10 warning signs of depression

10 warning signs of depression

According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health, 8.4% of adults in the country have experienced at least one depressive episode. Depression is a significant mental health issue that makes one feel uninterested in activities they previously enjoyed, and they can constantly feel sad and hopeless for no concrete reason. Understanding some warning signs of depression may enable one to seek timely help to heal from the condition:

Loss of interest in previously-enjoyed activities
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) suggests that individuals with major depressive episodes experience loss of interest in their daily activities over a period of at least two weeks. For example, they may be withdrawn from their hobbies and pastimes or experience low sex drives. Depression typically affects one’s ability to experience pleasure.

Changes in the sleep cycle
Drastic changes in one’s sleep schedule are among the common symptoms of depression. Individuals with depression may either face extreme difficulties in falling asleep or may indulge in oversleeping. Research has demonstrated a strong association between depression and sleep disorders such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea.

Social withdrawal
Clinical depression often causes an individual to pull away or withdraw from social situations, even minimizing interactions with one’s close friends and family members. Such reclusive behavior can worsen other depressive symptoms, causing a vicious cycle.

Negative self-talk
Depression may lead to or be accompanied by constant feelings of low self-worth. Such feelings lead to negative, critical self-talk that can be self-damaging in the long run. Research studies have depicted the harmful effects of such negative self-talk on cognitive functioning and overall well-being.

Physical pain
A latent sign of depression is physical pain accompanied by mental and emotional distress. Individuals with depression may experience pain in certain body parts, including the back and head. Sometimes, the pain may aggravate other depression symptoms, leading to a vicious cycle of physical and mental discomfort.

Difficulties with concentration
Issues with concentration, memory, and other cognitive functions are common symptoms of depression. Persons with depression may often lose their chain of thought while communicating or may be easily distracted. Such symptoms can worsen their social interactions and promote reclusiveness. It can also affect their overall productivity at the workplace.

Constant fatigue
Depression may also involve acute loss of energy and feelings of constant fatigue and sluggishness. Heaviness of the body and the inability to complete even basic day-to-day tasks can affect one’s daily functioning significantly.

Negligence of personal hygiene
Depressive episodes can cause one to neglect basic personal hygiene activities like brushing one’s teeth, bathing, combing, and shaving. Prolonged negligence of personal hygiene can cause physical problems like infections and allergies.

Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Many individuals with depression often report being unable to imagine a better future or have pleasant memories of the past. Consequently, depressive thoughts and perpetual feelings of despair can lead one to contemplate or attempt suicide.

Reckless behavior
Impulsive and reckless behavior is a common symptom associated with depressive disorder. Such behaviors may stem from a surge of nervous energy, often caused upon having contemplated suicide. Studies suggest that such reckless behaviors are often more prevalent among men, who may indulge in overspending, risky sexual behaviors, participating in dangerous sports, etc., when grappling with depression.

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Hyperkalemia – 10 foods to avoid

