We often forget to take note of things that could cause a spike in blood pressure levels like sleep apnea, ;high sugar intake, among others.

What Are The Things That Could Spike Your Blood Pressure Levels?

Potassium is one of the seven essential macrominerals found in a variety of foods, including legumes, fish, and leafy vegetables. The mineral plays a vital role in various body functions, such as regulating water balance, heart functioning, and muscle contractions.

Potassium deficiency can lead to weakness, ;fatigue, and constipation. It is therefore important that you include potassium-rich foods in your daily ;diet.

However, keep in mind that taking in more than the required amount of potassium can do more harm than good to your body.

How much should you take in and why?

As per the world health organization, the recommended daily intake of potassium for adults is between 3500mg and 4700mg, as it is safe to consume. When taken in recommended measures, a potassium-rich diet can have some impressive benefits on your overall health. It may reduce or prevent a host of health problems.


	
	Lower high blood pressure
	
	
	Helps eliminate salt insensitivity
	
	
	Reduces your chances of getting a ;stroke by 7%
	
	
	Helps prevent osteoporosis and minimizes the risk of bone fractures
	
	
	Alleviates the risk of ;kidney stones
	


Natural foods are the best source of this mineral. However, you may also turn to supplements, as per your healthcare provider s recommendation.

How much is too much?

Despite its health benefits, potassium should be consumed within the prescribed limit. Going overboard can cause excess potassium to be stored in your blood, and your kidneys may not be able to filter the excess amount   this condition could possibly lead to hyperkalemia. If your potassium levels are between 5.1mmol/l and 6.0mmol/l, you might be at risk of hyperkalemia. Higher than 6.0mmol/l level is considered dangerous   you will need to monitor and manage the condition in order to avoid the risk.

Potassium is essential for bodily functions. A healthy diet and overall eating patterns are important for maintaining good health and keeping illnesses at bay. Be sure to meet your recommended daily intake and avoid exceeding 4700mg of potassium daily. If you are looking to include supplements, talk to your doctor and make sure you stick to the prescribed dosage.

How Safe Is Potassium For Your Health?

Urinary tract infections (uti) can occur anywhere in the urinary system   the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureter. Most of these infections affect the lower part of the urinary system   urethra and the bladder.

An infection ;confined to the bladder can be frustrating and painful. You may experience pain during urination, and pus or blood in the urine. However, the condition becomes worse if the infection spreads to the upper part of the urinary system, particularly to the kidneys, triggering nausea, ;vomiting, and severe pain in the back.

If uti is left untreated, it can potentially lead to kidney damage   a condition known as pyelonephritis.

How does untreated uti affect the kidneys?

Untreated urinary tract infections can cause the kidneys to swell up and damage them permanently. The infections initially begin in the lower tract of your urinary system. Then the bacteria slowly enter your body through the urethra and begin multiplying and spreading up to the bladder. The bacteria eventually travel to your kidneys through the ureters.

Some people are at higher risk for kidney damage due to urinary tract infections. This includes  


	
	Pregnant women
	
	
	Elderly people
	
	
	People with kidney problems
	
	
	Someone with a weak immune system
	


Signs to watch out for

An untreated infection in the bladder that has spread to the kidneys is associated with symptoms, such as the following  


	
	Chills and ;fever
	
	
	Vomiting and nausea
	
	
	Pain in either side of your lower back
	


You should visit a doctor right away if you notice the above uti symptoms. The condition requires immediate medical intervention in order to prevent damage to your kidneys.

Symptoms of painful utis can be managed by combining medications and lifestyle remedies. Consult a specialist to diagnose the condition early and seek appropriate treatment to avoid complications.

Untreated Urinary Tract Infections And Kidney Damage: Know The Connection

World sickle cell day is observed annually on the 19th of june to raise awareness of sickle cell-related diseases. It is observed to increase people's knowledge and the understanding required to face the challenges posed by the disease.


 

What is sickle cell disorder (scd)?

Sickle cell disorders or sickle cell diseases are genetic blood disorders that cause an abnormality in the red blood cells. The rbcs turn into sickle-shaped cells that stick together and block the blood flow in the body.


 ;

Types

There are four major classifications of sickle cell diseases-


	
	Hemoglobin ss disease
	
	
	Hemoglobin sc disease
	
	
	Hemoglobin sb+ thalassemia
	
	
	Hemoglobin sb 0 thalassemia
	



 

Symptoms

One can start noticing symptoms of sickle cell in a patient at around 6 years of age. However, they can differ from person to person. Some of the most typical symptoms are-

 ;


	
	Anemia
	


A shortage of red blood cells occurs due to the excessive early dying in 10-20 days. It leads to an oxygen shortage in the body.


	
	Excessive pain
	


Blockage of blood flow due to the change in shape leads to periodic cycles of pain in the body.


	
	Swelling in the body
	


As the blood circulation becomes irregular, swelling becomes a regular phenomenon.


	
	Infections
	


Sickle cell can be damaging to the spleen. It increases the risk of ailments in the body that can be prevented only by antibiotics.


	
	Delayed puberty
	


Oxygen and nutrients carried by the blood are required for growth. As a reason, irregular blood flow can lead to slow growth or delay in puberty.


	
	Vision issues
	


Infected blood vessels carrying blood to the eyes can cause damage to the retina. It can lead to visual problems.


