Food items for diabetic patients

Health is wealth. In the present day and age, suffering from health ailments has become common. Of all diseases, the one which has affected majority of the people across the globe is diabetes. Although cases of diabetes have skyrocketed in the last few years, it can be prevented by making some changes in lifestyle. Taking measures to control as well as prevent diabetes does not mean you have to live in derivation. It means including balanced and healthy diet that will not only enhance your mood but also boost your energy. You have to neither resign yourself from sweets nor shift to bland food items. Here we bring to you a few tips which let you enjoy meals without feeling deprived or hungry.

It is time to control diabetes

No matter whether you are trying to control or prevent diabetes, there is good news for you. By making some changes in your lifestyle and eating habits, you can make a huge difference to your health. The first thing you need to do is reduce weight in case you are an obese person. However, worry not as you are not required to shed out those extra pounds to reap benefits. Going by what experts have to say, even reducing five to ten percent of total weight might help you in controlling blood sugar levels considerably. As a matter of fact, it will also lower your cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Moreover, eating healthier and losing weight has a profound effect of your sense of wellbeing, energy levels and mood.

If you are suffering from this lifestyle disease called diabetes then it is high time to make a change. The important point and bottom line is that you have more control on your overall health than you can even think.

All that you need to know about diabetes and eating healthy

Frist things first, eating healthy is extremely important if you are trying to either control or prevent diabetes. No doubt that exercise is equally important; however what you eat creates a huge impact when it comes to weight loss. However, what does eating right and healthy mean for diabetic patients? It might surprise you however nutritional of diabetic patients is similar to others, no complicated diets or special foods are necessary.

When it comes to diet for diabetic patients, it is all about a healthy eating plan full of high nutrients, moderate in calories, low in fat and added sugar. In fact, is not it a healthy diet for all and sundry? The only thing that patients suffering from diabetes have to do is that to be more attentive when making food choices, specifically carbohydrates that you eat.

Few must have foods for diabetic patients

Apple

An apple a day keeps a doctor away is an old saying of which we are all familiar with. However, do you know that it helps in keeping cardiologist at bay? According to a study conducted, it has been found that having an apple daily for four weekscan reduce the level of bad cholesterol up to forty percent. Not all antioxidants are similar, and the one found in apples has a property to lower down the levels of bad cholesterol. This crunchy and delicious fruit also tops the list of food items which can help in controlling diabetes.

Avocados

It is one fruit which is popular for heart healthy monounsaturated fat content. It is this fruit which is healthy not only for your heart but also for diabetes. Yes, you read that right. Studies conducted establish positive connection between diabetes and avocados. It has been found that eating high amount of good fats – unsaturated vegetable fats like the ones found in avocados can help in preventing the type 2 diabetes. Although avocado is a fruit, it comprises of high fat content.

Beans

Beans are available in different forms, and are counted among the most popular and preferred food items. No doubt that you might be well aware that beans are a high source of protein and good source of fibre, however, now you have more reasons to include them in your diet plan, if you are suffering from diabetes. According to a research conducted in the year 2012, it has been found that intake of a cup of legumes daily can help in lowering blood pressure and controlling blood sugar levels.

Blueberries

Blueberries hail from the family of fruits which comprise of flavonoids which are known for the health benefits, also including heart health. Moreover, blueberries contain high fibre content which can help in reducing the chances of cognitive decline and diabetes. This, in turn, will help in maintaining blood sugar levels in body.

Anthocyanins are one of the antioxidants found in blueberries which lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. In fact, those who eat more than two servings of blueberries every week have thirty three percent lesser chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

Garlic

Garlic hails from the family of lily. It is an edible plant which has several health benefits. It works as both flavouring agent as well as medicine. Intake of garlic ona regular basis can help in treating cancer, heart diseases, high cholesterol and diabetes too.

So, if you are suffering from diabetes and are perplexed regarding diet plan then do include the above slated food items. Preventing and controlling diabetes is very much a possibility provided you eat right and healthy.

How to boost immunity in children?

What all you do to protect your child from the countless arrays of viruses, germs and bacteria? From the very day of birth, the child is exposed to germs and viruses. Unfortunately, in some way or the other, falling prey to diseases as a kid is just a part of the job description. A baby is born with an inexperienced immunity system. Gradually, children prime their immunity system by fighting viruses, germs and other organisms. It is one of the prime reasons why most of the paediatricians consider bouts of flu, six to eight colds and ear infection every year normal. However, you can adopt healthy habits to boost the immunity system of your child.

Time for probiotics

Probiotics is the latest buzzword doing the rounds of medical world. It helps in boosting the immunity system of child. There is a wide variety of probiotics which are formulated especially for babies. According to a study, it has been found that babies who suffered from the problem of gastroenteritis recuperated quickly if prescribed probiotics. In fact, including probiotics can reduce the chances of developing allergies and eczema too.

