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When we think of electrolytes, it's often in the form of a bottle of a sports' energy drink after a hard workout or drinking a rehydration beverage when we're sick. Those are great methods for hydration, but keeping your electrolytes balanced is also a way to support your heart's health and well-being. Here are five electrolytes that have been shown to boost heart health—no blue liquid required: Calcium regulates and maintains heart rhythm and blood pressure. Foods high in calcium include dairy, dark le...
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The CDC reports that over 34 million American adults have diabetes. High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can cause long-term health complications like cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, gum infections and even eye problems. Hyperglycemia can also damage blood vessels, thereby increasing the likelihood of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Because 1 in 3 adults have pre-diabetes (most of which don't know it), we all can benefit from lower glucose levels to help lose weight, reduce blood pressure...
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The decision to have bariatric weight loss surgery doesn't happen overnight. The process leading up to surgery may begin more than a year before your surgery date, and there are essential steps you must take to prepare for the procedure. This includes trying to lose weight through an established diet and exercise program and undergoing both physical and mental health evaluations to ensure you're a candidate for bariatric surgery. You should also talk to your primary care doctor about having weight loss ...
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Sometimes we refer to people as made of sugar, spice and everything nice. Or so sweet that they might melt if it rains. But saccharine jokes aside, you may want to check your blood sugar. Approximately 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes, and as many as 95% of those people suffer from type 2. The CDC also reports that there's a rising trend in diabetes among young people, which could lead to a 700% spike in type 2 and a 65% increase in type 1 cases by 2060. When your blood sugar levels are higher than norma...
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The first thing that comes to mind for many when they hear diabetes is sugar. While sugar plays a big part in this disease, there's much more to this chronic condition. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, meaning it affects how the body breaks down food to create energy through insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Food is converted into glucose when you eat. As the amount of glucose in the blood rises, beta cells in the pancreas trigger insulin release. This hormone acts like a key, unlocking and ...
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More than 50 million Americans battle allergies each year—and pollen produced by trees, grasses and weeds is frequently the cause. While pollen is harmless to some, the immune system of someone allergic releases antibodies to eliminate what it perceives as a danger. The histamines released during that process cause your eyes, nose and throat to swell, itch and produce mucus. Even if you know all about pollen, you may not know the best ways to combat it. Avoid these common spring allergy mistakes that ca...
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You're going about your day, working, exercising or spending time with family, when all of a sudden you feel a sharp, stabbing pain in your abdomen. You've been nauseated and haven't had much of an appetite all day. If you've ever felt this way, don't just dismiss it as something simple as overeating.These are all signs that you have appendicitis or inflammation of the appendix. Appendicitis occurs due to infection, parasites or when the tube that joins your large intestine and appendix is blocked by tr...
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Maybe your significant other teases you about how cold your hands (or feet) are. Or perhaps you must wear socks whether it's winter or not, and you're still chilly no matter how many hot beverages you drink. If that sounds like you, maybe it's time to figure out if there's a reason why you are so cold. There could be a medical reason you're feeling physically frigid and ways to treat the root of the matter, such as: Problem #1: Low Body Weight If you have a BMI of 18.5 or less or are 15% or more below t...
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In years past, consuming protein may have conjured images of Arnold Schwarzenegger types flexing on Muscle Beach. But now, you’re probably seeing ads for protein-based products everywhere—including shakes, oats or bars. So, what’s with the sudden push toward protein? Everyone needs it. Protein is a building block for your body that helps build and repair muscle, balance hormones, regulate metabolism, boost immunity and make you feel fuller for longer. Protein also can keep hair and skin healthy and stro...
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In February, we often think about Valentine's, love, and our feelings about our partners, siblings and close friends. It's no surprise because those are the people who make us feel young at heart. A study in American Psychologist reports social connections help us live longer, lower our risk for heart disease and boost our immunities. Feeling young at heart is good, but certain risk factors may actually be aging your heart beyond its calendar years. Do you know your heart's real age? ...
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