#Health and wellness USA

[dreamfly-fitness1]

mental health awareness

[nando161mando]

[midnightcrganfight]

Hey America, seems like they ran the footage through some AI - and looks like we got our guy!

[abloginablog]

THANK YOU NEW YORKERS!!!

[beyondthebloodsugar]

My Fasting Experience: Low Blood Sugar Moments and How I Handled Them

Fasting can be a tricky journey. At times, it feels like walking a tightrope. It’s not just about skipping meals; it’s about tuning into what your body is saying. I started my fasting experience hoping for clarity and health. Little did I know, I'd face some surprising low blood sugar moments that shook me up! Here’s how I navigated through the bumps and found my footing.

Understanding the Ups and Downs of Fasting

Fasting often feels like an adventure. You think you’re on solid ground, but then—bam! Your blood sugar drops. Moments like these can feel alarming. Suddenly, you're weak, dizzy, or even lightheaded. It left me wondering: How did I get here?

When you fast, your body is running on empty fuel. It’s like trying to drive a car on fumes. Eventually, you hit a wall. This happened to me on several occasions. I realized that understanding my body’s signals was key to managing those low points.

Recognizing the Signs of Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar can sneak up on you. At first, it might just feel like a little fatigue. The next thing you know, you're staring at your feet, wishing the ground would steady itself. I started recognizing my signs: the shaky hands, the foggy brain, and that annoying little sweat on my forehead.

Each of these signs was a warning bell. It’s like my body was sending me a text message saying, "Hey, pay attention!" The trick was learning to listen and react before things got serious.

Quick Fixes to Raise Blood Sugar Levels

When low blood sugar hit, I needed solutions fast. I learned to keep a stash of easy snacks nearby. Something as simple as a piece of fruit or a bite of granola could make a world of difference. It was like pulling a parachute cord when free-falling. Instant relief!

I kept small packets of honey in my bag. They’re tasty, easy to carry, and bring up my sugar levels quickly. It’s amazing how a little sweetness can turn your day around!

Planning My Meals to Avoid Low Moments

Planning became crucial in my fasting routine. I started mapping out my meals, making sure I had enough nutrients to fuel my body. Eating wholesome meals before starting a fast was like filling my gas tank to full before a long trip. I wanted to avoid running out of fuel halfway.

I learned the importance of including proteins, fats, and fiber. These kept me feeling full longer and helped maintain steady blood sugar levels. It’s all about building a foundation that can handle the ups and downs.

Finding Balance Through Fasting

Fasting is all about balance. There were days when I hit those low points, but they were also days filled with learning. Each experience taught me more about my body and its signals.

It’s not just about the act of fasting itself; it’s about how to balance your body’s needs with your goals. I found that adjusting my approach and listening closely helped me handle those low blood sugar moments better.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

My fasting experience was filled with highs and lows. The low blood sugar moments were unexpected challenges, but also valuable lessons. I learned to listen, prepare, and react. Instead of fearing these moments, I embraced them as part of the journey.

So, if you’re thinking about fasting, keep in mind that it’s a personal adventure. You may face your own struggles, but with a little preparation and awareness, you'll find your way. Fasting isn’t just about food—it's about understanding your body and embracing the experience!

[troythecatfish]

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[carpemydms]

Vote for human rights. Women are human last time I checked.

[curiositysavesthecat]

*This poll was submitted to us and we simply posted it so people could vote and discuss their opinions on the matter. If you’d like for us to ask the internet a question for you, feel free to drop the poll of your choice in our inbox and we’ll post them anonymously (for more info, please check our pinned post).

[relaxedstyles]

[ironicvixen]

I thank the gods of all religions that I was not born in the USA. No hate, but I get sick like once a month and if I lived in America I would have gone bankrupt like 8 times because of all the bills.

[xeavy]

[lilidawnonthemoon]

[nando161mando]

UnitedHealth, employer of slain exec Brian Thompson, found to have overcharged some cancer patients for drugs by over 1,000%

https://www.yahoo.com/news/unitedhealth-employer-slain-exec-brian-175429944.html?guccounter=1

[rourkie]

Honestly? Forget about health insurance. I can't even get my doctor to believe me when I'm hurt or sick. And then they just go up with a narrative that they have decided before they even examine me without even listening to what I have to say.

I'm almost certain that I have anemia, something that didn't come up until I started transitioning. 🏳️‍⚧️ I don't know if it was brought on because of the change in hormones, (which my armchair research says is a possibility,) but it's something that I found out one day when I tried to give plasma like I always do only to find that my red blood cell levels were too low. Lately I've been feeling more and more exhausted, so there's actually kind of tracked with the general malaise feeling of "something is wrong but I don't know what."