Add more vegetables and fruits to diet

Strawberries, carrots, green beans and oranges are a must for children. All these comprise of immunity boosting phytonutrients such as carotenoids and Vitamin C. Phytonutrients help in increasing the production of infection fighting interferon which is antibody that coats the surface of cells, and thus clock viruses, and white blood cells in the body of child. Studies conducted across the globe signify that diet rich in phytonutrients may also protect child from chronic diseases such as cancer and heart problems. Try to include minimum five servings of veggies and fruits a day.

Increase sleep time

Studies conducted on adults indicate that sleep deprivation can make people more vulnerable to ailments by decreasing the count of natural killer cells, immune system weapons which attack cancer cells as well as microbes. The same is very true for children. Parents who are working often leave their kids at day care centres. Such children are at high risk of sleep deprivation as several activities make it difficult for them to take nap. Are you thinking how much sleep kids require? A new born baby should sleep for at least eighteen hours a day while toddlers need at least twelve to thirteen hours of sleep and preschool goers require ten hours. Paediatricians suggest that if your child won’t or cannot take naps during daytime then try to put him or her to bed early.

Make exercise a routine

Research and studies conducted establish that regular exercise increases the total count of natural killer cells in body. And, it is the regular activity which benefits the children in the similar way. Starting exercising early in life will induce lifelong fitness habit in your child. So, it is parents who should be a good role model for their children. Do not tell them to exercise or go out to play rather do activities with them. When children watch their parents doing exercise as routine, they develop it as a habit. Some of the most common fun family activities are tennis, bike riding, in-line skating, basketball and hiking. Doing activities together is one of the best ways to ensure overall fitness, health and wellness of your child.

Protect kids from germ spread

Battling germs does not boost immunity system of your child; however it is one of the best ways to reduce stress on the immune system. As a parent, it is your reasonability to ensure your kids wash their hands before eating. In fact, inculcate habit of washing hands as and when kids enter home from outside. You should pay heed to their hygiene levels after and before playing outside and meal, blowing their nose, arriving home from day care, handling pets and using bathroom. When you are out, ensure to carry disposable wipes for clean-ups. One of the best ways to develop handwashing habit is to allow kids to choose brightly coloured hand towels and soaps in different scents, shapes and colours.

Do not force paediatrician to write prescription

It is obvious for children to develop common cold, sore throat or flu. Often parents get worried to an extent that they urge paediatrician to prescribe antibiotics so that child can recover quickly. For sure, it is a really bad idea. It is important for parents to know that antibiotics are helpful in treating diseases that occur because of bacteria. However, most of the childhood illnesses are caused by viruses. Remember that side effects of bacteria can be detrimental.Often doctors end up prescribing antibiotics because of the urge that parents do.Make sure that patrician is not prescribing antibiotics simply because you want them to do so.Let the doctor prescribe medicines he or she thinks are the best for your child.

By following the above slated tips, you can keep your child fit and strong. Certain changes in lifestyle and eating habits can strengthen the immunity system of your child.Boosting immunity in children is important so that they can fight germs and bacteria at later stage. Habits you inculcate in them as kids will go a long way in determining their overall health and wellness.

Antibiotics abuse in India – A reason to worry for!

Resistance to some antibiotics was first noticed in India. One of the main reasons for it is that several antibiotics are used across the nation. As observed in most of the cases, these are purchased over the counter by patients that too without any prescription. In other words, antibiotics are being used all over the country at fast rate. It is the incorrect dose and ignorant nature of the people towards the effects of antibiotics which sets the alarming bells. When taken in wrong dose, they can do more harm than benefit. This, in turn, provides breeding ground as far as the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria is considered.

There are no two ways about the fact that many antibiotics in India are sold over the counter without any kind of prescription. All that a person needs to do is approach the chemist in vicinity and ask for the particular antibiotic. Chemists fail to even ask for prescription while selling some of the restricted medicines, which when taken in incorrect dose, can lead to adverse effects. It is high time that country pays attention to this area else situation might worsen as some overuse of some medicines can lead to bacteria growth which can be detrimental to health.

In the present times of modern medicine, there has come a drastic change in the way of treating different diseases and healthcare issues. As a matter of fact, antibiotics are the most commonly prescribed medicines. The term antibiotics is made of two words – anti which means against and bio which means life. In other words, antibiotics are also known as antibacterial. These antibiotics are those drugs which are primarily used for treating infections which are triggered by bacteria. It is important for people to understand that intake of antibiotics can only cure heel path issues caused by bacteria. As far as fungal infections such as ringworm and viral infections such as common cold are considered, antibiotics will not help.

