamate of MSG is being used as flavour enhancer in processed foods like soup dishes, frozen meals etc. In some persons, intake of MSG can lead to headaches, nausea etc. Sensitive persons could get mild neurological issues also by consuming MSG excessively. Point is that MSG is linked with cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity etc. Artificial food colours: Visual appearance of snacks, drinks etc are enhanced by adding artificial food colours like Red 40, Yellow 5 and other artificial dyes etc. These food colours can also lead to behavioural disorders especially in those kids with attention issues. It has been brought out by research that synthetic dyes used in the processed foods could cause hyperactivity, behavioural problems, allergies and certain serious health issues etc. Truth is that those children with issues like ADHD, or autism etc might experience worsened symptoms. Not only that, even healthy kids could get affected. So, please be careful. 

The sweetness, tangy flavour and nutritional benefits make guava a celebrated fruit and many of us eat guava. Guava fruit has important ingredients like vitamin C, dietary fibres plus others like potassium, antioxidants etc and hence eating guava is healthy for us. Consuming guava would provide us with superb health benefits like improved immunity, good digestion, improved skin health, boosts heart health etc. It is really shocking that guava fruit would not suit everybody and some people after eating guava might experience an allergy, spike in the blood sugar levels, digestive issues etc. These people must avoid eating guava fruit. Those prone to bloating: The presence of fructose and vitamin C in guava would lead to bloating in certain individuals. Therefore, those who are prone to bloating must avoid eating guava. It is worthy to note here that when our body consumes more vitamin C than it can absorb excess, it could ferment in the intestines. By this, gas and discomfort would be produced. In some persons, their small intestines would struggle to absorb fructose efficiently. Therefore, consuming guava can result in abdominal swelling plus feeling of fullness etc. Those who are diabetic: The low glycemic index or GI of guava is taken into account by the doctors when they recommend this fruit for people with diabetes. The sugar would be released slowly into their bloodstream. Truth is that portion control is very much needed as eating too much guava can lead to a spike in the blood sugar levels of diabetics. It is good to combine guava with protein to slow down glucose absorption. Those with IBS: Those persons with IBS or irritable bowel syndrome must not consume guava as it can lead to digestive distress in them. Truth is that guava rich in both soluble and insoluble fibres would reduce constipation and help in digestion. Those with eczema or sensitive skin etc: Those persons having sensitive skin must think twice before consuming guava fruit. The reason for this is the presence of bioactive compounds in guava could irritate the skin. It must be noted that certain extracts that would be good for general health would increase eczema or chronic skin problems. This could lead to inflammation, redness and itchiness etc. It is learnt that those with eczema must avoid guava leaves totally or consult a skin doctor for using guava in topical or dietary form etc.

The perfect way to end the day for some of us would be eating a piece of dark chocolates. The presence of antioxidants and lower levels of sugar in the dark chocolates would make them a healthier treat. Not many of us would know that the dark chocolates could harm our body also. These things will happen if we consume dark chocolates during the night before sleeping. Positive effects: Body will repair itself: Both inflammation as well as oxidative stress would be removed by eating dark chocolates containing flavonoids. Truth is that the antioxidants would support our overnight cell recovery when we consume dark chocolates at night. Boost our mood: It is believed that eating dark chocolates during the night would lift our mood after a long day. Feel good chemicals like endorphins and serotonin would be stimulated. By this, we could feel happy and relaxed before going to bed. It is good to eat in moderation. Lowers stress and calms down nerves: Over-thinking would be high especially in the night. So, eating dark chocolates containing magnesium would bring calmness in us and stress would get reduced. Negative effects: Sleep disturbances: Caffeine and theobromine are present in the dark chocolates and these are stimulants. Therefore, intake of dark chocolates in the night would affect the sleep. If we eat dark chocolates too late in the night, then our sleep could get delayed plus we could get a lowered deep sleep quality etc. Late night cravings for sugar: It is known that dark chocolates have less sugar content when compared with milk chocolates. Bitter fact is that eating dark chocolates at night could trigger sugar cravings in the night. The blood sugar would be spiked briefly and this would force us to snack again. For uninterrupted sleep, stable blood sugar levels are important.              Chances of acidity or discomfort: After eating dark chocolates late at night, those persons prone to acidity etc would feel uneasy or disiscomfort. As esophageal muscles get relaxed due to theobromine, acidity symptoms would worsen Therefore,, it would be good to eat dark chocolates in the evening and in small amounts. When to eat dark chocolates? This leads to an important question now – When to eat dark chocolates? It would be good to eat dark chocolates in the night one to two hours before going to bed and not right before sleeping. Portion control is very important and combining it with a herbal tea would provide more relaxation during night.

