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Health

Ghosts of the Past: 6 Warning Signs That a Person Is Relapsing

signs of relapse

A relapse isn’t the end of the world and is often a necessary part of a full recovery process. It is a learning experience that everyone has to go through at least once. By knowing the signs of relapse, you’ll be better equipped to deal with any future relapses.

1. Being Secretive

Having personal boundaries is normal for most people. But when an individual with noticeable addiction struggles is secretive, it may be time to consider a mens drug treatment program boulder. This is not the easiest thing to admit for the addict, and it is even harder for a third party to bring up. Secrets start to become a real problem when they are used to cover bad drug habits. That is why knowing the difference between a personal boundary and a horrible secret can save a person’s life.

2. Behavioral Changes

A sudden change in behavior is a good sign that a person is getting near the relapse stage. This includes general moodiness, irritability, lashing out at odd times and being defensive. A lot of times this goes further down the rabbit hole, right into full isolation. When the emotional baggage becomes too much to handle, withdrawing from the world seems like the only option. When that doesn’t work, feeding old habits seems like the only solution for an addict.

3. Changes in Appearance

When someone is relapsing, their appearance will change. In the beginning stages, it is easy to cover up the small things. As the relapse progresses, the changes in hygiene, weight loss and clothes will become more noticeable. No matter how stable a person is mentally, their physical appearance will be the first thing that gives away a possible relapse.

4. Resuming Old Habits

Every addict has habits that are unique to identify. When a relapse occurs, those same old habits will return as a warning. It is like seeing a tell from a poker player – no matter how aware they are of the trait, it is too hard to hide forever. For an addict, the biggest tell is frequenting places that have no other variable other than getting drugs easily.  

5. Not Letting Go of the Past

This is one of the hardest things to recognize with a relapse, and it can only be recognized by the addict. If you find yourself dwelling on past addiction experiences, it will open the door for rumination. All of these thoughts will lead to nowhere good, and may very well speed up the path to a full relapse. Instead of thinking of all of the negative parts of your past, think of the positive things that can come from staying clean.

6. Neglecting Responsibilities

This is most noticeable when an addict has a family to take care of. As you slowly shrink away from common responsibilities, loved ones have to pick up the slack. Once your focus is completely drained, a relapse is right around the corner. When responsibilities seem like a burden, communication is always a better answer than drugs.

Stay Ahead of the Problem: Identify Signs of Relapse

When you fail to plan, a relapse can completely hinder the recovery process. Make it a point to recognize the warning signs of relapse so that you never return to full addictive behavior. The path to recovery is hard but well worth the time investment for a long and healthy life.

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Health Healthy Living Mental Health

Drug and Alcohol Addiction: How to Find the Right Rehab Facility for You

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Drug and alcohol addiction are extremely common these days. You might have a situation where you’re using drugs or alcohol in a very controlled way, but then you may start to use them more regularly if something in your life changes. At that point, getting to where you’re addicted to alcohol or your drug of choice might be a lot closer than you realize.  

Luxury rehab centers in Florida are available if you live there and feel like you need help with your alcohol or drug use. You may not feel certain which one you should pick, though. In this article, we will talk about some ways you can target the right treatment center for your particular situation.

Look at Online Reviews and Other Feedback

First, it helps to look at online reviews and any other feedback you can find before you commit to any treatment facility. If you Google a clinic or rehab facility, you will probably see reviews prominently featured. Take some time to read those. If you see that a clinic has only two stars out of five, there’s likely going to be a reason for that.

You can also look at message boards, social media, and anywhere else you might find reviews and feedback about the facility you are considering. Try to assess what people feel about the staff, their treatment methods, and anything else that’s on your mind. Learning as much as you can about a clinic before visiting there makes it likely you won’t waste your time.  

Visit the Facility with Your Family Members or Friends

If you feel that you havefound a treatment facility that could work for you, the next step is to arrange an appointment to go visit there. If you have a support network of family members or friends who are helping you try to get clean, it would be great if some of them could come along with you.

You can get an impression of the place, and your family members and friends can as well. Together, you can make a decision. Make sure to ask plenty of questions of the staff who you meet. Try to envision yourself spending time there. Do you feel like this could be a place where you can dedicate yourself to breaking your dependence on alcohol or drugs?  