Bacteria are extremely small organism that can lead to infections and diseases in both animals as well as humans alike. Right dose of antibiotics can help in treating diseases by destroying or killing bacteria. Penicillin was the first antibiotic which was discovered. Today, there are more than hundreds of antibiotics which are available for treating different kinds of bacterial infections. From minor to life threatening diseases such as syphilis, tuberculosis, some type of meningitis and salmonella, antibiotics can help in getting rid of several health issues. Benzyl pencillin, ampicillin and amoxicillin are some of the most common forms of penicillin based antibiotics. These are used widely for treating different types of infections.Overuse of antibiotics causes toxicity as well as resistance!

It is important for people to understand that overuse of antibiotics can lead to either “bacterial resistance” or “antibiotic resistance”. Usually, antibiotics can either impede further growth of bacteria or completely destroy bacteria; however it has been found that some bacteria have developed resistance to some forms of antibiotics. In other words, such antibiotics are no longer effective for killing bacteria. This happens when antibiotics are either not used properly or used quite often, for instance, if a patient fails to complete the course of certain antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor, and then there is very possibility that the bacteria will develop resistance against that particular antibiotic. Such types of bacteria can be treated with other antibiotics available in the market.

Moreover, it is important for people to understand overuse of antibiotics can lead to toxicity in the body at different organ, tissue and cellular levels. For instance, Quinolones belong to the class of antibiotics which are extremely toxic for nervous system, tendons, cartilages and several other organs. The overuse of medicines causes accumulation of antibiotics in liposome’s which may lead to metabolic alterations that can cause cell toxicity.

Wondering how side effects antibiotics can be avoided? Read on!!!

Avoiding the overuse of antibiotics is important for all and sundry so that no side effects occur. It is important to complete the course and follow the intake of medicines as prescribed by the doctor. You should regulate the usage of antibiotics yourself. Given below are a few suggestions for avoiding the resistance of antibiotics:

•Make sure that you follow the directions and dose prescribed by the doctor

• Do not consume medicines without seeking the advice of the doctor. No matter whether you have cold, cough or flu, just fix an appointment with the doctor. Also, some of the health issues go away within a week or two.

• When consuming antibiotics, make sure that you take healthy as well as proper diet so that your immune system grows stronger and can resist the infections.

• Complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics even if you start feeling better and completely recuperated in the middle of the course. Do not stop taking the prescribed medicines as there is always a possibility of bacteria to grow again.

Staying fit is extremely important. Antibiotics can do wonders to your health provided you take them in the right quantity. Also make sure that you follow the instructions given by the doctor to avoid overuse of the antibiotic.

FDA approves new drug to treat schizophrenia and as an add on to an antidepressant to treat major depressive disorder

Drug Name(s)	REXULTI
FDA Application No.	(NDA) 205422
Active Ingredient(s)	BREXPIPRAZOLE
Company	OTSUKA PHARM CO LTD
Mechanism of Action	The mechanism of action of brexpiprazole in the treatment of major depressive disorder or schizophrenia is unknown. However, the efficacy of brexpiprazole may be mediated through a combination of partial agonist activity at serotonin 5-HT1A and dopamine D2 receptors, and antagonist activity at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.

On July 10, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Rexulti (brexpiprazole) tablets to treat adults with schizophrenia and as an add-on treatment to an antidepressant medication to treat adults with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder affecting about one percent of Americans. Typically, symptoms are first seen in adults younger than 30 years of age and include hearing voices; believing other people are reading their minds or controlling their thoughts; and being suspicious or withdrawn.

The effectiveness of Rexulti in treating schizophrenia was evaluated in 1,310 participants in two 6-week clinical trials. Rexulti was shown to reduce the occurrence of symptoms of schizophrenia compared to placebo (inactive tablet).

The effectiveness of Rexulti as an add-on treatment for MDD was evaluated in two 6-week trials that compared Rexulti plus an antidepressant to placebo plus an antidepressant in 1,046 participants for whom an antidepressant alone did not adequately treat their symptoms. The participants taking Rexulti reported fewer symptoms of depression than those taking the placebo.

Rexulti and other drugs used to treat schizophrenia have a Boxed Warning alerting health care professionals about an increased risk of death associated with the off-label use of these drugs to treat behavioral problems in older people with dementia-related psychosis. No drug in this class is approved to treat patients with dementia-related psychosis.

The Boxed Warning also alerts health care professionals and patients to an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants. Patients should be monitored for worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Rexulti must be dispensed with a patient Medication Guide that describes important information about the drug’s uses and risks.

The most common side effects reported by participants taking Rexulti in clinical trials included weight gain and an inner sense of restlessness, such as feeling the need to move.

Rexulti is manufactured by Tokyo-based Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company Ltd.

Sources:

http://www.fda.gov

https://www.rexulti.com

Click to access 205422s000lbl.pdf