Potassium is an essential mineral that helps in healthy functioning of your body   it helps in muscle contractions, fluid balance, and nerve signals. Your body receives the required amount of potassium from specific food sources and processes the same. The excess potassium is eliminated from the bloodstream by your kidneys.

Under normal circumstances, your blood levels should be between 3.5meq/l and 5.5meq/l for potassium to carry on these functions. Healthy kidneys play a vital role in keeping the potassium levels in check.

In case your kidneys are unable to remove excess potassium, it may get stored in your blood, leading to a condition known as hyperkalemia.

The link between your kidneys and potassium

The mineral potassium and your kidneys share an intricate relationship. If the levels of potassium in your blood are too high, it can pose a threat to your cardiac condition   leading to a ;heart attack or ;irregular heartbeat.

Hyperkalemia occurs when the kidneys fail to function properly. Your kidneys work to balance the amount of potassium consumed with that, which is eliminated through urine. Your body takes in potassium through the foods and drinks you consume. In the initial stages of your kidney disorder, they may be able to make up for high levels of potassium. However, as your condition worsens, they may be unable to eliminate enough of the mineral from the body.

How to find out if you have high potassium levels

The only way to figure out if your potassium levels are healthy or too elevated is to go for a blood test. The test measures the level of potassium in the bloodstream.

As long as your kidneys are healthy, your potassium levels will be under control. Therefore, if you have hyperkalemia, or if there are chances of you getting it, you may have to cut back on foods that are high in potassium content. Besides, you will have to rely on diuretics and potassium binders.

How Are Kidney And Potassium Connected?

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

While yoga is mainly considered to be a physical process that unites our spiritual conscience, there's more to it. Meditation, prayer, breathwork, and rituals are some self-disciplinary practices that make up the entirety of yoga.

 

Benefits

Apart from physical well-being, yoga also ensures that your overall health gets a boost and you feel rejuvenated. Some scientific benefits of yoga are-

 ;


	
	Increases flexibility
	


Yoga offers many asanas and styles to choose from and almost all of them contribute to improving flexibility. Yoga acts as a catalyst to increase mobility in older people.


	
	Relieves stress
	


Studies suggest that the second most cited reason for people to practice yoga is that it releases stress. Science proves that yoga helps lower the stress and tension levels in individuals.


	
	Boosts mental health
	


Some studies have observed that yoga is an excellent practice to treat major depressive disorder (mdd). Both movement-based and breathing-based yoga therapies are helpful to improve mental health.


	
	Reduces inflammation
	


Reports suggest that yoga reduces inflammation in the body. As a result, it prevents any chronic disease.


	
	Increases strength
	


Some styles and asanas of yoga can also be strength building. Yoga s effectiveness at improving physical strength has been suggested by many reports.


	
	Reduces anxiety
	


There are numerous anxiety disorders that need care such as anxiety disorders, social anxiety, and phobias. Yoga in the form of meditation helps in reducing the symptoms of the same.


	
	Boosts immunity
	


Excessive stress affects your immune system directly. One is more susceptible to diseases if the immunity is weak. As yoga is a proven way to relieve stress and reduce inflammation, it helps the body develop stronger immunity with time.


	
	Improves balance
	


Balance is important for performing daily movements. Yoga has shown considerable progress in improving bodily balance. Being consistent with yoga makes sure that you get long-lasting benefits as well.


	
	Cardiovascular functioning
	


Pranayama or yogic breathing greatly helps numerous systems in the body. Controlled breathing lowers the chances of change in heart rate, stroke, and more.


	
	Improves quality of sleep
	


Yoga improves the quality of sleep. It is also because of the aftereffects of the exercise. However, yoga has some qualities like mental calming and stress relief that allow a sound sleep.


	
	Boosts bone health
	


Isometric contractions in yoga provide a holistic engagement of bones. They also reverse the bone loss related to osteoporosis and osteopenia.


	
	Improves brain functioning
	


Yoga stimulates the functioning of the brain and boosts energy levels. Studies suggest that it can improve executive functioning, mental flexibility, task switching capabilities, and memory.







 

Scientific Benefits Of Yoga

Yoga is a very important part of everyone s life. Yoga is a time tested and natural way to eliminate various diseases and problems with the body as well as the mind. It is antiquated craftsmanship that strengthens the body as well as relaxes the brain with the right dose of mindfulness as well. Yoga tends to stimulate the nervous system and the endocrine, digestive and circulatory systems and improve the functioning of the same.

 

Below mentioned postures affect at least one of these systems, thereby clearing the path for a strong immune system. ;

Shishuasana (child posture): shishuasana is a phenomenal stance that de-congests the abdomen and constructs a superior and stronger immune system.

Setu bandhasana (bridge posture): setu bandhasana opens the heart and enhances the blood flow. It increases the energy in the body to build a strong resistance against pathogens.

Halasana (plow posture): halasana is a pose that requires a backward bend. It discharges white cells in the body and strengthens the immune system.

Bhujangasana (cobra posture): bhujangasana is a mid-section opening posture which discharges white cells that enhance the body s resistance.