Find One You Can Afford 

Finally, you need to think about what kind of financial resources you have to dedicate to this endeavor. You may feel like you have found a facility that has great reviews and a caring, knowledgeable staff, but perhaps it is too expensive for you. These clinics aren’t free, and if you have limited money to spend, you’ll need to factor that into your final decision.

Sometimes, your healthcare plan can pay for part of the bill associated with getting yourself clean. Look into that, and use it to influence your selection.

If you follow this process, you should hopefully be able to find the perfect rehab facility for you to overcome drug and alcohol addiction.

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Health Healthy Living Mental Health

4 Negative and Self-Defeating Thought Patterns Associated With Eating Disorders

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Eating disorders are very serious illnesses that can result in chronic diseases, bone loss, and even death. While there are quite a few eating disorders, the three most common are anorexia, bulimia, and binge-eating disorder. Each of these has its own characteristics, but they all share an unhealthy preoccupation with body weight and shape and food. Eating disorders cause a severe disturbance in a person’s eating behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. Negative and self-defeating thoughts and patterns are typically associated with eating disorders and often require the help of a trained professional to overcome. If you’re unsure of what kinds of negative thought patterns are characteristic of eating disorders, keep reading.

1. Perfectionism

Many people suffering from eating disorders have a skewed idea of perfection. They strive for it at all costs no matter how unrealistic it may be. But the truth is that perfectionism is often fueled by a fear of failure. In general, they’re goal-oriented individuals who know how to dedicate themselves to a goal and see it through. While it’s usually a strength to be driven and want to do things the right way, these traits are best applied to healthy activities and goals.  Seeking outpatient eating disorder treatment is helpful when attempting to learn how to best apply dedication. Excelling in an eating disorder is not a healthy goal.

2. Punishment

Some people use food as a way of punishing themselves for thoughts, feelings, or actions. The idea behind food as a punishment is the thought that they’re undeserving of enjoying something like food. This can be in response to a variety of stimuli like failing to meet an expectation or goal, doing something inappropriate or wrong, or even eating/overeating. Self-punishment is a dark cycle that is often another form of self-harm. Robbing the body of the essential nutrition and calories it needs to function optimally leads to serious health complications.

3. Emotional Support

Food is such an integral part of any culture, it’s no wonder humans tend to associate emotions with food. Although it’s common for food to bring up emotions, it’s not healthy for food to be the medium for the release or management of emotions. It’s not uncommon for people to restrict food or to binge and purge in response to their emotions. An example would be binge eating and feeling shame about it, then purging to try to rid yourself of the shame. Another example is feeling joy when you’re able to fit into a certain clothing size, and you’re willing to restrict your intake to feel the joy that comes with your target size.

4. Control

Some people suffering from eating disorders enjoy the feeling of control or power they get by controlling their food intake. Those who don’t feel they have much control over other aspects of their life, enjoy finding something they can control. For many, the one thing they can control is what and how much they eat.

One of the basic human needs is food. It’s important to meet your nutritional needs to live a healthier and happier lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy relationship with food isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the effort. Poor nutrition can lead to mental issues, chronic health issues, and a decreased quality of life. If you need help, please reach out to a licensed and trained professional so you can break free from some of these negative thought patterns.

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Food Health

The ABCs of Healthy Eating: Simple Guidelines for a Balanced Diet

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Are you preparing for the summer by changing up your diet for weight loss? Or do you simply want to lose some weight since you’ve put on some over the winter months? Not to worry—a balanced diet is all that you need to get back to the ABCs of healthy eating. Here are a few tips to help get you there: 

Learn the art of portion control

While you may not need to cut out carbs and some sugars from your diet, there is something to be said about the art of portion control. What portion control can do for many people is allow them to eat the kinds of foods that they like without going overboard. 

For example, you may love mashed potatoes, but if you’re trying to lose a bit of weight before the summer, it may not be a bad idea to do some portion control on those mashed potatoes. You still get to eat them, but you just eat less than what you’d normally eat without a diet. 

Plan meals with a nutritionist 

Sometimes, one may need some help from a professional for a more balanced diet or support for their weight loss. With a nutritionist, you can learn how to eat better foods for your goals and create a balanced meal plan that keeps you healthy but also happy with your meal choices. 