In humans, lungs are the important organs and they help us in respiration. Point to be noted is that lungs take in oxygen from air and transfer it to blood and remove carbon dioxide from blood to be exhaled. Therefore, it is necessary that we must have good lung health. These days, lung diseases have become very common and many get affected. It is noteworthy that early detection of lung disease would make the treatment more effective. Usually, cough is considered to be an important sign of lung disease. Not many would be aware of other signs of lung disease. Various subtle signs of lung disease in us are Shortness of breath while doing daily activities: Those with lung disease would find it difficult to breathe while walking or while performing household chores etc. It must be noted that issues like COPD and pulmonary fibrosis etc could hinder lungs from effectively exchanging oxygen. Abnormal fatigue: It is known that lungs provide oxygen to our body cells. Our body would have to work harder when the oxygen intake is compromised. By this, we could feel abnormally tired even after resting well. When we feel abnormally tired without any changes in the lifestyle, diet or sleep etc then it is due to lung issues only. Chest tightness: Persons with lung disease would have chest tightness in them. This is because of inflammation and narrowing of the airways etc. It must be taken into note that chest pain might not be heavy but even mild also. Frequent respiratory infections: Getting cold, bronchitis and sinus infections etc frequently could be due to lung disease. Please take care. Truth is that weakened lungs would have trouble in removing irritants and pathogens etc. Noisy breathing or wheezing etc: Airway obstruction or inflammation would be revealed by noisy breathing or wheezing. Unless we are quiet, resting etc the breathing noises would not be heard. Unexplained weight loss: This is also one sign of lung diseases in us. Losing weight in a healthy manner is different from unexplained weight loss. It must be noted that lung disease would make the body expend additional energy just to breathe. Blue lips or fingertips: Lips n nails and fingers etc would appear pale or bluish in colour and this can be due to low blood oxygen levels due to the lung disease. Reduced lung efficiency is also indicated by shorter periods of discolouration.

Are you aware of what palmar erythema, dupuytrens contracture and terry`s nails etc is? Playing an important role in processes like detoxification, metabolism and digestion etc, liver is a crucial organ in our body. It is necessary that for our lives to be normal we must have good liver health. Damaged liver or liver malfunctions would be revealed by certain signs on our hands. Long before other signs would appear our hands would provide us early clues about liver damage in us. It is necessary that we must consider these signs seriously and take necessary action. Various subtle signs of liver damage shown in our hands are Palmar erythema or red palms: Beneath the thumb and little finger, we could have red colored and this is palmar erythema. Here, elevated oestrogen levels could result in vasodilation in our hands. If red colour occurs in health persons then it is normal but in certain adults it reveals underlying liver issues. Dupuytren`s contracture: Beneath the skin of the palm, tissue would get thickened and tightened leading to bent fingers and this is referred to as dupuytren`s contracture. Those with liver disease would have this mostly. Terry`s nails: Presence of white appearance at the tip of the nails with narrow pink band at the base is terry`s nails. It must be noted that the nail change could indicate liver cirrhosis in us. This sign would also be seen in persons with heart failure, diabetes etc. Nail clubbing: In some persons, their fingertips and nails would be round and wide and this is called nail clubbing. These persons might have chronic liver diseases. Asterixis: A coarse, non-rhythmic tremor with sudden brief lapses in muscle contraction is asterixis. Those patients with severe liver disease would show this sign. It is a neurological disorder that is characterised by flapping tremor. Itchy palms and soles etc: It is worthy to note that Cholestasis is a condition where flow of bile from the liver gets slowed down. As a result, bile components would build up in the body. The person would have itchy palms and soles. Issues like liver cirrhosis could lead to cholestasis in us. When to seek a doctor? It is worth noting that if a person finds persistent changes in their hands like redness, nail abnormalities, unexplained itching etc, then he or she must consult a medical professional or doctor immediately. Effective liver management would be possible by early detection of liver problems.

For many people, eating idli for breakfast would be boring!! How about you? If there is one breakfast that is wholesome, light on our stomach but highly filling etc, then it is none other than the soft and fluffy idli.  It is also one of the cleanest traditional breakfast choices because it is steamed and fermented.   It is said that eating idly everyday for breakfast could be very beneficial to us. There are superb health benefits of eating idli every day for breakfast and they are Good for digestion: The growth of good gut bacteria would be encouraged by fermented foods like idli. This would lead to smoother digestion. As idly is steamed and easy to break down, the stomach doesn`t have to work hard to process it. Those with acidity, heaviness and frequent bloating would find eating idly very easy and comfortable. Bowel health would be supported by consuming idly with sambar containing fibres. Long lasting energy: The presence of complex carbohydrates in idli would release energy slowly and this would keep us active for longer duration. Issues like sudden hunger spikes would be avoided in us. When we consume idly with proteins and vegetables etc, idly would offer a balanced start. Cravings for food would be controlled. It is worthy to note that the slow energy release would help us to avoid mid morning junk snacking. Supports heart health: Idly is low in fat and free from excess oil etc as it is steamed. It was brought to light by a research study in 2018 that replacing high fat breakfast with low fat options would support cardiovascular health. Our heart would function well by combining idly with sambar due to antioxidants and fibres etc. Helps in weight management: There are 35 calories to 50 calories present in one medium idly. We would feel full without any sluggishness due to the light texture of idly. This would control calorie control throughout the day. It is worthy to note that by combining idly with sambar or chutney having proteins etc our satiety would increase and hunger would reduce. Gentle on the gut and immunity: Our gut would be benefited if we eat fermented foods. It must be noted that gut health would have a direct impact on immunity. By eating idly, our overall well being would become better. It is noteworthy that a calm gut health would reflect in our mood, skikin health and immunity.