(Rant under the cut)

In the past I have never had high blood pressure. Even when I was roughly 30 or 40 lb heavier than I am now, my blood pressure has been remarkably stable. Lately it's been trending slightly high, and while some of it can be accounted to age and stress, it's a definite and distinct change. My diet and exercise habits had roughly stayed the same. (Anemia can cause increased blood pressure.)

In the last 2 years I've definitely started having some circulation problems, especially in my feet, which sometimes feel like I'm stepping on rocks even though I'm not. I've never had this problem before. (Anemia can cause phantom foot pain and circulatory issues.)

I started taking iron pills in addition to the regular multivitamin I was taking (from the recommendation of the plasma donation nurse) and my mood increased drastically. I felt I had more energy, didn't feel as exhausted all the time. And while I don't think I was suffering from an iron deficiency, I definitely think that the extra iron helps to produce more red blood cells.

I went in for a physical with a new doctor a few months ago. I told him everything above (including being off iron for a few months so they could get an accurate blood test). He was concerned with my blood pressure being slightly high and attributed it to my weight.

I told him flat out that I didn't believe that my weight was the cause. That I had much more normal blood pressure when I was heavier than I am now. He didn't believe me when I told him that I wasn't anywhere near my heaviest, and seemed shocked to believe that I had been able to lose that much weight, and asked me what had stopped or changed from me continuing to do so.

He wanted to put me on Ozempic (as if it's the answer to everything) for the rest of my life, and I flat out told him I didn't want any appetite reducing drugs. I told him that my problem is that I generally sometimes don't remember to eat, and that I'm likely to eat too little during a day than too much, as I'm not really a snacker for the most part. He didn't believe me, but agreed to go in a different direction.

But then offered me a second solution that would "boost my metabolism and help me lose weight" that way, and that if I didn't like it, it's something that could be stopped, unlike Ozempic. I stared straight at him and asked if it was an appetite suppressant, and he told me no. So I agreed. I also got him to agree to run a blood panel with my labs despite the fact that he didn't think anything was wrong.

In the week that I was waiting for my labs, I started my new medication. By day 2 I just didn't ever feel hungry anymore. By day 5, I felt sick drinking even just seltzer or water. Water made me nauseous. By the end of the week I had to just stop because I felt so awful. I looked up what the drugs actually did, probably something I should have done earlier, but found out that when taken together, one drug acted like an appetite suppressant and the other was designed to make me feel fuller when I ate. My doctor flat out lied to me to my face about what prescriptions he had given me.

Around this time I got my labs back. Low hematocrit (red blood cell count), though regular iron levels. About what I expected. But of course, despite the fact that the lab said that there would be a follow-up from my physician to discuss my labs, no follow-up happened from my doctor. Apparently it wasn't important enough for him to go over my labs with me. I had another appointment with him in 2 months, which I canceled because I knew that I wouldn't be able to control myself with the amount of rage that I felt towards this man. Especially since my "routine labs" ended up costing me about $500 out of my own pocket, because they refused to recode the lab work they did to have it covered under my physical

So here I am without a doctor. I'm back on iron pills because they make me feel better, but I know it's not a permanent solution. But I really don't know what to do from here.

And before any of you tell me to go find another doctor, let me explain to you that this happens to me anywhere I go. Last year I had a doctor who I went to because I was sick and it wasn't COVID. The doctor performed a few sample tests on me and told me that she would let me know in 48 hours. Covid came back negative. Flu came back negative. The sample that I was waiting on, the strep test, kept showing as no data. This was a test that I asked her to do because I know what my body feels like when I'm sick and I was pretty sure this was what it was. I was sick for another 3 days before I went to a walk-in clinic who confirmed that I did in fact have strep. When I called my doctor to see what was going on, the receptionist found out that my doctor had thrown away my strep sample because she was convinced that it was COVID and that the COVID sample would come back positive.

I can't tell you how many times something that was diagnosed as "just a cold" ended up being upper respiratory infections and sinus infections.

I am the leading expert on my own body. Yes, I'm overweight. Yes I'm working on that. Despite what people see when they look at me, I am a relatively healthy human being who keeps in regular shape despite the fact that I am heavyset.

Yes, health insurance companies suck. But so does our current healthcare system. There's a reason why I don't go to the doctor anymore unless I absolutely have to, and even then? Usually they charge an arm and a leg to misdiagnose. I'm not the only one, too. There are many of my peers who struggle with the same thing. What is going on? And how can we change this?