For those going to the doctor for weight loss support, you may wonder how to ask your doctor for weight loss pills. In some cases, a medical provider may suggest traditional methods for losing weight before prescribing medications, while in other situations, your medical history may show that you need them for your overall health. Talk to your doctor about what you need. They want you to succeed. 

Minimize cheat meals 

While cheat meals are often a good idea to help you avoid binge eating, sometimes people eat too many cheat meals and offset the improvement they could be achieving in their fitness goals. A meal at your favorite burger joint every now and then isn’t a bad idea, but too many of these can have you slowing down the progress you may be trying to make before the summer is upon us. Follow a meal plan if it helps you to be more prepared in order to avoid these cheat meals. 

Prioritize foods that work for you

If you want to make sure you’re getting the most from your meals, figure out how to prioritize foods that are good for your body and that can help you reach your other goals. For example, if you’re someone who is hitting the gym and wanting to build up your body, it could be helpful to eat protein-rich meals that help you start seeing the results. You need energy to feel clean and lean, so also consider eating foods that allow you to feel rejuvenated and energetic. 

Make it fun and delicious

Free Fruit Salads in Plate Stock Photo

Something that happens when people want to lose weight is that they end up trying to be too strict with their meal prep, making foods that just don’t taste amazing. Instead of trying to stick to some “impossible” diet, take time to come up with meals that are healthy yet also delicious. 

Learn how to cook new types of food that will provide you with the nutrition that you need but also taste amazing. Look online for different types of cookbooks so that you can more easily prepare meals that make your mouth water.  

In Conclusion

From the way that you plan your meals to how you like to eat, there are different ways to prepare healthy food for better health. A balanced diet can make a difference in your life, so think about these tips when wanting to reach weight loss goals, feel more energetic, and do more for your body.

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Health

5 Substances You Should Under No Circumstances Mix With Alcohol

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Drinking alcohol often starts as a social activity, but for some it can turn into an unhealthy habit. Understanding how alcohol interacts with certain substances is critical, especially for those taking medications where mixing the two can have severe consequences. Here are 5 types of medications that should never be combined with drinking alcohol:

Pain Medications

Taking medications that help with pain, whether it’s Tylenol or a prescription, can lead to an increased risk of serious side effects. With medications like opioids that are often prescribed for severe pain, the risk could be drowsiness that is life-threatening or difficulty breathing. Those who do drink and need help with recovery so they can once again take medication to help with chronic or acute pain will want to seek help through a wellness center.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics include side effects like nausea, and that’s without combining them with anything. Combining them with alcohol can make these side effects much worse or can even lead to heart issues, liver damage, and other severe medical problems. It’s crucial to take the full dose of antibiotics to recover and prevent the issue from becoming worse, so it is important to avoid drinking for the entire time they are taken.

Over-the-Counter Medications

It’s all too easy to end up takingover-the-counter medications while drinking, but it is something that should be avoided. Alcohol not only can make you feel worse and take longer to recover, but it can also impact the effectiveness of the medications intended to help you feel better. Combining alcohol with over-the-counter medications can lead to worsened side effects like dizziness or drowsiness, which can be dangerous. It can also end up causing life-threatening complications.

Anxiety Medications or Sleeping Pills

Those who suffer from anxiety, insomnia, and related issues may drink to help them cope. Combining this with medications is never a good idea, and it’s better to find different ways to deal with anxiety or get to sleep at night. The combination can lead to increased drowsiness or trouble breathing, which can lead to serious medical conditions or death.

Antidepressants

The effects of antidepressants combined with alcohol can vary based on the specific medication being taken. It is never a good idea to combine them with alcohol, though. Potential side effects can range from dizziness to liver damage or serious heart impacts. Alcohol can also reduce the medication’s effectiveness, so the person isn’t getting the help they need to battle depression.

Drinking should never be combined with medications. It has the ability to cause severe and sometimes life-threatening complications. For those who have trouble with quitting alcohol when they need to be on short-term or long-term medications, getting help through a rehab program may be needed. With the right help, it’s possible to recover from an alcohol addiction and start on the path to a healthier life. With this, the person will once again be able to take medications safely and move forward with their life. Always speak with a doctor about potential interactions to understand the impact they could have and how dangerous it can be to combine alcohol and medications.

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Health

Experiencing A Smooth-Sailing Ride When Quitting Smoking: The How’s

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Are you dreaming of quitting smoking and don’t know where to start? Don’t worry; the thought of it can be daunting enough without planning the ride. Smoking causes common health issues and complications, so it makes sense to stop and get your health back into gear.

With this guide, you can experience a much smoother ride when quitting smoking.

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Use nicotine pouches for comfort

It isn’t easy to give up smoking, especially without support. You can use zyn products to make the process a lot more comfortable. Instead of giving up immediately and worrying about nicotine withdrawal, you can use the pouches to get the dose of nicotine when you need it. This can prevent you from turning back to cigarettes and make the ride a lot smoother.

Set a clear date

If you are terrified to give up smoking, you will want to set a clear quit date. This will give you something to work toward and help you prepare. This is the date you will completely stop smoking. It should be a date that gives you enough time to mentally prepare but is not too far in the future (you don’t want to give yourself the excuse to keep smoking for another six months). Mark the quit date on your calendar and commit to it.

Know your triggers

By knowing yourself and your smoking patterns, you can know what triggers your desire to smoke. Your triggers could be due to certain emotions or situations (like stress or being with friends who smoke) that make you want to smoke. You can then find ways to either cope or avoid those situations or emotions. Keep a journal of when you smoke and use it to identify your smoking triggers.

Build a support system 

It can be very useful to have friends, family, and even healthcare professionals who can support and encourage you while you quit smoking. Let your friends and family know that you are quitting. If you can, have a friend stop smoking with you. This may help you stick with your goals and quit. Consider joining a support group or getting counseling to get the extra help you may need.

Coping mechanisms

Search for substitute means of dealing with longings and overseeing anxiety without depending on cigarettes. Learn profound breathing activities, care contemplation, and physical action, or partake in interests and exercises that bring you satisfaction and unwinding. When you have coping strategies by your side, you’ll avoid giving in to cravings. You can have better self-control and be sure that you don’t revert to smoking just because you fancy a cigarette. 

Be healthy and active

Moderate to vigorous exercise, like walking briskly, biking, dancing, or swimming, is a natural and effective way to ease symptoms of depression. Plus, exercise can improve your depression in the long run. It may also trigger the growth of new neurons and induce the release of endorphins, which are neurotransmitters in your brain that relieve pain and produce feelings of euphoria. As a result, exercise can be as effective as antidepressant medication.

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Health Mental Health

Alcoholism: Depression in Disguise?

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In mental health, depression, and alcoholism intersect in perplexing and destructive ways. While these conditions sometimes appear independently, their coexistence worsens the challenges patients face. Understanding the relationship between depression and alcoholism is crucial for building effective support and intervention strategies.

Alcohol Abuse: A Common Coping Mechanism

The link between alcoholism and depression often starts with the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism. Alcohol’s sedative effects offer a momentary escape from depressive emotions and thoughts. The fleeting sense of relief can lead to a vicious cycle, as users increasingly rely on alcohol to alleviate their pain.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

Depressive symptoms can be mild or severe, with most cases falling in the middle of the spectrum. Depression can affect daily function, showing signs such as:

  • Hopelessness and sadness.
  • Tiredness.
  • Lack of desire to participate in once pleasurable activities.
  • Insomnia.
  • Impaired cognitive function.
  • Feelings of guilt and shame.
  • Trouble focusing.

When a person has these symptoms for more than a few days, they may have depression.

Depression Leading to Alcoholism

In some cases, depression is the precursor to alcoholism and other addictive behaviors. The hopelessness and despair of depression drives many to seek comfort at the bottom of a bottle, mistakenly perceiving alcohol as an escape. The self-destructiveness of depression makes people more likely to become addicted to substances as they seek relief from their mental struggles.

Unfortunately, the relief is very short-lived, and the aftereffects of drinking can deepen depression. Alcohol affects the production of dopamine and serotonin, which regulate mood. With time, excessive consumption disrupts the body’s neurotransmitter system, contributing to the worsening of depressive symptoms.