Potassium plays a huge role in the health of our heart muscles and nerve cells. And high levels of this element in the blood cause hyperkalemia. If you consume meals high in potassium, your doctor may advise you to decrease portion sizes and concentrate on fruits and vegetables with a lower potassium content. Here is a list of foods rich in potassium that must be avoided if you have hyperkalemia. Yogurt and dairy products A serving of nonfat yogurt weighing eight ounces has roughly 625 mg of potassium, making it one of the dairy aisle's highest sources of potassium. Even reduced fat milk contains 366 mg of potassium in a glass of cow's whole milk. Ricotta and cottage cheese are also high in potassium. Goat cheese is a low potassium food, proving that not all cheeses are made equal. Likewise, About 131 milligrams of potassium may be found in a half cup of vanilla ice cream. Bananas When people consider foods high in potassium, bananas frequently come to mind. A banana normally contains 422 mg of potassium. Among all the fruit, bananas are athletes' favorite as they provide energy. However, it could be highly dangerous for someone suffering from hyperkalemia. Consult your doctor if you have hyperkalemia and stick to fruits such as apples and berries. Leafy vegetables About 420 milligrams of potassium can be found in only a half cup of cooked spinach. Raw spinach, young or mature, has roughly 167 mg per cup. Fennel, bok choy, beet greens, and Swiss chard are also high in potassium. You can opt for kale instead. Kale has more nutrients than these other dark leafy greens, but it has less potassium. 73 mg is present in one cup of raw kale. Fish Clams, which provide 534 mg of potassium in just 3 ounces, are the finest source of protein from seafood. Around three ounces of skipjack tuna offers 444 mg, another major source of potassium. One of the most popular fish, salmon, frequently has a lower potassium content. Keeping a check on what type of fish you are eating if you have hyperkalemia is a must. Kidney beans Beans are a balanced addition to any meal plan as they're rich sources of protein and fiber. However, according to data from the USDA, one cup of the kidney-shaped type has 713 mg of potassium. A half-cup of black beans has 489 mg of potassium. Avocado This creamy, green-fleshed fruit is packed with 690 mg of potassium and is high in fiber and heart-healthy lipids. Although it might seem good for your heart, you should avoid it if you have hyperkalemia. Potatoes Potassium is heavily concentrated in potatoes; 925 milligrams of potassium may be found in a baked potato. A three-ounce portion of french-fried potatoes has 470 mg of potassium and a lot of fat and calories. The potassium content in an ounce of potato chips is 465 mg. Indulging in fast foods like fries is adverse for those with hyperkalemia. Oranges A single orange has 240 mg of potassium, making it a food with a high potassium content. With 450 mg per 8 oz glass, orange juice is a more potent source of potassium. Fruits vary in their potassium content. Berries are a poor source of potassium and can be a decent substitute for oranges and orange juice. Another good option is apples. Dried fruits The nutrients in fruit, including potassium, that have been dried are concentrated. You get roughly 750 milligrams from half a cup of dried apricots. Also, even though raisins and dried plums make a fantastic snack, they should be avoided by someone with hyperkalemia. Legumes and beans Legumes are a significant source of potassium as well. White beans have the most, with 600 mg of potassium in a half cup. In half a cup serving, other legumes such as lima beans and pinto beans have between 300 and 350 mg.

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5 best lotions for eczema

People with eczema tend to suffer from issues such as itching, inflammation, and the presence of gray, scaly rashes. A lack of moisture is responsible for the discomfort and several other skin-related problems. Many eczema lotions are useful to alleviate these issues through moisture restoration in the skin and pain relief. Dermatologists and other healthcare experts tend to recommend such lotions for immediate results. Some of the best lotions to combat eczema symptoms are: Curél Itch Defense Lotion Curél's eczema relief lotion is one of the best products for resolving eczema issues at a reasonable price. Like some other products on this list, this lotion is also recommended for usage on one's hands. It has several active ingredients, including ceramides, that relieve itchiness and dry skin almost immediately after application. It is also one of the best hydrating agents, and it keeps the skin vibrant and moist for hours after one uses it. Buyers looking for a well-priced lotion to address eczema symptoms will not find many products better than Curél's Itch Defense Lotion. Cetaphil Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion Hyaluronic acid is one of the prime components in lotions to keep the skin flexible, stretchy, and wrinkle-free. Therefore, considering that aspect, Cetaphil's Daily Oil-Free Hydrating Lotion is a winner as one of its key ingredients is this invaluable acid. This lotion, like the Curél lotion, is useful for addressing dry skin and itching that comes with eczema. Moreover, it is also oil- and fragrance-free. This makes it one of the best eczema lotions for application on one's face without worries about allergic reactions and oiliness after usage. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream All the lotions on this list are ace skin hydration enhancers. However, if one needs the very best when it comes to treating dry and itchy skin, one can certainly consider this lotion. This skin repair cream is a head-to-toe moisturizer that offers immediate relief from nasty rashes and interminable itching. Additionally, its moisturizing abilities are second to none. The Ultra Repair Cream contains natural ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal for skin nourishment and hydration. Moreover, this lotion also comes with a rich and alluring fragrance. Eczema Honey Oatmeal Hand Cream Speaking of oatmeal, this next product on the list contains the best of all worlds- an irresistible blend of vitamin E, honey, shea butter, avocado oil, and other tantalizing ingredients that justify its premium positioning in the skincare lotion segment. This plethora of natural ingredients brings rich skin nourishment and itch soothing for people with eczema. And that's not even the best part. The Eczema Honey Oatmeal Hand Cream is entirely cruelty-free and free of chemicals such as parabens, petrolatum, SLS, and phthalates, making it as organic as possible. Vanicream Moisturizing Cream for Sensitive Skin Vanicream's product is the jack of all trades on this list. It performs everything one expects an eczema lotion to do with aplomb. This is why it is the best overall cream among this incredible line-up of eczema-addressing lotions. Its main capabilities are providing long-lasting moisture and immediate hydration after one applies it. More importantly, unlike most other lotions, it does not clog the skin pores. This allows the skin to breathe freely even after one puts on this premium product.

