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7 early signs of inflammatory bowel disease

7 early signs of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a term that describes two common disorders of the intestinal tract, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. These conditions cause inflammation in the intestines. While Crohn’s disease may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, ulcerative colitis may affect any part of the large intestine. Several early signs indicate inflammatory bowel disease, and one should speak to a healthcare expert for immediate diagnosis and management.

Pain in the stomach
One might develop pain in the stomach or experience abdominal discomfort occasionally. The symptoms may surface because one’s digestive system has not agreed with certain foods or because of a stomach infection. But if these symptoms persist and continue to worsen over time, it could signal an inflammatory bowel disease flare. If left untreated, these symptoms could get worse and affect one’s daily lifestyle. One must report unusual pain in the stomach to their healthcare provider for quick diagnosis and treatment.

Nausea and vomiting
Sometimes, one might experience signs like nausea and vomiting after eating. While there can be various causes behind this, it could indicate the onset of inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn’s disease may lead to long-term inflammation that may cause a stricture – narrowing in the small intestine that may lead to a blockage over time. A stricture may prevent food from traveling through the digestive tract, which triggers nausea and vomiting. The stricture may develop gradually, and patients might not realize they suffer from a type of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s, for years. But if the signs worsen suddenly, it could mean the stricture has narrowed, and one will require immediate healthcare attention, including surgery.

Rectal bleeding
Blood in the stool, or rectal bleeding, is never a normal sign. An individual with an inflammatory bowel should know that bleeding in ulcerative colitis may arise from the lining of the rectum or large intestine and will be visible in the stool. It typically comes from ulcers that have developed in the lining of the rectum. In the case of Crohn’s disease, complications in the colon or rectum are likely to trigger the symptoms.

Stool urgency
Another common early sign of inflammatory bowel disease is stool urgency. Explosive, urgent stool volume that could affect one’s quality of life is a common indicator of worsening condition. The symptom might require one to use the toilet often to relieve themselves, even if the individual is in between important tasks. Stool urgency might even wake one up in the middle of the night or keep one awake through the night, which might affect one’s sleep schedule. Getting the symptoms checked and initiating a treatment plan could help prevent further complications.

Rashes and joint pain
Persistent lower back pain, discomfort in the wrist or knees, and red patches on the skin are potential early signs of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Rashes and joint pain are signs that inflammation linked to IBD may have spread outside the intestine.  But,  these signs could also  be the result of  certain other health conditions. A healthcare expert may suggest a colonoscopy to determine the presence of IBD or rule it out.

Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most reported symptoms by IBD patients. They generally experience a sense of tiredness, exhaustion, and lack of energy. These symptoms may also persist in patients after  a good amount of  rest at night. Fatigue might be the cause of the body’s response to inflammation. Chemical signals produced during inflammation may act directly on the brain, which results in a general lack of energy and tiredness. Moreover, people with IBD may not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues, which could also trigger such signs.

Gas and bloating
Signs like gas and bloating are concerning for several individuals with IBD. Bloating is when the stomach feels swollen following a meal. Everyone has gas in their system because of eating food, swallowing air, or drinking. But, in IBD complications like Crohn’s disease, the food may sometimes not get absorbed properly by the small intestine. As a result, the undigested food may reach the colon, and the bacteria that is supposed to help digest the food may produce more gas. Some people with Crohn’s disease are also lactose intolerant, which could make it difficult for them to digest lactose . So, when they intake something that contains lactose, it could produce gas.