 

Traits and treatment

As sickle cell is genetic, it is suggested to take a test that can detect any trait of the disease. It can prevent any life-threatening risks to the newborn. However, we don't have a complete cure for sickle cell disorders. There are preventive measures that reduce the adversity of the disease to an extent. Procedures like blood transfusions help greatly in minimizing the effects of the disorder.

World Sickle Cell Day: Know All About Sickle Cell Disease

Hepatitis is a medical condition that occurs when an infected person's liver gets inflamed. There are several reasons that can result in hepatitis, including viral infections, heavy alcohol abuse, and autoimmune conditions.

 

Mostly, hepatitis is a result of an infection caused by a virus. Such a condition is called viral hepatitis. Today, we will talk about the three most common types of viral hepatitis diseases:

 ;


	
	Hepatitis a
	
	
	Hepatitis b
	
	
	Hepatitis c
	


 

Hepatitis a

Hepatitis a is a result of hepatitis a virus infection in a person and is relatively uncommon.

 ;

Regions, where hepatitis a is more common, are:

 


	
	Africa
	
	
	Asia
	
	
	Central and south america
	
	
	Eastern europe
	


 ;

How it is transmitted

Hepatitis a virus can be present in the fecal matter and blood of an infected person. Hence, it is transmitted via the oral route, involving ingestion of the virus into a person through the feces.

 

Different ways you can get hepatitis a infection are:

 ;


	
	Having in-person contact with a hepatitis a-infected patient
	
	
	Sexual contact with a person who hosts the virus
	
	
	Consuming contaminated food or drink
	
	
	Eating undercooked shellfish
	
	
	Being near contaminated toilets and diaper changing areas
	


 

Hepatitis b

Hepatitis b is caused by the hepatitis b virus.

 ;

Regions, where hepatitis b is more common, are:


	
	Western pacific region
	
	
	African region
	


 

How it is transmitted

You can contract hepatitis b virus through direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of hepatitis b infected person.

 ;

Different ways you can get hepatitis b infection are:

 


	
	Sexual contact with someone with hepatitis b virus infection
	
	
	Sharing injections and other tools
	
	
	Born to hepatitis b infected parent
	
	
	Direct contact with blood of an infected individual
	
	
	Sharing personal belongings and toiletries like razors or nail clippers.
	


 ;

Hepatitis c

Hepatitis c occurs by the infection caused by hepatitis c virus.

 

Regions, where hepatitis c is more common, are:


	
	Eastern mediterranean region
	
	
	European region
	


 ;

How it is transmitted

Hepatitis c virus is spread through blood and other bodily fluids.

 

Different ways you can get hepatitis c infection are:

 ;


	
	Sharing injections
	
	
	Born to hepatitis c mother
	
	
	Sexual contact with an infected person
	
	
	Piercing or tattooing with unsterilized equipment
	
	
	Injuries with needles pr blades
	
	
	Sharing razors, or toothbrushes
	


The A, B and C of Hepatitis

People with sickle cell disease often experience myriad symptoms of the disease that can be controlled by the right nutrition. Reports suggest that nutrition is an increasingly significant factor to prevent symptoms such as slow growth, lower body mass, joint issues, infections, pain crises, and anemia.

There is a greater than the typical requirement for both calories and micronutrients.

The nutritional requirement of a sickle cell patient emphasizes more on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and more similar food items. These can prevent any deficiencies in the body and also decrease any chances of disease exacerbation.

 


	
	High-calorie nutrient-dense diet
	


The usual energy intake in a sickle cell patient is normally lower than the average values. It is a case even when the condition is asymptomatic where the requirement drops to half the level. As a result, people with sickle cell diseases (especially kids) are at higher risk for impaired growth and considerably lesser fat and fat-free mass, with obesity also posing a risk. It is suggested to have adequate energy supplements in the diet to reach the minimum sufficient requirement of the body that can be done only by proper nutritional assessment.


	
	Adequate fluids
	


Avoiding dehydration is another significant factor to avoid any severe symptoms of sickle cell disease. Sickling of the erythrocytes aggravates in patients who perform hardcore physical work in the heat without drinking enough fluids. This leads to dehydration and can even result in constipation.


	
	Micronutrients
	


Micronutrient deficiencies can be found in sickle cell patients up to a great extent. Several vitamins and minerals like vitamin a, b6, c, e, carotenoids, zinc, and magnesium are often found in fewer numbers in scd patients. A significant drop in blood-antioxidant status may result in acute chest syndrome. The supplementation of these vitamins and minerals can reduce the number of sickled cells in the body. Plant phenols and flavonoids may also help in lowering oxidative stress.


	
	Calcium-rich food
	


Getting plenty of calcium-rich food like dairy products, leafy vegetables, cereals, and fruit juices aids the child's growth and development. This may lead to a stronger physical structure and a greater resistance to the disease.


	
	Omega-3 fatty acid
	


There are reduced proportions of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in sickle cell patients. These acids aid the fluidity of red blood cell membranes. As a result, they prevent sickle cell crises. Supplemental docosahexaenoic (dha) and eicosapentaenoic (epa) have shown numerous therapeutic benefits in scd patients.


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Role Of Nutrition In Sickle Cell Disease

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