GENERAL MEDICINE

Liver diseases- The liver is a vital organ essential for food digestion and eliminating toxic substances from our bodies. It’s caused by consuming excess alcohol, viruses, or some drugs that may affect liver function. Untreated liver disease may lead to liver failure, which is a life-threatening condition. Liver disorders can be treated with medication, and in severe conditions, our general medicine doctors recommend surgery as a treatment option.

Heart disease- Due to insufficient nutrients and oxygen, some parts of the heart or coronary arteries are damaged. Being overweight, having high BP, smoking, having diabetes, eating junk foods, etc., are some factors of heart disease. It can be treated with medications or surgery.

Diabetes, also called diabetes mellitus, is a group of diseases that result in too much sugar in the blood, which is high blood glucose. Type 1 is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. People need to administer insulin regularly using injections or insulin pumps. Type 2 is a chronic condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar. The most common risk factors include age above 45, overweight, and family history.

Pre-diabetes- A state in which blood sugar levels exceed normal yet lower than those of type 2 diabetes. A combination of genetic or environmental factors may cause both type 1 and 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is typically the result of poor diet and lack of exercise. Some of these were perpetually since childhood. It can be prevented by maintaining a moderate weight, eating a balanced diet with less sugar, saturated fats, processed foods, and exercising.

Cholesterol- It is a waxy substance found in the blood. Cholesterol is essential for cell growth and repair, but excessive amounts may raise blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease. You can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels, eventually making it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries. Sometimes those deposits can break suddenly and form a clot leading to a heart attack or stroke. Unhealthy lifestyles often develop high cholesterol. A healthy diet, exercise, and sometimes medication can reduce high cholesterol. Your cholesterol values show how much cholesterol is circulating in your blood. Your normal cholesterol should be less than 200mg/dL. Borderline is 200 to 239 mg/dL and above 240 mg/dL. HDL or good cholesterol level should be 40mg/dL or higher, and LDL or bad cholesterol should be less than 100 mg/dL.

Let’s take a look at foods to be avoided for cholesterol-

Red meat, whipped cream, Butter, processed meats, cheese, baked foods, fried foods, egg yolks.

Foods that help reduce cholesterol are-

Oatmeal, apples, prunes, and beans are rich in soluble fibers; focus more on eating fruits, veggies, and whole grains. These reduce cholesterol absorption in your bloodstream and help your body flush it out. Warm water and cucumber juice in the morning is one of the most nutritious and easiest healthy drinks.

Regular walking burns extra calories, increases good cholesterol, and reduces bad cholesterol and triglycerides.