Most people that have tried keto have seen dramatic changes while dropping some pounds. Everyone has a different approach, wherein some may choose to exercise and lose calories while others may prefer a healthy, low-carb meal plan to abide by. Keto can be a super-restrictive nutrition plan. As a keto newbie, one may easily take a few mistakes, which can be easily avoided. These are seven common mistakes that keto beginners make. Not getting enough fat  There are several common mistakes that keto beginners can make. One of the most common mistakes is not getting enough fat. Keto requires a high fat intake in order to be effective. Without enough fat, one will not be able to enter ketosis and will not lose weight. In addition to this, one may find themselves feeling tired and sluggish without enough fat in their daily meals. To avoid such situations, one may also look for keto meal delivery services and order a customized meal plan best suited to their needs. Green Fresh, 518 Kitchen, Trifecta Nutrition are a few popular meal delivery services.  Not drinking enough water Another common mistake is not drinking enough water. When one is on keto, the body flushes out a lot of water and electrolytes. This can lead to dehydration if one is not drinking enough water throughout the day. Make sure to drink 8-10 glasses of water each day to avoid dehydration. Not keeping a food journal Beginners on keto sometimes fail to track their daily food intake. One should know how many calories, carbs, and fat they are eating each day. This will help them stay on track and reach their desired goals. Keeping a food journal or an online meal tracker may also help in assessing food intake on a daily basis. Not calculating the macronutrients correctly When starting keto, beginners may miss out on calculating their macronutrients correctly.

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells, which are a crucial component of the body’s immune system. Common treatment options for this disease, such as chemotherapy, can affect one’s appetite and make one feel overwhelmed and tired. This can make it challenging to get the right nutrition. Further, as multiple myeloma also weakens the immune system, it is important to steer clear of foods that can make one sick. Raw or undercooked meat Raw or undercooked foods are the most common cause of food poisoning. Cooking meat helps destroy any harmful bacteria. Due to this, those undergoing (or have recently undergone) treatment for multiple myeloma must avoid the following: Cold hot dogs or deli lunch meat if these are not cooked or reheated until the meat is steaming hot Dry-cured, uncooked salami Smoked fish Refrigerated pâté Raw or undercooked shellfish, such as oysters, may carry the Hepatitis A virus until not cooked properly Sushi and sashimi Undercooked eggs—soft-boiled, over-easy, or poached Foods containing raw eggs, such as raw cookie dough Unpasteurized dairy/drinks Raw milk can carry dangerous bacteria, such as E. coli or Salmonella, that can wreak havoc on a weakened immune system. People with multiple myeloma must avoid foods made from unpasteurized dairy products such as raw milk yogurt or soft cheeses like blue-veined, Brie, Camembert, feta, goat cheese, and queso franco/Blanco. Unpasteurized fruit juices and cider must also be avoided. Unwashed fruits and vegetables Raw produce can often increase the chances of developing an infection if it is not cleaned properly. While fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants that help the body rebuild its strength to fight off cancer, eating unwashed fruits and vegetables may make the immune system weaker. One should thoroughly clean the fruits and vegetables before adding them to meals.

Hemophilia is a rare blood disorder in which a person’s blood does not form clots, causing spontaneous and excessive bleeding during injuries and accidents. It occurs when the body does not generate sufficient protein essential for blood clot formation. Hemophilia may be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Although it has no cure, several therapies are being considered to control the symptoms. Experts also recommend other ways to manage hemophilia through lifestyle changes. Choose iron-rich foods A patient with hemophilia loses approximately 0.75 micrograms of iron with every 15 ml of blood. Thus, following a meal plan high in iron is crucial. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts have high iron levels. Walnuts, hazelnuts, dates, beans, raisins, apricots, red meat, and poultry are other iron-rich foods to incorporate into the nutrition regimen. Replenish the body with vitamin C Studies have shown that vitamin C is essential for iron absorption in the body. Hence, accompanying iron-rich foods with foods rich in vitamin C is a great way to manage hemophilia. Items rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables, and lychees. Stay active Contact sports and intensive exercises are a no-no for patients with hemophilia. However, low-intensity exercises like walking, dancing, some yoga practices, cycling, and swimming can help with overall physical well-being and prevent a sedentary lifestyle. Avoid sugary foods Soft drinks, desserts, cookies, pastries, and other sweet foods can cause toothaches and cavities, which may eventually lead to tooth extraction and, as a result, excessive bleeding. Thus, it helps to limit or avoid foods with added sugar and replace them with natural-sugar sources like fruits and fresh fruit juices. Be cautious during vaccinations Everyone should get vaccinated at the right time, irrespective of whether they have hemophilia. But hemophilia patients, especially children with the condition, should be administered doses with caution as they can suffer from blood loss.

Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders that result in the body’s inability to produce healthy blood cells. Known to be a rare type of cancer, the syndromes primarily affect the elderly, especially those over the age of 65. However, it can affect the younger population as well. The most common and early symptoms are fatigue and shortness of breath. Here are a few signs and available treatments for myelodysplastic syndromes. Symptoms of myelodysplastic syndromes Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can develop without any symptoms in the early stages. They can be detected by general blood tests. The most common symptom is anemia. Patients may also experience other symptoms like: Breathing problems Constant fatigue despite adequate rest Pallid skin Excessive bruising and bleeding Petechiae, which are extremely small spots of bleeding under the skin Fever and frequent infections One should consult a doctor if any of these symptoms persist for a long time. This will help identify the underlying cause and help a person get the best treatment available. The causes of MDS MDS develops due to problems in the process of blood cell formation. When understanding the cause of MDS, one should also be aware about the role of the bone marrow. A soft, spongy tissue, the bone marrow creates new blood cells that mature after some time. When a person suffers from MDS, the normal development of blood cells does not occur. Instead, the blood cells die in the bone marrow or shortly after entering the bloodstream. After a certain period, the body then has a large number of defective blood cells than healthy cells, which leads to a number of health issues. Treatments for MDS For MDS patients, the primary aim of treatment is restoring the blood count to healthy levels. Treatment can also involve the use of various remedies.

Vitiligo is a rare skin disease that causes discoloration or pigmentation on one’s skin. People with vitiligo may notice smooth white or light patches appearing on their skin that may get bigger with time. The condition can affect any part of the body, including hair and the insides of one’s mouth. Vitiligo is not a contagious or life-threatening condition; it can be prevented and healed with some foods and home remedies. Understanding vitiligo One’s skin tone and hair color are determined by the quantity of melanin produced by their body cells. If melanin production is hampered, one may develop conditions like vitiligo. The condition usually occurs in the exposed areas of the skin, including hands, forearms, feet, and face. One may also notice premature graying or whitening of hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, and beard. Additionally, there may be discoloration around the genitals. Common causes of vitiligo The exact cause of vitiligo is not known. Abnormal genetic mutation, a family history of the condition, or a triggering event may affect the pigment-producing cells called melanocytes and cause vitiligo. Moreover, extreme sunburn, physical or emotional stress, or exposure to toxic chemicals may also lead to developing vitiligo. Foods that help prevent vitiligo Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that may lead to inflammation and damage of cells. Hence, adding foods that boost immunity and are rich in nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and minerals to one’s daily meals may help prevent the condition from recurring or getting worse. Berries Fruits rich in antioxidants such as raspberries and strawberries can help in reducing cellular damage and inflammation. Bananas, apples, and papayas Bananas and apples are rich in phytochemicals, beta-carotene, and antioxidants, which help build immunity and prevent the condition. Beets, carrots, and radishes Common root vegetables like beets, carrots, and radishes are also rich in immunity-boosting nutrients that can help prevent cell damage.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a health condition in which the heart muscles become thick, leading to poor blood pumping function by the organ. When these thickened walls block the blood, it is called obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HOCM. And when there is no significant blockage, it is called nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The symptoms are very few, making diagnosing the condition at the right time difficult. Let’s look at a brief overview of this illness. Causes It has been studied that gene changes in individuals cause this health condition. This is called gene mutation. The thickened muscle is usually between the two bottom chambers of the heart, which help in pumping the blood out, and if it stiffens, it makes it harder for the heart to relax. This leads to a reduced amount of blood that the ventricle can hold, and it is then unable to pump enough out to the rest of the body with each heartbeat. Due to this condition, some individuals also experience rearrangement of heart muscle cells, also called myofiber disarray, which can cause arrhythmias. Symptoms While the symptoms are few and are usually noticed very late, here is what to look out for: Any chest pain during a workout or any other form of exercise Fainting after strenuous activity or a workout A heart murmur that is mostly only detected by a doctor if you go in for a check-up Palpitations or experiencing fast, fluttering, and pounding heartbeats Shortness of breath that is usually observed during exercise While these symptoms overlap with other health conditions, it is important to see a doctor immediately when other signs are noticed, like irregular or rapid heartbeats, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. Treatment options It is not possible to cure this condition; however, there are several options and procedures in place which help relieve the symptoms of the illness and reduce the risk of cardiac arrest in individuals.

Immune thrombocytopenia, formerly called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, is a disorder that causes excessive bleeding and bruising. The uncontrolled bleeding may be due to low levels of platelets—the blood cells that help the blood clot. This health condition is known to cause purple-colored bruises and tiny rash-like reddish-purple dots on the skin. In most cases, children may develop it after a viral infection and recover entirely, but the disorder is usually long-term or chronic in adults. Symptoms Chronic immune thrombocytopenia often does not have symptoms. But in rare cases, they do occur in a gradual manner. Some signs to look for out are: Purple bruises on the skin Patients may notice tiny purple-colored bruises on the skin, known as purpura. Sometimes these bruises occur inside the mouth. Easy bruising One may easily injure themselves, resulting in uncontrolled bleeding or bruises on different body parts. Bleeding gums This may occur when patients do not brush or floss properly due to a fear of excessive bleeding. Poor oral hygiene can further lead to gum disease and cavities. Besides these signs, individuals should look for blood in urine or stools, spontaneous nose bleeds, and abnormally heavy menstruation. Diagnosis and treatment Healthcare professionals often diagnose chronic immune thrombocytopenia by ruling out other underlying health conditions that can lead to uncontrolled bleeding. Furthermore, blood tests may be suggested to check the level of platelets. Patients diagnosed with a mild case of the disease may not need treatment, but those with a severe condition may be suggested treatment alternatives such as: Surgery If the disorder persists, doctors may suggest surgery to remove the spleen—a body part that produces antibodies. Spleen removal is often recommended because the spleen makes antibodies that attack the platelets in those with this condition. Platelet transfusion Patients with severe uncontrolled bleeding may be required to be given platelets from the blood bank to compensate for the loss of this precious blood cell.

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, commonly known as GEP-NETs, are cancerous tumors that develop in the pancreas or other digestive areas, such as the small intestine, rectum, stomach, appendix, or colon. These tumors generally grow in the hormone-producing neuroendocrine cells. Like most other cancers, GEP-NETs are hard to detect in their initial stages. If undetected for a long time, the tumors can turn malignant and spread to other parts of a person’s body. Symptoms Healthcare and oncology experts identify this health condition by the following symptoms: Diarrhea People with GEP-NETs frequently have secretory diarrhea, meaning they defecate large-volume stools. The frequent passage of stools causes bleeding, fever, dramatic muscle loss, a lack of sleep, and severe pain in the lower abdominal area. Abdominal pain is usually caused due to the blockages brought about in a person’s intestines. Headaches While headaches are not the most common symptom, many patients experience them. As specified earlier, GEP-NETs tend to affect one’s hormonal glands. In many cases, this causes unregulated hormone production, which constricts blood vessels in and around the head and other areas. This constriction, in turn, causes headaches. Vomiting The tumors affect the digestive system’s ability to function normally. Hence, patients commonly experience nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, and vomiting. Fatigue Besides the digestive system, most cancers affect blood circulation. Since blood is the primary oxygen carrier to all body parts, patients feel tired more often with improper circulation. One may feel exhausted even after performing simple tasks, such as walking a few steps or climbing some stairs. Treatment options Doctors recommend treatments to stop the spread of cancerous cells to other body parts or inhibit the hormone production symptoms. Surgery may also be suggested to remove the tumor. Some useful treatment alternatives are: Cryoablation In this procedure, doctors insert a thin needle called a cryoprobe into the skin to destroy the cancer cells by freezing them.

Uterine cancer, or uterus cancer, is the term used to describe cancer that develops in the uterus. This condition is classified into two broad types – endometrial cancer, i.e., cancer of the endometrium or the inner lining of the uterus, and uterine sarcoma, i.e., cancer of the myometrium or the uterus’ muscular wall. Endometrial cancer is the more prevalent type of uterine cancer. This article describes uterine cancer, its causes, symptoms, and interventions. Causes and risk factors Genetic predisposition Individuals with family histories of Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), are more at risk of developing uterine cancer. Moreover, Lynch syndrome often occurs as a comorbidity with uterine cancer. About 2% to 5% of women with uterine cancer are also diagnosed with Lynch syndrome. Genetic predisposition to colon cancer can also contribute to the prevalence of uterine cancer. Age Uterine cancer typically occurs among individuals over 50 years of age. The average age of diagnosis of the condition is 60 years. Thus, age acts as a major risk factor for the onset of uterine cancer. High body mass index Body mass index, or BMI, is expressed as one’s body mass divided by the square of one’s body height. High BMI scores can indicate excessive calories in the body. Individuals with high BMI are more susceptible to developing uterine cancer than those with lower BMI scores. Symptoms of uterine cancer Abnormal vaginal bleeding Individuals with uterine cancer may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding between their menstrual cycles or after menopause. Clear vaginal discharge post menopause Clear or thin white vaginal discharge after menopause is one of the symptoms faced by women grappling with uterine cancer. Pain and cramping in the lower abdomen Another common symptom of uterine cancer is pain and cramping in the lower abdomen, situated just below the stomach.