How Heredity and Biology Affect Us

The link between depression and alcoholism isn’t just psychological; biology and genetics also play a role. Both conditions have hereditary components, with those having family histories of depression or alcoholism being more likely to develop either illness. Furthermore, changes in brain function and structure can contribute to the coexistence of the disorders.

Stressors and Environmental Triggers Play a Role

External factors like chronic stress, traumatic experiences, and life changes, can be the catalyst for depression and alcoholism. Those facing overwhelming stress often turn to alcohol to cope, inadvertently worsening their mental health worries. The cycle of despair and self-medication strengthens the link between these two mental health conditions.

An Integrated Treatment Approach Breaks the Cycle

Addressing the connections between depression and alcoholism requires an integrated approach. Mental health specialists stress the importance of co-treatment in breaking the cycle of despair and dependence. Counseling, support groups, and individual therapy are essential components of a comprehensive treatment plan, giving patients the emotional tools and coping mechanisms to tackle their challenges.

Additionally, pharmaceutical interventions can be used when depressive symptoms are severe. It’s crucial, however, to use medication as part of an overall treatment plan, combining it with lifestyle changes and therapy to promote long-lasting well-being.

Complex Links Between Depression and Alcoholism Require In-Depth Care and Treatment

The connection between depression and alcoholism is intricate and multifaceted, demanding a nuanced treatment approach. Whether alcohol is an individual’s coping mechanism or depression leads to alcoholism, these interlinked conditions require compassionate and comprehensive care. To break the cycle, patients must address the physiological and psychological aspects of each disorder and empower themselves to attain lifelong mental health.

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Health

Latest Innovations in Brain Tumor Diagnosis and Treatments

Brain Tumor Diagnosis and Treatments

Have you ever wondered about the changes in diagnosing and treating various conditions? As technology advances, we get better at dealing with brain-related illnesses, including brain tumor diagnosis and treatments. The latest innovation in this field is reshaping the future of healthcare.

In this article, we will help you understand the innovations in brain tumor diagnosis and treatments. These advancements in the medical field are helping many individuals to enjoy their life happily.

Diagnostic Innovations

Craniotomy for Biopsy

Craniotomy, removing part of the skull, obtains vital brain tissue samples. Though invasive, this procedure enables surgeons to analyze tumor tissue directly. Critical information regarding the tumor is gained by doing this biopsy.

As per an interview regarding craniotomy surgery with Dr. Gregory Lekovic, highly skilled surgeons are required to perform this surgery. The surgery offers a comprehensive diagnostic approach. This enables a thorough understanding of the tumor. It is crucial for tailoring personalized treatment plans, ensuring a more targeted and effective approach. 

Knowing about the role of craniotomy sets the stage for comprehending the complexity of brain tumor diagnostics.

Precision Imaging Techniques

Recent years have seen significant progress in imaging technologies. These advancements provide more precise and detailed visualization of brain tumors. The main players in this progress include functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), and Positron Emission Tomography (PET). 

Together, these technologies enhance diagnostic accuracy in detecting and understanding brain tumors. These techniques pinpoint the location and size of tumors and provide insights into their impact on surrounding brain structures.

Liquid Biopsy

A groundbreaking development in brain tumor diagnosis is a liquid biopsy. This non-invasive method involves analyzing a patient’s blood for circulating tumor cells and genetic material released by the tumor. 

Liquid biopsies offer real-time information about the tumor’s genetic profile. It helps in more precise and personalized treatment decisions. This approach represents a paradigm shift, particularly in cases where traditional biopsy methods are challenging.

Biomarkers for Diagnosis

Biomarkers for brain tumor diagnosis are measurable substances indicating tumor presence. These molecular indicators, including proteins and genetic materials, are found in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or tissues. 

Identifying and analyzing specific biomarkers play a crucial role in early detection, accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment planning for individuals with brain tumors. Ongoing research contributes to discovering and validating novel biomarkers, advancing the field of brain tumor diagnosis and management.

Innovative Treatment Strategies

Neurosurgery

Surgery is a crucial treatment for brain cancer, aiming to remove tumors entirely. Neurosurgeons employ advanced techniques, including fluorescent dye administered pre-surgery to highlight cancer cells. Interstitial chemotherapy helps deliver the medicine directly to the brain post-tumor removal. 

