Top 6 foods to avoid before bedtime

Top 6 foods to avoid before bedtime
A restful sleep is essential to help the body repair and rejuvenate. Further, frequent disruptions in the sleep cycle can invariably damage overall health. Sleep problems can develop due to factors like stress, chronic pain, or something as simple as what one chooses to eat right before bed. Eating habits can play a role in determining sleep quality. So, here are some of the foods to avoid before bedtime to get complete rest at night. 1. Tomatoes Tomatoes are one of the richest sources of a carotenoid called lycopene. So, they exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help in strengthening the immune system. Moreover, tomatoes are so versatile that they can be easily added to any recipe for flavor or texture. However, excessive intake of tomatoes can have an impact on sleep. The amino acids in tomatoes may keep the brain active and cause acid reflux, disrupting sleep. 2. Oranges As vitamin C-rich fruits, oranges can add nutrients and flavor to dinnertime salads. But, the high level of acids in this citrus fruit may do more bad than good when it comes to sleep. The fruit can cause acid reflux and trigger the bladder, making one wake up often at night.

5 signs of liver damage that can also indicate cancer

5 signs of liver damage that can also indicate cancer
Recognizing signs of liver problems, especially those that may be caused by cancer, is crucial for early detection and an increased chance of successful treatment. Certain signs are common between liver damage and liver cancer, which complicate distinguishing between the two. However, observing and noting the signs of liver damage that can indicate cancer and seeking timely consultation can help one get the most suitable treatment. Thus, here are a few signs to note: Jaundice Jaundice is a condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes, which is essentially a discoloration resulting from the build-up of bile salts. Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver that normally flows into the intestine. However, in case of liver damage, bile salts may accumulate in the skin, leading to jaundice. The condition can also be a sign of liver cancer. Abdominal swelling Abdominal swelling, a common symptom in both liver cancer and liver damage, can occur due to multiple causes. In liver cancer, the enlargement of a tumor or the growing cancer within the liver may contribute to abdominal swelling, particularly on the right side of the body. Alternatively, liver damage may also lead to increased pressure in the liver, which forces blood to back up in veins, resulting in fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

10 early warning signs of age-related macular degeneration

10 early warning signs of age-related macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is a progressive eye condition that causes damage to the macula, or the part of the retina located at the back of the eye. This disease typically affects individuals aged 50 years and above. Early diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration can help manage its symptoms and maintain one’s eye health. Here are some early warning signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that one should not ignore. Blurred vision One of the most common early signs of AMD is blurry vision, which occurs due to the leakage of blood or fluids from blood vessels into the macula. Inability to recognize familiar persons AMD severely affects one’s central vision, which is responsible for enabling recognition. Therefore, persons with AMD may be unable to recognize familiar faces, even those of close family members and friends. Straight lines appearing wavy The central vision enables one to recognize and differentiate shapes, lines, colors, etc. Patients with AMD, whose central vision is compromised, may perceive straight lines as wavy. Difficulty perceiving and differentiating colors The macula consists of multiple photoreceptor cone cells, which facilitate the perception and differentiation of colors. Since AMD causes damage to one’s macula, persons with this condition may be unable to perceive or differentiate between colors and shades.

6 ways to support people with disabilities

6 ways to support people with disabilities
There are many ways to support people with a disability, and it is imperative to be vocal about it to advocate for the community. However, there is also a lot of false information and misunderstanding about people with disabilities, which is why it’s crucial to dispel myths and taboos. Additionally, specific days are dedicated to raising awareness and support for disability rights and voices. So, here are some ways to show kindness and support. Offer help with consent Assuming that a person with a disability will require assistance may be an unpleasant idea to some. Therefore, one must always get permission before offering help, as this allows them to communicate effectively. Since they know their needs better, it is always best to follow what they suggest for their assistance. Provide a comfort zone It can make people with disabilities uncomfortable when they are being stared at, or their disability is being pointed out. Creating a safe environment where they can be themselves is essential to support them. One must pay attention to small gestures like maintaining eye contact while conversing and not focusing on the disability to make a difference. During conversations, it’s best to talk about constructive topics like family, work, music, or any fond memory of theirs.

4 known side effects of antidepressants

4 known side effects of antidepressants
Typically intended for the management of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, antidepressants can help relieve symptoms of these disorders. However, it is important to know exactly what to expect when one is prescribed this form of treatment. Given how powerful they are, antidepressants come with a few side effects—both minor and major. Here is a look at some of the common side effects to help one make an informed decision:  1. Drop in sodium levels Some antidepressants can trigger a severe drop in sodium levels in the blood, which is also called hyponatremia. This side effect is often more common among older adults, as fluid and sodium regulation becomes more difficult with age. The low sodium levels tend to cause a build-up of fluids inside the cells, an outcome that can lead to complications like headaches, muscle pain, a reduced appetite, sickness, confusion, agitation, psychosis, seizures, disorientation, and feeling tired and listless without engaging in any physical activity. Certain antidepressants tend to suppress the hormones that regulate sodium and fluid levels. 2. Diabetes Certain studies have found a link between long-term antidepressant usage and diabetes. According to the research, those on antidepressants are at a higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes than those who are not.

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura – Symptoms, diagnosis, and management

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura – Symptoms, diagnosis, and management
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, or TTP, is a rare but life-threatening blood disorder. In this condition, blood clots form in the small blood vessels throughout the body, which can limit the flow of blood and potentially block it from reaching the organs, such as the heart, kidney, and even the lungs. This means it can create serious complications and needs immediate treatment. Here are key things to know about the disease, its diagnosis, and the treatment options. Symptoms and causes TTP occurs when there is insufficient ADAMTS13 available in the blood. This protein is crucial in regulating how the blood clots. With the lack of this enzyme, excessive blood clotting can occur, leading to complications. This condition can be inherited from a parent’s gene or, in some cases, acquired by the person. Some of the symptoms of TTP include petechiae, which are small, flat red spots on the skin caused by the leaking of blood in the blood vessels. Purpura is another symptom in which the bleeding causes red, purple, or brownish-yellow spots. Other signs include fast heart rate or shortness of breath, headache, confusion, coma, stroke, seizure, nausea, fatigue, fever, and diarrhea. Diagnosis The healthcare provider may ask for the patient’s health history and family history to check for any inherited diseases.

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Black Friday 2023 – Top 10 Smartphone Deals to Watch Out For

Black Friday 2023 – Top 10 Smartphone Deals to Watch Out For

Even during non-festive periods, smartphones sell like hotcakes in online and offline stores. Most tech enthusiasts routinely feel the need to get their hands on the latest models of their favorite smartphones. With Black Friday 2023 still several weeks away, shoppers can check out the features of their favorite smartphones. All the estimated deals listed in this article are based on the existing retail discounts, and buyers can expect similar bargains this Black Friday. High-range smartphones 1. Different variants of Apple’s iPhone make up the top 4 of the bestselling smartphones in the country. On many retail sites, devices such as the Apple iPhone SE 5G are being sold with discounts that range from about $200 to $250. This means that there is a high percentage chance that similar or better deals will likely emerge for such devices when Black Friday looms closer. The Apple iPhone SE 5G offers fantastic features such as lightning-fast processors, 5G connectivity, 4K video recording capability with 60 FPS, the unique Dynamic Island display, IP67 water resistance, and many more. 2. Samsung’s Galaxy devices come second in the sales pecking order after Apple’s iPhones when it comes to the smartphone market leadership. With the presence of Black Friday looming on the horizon, users can expect great deals on their favorite Galaxy smartphones. For instance, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is available on many retail sites with existing discounts ranging from 10% to 15%. Shoppers may possibly find such (or better) discounts during the upcoming sale period. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a one-of-a-kind foldable phone packed with incredible features such as a massive display, dual-app viewing, immersive gaming experience, super AMOLED screens, and many other niceties. 3. A device that is likely to offer massive discounts during Black Friday is the Google Pixel 7.
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10 Incredible Black Friday Deals to Expect on Laptops in 2023

10 Incredible Black Friday Deals to Expect on Laptops in 2023

Laptops combine the power of desktops with the portability of smartphones, making them suitable for several tasks. But this is also why they tend to be pricey. Unsurprisingly, many wait for sales like Black Friday to buy the model of their choice. Below are ten types of laptops and the Black Friday 2023 deals one can expect on them in the coming months. The discounts listed are based on last year’s sale and current prices. 1. Dual-screen laptops Unlike older dual-screen models, newer ones are much more efficient and non-gimmicky. They have secondary displays with anti-glare capability that perfectly complement the primary screen. A great option is the ASUS Zenbook Pro Duo UX581. It comes with a 15.6-inch 4K UHD NanoEdge touchscreen glossy main display, a cutting-edge Intel Core i7-9750H Quad Core Processor, and a 14-inch 4K matte touchscreen for seamless scrolling and usability. Last year, Amazon sold specific variants of the Zenbook Pro Duo for a discount of 15% in the run-up to Black Friday. 2. Gaming laptops Gamers need laptops that are responsive, less prone to overheating, and armed with high-end graphics cards. In short, they seek devices that will not leave them high and dry in the middle of a high-octane, graphics-heavy game by being laggy and annoying. Thankfully, several gaming laptops tick these boxes, an example being Lenovo’s IdeaPad Gaming 3. The device has incredible features, such as the latest AMD Ryzen 6000 Series processors, GeForce RTX 30 Series GPUs, and Rapid Charge technology to boost battery by 40% in just 15 minutes. Amazon reduced the price of specific IdeaPad Gaming 3 models by $300 last Black Friday, so gamers can hope for similar savings in 2023. 3. Chromebooks Those who prefer the ultra-reliable Chrome OS can check out Acer’s Chromebook 315. It has a powerful Intel Celeron N4020 dual-core processor, a full HD IPS touchscreen, and over 12 hours of battery life!
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