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12 early signs and symptoms of ALS
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12 early signs and symptoms of ALS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS, is Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. This leads to a gradual but inevitable decline in muscle function. As the disease progresses, individuals may face challenges in basic activities such as walking, speaking, and breathing. While there is currently no cure for ALS, early identification can significantly enhance the quality of life for those affected. Here are a few signs to know about: Muscle twitching and cramping In the initial phases of ALS, individuals may notice fasciculations, also known as involuntary muscle twitches. These sporadic movements are indicative of the underlying disruption in nerve signals. Additionally, muscle cramps may occur, causing discomfort and further highlighting the neurological changes taking place. Difficulty swallowing ALS can impact the muscles involved in swallowing, leading to difficulty moving food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. This may result in coughing or choking during meals, eventually leading to proper nutrition challenges. This is also known as dysphagia. Slurred speech As the condition progresses, the muscles responsible for speech can weaken, which is called dysarthria. This leads to slurred or unclear speech. Changes in voice quality and difficulty articulating words become noticeable, potentially affecting communication.
Lactose-free milk – Its benefits and tips for finding the best one
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Lactose-free milk – Its benefits and tips for finding the best one

Lactose, a naturally occurring sugar in dairy products, can pose digestion challenges for certain individuals, especially as one grows older, causing allergic reactions. Hence, swapping regular milk for lactose-free milk can be an excellent solution. Lactose-free milk gives the same creamy texture as milk but is easy on the digestive system. Here are some types and advantages of lactose-free milk and tips on how to find the best ones that suit one’s needs. Types of lactose-free milk Oat, almond, soy, hemp, coconut, rice, and cashew milk are the most popular plant-based and lactose-free options. Each of these alternatives is rich in nutrients, including minerals like potassium and magnesium, vitamins D, B, and E, iron, calcium, amino acids, and antioxidants. Similarly, lactose-free cow’s milk undergoes additional processing to reduce its lactose content significantly. Benefits of lactose-free milk Here are a few benefits of lactose-free milk: Digestive comfort and allergy-friendly Consuming regular milk can cause bloating, cramps, and diarrhea for individuals with lactose intolerance. Lactose-free milk contains little to no lactose, making it gentler on the stomach and allowing people to enjoy milk without discomfort. Nutritional value Many lactose-free milk products are fortified with essential nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
9 early kidney cancer signs
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9 early kidney cancer signs

Those at risk of kidney cancer may find that while it begins in this organ, it may eventually spread to other body parts. Therefore, it is crucial to identify such mutations and seek healthcare assistance at the earliest. There are various tell-tale signs of kidney cancer that one may often overlook or mistake for another condition. On that note, here are nine early indicators of kidney cancer to help one manage it immediately. Hematuria This symptom is where one may notice blood in the urine, which could occur due to kidney cancer. Damage caused to the organ by mutated cells might result in bleeding, which gets mixed with urine. One may not always notice blood while urinating, so even the faintest indication may require healthcare attention. Lump or swelling As the kidney cancer progresses, it might become more physically present. It means one might feel a lump or swelling in the area of the kidneys. Sometimes, the cancer might be too small to detect and may require an ultrasound to detect it. Pain in the side between the ribs and hip One may experience pain in the side between their ribs and hip for several reasons, including an injury or infection.
5 natural remedies for stress relief and better sleep
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5 natural remedies for stress relief and better sleep

Sleeping is one of the most important parts of one’s day, and it plays a vital role in rest and recovery of the body. A good night’s sleep is also linked to several other health benefits. However, in today’s stressful environment and lifestyle, getting enough sleep can be challenging. Luckily, one can use several techniques, including home remedies, to help relieve stress and improve sleep quality. Here are some natural remedies for the same. Valerian root This is a herb that is commonly used in Asia and Europe as part of traditional healing methods. The root is usually used as a remedy to help manage stress, anxiety, and even depression in individuals. While the studies remain inconclusive of its direct benefits on sleep, there are some studies that do point towards the positive effects of this herb. Various small group studies involving 30 to 40 people found that taking 530 grams of valerian root before bed helped in sleep quality, latency, anxiety, and depression in individuals. These notes were taken from the participants’ perception of sleep quality and did not measure any quantitative data. While this root is known to be safe for adults, there may be minor, non-serious side effects, if any, in some people.
8 early signs of seizures to be aware of
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8 early signs of seizures to be aware of