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Top 10 cat food deals to check out ahead of Black Friday 2022

Top 10 cat food deals to check out ahead of Black Friday 2022

Black Friday will be here soon, presenting pet parents an opportunity to stock up on food for their feline friends without spending a lot. There will be plenty of discounts from the top pet food brands, including Royal Canin and Purina. But if you cannot wait until then, check out these ten fantastic deals that are available right now. Take your time researching well and pick the healthiest options for your cat! Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Cat food This grain-free recipe ensures your pet gets the proper nourishment and maintains a healthy weight. Besides promoting weight control, it supports the muscles and improves digestive health. The product is already available at a discount of 7% on Chewy, but you can expect a better deal during the year-end sale. Wellness Healthy Indulgence Gravies Grain-free Variety Pack This variety pack makes mealtimes quick and easy. Created by nutritionists and veterinarians, the recipes are enriched with the finest ingredients to promote your cat’s well-being. Petco is offering a discount of 5%, but you can get it at an even lower price by opting for repeat delivery. Tiki Cat Queen Emma Luau Variety-pack Grain-free Canned Cat Food You can save 10% on this variety pack from Tiki Cat at Chewy.
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20 Black Friday 2022 unmissable furniture deals

20 Black Friday 2022 unmissable furniture deals

If you’ve been waiting for Black Friday to make a big-ticket furniture purchase, now’s the time, especially if you’re searching for something, like a sofa or mattress. We’ve seen savings of up to 50% in recent years, so browsing the bargains may really help keep prices down, which is crucial, considering the cost of living. Also, remember to bookmark websites that offer information on the current Black Friday furniture bargains. Metal and wood platform bed frame On Amazon, the ZINUS Suzanne 37-inch Metal and Wood Platform Bed Frame could drop to $189 (was $220), a $31 savings. Bathroom vanity Last year, the Lark Manor Burchard 36′′ Single Bathroom Vanity Set was available for $549.99 (down from $724.99). Add this to your shopping list to save $175 at Wayfair. Floor lamp The AllModern Finton 60.25-Inch Tripod Floor Lamp might be available for $149, a 44% reduction. That’s a deal you don’t want to lose on. Queen-sized bed frame Last Black Friday, the Plank Beam PB312-002 Solid Wood Queen-Size Bed in White was on sale for $270.74 (down from $319). On Amazon, that is a 37% discount. Coffee table Cumka Coffee Table Teak Resin 23.6′′ is anticipated to retail at Walmart for $205.60, a 30% discount.
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Fitness trackers – 10 best Black Friday deals