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) administered during surgery targets any remaining cancer cells. A clinical trial, INTRAGO II, has shown the effectiveness of IORT on eligible patients. These innovative approaches enhance tumor removal, particularly in glioma and glioblastoma cases.

Proton Radiation Therapy

Oncologists often advise combining radiation therapy with surgery for brain tumor patients. While traditional photon radiation can extend beyond the tumor, protons lose energy rapidly after hitting the target. This helps in reducing radiation to surrounding healthy tissues. 

Your oncologist and radiation specialist will assess whether proton therapy suits your specific tumor type, ensuring a targeted and effective treatment approach. It may also treat tumors in sensitive areas such as the skull base and along the spine.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a standard tumor treatment. It effectively eradicates cancer cells but often leads to damaging healthy cells. Advancements in medical therapy, offering specificity and reduced toxicity, are swiftly emerging.

But, Oncologists now integrate or replace chemotherapy with:

  • Immunotherapy: Utilizing the body’s cells to eliminate cancer cells.
  • Targeted therapy: Disrupting molecular processes aiding tumor cell growth.

These therapies are tailored to specific tumor types. Patients undergo assessment through next-generation sequencing, a genetic test identifying molecules targeted by these treatments. 

Nano Drug Delivery Systems

Nanotechnology has introduced innovative drug delivery systems with the potential to enhance the effectiveness of brain tumor treatments. 

Engineered nanoparticles can transport therapeutic agents directly to the tumor site. This targeted drug delivery approach maximizes treatment efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects.

Challenges and Future Directions

Even with these advancements, treating brain tumors still has its challenges. The variety of tumors and the chance of treatments not working well remind us that we need to keep researching and working together to figure things out. We’re making progress, but there’s more to learn and explore.

Addressing these challenges is crucial for further refining the effectiveness of new diagnostic and treatment modalities.

Conclusion: Brain Tumor Diagnosis and Treatments

The field of brain tumor diagnosis and treatment is undergoing a significant transformation. This shift is driven by the latest innovations in imaging, diagnostics, and therapeutic methods. 

These advancements could mean better, personalized care for brain tumor patients. It holds the promise of more compassion and effectiveness in treatment.

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Health

Understanding the Side Effects of Metformin: What You Should Know

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Metformin is a common prescription drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing glucose production in the liver, decreasing absorption of glucose in the intestines, and improving insulin sensitivity so the body uses insulin more efficiently.

While metformin is generally well-tolerated, it can cause some side effects. Being aware of the potential side effects can help you recognize and address problems early on.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

The most common side effects of metformin involve the digestive system. About 30% of people taking metformin experience nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, or abdominal pain and discomfort.

These symptoms often go away on their own within 2 to 3 weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. Taking your metformin dose during or immediately after meals may also help reduce stomach issues.

In some cases, gastrointestinal side effects persist. Talk to your doctor if you still have diarrhea or abdominal discomfort after 3 or 4 weeks on the medication, as they may need to adjust your dosage.

Risk of B12 Deficiency

Long-term use of metformin may interfere with your body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 from food, leading to B12 deficiency. Symptoms of B12 deficiency include fatigue, muscle weakness, and tingling or numbness in the extremities.

To reduce this risk, your doctor may recommend taking a vitamin B12 supplement while on metformin or checking your B12 levels periodically. Addressing a B12 deficiency early on can prevent long-term complications.

Other Possible Side Effects

A few people may experience headaches, body aches, or muscle pain while on metformin. Metformin and hair loss, though rare, have been reported as potential side effects of the medication by a small number of users.

In most cases, these minor side effects go away in 1 to 2 weeks without treatment. But if they persist for more than two weeks, speak with your doctor about adjusting your dosage or switching medications. They may be signs that your body isn’t tolerating metformin well.

Decreased absorption of thyroid medications and changes in their effectiveness have also been reported with long-term metformin use in some cases.

When to See Your Doctor

In most cases, the symptoms you experience when starting metformin should go away within 2 to 3 weeks as your body adjusts.

