Sugar is an incredibly common ingredient; people enjoy its use in cakes, sodas, and more. However, it isn’t uncommon for the ingredient to adversely affect our overall health, especially if one is at risk of diabetes. Consuming excess amounts of sugar may lead to a range of problems, including those with the digestive system. Thus, here are eight early warning signs that may indicate complications with gastrointestinal health due to too much sugar intake. Bloating People may experience bloating for various reasons, including swallowing air when they chew on foods like gum, overeating, and even menstruation. However, one may also experience this symptom if they consume too much sugar. While absorbing water is the primary job of the large intestine, too much sugar may draw water from the intestine or prevent its absorption. As a result, one may feel bloating or heaviness in the gut. This symptom should be checked by an expert, especially if it persists. Gas Another common symptom that most individuals may experience is gas. When an individual consumes too many sugar-rich foods, the body might not be able to break down the excessive amount of sugar. As a result, the food may lie around in the large intestine, where it ferments.

Excessive sugar intake has far-reaching effects on the body, including the development of diabetic neuropathy. Understanding and recognizing the signs and symptoms of this condition are crucial for early detection and effective management. Exploring the various signs of diabetic neuropathy helps empower one to address them proactively. From tingling and numbness in the extremities to digestive issues, sexual dysfunction, and even cognitive impairment, it is important to delve into each sign in detail. Tingling and numbness in extremities One of the earliest signs of diabetic neuropathy is the sensation of tingling and numbness in the extremities. High blood sugar levels can damage the nerves responsible for transmitting sensory signals, resulting in abnormal sensations in the hands, feet, legs, and arms. If one experiences a “pins and needles” feeling or a loss of sensation, monitoring these changes and promptly seeking professional advice is essential. Burning sensation and pain Diabetic neuropathy can also cause persistent burning sensations or pain in the affected areas. The damaged nerves may send faulty signals to the brain, leading to constant feelings of heat or aching discomfort. This pain can be particularly bothersome at night, disrupting sleep and affecting the overall quality of life. Recognizing and addressing these sensations early on is key to managing diabetic neuropathy effectively.

Regarded as the brain’s processing center, the central nervous system (CNS) governs various activities, including the regulation of breathing, heart rate, body temperature, sensory information processing, and motor signals. It is the brain’s lifeline, carrying out several essential functions. Studies have linked excessive sugar intake to the damage of the brain’s blood vessels, causing brain atrophy and vascular dementia. Keep reading to know more about the impact of high sugar levels on the nervous system. Memory An overindulgence in sugary foods can considerably slow down cognitive functioning and cause memory problems. It can also increase the risk of mental health disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease among the elderly. Studies have demonstrated that when consumed in high amounts, sugar causes the release of the stress hormone called cortisol in the body, which can cause problems with memory. Consuming too much sugar over a period of time affects faculties like spatial and object-recognition memory. Attention A high intake of sugar triggers the release of dopamine, which can cause one to become fidgety and inattentive. The instant boost of energy one typically experiences after a sweet treat is temporary, and it is typically followed by a drop in glucose levels, leading to a lack of focus.

Cancer that begins in the large intestine is known as colon cancer. Although it can affect people of any age, it occurs more frequently in older adults. Symptoms for colon cancer may not appear until the disease progresses to the second stage or later. However, recognizing some early warning signs can help with the early diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer. Treatments for this condition will vary by the stage and type of colon cancer. Signs and symptoms of colon cancer Stage 0 This is the earliest stage of colon cancer, where the abnormal cells are only noticed in the lining of the colon. It is also known as carcinoma in situ. Most people may not notice any symptoms during this stage of cancer. However, some early warning signs to watch out for include: Narrow ribbon-like stools Rectal bleeding that is bright or dark red Tenesmus, or a feeling of heaviness or having to pass stool, but nothing passes Anemia Persistent abdominal pain Stage 1 By this stage, the cancer has penetrated the lining of the colon or rectum and affected the muscle. However, it has not yet reached the lymph nodes or other body parts. Common symptoms one may notice during this stage include:

Colon cancer refers to cancerous polyps developing in the rectum or colon in the lower part of the digestive tract. Individuals with colon cancer may experience abdominal pain, changes in their bowel movement patterns, diarrhea or constipation, and the feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation. Surgery, radiofrequency ablation, and chemotherapy are among the commonly prescribed treatment options for this condition. Further, incorporating certain foods into one’s meal plan can help with the healing process. Superfoods to manage colon cancer Beans Beans are rich in flavonoids, compounds with several antioxidant properties that prevent colon cancer from spreading. They are also packed with fiber and vitamins B and E and can help replenish the body with essential nutrients. It helps to include different types of beans, including black beans, soybeans, kidney beans, lentils, peas, and pinto beans, in one’s meals while healing from cancer. Fatty fish Fatty or oily fish varieties, including salmon, swordfish, tuna, and mackerel, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids associated with anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids inhibit cancer progression and increase survival chances. Moreover, they contain high levels of vitamin D, which have also been shown to reduce mortality rates among patients. Broccoli Broccoli is a great source of sulforaphane, a phytochemical associated with cancer-fighting properties.

