The eyes are complex organs. They require a lot of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to function properly. Deficiencies in any of these elements can lead to an increased risk of developing eye diseases and conditions. These include glaucoma, macular degeneration, and even night blindness, which can compromise vision and degrade eye health. Here, we discuss four vitamins that are important to eye health and the foods that are rich sources of these vitamins: Vitamin A Vitamin A is important to eye health. It helps in maintaining the cornea, ensuring a person has clear vision. The cornea is the layer that covers the iris and the pupil. Individuals with vitamin A deficiency may experience dry eyes, which are caused due to a lack of moisture. Certain studies also indicate that low levels of vitamin A can lead to night blindness. Vitamin A is also a component of an essential protein known as rhodopsin. This protein is what allows us to see in low or poor light conditions. Beta carotene is the primary source of vitamin A. It is found in a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables such as sweet potato, squash, red peppers, and carrots. Vitamin C It is another important element when it comes to eye health.

We have all heard how drinking a minimum of 8-10 glasses of water a day is a must. Water is one of the most basic components of the body. It is important for the circulatory, digestive, urinary, and respiratory systems. One should drink sufficient water daily to ensure proper functioning of the body. But is there a right time to drink water? Here are five best times to do so: After waking up Our body gets rest when we sleep. During this time, our body has been fasting and using up the stored energy supplies to keep the systems functioning. Having a glass of water right after you wake up is one of the best times to drink water. It refreshes the body and replenishes its hydration supply. While working out According to several studies, it is crucial to have water before, during, and after working out. It is suggested to drink a few sips of water every 10-15 minutes while working out. This helps in avoiding dehydration and most importantly prevents muscle cramps. Before meals Our body responds to both hunger and thirst signals in the same way. Quite often, when we believe we are hungry, we are actually just poorly hydrated.

Water makes up about 50 to 70 percent of our bodies. This is why your body needs water to survive and function properly. Water helps keep your body temperature in check and protects sensitive tissue. It also helps flush out harmful wastes through urination, bowel movements, and perspiration. Drinking water is essential to maintain one’s good health. However, drinking it at appropriate times can maximize its benefits. In the morning The earliest and best time to drink water is when you wake up. That’s because your body does not get sufficient water for about eight hours when you are asleep. Drinking a glass in the morning will help hydrate your body. You can also squeeze a slice of lemon in your glass. This nourishes your body with Vitamin C, potassium, and phytonutrients. Before a meal Drinking a glass of water before meals gives maximum benefits. It can make you feel full and therefore satisfy your appetite. It may also prevent you from eating too much. A glass of water before meals helps improve your gastric health. In the afternoon It is possible that you may feel tired after lunch. You could resort to coffee to boost your energy levels. However, coffee might affect your sleep cycle.

Pain is something that is difficult to identify, especially in pets. Mostly, dogs have a survival instinct to hide their pain, and it is your responsibility as their primary caregiver to understand what the problem might be. Dogs may experience acute or chronic pain from underlying medical conditions or an injury. And it is not always the case that the source of the pain is easily identifiable or visible. In other cases, most dogs do one of the following things to indicate a problem. Knowing how to respond during this time will certainly help you stay prepared to administer a proper pain management procedure. Here are a few signs and ways to identify if your furry little friend is suffering from some discomfort. Check for physical indicators Dogs have a tendency to hold their big ears flat against the head when in pain. Notice how the same ears are straight and alert when the canine is active. Similarly, when he or she keeps the ears fall flat for a long period, it is an indicator that something might be wrong. If the pain persists, they tend to get vocal by whimpering or making loud unusual sounds. Constantly licking a certain area on their body is a conscious effort on their part to soothe the wound or irritation that is causing pain.

When the glucose levels in the body are high and insulin levels are not proportionate enough to convert this glucose into energy, the risk of diabetes increases. It is basically the inability of the body to convert food into energy using insulin. The glucose is broken down into energy for cells to absorb and when this conversion doesn’t take place, blood sugar levels rise. If left unchecked, it can lead to a number of complications. However, there are certain myths about diabetes that can create confusion among the masses. Here is what you must know and understand about the condition. Myth 1: Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same. The fact of the matter is that both type 1 and 2 are linked to insulin deficiency that causes diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce any insulin, and people suffering from this condition must rely on regular doses of insulin to supplement these requirements. Type 1 diabetes is also an autoimmune disorder that is mostly diagnosed in children. In type 2 diabetes, the body still manages to produce insulin but the cells are unable to absorb the compound necessary for converting food into energy.

All of us feel low, upset, and unmotivated at some point in our life, but this isn’t classified as depression. Depression is a mood disorder that overshadows a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. Signs and symptoms of this grave disorder can range from feeling hopeless and tired to completely losing the will to live. There are several types of depression and they are listed below so you can understand depression and people suffering from it better. Major Depression (Clinical Depression) The hallmark trait of this type of depression is the constant feeling of sadness or loss of interest in social life or any outside stimuli. It often lasts for two weeks or more in which a person can experience symptoms such as hopelessness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Dysthymia (Persistent Depressive Disorder) Dysthymia lasts for years and can disrupt daily life and interfere with personal and professional relationships. Individuals with dysthymia are often seen as dark, pessimistic, or complainers by others, and they have a hard time being happy in typically pleasant situations. Manic Depression (Bipolar Disorder) People with manic depression experience high degrees of mood swings. Their train of thought can take them from feeling euphoric to feeling suicidal in just a few weeks.

Pregnancy is a new experience in every couple’s life, and one should understand a few things to ensure that the nine months are smooth and stress-free. Simply being prepared for pregnancy and looking forward to the joy of parenthood is not all there’s to childbirth. As a couple, you must understand, review, and adjust your lifestyle. Expecting mothers become their child’s nurturers and supporters from day one, but the expecting fathers, close relatives, and friends must also understand the key roles they will play right up to the due date. Here are a few simple family and pregnancy guide points to help you and your folks get started: Staying healthy Physical and mental wellbeing is extremely crucial for the expecting mother to ensure both her and the baby’s health. Diet plays a crucial role in this process, as the mother is now providing nutrition for the developing fetus as well as herself. As a family, you can take turns to ensure that the to-be mother is staying physically active, eating healthy and regularly, and not cultivating any bad habits. More importantly, family and loved ones should be prepared for the changes to come in the upcoming trimesters. Coping with changes – what to expect Morning sickness in the first trimester is quite common and can put a woman’s body under tremendous stress.

A joint or articulation is made from two bones that aid the body in movement. There are many forms of joint conditions, which, in many cases, arise from the wear and tear of bones. Arthritis is one of the major and most common health conditions in the country, and its intensity increases with age. Here are some common types of joint conditions that you need to know: Osteoarthritis With almost 10 percent of men and 13 percent of women aged over 60 suffering from osteoarthritis, it is one of the most prevalent joint conditions in the country. Osteoarthritis occurs due to the wear and tear of the cartilages that protect the ends of bones. It commonly affects joints of the spine, hands, hips, and knees. If left untreated, this wear and tear of the cartilage soon leads to bone degeneration, thereby affecting flexibility and range of movement. Treatment for osteoarthritis depends on its severity and the patient’s age. Mild symptoms can be treated through medications, physiotherapy, and changes in lifestyle, whereas moderate to severe cases may require surgical intervention. Spondyloarthritis Spondyloarthritis, also referred to as spondyloarthropathy, is a type of rheumatic disease that causes inflammation in various joints. There are two types of spondyloarthritis—axial spondyloarthritis, which causes inflammation of the joints in the chest, spine, and hip bone, and peripheral spondyloarthritis, which causes inflammation in the fingers, knees, and toes.