Research from the National Institute of Mental Health describes schizophrenia as a mental disorder that disrupts healthy thought, perception, social interactions, and emotional response in almost 3.2 million American patients. While schizophrenia may be considered far less prevalent compared to many other mental disorders, it’s symptoms are often very severe and dangerous when left untreated. The prime symptoms of schizophrenia often include both social, emotional, motor, and cognitive impairment, and may include delusions, abnormal and unhealthy thoughts, hallucinations, paranoia, apathy, and detachment. Schizophrenia exists in several subtypes, including: 1. Paranoid schizophrenia The most common form of schizophrenia is paranoid schizophrenia, which is characterized by often persistent and delusionsional thinking, hallucinations, and even hearing voices that don’t exist and that may be abusive or hostile in nature. Paranoia often overcomes this subtype, so much that they may be a danger to themselves or others if not treated. 2. Disorganized schizophrenia Also medically referred to as hebephrenic schizophrenia, this subtype is often known for displaying very disorganized thoughts and behavior as far as performing typically routine daily tasks (i.e., shopping, directions, etc.) and speech patterns. This can often cause much anger and frustration in untreated patients. 3. Schizoaffective disorder Schizoaffective patients are stricken by a combination of mood and psychotic schizophrenic symptoms⁠—including mania, hallucinations, deluded thinking, and depression at the same time.

Let’s be clear. Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition, which means it must be treated under close supervision of a medical professional and with mood therapies and mood-stabilizing medications to help control the transitioning mania (high) and depression (lows). However, several research studies on food and its effects on particular bipolar disorder symptoms have come forward, and have been shown to even reduce mania and other bipolar symptoms: 1. Probiotic rich foods Kefir, miso, kombucha, sauerkraut, yogurt, and kimchi are all probiotic rich foods which have been shown to reduce inflammation within the digestive system and brain. In fact, psychiatry researchers from India’s All Institute of Medical Sciences, claim that these healthy bacteria also have a large impact on our emotional control, especially for patients with bipolar disorder and clinical depression. For instance, patients with both mental conditions show high levels of inflammatory response triggered by stress hormones (i.e., norepinephrine). While consuming a probiotic rich diet has been linked to lower inflammatory emotional response because these healthy bacteria trigger the release of naturally soothing brain chemicals (i.e., serotonin). 2. Dark chocolate Good news for chocolate lovers! Not only is the dark version of this super comforting snack a natural stress reliever—a body of research published in the Journal of Proteome Research found that 30 human study participants who consumed just an ounce and a half serving of dark chocolate (sorry, not milk chocolate or white chocolate) showed less anxiety traits on a metabolic, hormonal, and gut microbial level after a duration of 2 weeks.

We’ve all been there. Up at the front of a room making a speech or presentation when we can feel the sweat collecting in our underarms only to leave the room and see embarrassing sweat stains on our favorite blouse. Sweat can derail plenty of social events, picture taking opportunities, and dates. Particularly for those who suffer from heavy sweating, or hyperhidrosis, a medical term for excessive and often uncontrollable sweating. While sweating can be indicative of several health issues (i.e., gout, perimenopause, thyroid issues, diabetes, etc.), it’s not always the case. But you can use several products to help reduce or even mask sweat and body odors, such as: 1. Prescription antiperspirant Antiperspirant and deodorant are often confused. However, it’s antiperspirant that is the stronger product of the two, and often used by those who suffer from hyperhidrosis. What antiperspirant does that deodorant doesn’t block sweat glands from producing sweat. This is due to ingredients within make from aluminum salt compounds that literally create tiny gel plugs that impede sweat glands. So despite claims from deodorants to block smell and keep you dry, it’s actually antiperspirants that maintain the dryest underarms. Many antiperspirant products also often come in antiperspirant-deodorant combination sticks.

Diabetes is a lifelong condition which can only be managed using medications and making the required lifestyle changed. Understanding what you should or should not have in diabetes is tricky. You need to calculate the glycemic index of your food intake and an index measure of less than 55 and more than 70 is not a good measure. While it is a commonly held belief that green, leafy vegetables are good for health, in diabetes, this is not the case as not all the greens have the same nutrients. Vegetables you expect to be healthy could be a wrong choice due to them contributing to a high GI. Foods that are naturally low in glycemic index are a good choice for diabetes patients for a better chance at managing the condition. Let us look at six superfoods that are best choices for diabetes patients. Berries: Blueberries are antioxidant filled powerhouses and are rich in vitamin C. Berries like raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries are all excellent superfood for diabetes patients. The intake of berries reduces the risk of heart diseases and cancer. Blueberries, if had in the right amount, have anti-inflammatory properties as well. Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain lycopene, and whether eaten raw or cooked, have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and reduce chances of cancer, degeneration, and other health problems.

Approved for use in the U.S. in 2001 by the FDA, NuvaRing is a form of vaginal ring hormone contraception. This thin ring is constructed of very flexible blend of polymer and ethylene vinyl that’s inserted into the vagina similarly to a tampon or Diva cup. The ring contains a mix of hormones (i.e., estrogen and progestin), which Yale Medical School doctors explain impedes ovulation, or egg release via the ovaries to stop sperm to egg fertilization while causing the mucus layer in the cervix and uterine linings to thicken so sperm can’t reach an egg. The vaginal ring may be a newer form of birth control, but here’s why many women prefer it to the birth control pill: 1. One ring fits all NuvaRing offers the ultimate in flexibility when it comes to contraception that lasts 3 weeks to a month without any stress. The vaginal ring is extremely flexible to stretch, bend, and fit within vaginas of varying shapes and sizes because it’s made of a transparent, non-biodegradable ring that’s 54-millimeters by 4 millimeters in size. With that in mind, NuvaRing prevents pregnancy in 99 out of every 100 women. However, it is not effective against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).