But speak to your doctor right away if you have:

  • Persistent vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea 
  • Persistent or worsening abdominal discomfort
  • Muscle pain, weakness, or fatigue that persists
  • Signs of a B12 deficiency, like tingling in the hands and feet
  • Dark urine or yellow skin and eyes, which may indicate liver problems

Alert your doctor to any persistent or troublesome side effects when taking metformin so they can determine if adjustments to your dosage or medication regimen may be needed.

Benefits Still Likely Outweigh Risks

While metformin can cause some unpleasant side effects for most people, the benefits of tighter blood sugar control and reduced risk of diabetes complications still far outweigh these risks.

Work closely with your healthcare provider to address any persistent side effects and determine if any dosage adjustments may help.

In most cases, taking some practical steps like taking metformin with food or starting at a lower initial dose provides relief from side effects without compromising effectiveness. Don’t stop taking metformin without consulting your doctor first.

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Health

The 4 Pillars of a Balanced Diet Plan

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You’ve heard people say that you should eat a “balanced diet,” but it can be challenging to do on your own if no one trained you as to what this looks like. Eating healthily is a culmination of daily choices. Providing yourself with “balanced” meals helps you feed your body the nutrients it needs to run optimally.

This balanced diet includes various types of foods, such as fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, lean protein, and legumes. However, each person’s body is different, and how much of each category you need in your meal will depend on you. For more specific information on fueling your body, contact a dietician service in Canada (or wherever you live).

In the meantime, educating yourself is the key to improving your health and reducing the damage you’ve done from your previous food choices. Here, we’ll discuss the 4 pillars of a balanced diet plan and how to incorporate them into your regular eating habits.

1. Vitamins, Minerals, and Antioxidants

Depending on your health education, you’ve likely heard you should avoid certain foods, like carbs, sugar, or fats. Instead of looking at your daily diet as something you shouldn’t eat, let’s look at what you should.

Your plates should be full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to give your body the fuel it needs to function at peak levels. When you’re sick, you know that Vitamin C is a must-have to boost your immune system. But on a normal day, be sure to eat foods or take supplements that have your full dosage of vitamins A, C, D, E, and K.

You’ll also need a full spectrum of B vitamins. These are the lesser-known but still important nutrients like B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), and biotin and folic acid. And don’t forget the antioxidants that fight pollution and sun damage on a cellular level.


Whew! That’s a mouthful, right? That’s why most people get these nutrients from an all-in-one daily supplement. However, be sure to read the details on your bottle. If any of these are missing or don’t provide 100% of your daily dosage, find a way to include it in your meals each day, which your dietician provider can help you with.

2. Carbohydrates

Yes, carbs! These food components have a bad reputation based on misunderstanding.

Carbohydrates, starches, and fiber are vital to your overall health — as long as they’re the right types of foods.

Carbs are macronutrients that are found in many food items, like bread, soda, and candy. Carbs are necessary to make energy, but they don’t all do this the same way. Whole-food carbs, called complex carbohydrates, are high in fiber and nutrients. Refined carbs, on the other hand, include less healthy food like cake and candy.

To get the most nutrients, keep your diet full of healthy, unrefined carbs, such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruit with skin. If you must cut carbs, cut the refined kinds.

3. Protein

Another essential macronutrient is protein, nicknamed “the building block of the body.” Proteins are made up of amino acids, which build and repair the body’s muscles and bones. These macros also make the hormones and enzymes that your brain uses to tell your body what to do, how to feel, and how much energy you have at the moment.

In other words, they’re crucial to your health, but many of us overlook their importance. Protein deficiency leads to health conditions like swelling, weak immune systems, skin and hair issues, and bone and muscle loss.

You can get protein from many foods, including oats, eggs, yogurt, and meat, or in a protein shake. Be cautious of how much protein you ingest, though, as too much can cause the opposite effect, making you dehydrated, nauseous, and tired or giving you intestinal discomfort and headaches.

4. Healthy Fats

Over the past decades, we’ve come to see “fat” as a bad thing. However, healthy fats are vital to your body’s wellness. Look for foods that include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These nutrients help maintain your cholesterol at a healthy level.

Avoid saturated and trans fats. These are the unhealthy ones that lead to weight gain, cardiovascular disease, strokes, high blood pressure, and many other dangerous medical conditions.

Balancing these 4 pillars of your daily diet plan will help to ensure you’re giving your body what it needs to provide you with a healthy, happy, and energetic future.