Sleep is a vital and fundamental biological process that contributes to maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle. However, sleep often takes a backseat in today’s hustle and bustle, which can lead to several side effects that affect physical, mental, and emotional health. Let’s look at some of these side effects and their significant role in leading a healthy lifestyle. Always consult a doctor about any severe side effects of sleep deprivation. Here are a few side effects of sleep deprivation: Cognitive impairment There is plenty of research suggesting a link between cognitive health and sleep. Studies suggest that short-term cognitive impacts on sleep include feeling groggy, fatigued, and drowsy. But other side effects are also studied, like how poor sleep can reduce a person’s attention span, affecting their processing and learning abilities. Slowed-down thinking and reaction time are also associated with a lack of sleep.Some long-term side effects of poor sleep are cognitive decline, memory issues, and dementia. REM sleep is crucial for a well-rested night because REM sleep is believed to help boost procedural memory in the brain. This means that it can help recall the sequence of steps in general. These sequences help keep the memory of things and daily life intact.

Ovarian cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the ovaries, which can spread and harm healthy tissues. There are three types of ovarian cancer: epithelial, stromal, and germ-cell tumors. Although the disease’s exact cause is unknown, experts suggest that age, genetics, endometriosis, and postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy are potential risk factors. It’s essential to be aware of the symptoms and treatment options available to identify and manage this condition. Signs Detecting ovarian cancer can be challenging since its symptoms can be similar to other health issues. To help identify the disease, here are some signs to watch out for. Abdominal pain One may experience abdominal pain for several reasons, including if they suffer from gastrointestinal issues and period cramps. However, it could also indicate the growth of cancer in the ovaries. When a tumor grows in the pelvis, it may cause pain in the lower abdomen. Therefore, one should get the symptoms checked by an expert. Feeling full quickly Ascites is a term for extra fluid buildup inside the abdomen, in the space between the organs. If someone develops cancer, the affected cells are usually found inside the additional fluid (malignant ascites). The buildup of ascites makes one feel swollen, bloated, or tight in the abdomen.

A pump is a great tool for every breastfeeding mom. It gives you the flexibility to provide breastmilk to your baby even when you need to be away for some time. Or when your baby is not latching. Thus, pumping makes a mom’s life a little easier. At the same time, the pumping process can be frustrating and uncomfortable. However, making a few changes to your process or learning new techniques makes a lot of difference. Here are a few common pumping mistakes and ways to rectify them. Not using hands-free pumping bras If you are exclusively pumping and not nursing, it can keep you occupied for a significant amount of time daily. So you may end up sitting there holding your bra in place for almost two hours. Whether you wish to multitask or relax by scrolling through your phone or reading a book, you won’t be able to. The time you spend pumping will be completely blocked by this activity. What you can do Purchase a couple of hands-free pumping bras. These will make things easier for you. With your hands free, you can multitask while you are pumping. While buying these bras, make sure what your requirements are.

Sleep is one of the most essential restful activities for the body, and this activity must lead to relaxation and refreshment. Neck and spine pain can be triggered if you do not sleep in a proper position, so follow some tips and tricks to avoid neck and spine pain. Read more about the causes of neck pain and the best dos and don’ts of sleeping positions that help with neck and spine pain. Causes for neck pain during sleep Some of the reasons why you may be experiencing neck pain during sleep include the following: Stress: Due to psychological stress, tension can arise in the neck muscles. They can get stiff and, in some cases, even inflamed. Due to the tension, the recovery slows, making the pain last longer. Poor support: Insufficient support for the neck during sleep can trigger neck and spine pain. That is why it is crucial to have the proper support during sleep. Poor posture: Sitting on a desk for hours can lead to bad posture. Not just computer screens but carrying heavy grocery bags without proper support and sitting in one position for too long are some reasons the neck and back muscles can get affected.

Long-term exposure to daily-use cleaners, dishwashing soaps, air fresheners, and other aerosol products harms lung health, mainly because these products contain irritants and volatile organic compounds that cause allergies in the lungs. There is a potential risk of lung disease, asthma, MAC disease, and common chronic obstructive pulmonary disease developing due to long-term exposure. So, it’s crucial to check the label of the following household items before buying them and practice caution while using them. Air fresheners Room and air fresheners are not just used in homes but also in offices, malls, and many other public places, which means one can be continually exposed to the product in and outside their living space. While the purpose of air fresheners is to keep odor at bay, several ingredients in the air freshener can cause harm to health. Fresheners are known to have volatile organic compounds and release harmful gasses in the air that are eventually inhaled by people in the room, increasing their risk of developing respiratory issues. Some of the known chemicals in such products include formaldehyde, benzene, and phthalates which can cause issues like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty in breathing when inhaled. Here is a list of ingredients that one will usually find in air fresheners and a look at how they can potentially harm the lungs: