The nerves and muscle cells need potassium to function, and the mineral is also responsible for regulating nerves in the heart. However, when potassium levels in the blood exceed the normal range, i.e., 3.6–5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L), it can lead to a condition called hyperkalemia. This can cause severe health complications, including irregular heartbeat and even heart attack. However, hyperkalemia can be managed through treatment and changes in meal plans. Foods to avoid A high-potassium meal regimen or using excessive potassium supplements can contribute to the development of hyperkalemia. Excessive amounts of this mineral can result in numbness, tingling sensations, and digestive problems. So, one should avoid potassium-rich fruits like honeydew melon, oranges, bananas, and cantaloupe. Additionally, people affected by the condition should also limit high-potassium foods like apricots, mangoes, avocados, kiwis, breakfast cereals (with dried fruit), salt substitutes, milk and dairy products, chickpeas, and lentils. One should ensure that their potassium intake is limited to a maximum of 2,000 milligrams (mg) per day. A doctor can help develop a manageable meal plan to keep the potassium levels in check.  Maintenance treatment options  Various treatment options are recommended for different stages of hyperkalemia. If the potassium levels are not severe but still need to be lowered, doctors may recommend sodium bicarbonate to temporarily shift potassium into body cells.

Heart disease and strokes are serious health concerns around the world, however, 80% of premature attacks are preventable. While risk factors like genetics and age cannot be controlled, it is possible to modify one’s lifestyle to reduce the likelihood of developing heart conditions. It is important to start developing these habits as early as possible to lead a longer and healthier life. Here are eight things one can do to prevent ailments of the heart: Eat healthier Adding foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, plant-based proteins, lean proteins, and fish to one’s meals can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Further, limiting the intake of refined carbohydrates, refined meats, and processed foods can help maintain optimal heart health. Exercise regularly Adults must aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of high-intensity vigorous activity per week to stay healthy and prevent diseases. Keep cholesterol in check High levels of cholesterol can clog the arteries and increase the risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack. Lifestyle changes and treatment plans as advised by the doctor can help lower cholesterol levels and stay healthy. Manage diabetes Having diabetes doubles the risk of having diabetic heart disease because high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves around the heart.

If you are someone who is dealing with chronic high cholesterol, Novartis’s new treatment option Leqvio® (inclisiran), can help. Novartis is a leading healthcare company focusing on researching and developing new treatments that bring innovative and life-saving therapies to the market. Leqvio® uses the body’s natural processes to prevent certain protein formation, lower the occurrence of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and keep it low with just two doses per year. People who struggle with high cholesterol levels tend to begin thinking more about everything they eat. Whether it’s a bowl of fruit or a delicious hamburger, they are left wondering how their choices will impact their numbers. While it is tempting to skip snacking altogether, a healthy snack can go a long way in maintaining metabolism as well as blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Changing the kinds of foods one eats can not only lower cholesterol levels but also improve fat levels through the bloodstream. Here are some great snacks that are extremely helpful in fighting cholesterol. Popcorn Popcorn can be low in calories when one eats a smart serving size and avoids the salt and butter. What’s more, it’s a whole grain full of fiber. Popcorn can be easily made at home by air popping it and adding some olive oil and a little bit of parmesan cheese or a few seasonings for some extra flavor.

The red blood cells in the blood are made in the bone marrow. The cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to various regions of the body. However, sometimes people may develop a condition called polycythemia vera that causes the bone marrow to create excessive red blood cells. The elevated RBC count thickens the blood, slowing down its flow. While the disease is rare, it may lead to health complications. Causes The exact cause of polycythemia vera is yet to be determined. However, the disease develops when there is a mutation in a gene that may trigger problems in blood cell production. The body usually regulates the quantity of each of the three types of blood cells—red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. However, when one develops polycythemia vera, the bone marrow produces an abnormally large number of these cells. Symptoms Many people with polycythemia vera do not have noticeable symptoms, mainly because the condition progresses gradually. Some vague symptoms caused by the disease are dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, and headache. However, more specific symptoms include: Numbness, burning or tingling sensation, and weakness in the hands, feet, legs, or arms Itching after a warm bath or shower Unusual bleeding, including bleeding gums or a nosebleed Painful swelling in one of the joints, usually the big toe Feeling full after eating and bloating or pain in the left upper abdomen as a result of an enlarged spleen Difficulty breathing while lying down Shortness of breath Remedies If one is diagnosed with polycythemia vera, the doctor will recommend treatments such as frequent blood withdrawals or prescription options to reduce the number of red blood cells.