Dhanurasana (bow posture): dhanurasana is yet another posture that enhances the flow of white cells by putting weight on the working of the digestive system.

Matsyasana (fish posture): matsyasana stretches the abdomen and chest and strengthens the thymus. This enhances the body's invulnerability level.

Vinyasa adho mukha svanasana (flowing downward facing dog pose): begin with the plank pose, palms lying on the floor just underneath your shoulder and extend the legs backward. The whole body should form a straight line like a board. Taking a full breath, lift your hips off the floor. Hold yourself on the hands and heels. Your head needs to point towards the ground. Take full breaths, two or three times, as you hold the position. Breathe out a deep breath, relax and return to the plank posture. Gradually bring down your body. Slide your hands backward, allowing your palms to rest alongside the chest. Toes need to be in contact with the mat or the floor.

Ayurveda, yoga and meditation are the perfect variables to carry on with a sound life.

 

Yoga Asanas That Can Boost Your Immune System

A brain tumour is a life-threatening situation. Most of the symptoms of the brain tumour are alike, but not all tumours are malignant. The most common type of brain tumour is meningioma. You may even don t need surgery in this case as they are really not dangerous or life-threatening.

 

Here are some of the facts you should know about meningioma:

 ;

Meningioma can develop in numerous locations

 

Cells in the meninges, the lining of the brain and spinal cord, give rise to these tumours. In fact, they are not brain tumours at all, because they are not caused by the altered brain cells. ;

However, they continue to grow inside your sull, indicating that you should now take immediate steps. Meningioma can produce brain tumour symptoms if it grows or creates swelling that presses against the brain or other tissues in the skull.

 

Meningioma symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the tumour

 ;

Meningioma can cause vision-related issues, headaches or seizures which are all common signs of a brain tumour. A headache, even a strong one, is seldom an indication of meningioma or any other type of brain tumour on its own. 

 ;

Other tumour sites can influence your sense of smell, vision, hearing and even the pituitary gland s function.

 

Meningioma diagnosis usually happens when the doctor is looking for some else

 ;

The discovery of a tumour on a ct scan or mri while investigating the patient for another cause, such as a head injury or another neurological condition, is called an accidental diagnosis. When a doctor identifies a meningioma, you will undergo additional testing to determine how the tumour will behave. A neurosurgeon will decide whether to remove the tumour or just monitor it to see whether it grows based on these findings. 

 ;

Majority of meningioma does not spread

 

Being diagnosed with meningioma, especially a large one, might be shocking, but these tumours are usually non-dangerous. Tumour cells are unlikely to spread to other sections of the body as a result of this. ;

Meningiomas, on the other hand, can grow silently for years without creating any difficulties and they can grow to be enormous.

 

Things You Should Know About Most Common Brain Tumours

All types of viral hepatitis diseases are contagious and they can be transmitted from one person to another easily. Although, the modes of transmission may vary.

 

Experts recommend some preventive steps for every type of infection to lower your risk of acquiring or spreading hepatitis infection.

 ;

Here are some preventive measures that may help in preventing the infection:

 

Vaccines

Vaccines for hepatitis a and hepatitis b are the best ways to prevent these viruses. Vaccines are not for all types of hepatitis infections. However, hepatitis a vaccination can help prevent the infection caused by the hepatitis a virus. The hepatitis a vaccine is generally administered in 2 doses. Similarly, there are vaccines available for hepatitis b as well. It is administered within 6 months duration. The same vaccine is helpful to prevent hepatitis d as well. There are no vaccines for hepatitis c and hepatitis e currently.

 ;

Reducing exposure

Hepatitis diseases can be transmitted through bodily fluids, water, and food containing the infection. One can lower the risk of contamination by minimizing contact with these agents. Practicing proper and good hygiene is a way to avoid getting hepatitis through these mediums.

 

You can decrease your risk of coming in touch with fluids containing these viruses by avoiding:

 ;


	
	Sharing used needles and razors
	
	
	Using someone else s toothbrush
	
	
	Touching spilled blood
	
	
	Not using condoms and dental dams during sexual contact
	


 

Handwashing

One must trust in personal hygiene to lower the risk of spreading or acquiring the hepatitis virus. Here are some preventive steps you can follow by washing hands:

 ;


	
	Washing your hands thoroughly after accessing the restroom
	
	
	When you get in touch with an infected person's blood, or stool
	
	
	After daycare routine for caretakers
	
	
	After a diaper change, and before serving food.
	


 

Avoiding contaminated consumption:

Contaminated or infected food and water may become the primary causes of hepatitis infection. One should take these precautions to avoid any contaminated consumption of food or water:

 ;


	
	Avoid eating raw shellfish
	
	
	Beware of fruits that have been washed in contaminated water
	
	
	Avoiding unhygienic street vendors
	
	
	Use bottled water for brushing or oral cleaning in areas where clean water is not available
	
	
	Bringing the water to a 1-minute boil is a must in doubtful areas
	
	
	Heated food to be eaten right away
	


Hepatitis: Some Ways To Prevent Yourself

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