[happyshoppingtoyou]

Powerful All-New Nerve Support Formula: Experience Total Nerve Wellness 🌿✨

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What Nerve Fresh Offers You

By integrating research-backed ingredients, Nerve Fresh is carefully formulated to: 🌟 Support Healthy Nerves: Nourish and protect nerve tissues for optimal function. 🌟 Reduce Pain: Target nerve discomfort and promote long-term relief. 🌟 Boost Energy: Enhance cellular energy production for sustained vitality. 🌟 Improve Sleep: Promote deeper, more relaxing rest by calming the nervous system. 🌟 Enhance Wellness: Elevate overall physical and mental health naturally.

All-Natural Excellence

Nerve Fresh stands out for its dedication to quality and purity: ✅ All Natural: Free from artificial ingredients, Non-GMO, and Gluten-Free. ✅ Made in the USA: Proudly formulated under strict quality standards. ✅ GMP Certified: Manufactured in a Good Manufacturing Practice-certified facility. ✅ FDA Registered: Produced in FDA-registered facilities for your safety and confidence.

Key Ingredients That Make Nerve Fresh Unique

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A Formula You Can Trust

Every dose of Nerve Fresh is packed with the optimal levels of these ingredients to ensure maximum effectiveness. Whether you're dealing with nerve pain, fatigue, or restless nights, this advanced formula is here to provide relief and help you feel like yourself again.

🌟 Why Wait? Take Charge of Your Nerve Health Today! Start your journey toward vibrant health and daily comfort with Nerve Fresh. With nature’s finest ingredients and cutting-edge science, you can reclaim your vitality and enjoy life to the fullest.

[beyondthebloodsugar]

Take Control: Managing Elevated Blood Sugar Levels with Diabetes

Living with diabetes can feel like riding a roller coaster. Sometimes you're up, and other times, you're just trying to hold on. Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to complications, but managing them doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let’s break it down into simple steps that make sense.

Understanding Elevated Blood Sugar Levels

When you eat, your body breaks down food into glucose, which is the fuel your cells need. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps move that glucose into your cells. In diabetes, this system doesn’t work quite like it should. This can leave too much sugar lingering in your bloodstream. Think of it like a traffic jam; instead of flowing smoothly, everything's backed up and causing problems.

Recognizing the Signs

Ever felt unusually thirsty or tired? Maybe you've noticed frequent trips to the bathroom? Those can all be signs your blood sugar is too high. Other signals might include blurred vision or headaches. Paying attention to your body is key. It's like having a built-in alarm system; you just need to know how to listen.

Smart Eating Habits

Your diet plays a significant role in managing your blood sugar. Focus on whole foods that nourish your body. Think fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. Picture your plate as a colorful palette. The more colors you have, the more nutrients you’re getting! Try to balance your meals with carbs, proteins, and fats to keep your blood sugar steady.

Regular Exercise: Your Secret Weapon

Let’s talk about exercise – it’s not just for fitness buffs or sports enthusiasts. Moving your body helps your cells use insulin more effectively. Just 30 minutes of walking, biking, or dancing can be a game changer. Think of exercise like a key; it opens the door for glucose to enter your cells. Plus, it lifts your mood and boosts your energy levels.

Monitoring Your Blood Sugar

Keeping an eye on your blood sugar numbers is crucial. Regular testing gives you a clear picture of how your food choices and activities impact your levels. Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns. Maybe you find out a certain snack pushes your numbers up. This knowledge is empowering, like having a roadmap in your back pocket.

Managing Stress: The Silent Saboteur

Stress can sneak in and cause your blood sugar to spike. It’s like an unexpected guest that makes everything chaotic. Stress triggers your body to release hormones that can raise blood sugar. Finding outlets like deep breathing, yoga, or even enjoying a hobby can help keep your stress in check. Think of these activities as a calm oasis amid a busy desert.

The Importance of Medication

Sometimes, lifestyle changes aren’t enough on their own. If your doctor has prescribed medication, it’s essential to take it as directed. Medications can help bridge the gap between what your body needs and what it can produce. Think of medication as a protective shield, safeguarding you from potential complications.

Building a Support System

You're not alone on this journey. Building a support system is vital. This can include friends, family, or join local support groups. Talking about your experience helps lighten the load. It’s like having a team behind you at a big game, cheering you on every step of the way.

Conclusion: Your Path Forward

Managing elevated blood sugar levels with diabetes doesn’t have to feel daunting. By learning about your body, making smart food choices, staying active, and seeking support, you can take significant steps towards better health. Remember, each small change adds up, and you have the power to shape your journey. Embrace this path and take control of your health today!