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a rare type of blood-cell cancer that starts in the bone marrow. Generally common among older adults, this type of leukemia is caused due to spontaneous chromosome mutation. Along with these treatments, it is essential to pay close attention to one’s meal plans as well. Here are a few important nutritional recommendations for those with chfronic myeloid leukemia. Eat lots of vegetables It is recommended that one should have steamed vegetables to get all the essential nutrients. Stir-fries are also a healthy option; a stir-fried meal of carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, and an assortment of peppers not only tastes good but also has several important vitamins and minerals. Another option is making soups, especially from green leafy vegetables including chard, collard greens, mustard greens, kale, and spinach. Vegetable juice with low-sodium content is also recommended. Increase servings of fresh fruits Those suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia should have five to ten servings of fruits every day. Fresh fruits are one of the richest sources of nutrients that fight cancer cells. Fruits contain all the essential vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Make sure to add fruits to salads, breakfast cereals, yogurt, smoothies, pancakes, and wherever possible so that the daily requirement is fulfilled.

Hepatitis is a condition of the inflammation of the liver, which affects its strength and functions. A relatively unknown factor that can lead to a person contracting hepatitis is through certain medicines. Drug-induced hepatitis is an injury or inflammation of the liver caused by these prescribed medicines, but it is not the only type of liver injury that medication can cause. Other types of drug-induced issues include fatty liver and iron overload. Here’s a detailed look at drug-induced hepatitis. The liver is generally responsible for breaking down any substance that one eats. This process facilitates digestion, which, in turn, keeps the body healthy. The liver is also responsible for breaking down medicines that one may require for various purposes. These medications can include both medicines that one purchases over-the-counter or the ones that their doctor may prescribe for any health issues they face. However, the process of breaking down food or medication through the liver occurs at a slower rate in certain individuals. In such a scenario, the medication should be prescribed and consumed after checking whether they are suitable for the patient. If they fail to do so, the chances of liver damage increase significantly. On the other hand, even small doses of certain medications can lead to hepatitis despite the normal functioning of the liver.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that occurs due to elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. High uric acid results in the accumulation of urate crystals which cause inflammation and pain in the joints. In general, the symptoms of gout include pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joints, specifically of the big toe. This condition can have a negative impact on one’s quality of life and his or her ability to carry out day-to-day activities. When it comes to the prevention and management of gout, your diet plays a crucial role. What you eat can influence the uric acid levels in the blood directly. Include gout-fighting food items in your diet and restrict the consumption of foods that are associated with gout. Here is the list of foods to eat and avoid for a gout-friendly diet: Foods you should consume A nutrient-rich and well-balanced diet can help ward off gout flare-ups. Some of the food items that can help with this inflammatory condition, whilst keeping uric acid levels in check, are: Fruits and vegetables Fruits like oranges and cherries are rich in vitamin C, a nutrient that helps with gout by reducing uric levels. Vegetables such as red bell peppers and cabbage are perfect for a gout-friendly diet due to their high nutritional value.

The liver is a vital organ in the body that performs numerous metabolic functions including the elimination of toxins and breaking down of key nutrients. Keeping the liver healthy is crucial for your health as diseases affecting this organ can lead to life-threatening complications such as liver cancer. A nutritious and well-balanced diet along with a healthy lifestyle is important for the proper functioning of the liver. It also helps reduce the risk of liver diseases like fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and acute hepatitis. Here’s a list of foods and drinks that are good for the liver and including them in your diet can support liver health. Oatmeal The high nutritional value of oatmeal makes it one of the best foods for the liver. It is a fiber-rich food item that was found to reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The regular consumption of oatmeal helps combat health conditions like obesity that adversely affects liver health. By incorporating oatmeal in your diet, you can improve liver functions and keep it well-protected from troubling conditions. Coffee The presence of hepatoprotective properties in coffee makes it one of the best liver-supporting beverages. An array of clinical studies have found that regular coffee consumption can lower the risk of chronic liver diseases and life-threatening conditions such as liver cancer.