Some common and uncommon signs of schizophrenia that shouldn’t be ignored

Some common and uncommon signs of schizophrenia that shouldn’t be ignored

The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 24 million people suffer from schizophrenia . It often surfaces during late adolescence and the twenties, and men are more prone to it than women. The condition is usually attributed to significantly distressed personal or professional life. People with schizophrenia have an increased mortality risk due to chronic health issues. Thus, it is necessary to recognize its symptoms for proper diagnosis and cure . Some of these include

Hallucinations

This is one of the most commonly recognized symptoms of schizophrenia . A person is said to be hallucinating when they claim to see, hear, taste, or feel things that are not present in their real environment. Auditory hallucinations or hearing voices is the most common state of hallucinations. Those with this condition will claim that they hear voices inside their heads. These voices may comment on their behavior, make criticizing remark, or even communicate with the person. These hallucinations can happen even when a person is fully awake and is not inebriated.

Delusions

Delusions are regarded as beliefs that a schizophrenic person may possess that are difficult to comprehend and, at times, feel strange. There are different types of delusions that people may feel

  • Referential delusion: This is when a person believes that any public communication, be it a song or a news item, is meant exclusively to them.
  • Persecutory delusion: Patients will feel someone stalking, framing, or attempting to hurt them.
  • Somatic delusions: This makes patients believe that they suffer from unnatural health conditions.
  • Grandiose delusions happen when schizophrenia patients believe themselves to be prominent world figures such as renowned politicians or actors.

Unusual Movements

An uncommon symptom of schizophrenia , this leads to the patient making abrupt, silly, or childish movements. Since an objective/goal doesn’t direct their behaviour, the patient may be unable to control their body movements. Some examples of such unusual movements include assuming a bizarre posture, having a complete lack of response, or making excessive or disconnected movements.

Disorganized Speech or Thinking

Patients with schizophrenia often exhibit this symptom. Disorganized speech and thinking are interrelated and may lead to ineffective communication, especially in social settings. For instance, you may ask the patient a question and get a completely unrelated answer. Or, they may put together some unrelated words that are difficult to comprehend.

Flat Emotions

Another unusual symptom of schizophrenia is ‘flattening’ or flat emotions and expressions. The patient may have a flat-sounding voice or facial expressions. For instance, their facial expressions may not correlate with the discussions happening around them. They may also show little response to situations relating to a non-patient.

Difficulty in Structuring Their Activities

Schizophrenic people tend to have reduced executive functioning of the brain. This means that their cognitive abilities don’t permit them to structure activities. It is difficult for them to identify and execute the steps required to complete the task at hand in a particular order.

Lack of Insight

One of the most unusual symptoms of patients with schizophrenia is a lack of insight, commonly known as anosognosia. This means the patient will not be aware that they have a problem or illness. This is one of the main reasons why this condition is hard to diagnose and cure. Though often confused with being in denial, the patient is, in reality, incapable of recognizing the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia . This often leads them to believe that they don’t require attention.

Negative Symptoms

These are some unusual symptoms of schizophrenia, meaning that certain standard behavior patterns are negated. When suffering from these symptoms, a patient may start neglecting personal hygiene. They may also appear to be lacking emotions, make no eye contact, or speak in a monotone. These people may also lose interest in routine, daily activities, withdraw socially, and are unable to experience pleasure in activities that used to interest them before.

Since people diagnosed with schizophrenia often lack awareness regarding their symptoms, their family or friends need to know about the unusual and usual symptoms pertaining to the condition. If you think someone you know has any of these symptoms, talk to them and encourage them to seek professional help.

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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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Avoid these foods to manage multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the functioning of the central nervous system. Although it might not seem obvious, the food you eat can be a trigger for the symptoms of this condition. Therefore, being aware of the foods to avoid when diagnosed with this condition is critical in managing it effectively and preventing it from worsening. Listed below are some foods you should avoid if you have been diagnosed with this condition. Saturated fats This type is mostly found in animal products such as full-fat dairy items, although it can also be found in food items containing coconut or palm oil. These fats can raise bad or LDL cholesterol levels increasing your risk of heart disease. According to a study, if you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, then you are already at a higher risk for developing various heart problems. Therefore, avoiding these unhealthy fats might be a good idea, and opt for healthier alternatives. Trans fats This is another type of fat best avoided by those with multiple sclerosis. It is mostly found in baked goods such as pies, cookies, and other packaged food items. Trans fats can trigger or increase inflammation in the blood vessels, which can cause heart problems. When checking packaged food labels, look for terms such as shortening and partially hydrogenated oil. Milk Milk, especially cow’s milk, contains saturated fat and proteins that can affect the health of individuals with MS. The proteins in milk, in some cases, could stimulate the immune cells, which could result in the formation of lesions. According to research studies, avoiding or limiting the consumption of milk can help relieve MS symptoms. Although, you should ensure that you get sufficient protein, Vitamin D, and calcium from other food sources. Sugar Sugar is most often listed at the top among the foods to avoid to manage various health conditions effectively. Hence, it should also be avoided if you have multiple sclerosis. Excessive consumption of sugar in the form of sweets and desserts can lead to an increase in weight which would, in turn, result in more pressure being exerted on the joints. This can cause mobility issues and interfere with daily activities. Being overweight can also worsen the symptoms of fatigue in those with MS. The crash that occurs with the overconsumption of sugar can also affect mood and cause brain fog in patients with this condition. Refined grains Food items such as potatoes and white rice, pasta, and bread can cause your blood glucose levels to increase very quickly. These spikes in blood glucose levels could damage the myelin sheath that covers the neural cells. This can result in triggering symptoms of conditions that result in neural dysfunction such as MS. Hence, opt for whole grain products as a healthy alternative. Salt According to an article published in Nature Neuroscience, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis could get triggered or worsen due to the consumption of large amounts of salt. Hence, it might be best to limit the amount of salt you use even to season your food. You can choose spices such as pepper instead. Also, avoid consuming canned products and deli meats that could be high in sodium and choose fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables. Processed foods Processed foods could contain additives, preservatives, and other ingredients that help to increase their shelf-life or to make them more visually appealing and tasty. These additives can impact the functioning of the immune system. Optimum functioning of the immune system is necessary to slow down the progression of MS. Hence, as much as possible, avoid processed and packaged food items and opt for fresh produce. Numerous health conditions can be effectively managed through the food you eat, and MS is one of them. Be mindful of these and other food items that could trigger symptoms or worsen your condition and try to avoid them as much as possible.

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