Fitness trackers – 10 best Black Friday deals

A fitness tracker will be on many Black Friday shopping lists this year. While it is on November 25, multiple deals are expected to pop up from early September to late October. Whatever your fitness mantra, high-tech fitness trackers can help you achieve your goals. And getting them at a discounted price is the cherry on the cake! Let’s check out some amazing Black Friday fitness tracker deals for the year 2022. Fitbit Versa 3 Continuous heart-rate monitoring, SpO2, support for NFC payments, a microphone for taking phone calls, and Google/Alexa assistance are some of the many incredible features offered by this tracker. Plus, unlike its previous variants, Versa 3 provides a built-in GPS for navigation. During the sale season, you might also find it priced under $200. Fitbit Charge 5 Fitbit Charge 5 delivers many upgrades to cater to your needs. Many online platforms offer it for under $150 for a limited period. Its features, like the bright OLED screen, electrodermal activity sensors, contactless payments, notifications, sleep tracking, heart monitoring, and timers, make it one of the most highly dependable fitness trackers. Garmin FENIX 7 Series A week’s worth of battery, topographical maps, touch screen, military-grade standard, up to 10 ATM water resistance, insightful training guides and programs, solar charging, and astonishing real-time stamina feature are the traits that make the 7 series an absolute hit.
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Foods to avoid for managing Crohn’s disease

Foods to avoid for managing Crohn’s disease

When you have been diagnosed with a condition such as Crohn’s, it is vital to watch what you consume to avoid triggering or worsening symptoms. Although there is no specific meal plan for patients with this condition, it has been noticed that avoiding a few foods can help to manage the condition more effectively. However, these trigger items can vary from one person to another. Read on to learn about the foods to avoid during Crohn’s flare-up: Dairy products If you have Crohn’s disease, you might be lactose intolerant too. Lactose is a protein found in milk and dairy items such as cheese, and some people find it difficult to digest or process. Hence, consuming these items could trigger the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and lead to bloating, diarrhea, cramping, etc. However, dairy products are a rich source of vitamin D and calcium; if you are avoiding them, you would need to get these nutrients from other food sources. This can include green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals or juices. You might also need to talk to your doctor about taking supplements. Greasy and fried foods People with this condition should avoid items such as French fries and fried chicken.
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10 Black Friday 2022 dog foods deals to check out

10 Black Friday 2022 dog foods deals to check out

With Black Friday comes amazing deals on a variety of goods, right from appliances to furniture and home décor to dog foods. Even popular brands, such as Royal Canin, Hill’s Science, Iams, and Blue Buffalo, offer hefty discounts during this time. Whether your dog loves dry food or wet food, you will find plenty of nutritious and delicious options at hard-to-miss prices. Check out the best Black Friday dog food deals given below. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food This dog food, originally priced at $67.99, is offered by Chewy at a discount of 10%. Blue Buffalo Life Protection formula is specially designed for adult dogs. Your pet dog will love to eat this healthy meal made with protein-rich deboned chicken and other natural ingredients. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food Hill’s Science offers a variety of dog foods to nourish your furry friend who is prone to having an upset tummy. This dry dog food contains nourishing prebiotic fiber and real chicken and is gentle on the stomach. At Chewy, you can get this dog food for $77.99 and save 4%. Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food Get a 14% discount on Iams Proactive Health Smart Puppy Original Dry Dog Food when you buy from Chewy.
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Foods to avoid for managing bronchitis

Foods to avoid for managing bronchitis

Bronchitis is a lung condition in which the lining of the bronchial tubes, which are responsible for transporting air to and from the lungs, gets inflamed. The condition can be chronic or acute and can develop as a result of an underlying respiratory condition or a cold. Certain foods can also trigger the condition and cause the symptoms to worsen. Here are some foods to avoid when diagnosed with bronchitis. Dairy products People suffering from chronic bronchitis need to limit their intake of dairy products. When digested, these items release a compound known as casomorphin, which is known to elevate the amount of phlegm and mucus released by the body. This can lead to severe coughing, which could worsen wheezing and pain in patients suffering from the disease. Instead of dairy products, you can opt for alternatives such as almond or soy milk. Excess salt Excess salt can be extremely harmful to patients suffering from the disease because too much sodium can cause water retention in the body leading to difficulty breathing. To season your food, it is essential to opt for low-sodium salt alternatives, as suggested by a nutritionist, to counteract any harmful effects on the body. It is also essential to keep an eye on labels about the amount of salt present in snacks and processed foods.
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