How Stress Affects Blood Sugar Levels When stressed, the body enters a fight-or-flight mode, triggering hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones raise blood sugar levels to provide quick energy. For individuals with diabetes, this natural response can be problematic. Stress increases insulin resistance, making it harder for cells to absorb glucose. Blood sugar can rise unexpectedly even without food, affecting both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and complicating diabetes management. Impact of Emotional and Physical Stress Emotional Stress: Prolonged cortisol secretion due to anxiety, work pressure, or financial concerns can elevate blood sugar levels and trigger food cravings. Physical Stress: Factors like illness, injury, or lack of sleep release stress hormones that spike blood sugar and reduce insulin sensitivity. Ways to Lower Stress and Improve Blood Sugar – Engage in regular physical activity such as walking, jogging, or light exercises.– Practice deep breathing, yoga, or mindfulness meditation to calm the mind.– Ensure a minimum of 6 hours of sleep daily.– Consume a balanced diet rich in high-fiber foods, lean proteins, and whole grains to stabilize blood sugar levels. Note: If stress consistently affects blood sugar levels despite lifestyle changes, consult a doctor or mental health professional. They may recommend therapy or specialized stress management programs to help manage both stress and diabetes effectively.   

If you have been sitting for a long time in front of your computer without any movement then you have more chances of getting affected with blood clots or thrombosis!! It has been brought to light by some doctors that too much sitting whether at work or sitting during travel or even at home etc could cause VTE or venous thromboembolism. This is an issue that combines both deep vein thrombosis or DVT or pulmonary embolism or PE. What exactly is thrombosis? When the normal flow of blood is restricted due to the formation of a blood clot inside the vein then thrombosis would occur in us. Information is that DVT would occur in our legs. Sometimes, clot would travel to the lungs too and this could lead to pulmonary embolism or PE. It was pointed out by a Dr. Sunil Rana from Asian Hospital that Reason why sitting increases the risk: The circulation of blood would lower in our legs if we just sit for a long duration of time. This can lead to venous stasis and it would make it simpler for clots to develop. Especially those who are dehydrated or overweight must be very careful. There would be inflammation in our blood vessels due to stagnation and this would then lead to clot formation in us. It has been brought out by some research studies that sitting for more than 8 hours without any movement could result in thrombosis. There are certain warning signs of thrombosis in us and these are Various early signs of thrombosis are swelling in a single leg, redness or skin becoming darkened, sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, rapid heartbeat or dizziness etc. Who could get affected by thrombosis easily? Thrombosis could occur in those persons who sit for an extended period of time, had surgery recently, those who use birth control pills, those who smoke, those who are obese and those who have family history of clots etc. Ways to avoid thrombosis: Firstly, by shifting every 30 to 45 minutes by standing up, doing stretches and walking for short distances etc. Secondly, it is necessary to stay hydrated or drink water because dehydration would thicken the blood and this would increase clots. Blood clots can be avoided by us by sitting up straight with feet flat on the floor and finally by doing a minimum of 150 hours of physical activity every week.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. With so many treatment options available, it’s natural to feel uncertain. This is why getting a second opinion from another cancer specialist is so important – it helps confirm your diagnosis, review your options, and give you peace of mind before starting treatment. Why a Second Opinion Matters Confirms the Diagnosis:Cancer is complex, and test results can sometimes be interpreted differently. A second opinion ensures that the type and stage of cancer are correctly identified. Explores More Treatment Options:Another oncologist may suggest new or less aggressive treatments, including targeted therapy or clinical trials. Avoids Unnecessary Risks:A second opinion can help you avoid treatments that might not be necessary or suited to your condition. Builds Confidence:When two specialists agree, it strengthens your trust in the treatment plan. If they differ, you gain more knowledge to make an informed choice. When to Get a Second Opinion – When first diagnosed with cancer.– Before major surgery or chemotherapy.– When cancer returns or spreads.– When you feel unsure about the first treatment plan. Final Word A second opinion in cancer care is not about doubting your doctor – it’s about protecting your health and making the best decision. Taking this extra step can ensure the right treatment, reduce stress, and bring hope for a better recovery.