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4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don't have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother's body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.  Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies. However, avoid bananas if you have allergies, a bout of cough and cold, or diabetes. Mothers can eat bananas after any meal or even add them to smoothies or pancakes as part of a meal. Fatty fish Fatty fish are naturally rich in vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Fish like salmon and sardines are one of the few food sources of vitamin D, which is essential for mothers and their infants. A deficiency of vitamin D in infants, though uncommon now, can lead to weak and deformed bones. These fish also contain DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid essential for an infant's brain and heart development. DHA can be naturally found in breast milk if a mother eats fatty fish, eggs, or red meat. Omega-3 acids can also help in preventing postpartum depression. Mothers can choose from freshly caught fish, buy from verified farms, or use canned salmon. However, ensure that you have salmon or sardines twice a week to get its benefits and increase the production of breastmilk production. Homemade stock Soups and broths are wholesome and satisfying meals for nursing mothers. The most significant advantage of broths or soups is you can make large quantities and freeze them. The first three months can be hectic for new moms, which is why broths are perfect. They are nutritious, time savers, and can instantly replenish nutrients and strength. Mothers can use the bones and cartilage of chicken or lamb for meat broths. However, slow-cook them as the soup will have time to absorb all the nutrients and minerals from the meat and bones.  On the other hand, vegetarian mothers can make soups and broths of various vegetables and lentils. Bell pepper, carrots, celery stalks, french beans, lentils, mung, cottage cheese, and peas are ideal ingredients for vegetarian soups. Broths and soups can also help deal with postpartum depression and help regain bone density. It can also help reduce joint pain and strengthen joints right after childbirth. Leafy green vegetables It is widely known that green leafy vegetables contain multiple nutrients like vitamin A, C, E, and K, fiber, minerals, calcium, and antioxidants. Spinach has a high concentration of phytoestrogens and iron. When a nursing mom increases the intake of spinach, it raises the estrogen level and helps stimulate milk production. Phytoestrogens also help in regulating and reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They are low on calories; hence, you do not have to worry about gaining weight. One serving of green leafy vegetables daily is the recommended quantity for nursing moms.  Mothers can also eat broccoli and Swiss Chard, which are high in calcium and iron. The daily calcium requirement for nursing moms is about 1,300 milligrams a day. Kale or collard greens also can supply about 20% of the daily calcium requirement. Moms can also have milk and yogurt to ensure they receive the necessary supply of calcium. They can add greens to salads, smoothies, soups, or casseroles. Cigna breast pump Cigna is a global health service company that offers health, pharmacy, dental and supplemental insurance, and Medicare plans. You can get 100% of Cigna's insurance for hospital-grade and standard electric breast pumps with a prescription from your physician, midwife, or nurse practitioner. Cigna also covers the cost of renting a heavy-duty hospital-grade breast pump if a standard breast pump fails. Elvie Free Elvie, one of the brands covered by Cigna with a doctor's prescription, has introduced a revolutionary, silent wearable breast pump that women can discretely fit in their clothes. It is a wireless breast pump that can be operated through a smartphone. This easy-to-use pump can be used confidently and without any hassle. Since it is silent, it can be used anywhere without any disturbance or the need for privacy. Moreover, there are no tubes or pipes. It consists of five easy-to-assemble and clean components that make pumping clean and safe. If you're a new mother who wants to try out breast pumps, give this a try after consulting a doctor. 

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8 signs of high blood pressure

High blood pressure (HBP), or hypertension, occurs when the pressure in blood vessels is excessively high. While the condition is common, the lack of treatment could worsen the complication. Most people with hypertension may not experience symptoms for years, even if the pressure is very high. That’s why one must get blood pressure checked to determine the condition. In some cases, one might notice telltale signs indicating the presence of high blood pressure. Severe headaches People with high blood pressure may experience headaches because it affects the blood-brain barrier. Excessive blood pressure may result in additional pressure on the brain, leading to blood leakage from the blood vessels in the organ. The leak causes swelling, which applies further pressure on the brain, consequently triggering severe headaches. Brain fog In addition to severe headaches, an individual at risk of high blood pressure might also experience brain fog. Excessive pressure on the brain during a phase of hypertension might result in reduced or no oxygen supply to the brain. If left unchecked, the lack of proper oxygen supply could cause brain fog symptoms, including trouble focusing, forgetfulness, difficulty learning, and problems retaining memory. Dizziness An individual might feel dizzy for several reasons, including dehydration, exhaustion, or due to various health complications. In some cases, one might experience this symptom due to high blood pressure. It may also occur as a symptom of a specific form of high blood pressure known as pulmonary hypertension. This is a condition where increased pressure on blood vessels occurs in the lungs. As a result, the heart might work harder to pump blood through the narrow vessels to get oxygen into the lungs, leading to symptoms like dizziness. Red spots on the eye A red spot on the eye may occur when blood collects under the conjunctiva because of a subconjunctival hemorrhage. The symptom occurs when blood leaks between the layers of the eye, resulting in bright red patches over the white parts of the eye. While it might occur without identifiable causes, experts may associate it with the onset of high blood pressure. Changes in vision One of the most common symptoms of high blood pressure that is left unchecked is vision change. In the long run, hypertension may squeeze off blood flow and damage the blood vessels. As a result, fluid might build up under the retina and cause one to lose focus on objects. Moreover, the obstacle could also distort one’s vision and result in complete loss of sight. An individual who experiences this sign or any other symptoms of high blood pressure must see a healthcare professional immediately. Trouble sleeping People with high blood pressure might experience symptoms such as trouble falling asleep. The condition occurs when the force of blood pumping through the veins is high. The process applies additional pressure on the blood vessels and causes symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, and headaches. All the signs might keep one up at night, making it difficult to get adequate sleep. Furthermore, the relationship between sleep and high blood pressure is intertwined. When one sleeps, the body naturally lowers blood pressure and regulates the hormones that control the process. The lack of sleep may prevent these functions from following through and lead to elevated hormones over time, which could worsen blood pressure levels. Nosebleeds Experts believe that high blood pressure is not the only cause of nosebleeds. But one might notice the symptom when blood pressure gets excessively high, damaging the blood vessels in the nose, which leads to bleeding. Nosebleeds can also be caused by injuries or other underlying health conditions. That’s why one must get the symptoms diagnosed by a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause. Back pain An individual might experience back pain because of several reasons, including hypertension. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body that carries blood from the heart to other regions like the abdomen, legs, and arms. It passes through the heart and branches out into multiple capillaries to various organs in the body. High blood pressure may damage the walls of the arteries. So when these walls become weak, the artery may balloon in size, causing severe back pain, which could worsen with time if left untreated.

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