Pros and cons of online therapy to consider

Pros and cons of online therapy to consider

Technological advancements have more than a handful of benefits to offer, including the possibility of teletherapy, also known as online therapy. It uses web-based applications to provide patients with the therapy and counseling they require. One can address their mental health issues and seek guidance without having to spend time commuting. Several types of therapies are available online, but before choosing, one must consider the pros and cons of the service. Advantages of online therapy sessions Efficiency There have been studies that suggest online therapy sessions may be just as effective as in-person sessions. Different types of mental health conditions were researched, and it was found that there was minimal difference in positive patient outcomes. Consequently, online therapy sessions are a preferable option to having no sessions at all. Furthermore, patients do not have to worry about any social stigma while seeking the care they need. Accessibility Online therapy sessions are more accessible than in-person sessions. People who are home-bound due to various reasons can easily schedule a session and get access to the treatment they need. Moreover, it can be more convenient to receive therapy sessions from a distant professional who would otherwise be unavailable. Convenience In most cases, online therapy sessions are more affordable and convenient for patients.
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10 early signs of ulcerative colitis to not ignore

10 early signs of ulcerative colitis to not ignore

The digestive system performs several indispensable functions, from helping the body absorb food nutrients to filtering out waste  from the body .  That’s why any issues related to digestion should be addressed promptly.  Classified as an inflammatory bowel disease , ulcerative colitis is a health condition in which the colon’s lining becomes inflamed, with ulcers developing in this area. While ulcerative colitis may be painful and uncomfortable, detecting its early signs can help with quick recovery. Signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis Abdominal pain The large intestine becomes inflamed among people with ulcerative colitis, causing pain in the left abdomen or the rectum. If the inflammation is severe, the pain is more excruciating than that in  case  of mild inflammation. Frequent gurgling or splashing sounds from the stomach It’s normal to hear  a rumble from the belly when one is hungry, but those with ulcerative colitis may experience this symptom quite frequently.  Gurgling or splashing sounds from the stomach may mean the gastrointestinal tract is overly active. People with ulcerative colitis who have this symptom may also develop diarrhea, bloating, and other digestive problems. Fever When one has ulcerative colitis, they may develop fever as a reaction to the inflammation caused by the condition.  Those with ulcerative colitis may have a low-grade but persistent fever.  And  when such fever is accompanied by other ulcerative colitis symptoms, it may  be an indicator of  the condition.
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Brain booster supplements – What they are and their benefits

Brain booster supplements – What they are and their benefits

Brain booster supplements are treatment options given to clients by healthcare professionals. Although research in neuroscience is still in the early stages, some evidence suggests that these supplements can have positive effects for users. People need to gain a deeper understanding of brain booster supplements before evaluating their pros and cons. Numerous ongoing research studies have found that the pros will likely outweigh the cons of these supplements more often than not. What are brain booster supplements? Like other nutritional foods and prescription-based health treatment options, brain booster supplements comprise several constituent components and nutrients that enable them to improve brain functionality and enhance health. Some of the components of these solutions include: Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids form a massive part of brain booster supplements. These acids are sourced from fatty fish, plant sources like walnuts and flaxseeds, and shellfish. These acids are critical for heart health, and their benefits help improve brain function in human beings. Arguably, the biggest plus point of these acids is their anti-inflammatory properties. These components help reduce inflammation in various parts of the body, including one’s brain, and reduce risks of brain-related issues like migraines.  Due to the myriad benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, these components are regularly featured in the best foods lists in healthcare clinics everywhere.
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Foods and habits that can worsen arthritis

Foods and habits that can worsen arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes painful and swollen joints. It is also categorized by the presence of signs like soreness and stiffness of the joints. Feet, hands, wrists, and knees are some of the most commonly affected areas of the body. Treatment options often aim to reduce the inflammation and pain caused by the condition. It has been found that natural remedies, and healthy eating habits, show greater results. Treatment options: TREMFYA® Tremfya® belongs to the class of compounds known as monoclonal antibodies. Its mode of action is based on blocking a compound called interleukin-23. The body naturally produces interleukin-23 and is blocked by guselkumab present in TREMFYA®. It is essential in the prevention of frequent inflammation and the reduction of swelling. These are two of the most common symptoms seen in arthritis patients. It is administered as an injection, preferably by a trained professional. Some common side effects of TREMFYA® include gastroenteritis, skin infections, headaches, and more. ACTEMRA® Actemra® is a rheumatoid arthritis treatment option that contains tocilizumab as its primary ingredient. It is generally prescribed to patients with moderate to severe arthritic symptoms. Actemra® works by blocking the IL-6 compounds responsible for the body’s inflammatory response to triggers.
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5 foods to avoid when dealing with bronchitis

5 foods to avoid when dealing with bronchitis

Bronchitis is an illness brought on by inflamed bronchial tubes—the airways to your lungs. These tubes become swollen, making it harder for air to pass through and causing breathing issues, throat pain, and cough. Along with the doctor’s prescribed treatment, one can make certain lifestyle changes to deal with the condition, such as limiting and avoiding food items that could hurt the health of the lungs. Some foods one should avoid are: 1. Red Meat Red meat is difficult to digest, and when one is affected by respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis, digestion is already slower than usual. So, it could take up to 3–4 times longer to digest this heavy food item. A slow digestive system could result in inflammation and obstruction in the respiratory system, which can cause pain in the throat, persistent cough, and breathing issues. Additionally, a 2017 study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition discovered that the consumption of processed and red meats is connected with inflammatory indicators in both men and women. 2. Excessive salt In people with lung disease, excess sodium induces fluid retention, which can result in breathlessness. Even though table salt is the most popular source of sodium, the majority of our daily sodium intake comes from the food we eat.
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Food items to be ignored when diagnosed with hyperkalemia