Seizures are a serious neurological condition that occurs due to an imbalance of electrical activity in the brain. Many causal factors lead to the onset of seizures. Due to a seizure, one may even lose consciousness and be at risk of an injury. Recognizing the early signs of seizures is important so that one can take the necessary steps to manage the condition effectively and safeguard themselves from unprecedented events. Aura sensations Aura sensations can vary from person to person. These sensations can include a weird feeling in the stomach, experiencing unusual smells and tastes, experiencing visual distortions (of lights, colors, or shapes), or a strong sense of déjà vu. The déjà vu sensation refers to when one feels like they’ve been in the same situation before. This sensation can occur minutes or seconds before a seizure. Headaches Generally, headaches can occur due to various reasons. But if one experiences frequent headaches without any cause, it may likely be a warning sign of seizures. Often, headaches may also occur during and after the seizure episode. Constant stares Brief episodes where a person seems to “zone out” or stare into space without responding to their surroundings can be indicative of a seizure.
6 early signs of sickle cell anemia
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6 early signs of sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a rare genetic disorder that affects the red blood cells. responsible for carrying oxygen. Here, anemia specifically distorts the shape of some of the red blood cells, which are sickle or crescent moon-shaped instead of the natural round and flexible shape. This affects the movement of these cells in the body, disrupting blood flow. Recognizing warning signs of the condition can facilitate an early diagnosis and treatment, helping prevent further complications.  Early signs Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder. So, in most cases, the early signs of to condition can be observed in infants at around six months of age. The symptoms can vary and also change over time as one gets older. However, here are some of the common early signs of sickle cell anemia: 1. Fatigue The first clear indication of the condition is anemia, as sickle-shaped red blood cells (RBCs), being generally weaker than regularly shaped RBCs, tend to break down easily and deteriorate. Normal RBCs live for approximately 120 days before being replaced by newer cells. However, sickle cells stay in the body for about 10 to 20 days, leading to a shortage of RBCs. Without an adequate number of these cells, there is a drop in hemoglobin that carries oxygen around the body, leading to fatigue.
3 major warning signs of hemophilia
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3 major warning signs of hemophilia

Hemophilia is a rare medical condition, typically inherited, that develops if the body does not make enough protein (clotting factors) to form blood clots. This disorder can lead to spontaneous bleeding or excessive bleeding following an injury or surgery. The disorder is usually treated by regularly replacing the blood’s clotting factor. However, to receive timely treatment, it is important to keep an eye out for the following warning signs of hemophilia:  1. Excessive external or internal bleeding Bleeding may be of two kinds–internal or external. The severity of bleeding may differ from person to person; however, upon bleeding externally, one may observe the following signs here: – Bleeding in the mouth and gums or bleeding that is difficult to stop after losing a tooth – Bleeding after circumcision – Unexplained nosebleeds – Heavy bleeding, even from minor cuts – Bleeding from a cut that resumes after a short pause Internal bleeding can manifest as the following: – Blood in the urine, as a result of bleeding in the bladder – Blood in the stool due to stomach or intestinal bleeding – Bleeding into the skin, muscle, or soft tissue, leading to the formation of bruises due to blood build-up in the area (also called hematoma) 2.
7 health issues that excess sugar intake may cause
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7 health issues that excess sugar intake may cause

A sugary treat after a sumptuous meal seems like the perfect conclusion to lunch or dinner. However, excessive sugar intake is linked to a host of health conditions that can eventually weaken the immune system and affect one’s overall well-being. Contrary to popular belief, it is essential to limit one’s food intake from the early years to prevent the onset of such health problems. Here are some common health issues associated with excessive sugar intake: Health issues caused by excessive sugar intake Diabetes Excessive sugar consumption is directly linked to the onset of hyperglycemia and type-2 diabetes, caused by high glucose levels in the body. Chronic hyperglycemia can trigger diabetes-related complications, such as diabetic retinopathy, kidney disease, and nerve damage. Sleep problems The body typically produces high insulin levels to manage elevated blood sugar levels. The consequent drop in blood sugar releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which affect not only sleep duration but also sleep quality. Studies have demonstrated the link between sugar intake before bedtime and hampered sleep quality. Cholesterol Elevated LDL cholesterol levels and reduced healthy cholesterol are common consequences of increased sugar consumption. Conversely, studies have demonstrated an association between low sugar intake and lowered LDL cholesterol in the body.

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