Food items to be ignored when diagnosed with hyperkalemia

Potassium is an integral mineral that keeps your nervous and cardiovascular systems functioning. However, excess of it can result in conditions such as hyperkalemia. If your potassium levels are high, you might need to review your food intake to manage this condition effectively. High potassium levels in the body over a prolonged period can lead to serious health complications. Here is a list of food items to be avoided if you are diagnosed with hyperkalemia. Dried apricots Dried apricots are very high in potassium and must be avoided at all costs. Half a cup of dried apricot contains 755.3 milligrams of potassium. There are other dried fruits too which are rich in this mineral and should also be avoided. Half a cup of prunes has about 700 milligrams of this element, whereas the same quantity of raisins has 618 milligrams of potassium. Beans and lentils Food items such as beans may seem like a good option for energy and minerals but they can likely be harmful for consumption to a person diagnosed with hyperkalemia. For example, just a handful of canned kidney beans might contain about 607 milligrams of potassium and, thus, should be avoided. However, you can reduce the effects of potassium in beans by soaking uncooked beans overnight and rinsing them thoroughly before cooking.
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5 skincare mistakes that cause premature aging

5 skincare mistakes that cause premature aging

Achieving a youthful glow is a dream for most of us. Even though you might be using the best anti-aging creams, a few small mistakes in your skincare routine could be sabotaging the whole process, leading to premature wrinkles and fine lines. Shocking, right? The key to attaining that smoother, firmer-looking skin is to pay attention to the details. Here are 5 skincare mistakes that you need to stop doing now! 5 skincare mistakes that cause premature aging Stepping out without sunscreen The most overlooked anti-aging skincare procedure is applying sunscreen before you step out of the house. The damage caused by the harsh UV rays of the sun and free radicals is the primary reason for premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and even for every other severe skin disease. So, always slather sunscreen with SPF 30 or above, and reapply it every two hours or more, especially if you engage in swimming and other outdoor activities. In addition, use a hat whenever you step out of the house because it can offer an extra layer of protection against the scorching heat and UV rays. Sleeping with makeup on Sleeping with makeup is a very bad habit as it not only clogs your pores and results in acne breakouts and skin irritation but also expedites the aging process.
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Foods to avoid for managing multiple sclerosis symptoms

Foods to avoid for managing multiple sclerosis symptoms

Multiple sclerosis is a prevalent health condition that affects the central nervous system. It occurs when the immune system destroys the protective covering of the nerve. Health researchers do not know what exactly causes this to happen, but it is often attributed to immune, genetic, and environmental factors. Nutrition also plays an important role. Some foods are said to trigger or worsen the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and lead to complications. Sugar Too much sugar can lead to lifestyle disorders like diabetes. It can also cause kidney damage, a rapid heartbeat, vision problems, and other issues. Further, high amounts of sugar may contribute to nerve damage, which is already common in those with multiple sclerosis. Therefore, patients must closely watch their sugar intake and reduce its use in meals to prevent complications. Sometimes, extra sugar can lead to frequent ups and downs in blood sugar levels, increasing fatigue. A few sweet items to avoid are chocolates, candy, cookies, and sweetened beverages. It may take some time to put an end to the craving for these foods, but one must make a conscious effort. Saturated fats Foods with saturated fats like beef, pork, palm oil, and full-fat dairy can severely impact neurological health over the years.
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Foods to avoid for managing multiple sclerosis

Foods to avoid for managing multiple sclerosis

The National MS Society describes multiple sclerosis (MS) as an immune-mediated condition in which the body’s immune response targets the central nervous system (CNS). Most of us know that eating some meals can help us stay healthier, while eating others can harm our well-being. The food one eats may matter considerably more if one has multiple sclerosis. The following is a list of things that one may wish to cut out of their daily meals. Dairy products In addition to saturated fat, dairy products also include proteins that could be harmful to some MS patients. It is important to ensure that one is receiving enough calcium, protein, and vitamin D from other nutritional sources if trying to avoid dairy products to see if it improves MS symptoms. Compared to dairy milk, soy, almond, and cashew milk contain more calcium, making them suitable substitutes, particularly if one suspects they may be lactose intolerant. Sugar Simple sugars should be avoided since they can cause a blood sugar imbalance. According to research, MS patients who frequently consume sugar-sweetened foods and beverages experience more severe symptoms and a higher level of disability than MS patients who rarely eat or drink anything with added sugar.
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8 avoidable foods for those with schizophrenia

8 avoidable foods for those with schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a progressive mental illness that often first manifests in adolescence. Its defining characteristics include a wide range of severe psychiatric symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, accompanying jumbled ideas, social withdrawal, and paranoia. What one eats affects their mental health, even though hereditary and environmental variables are known to play an undeniable role. Taking precautions to avoid these food items to deal with this mental condition is always worthwhile. Carbohydrate-rich foods Schizophrenia patients have shown some success with symptom relief from a ketogenic meal plan, i.e., low carbs, moderate proteins, and high fats. The “carb flu,” on the other hand, is a regular occurrence for those making the switch to a low-carb meal – symptoms worsen before they improve. Artificial sweeteners Using artificial sweeteners instead of sugar in desserts is not the solution one thinks it is. Artificial sweetener use has been associated with mental health issues, albeit the precise cause remains unknown. Artificial sweeteners have little nutritional value and increase sugar intake rather than decrease it, which might lead to overuse. Therefore, resisting the need to eat sugar without artificial sweeteners may be more advantageous. The natural sugar in fruits might satisfy one’s cravings, but one should only do that occasionally.
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