As intriguing as it may look, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition every parent must not joke with. It highly impacts a child’s mental, social, and emotional development, impacting their relationships with others. ADHD symptoms in children at an early stage can be difficult to decipher as it varies from case to case. This blog covers all the notable signs of ADHD in children, ranging from emotional Havoc to daydreaming. Let’s have a look at what the condition means and its causes before we know the signs.

What is ADHD?

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a severe condition that affects millions of children, and they at times grow into adulthood with it. This condition includes a combination of different issues that are all related to mental health.

What Causes ADHD in Children?

The main cause of ADHD in children remains unclear. Genetics has a good hold on it, and a child is more likely to get affected when the parents or close relatives suffer from the condition. Other factors like low birth weight, premature birth, smoking or alcohol use during pregnancy, and exposure to some environmental toxins like lead have been linked to ADHD.

What are the Symptoms of ADHD in Children?

The basic symptoms of ADHD include loss of focus and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. ADHD symptoms normally surface before age 12 and can be easily noticeable in some kids as early as 3 years. Its symptoms range from mild to severe and may grow with the child into adulthood. This condition is highly noticeable in males than in females, and symptoms and behaviors might be different for both genders.

The common signs and symptoms of ADHD in children include:

·        Self-centred Behavior

ADHD distorts the mental health of most children, making them lose focus and consciousness of the needs of other people around them. As humans, we always have to put our environment into consideration as well as the people in the same cycle but children with ADHD always have difficulty connecting with other people because they only think and focus on “ME” while kicking others out of the picture.

·        Impatience and Frequent Interruptions

This symptom is related to “self-centered behavior”. When they are self-focused, they’ll start interrupting games and other activities in which they were not invited to take part. Imagine having a conversation with a friend and a child bursts in out of nowhere with his talks, not minding the fact that you were busy.

Also, another symptom of ADHD includes impatience with little things like staying in the queue for their turn during school activities or games. This behavior is alarming as other kids won’t know your child is suffering from this condition, tagging him as annoying and rude. This in turn causes some psychological havoc to your child in the long run.

·        Unfinished jobs and Lack of Focus

Children are curious beings that love to try new things always. A child with ADHD also gets curious and would love to try new things. The issue here is that they always leave what they started uncompleted. Let’s say they started a drawing, they will leave the drawing unfinished and switch to other activities.

In addition, a child with ADHD will always lose focus on virtually everything. They may find it difficult to concentrate in class, even when asked a question. They may answer “yes I understand” without remembering a single word you said and how to react to it.

·        Always Bugging Around

When a child has ADHD, they find it difficult to stay at a spot, and will always try to bug around for no reason at all. Staying calm is always an issue for kids with ADHD as they’ll constantly try to play with something, run to and from it, and run around loudly. Their level of excitement is high, more like “SpongeBob that accidentally takes a sweetener”. This affects their communication with other children and the way they interact too.

·        Forgetfulness

Some kids may be extremely active due to ADHD but the opposite is the case for others. Research on the brain’s anatomy suggests that children are extremely active with sharper memories than adults. That’s why you’re advised to mind what you say to a child because they’ll always remember your face and the way you said it. This means that when your child forgets little things at a younger age, it shows there’s a lack of focus and attention which should be of serious concern to you.

·        Always Daydreaming and Isolation

Another notable sign of ADHD in children is daydreaming and isolating oneself from other children. As stated earlier, children want to go around the four corners of the world. They love to explore, whether skating or biking with their friends, or playing and chatting. So, be more observant. If your child doesn’t value the company of those they call friends, then it’s a clear sign of ADHD.

At times, they may be seen staring into a deep space not concentrating on what’s going on around their environment and daydreaming about virtually nothing.

·        Emotional Imbalance

Tantrums are normal behavior for children especially when they are upset, annoyed, hungry or hurt. They may throw things around to show their anger. You should however be careful to observe your child’s tantrums. If they seem to destroy stuff over small issues, then it’s ADHD. This behavior is referred to as tempered tantrums. It’s a situation where anger and frustration are released all at once.

Children especially in the toddler stage tend to have one of these temper tantrums. When it becomes too much, you’ll need to seek medical attention because that I an early stage of ADHD.

FINAL WORDS

ADHD in children poses a major threat to both the mental and physical life of a kid. It causes them to experience inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity or even the both. Its symptoms are sometimes misunderstood and neglected by parents and caretakers, leaving the child mentally unstable. Provided in this article are the common signs and symptoms associated with this condition. Go get the right diagnosis and treatment for your child today, saving them as a responsible parent.

“The human’s digestive system is responsible for the breakdown of food into nutrients and generating energy that the body uses. Eating certain types of foods, like vegetables and yogurt can aid the process of digestion”.

The foods you choose to eat, and the ones you ignore can play a major role in your level of digestion which directly affects your normal health. According to research, many health outcomes like inflammations, skin conditions, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disorders and even the brain’s health can be linked to the health and nature of the digestive system. Guess that’s why people are more concerned nowadays about the health of their gut.

As earlier stated, when we talk about keeping the gut healthy and in a better shape, what you consume plays an important role in it. Though there isn’t any food labeled on the market as “Food for the gut”, regular consumption of plant-based foods will surely help keep both your general health and digestion in a good form. When it comes to a healthy diet for the gut, diversify your diet; add more probiotics to your diet.

While no single food type will aid or destroy your digestive health, some are undoubtedly the best when talking about taking care of your gut. For the purpose of this article, we’ve highlighted some of the best foods that when incorporated into your diet will aid in digestion. So, leaving no stone unturned, let’s get straight into it.

What are the Best Foods For Digestion?

1. Foods Containing ginger

Also known as ginger root, ginger has been used ages ago in alternative medicine to boost digestion. It has been proven to affect the enzymes trypsin and pancreatic lipase during food digestion to boost mobility and emptying of the stomach. This aids in preventing constipation, bloating, gas and also indigestion. 

Also, ginger boasts of the ability to relieve gastrointestinal (GI) irritation, foster bile and saliva production, and also reduce the rate of gastric constrictions as food and fluids pass through the gastrointestinal tract. This however aids in relieving pain caused by hypersensitivity for people with IBS. 

Incorporate dried ginger into your meal spices today and feel the change it provides. You can also use fresh ginger roots for your tea.

2. Avocado

Avocado is an amazing fruit packed with dietary fiber and other essential nutrients like potassium that promote digestion. It also contains vitamin C which helps the body produce collagen to maintain the strength of the tissues of the intestinal walls. In addition, incorporating avocados into your diet helps increase your level of vitamin B complex intake. These nutrients are highly essential as it enables your cells to gain fuel and energy from food. Note that, though the fruits are high in nutrients, they are also high in fats. So, it’s advised you consume in moderation.

3. Low Fructose Fruits

If you’re highly prone to gas and bloating, you’ll have to reduce your level of consumption of fructose or fruit sugar. Though some fruits like apples, mangoes, or pears are highly nutritional, they are however high in fructose. So, you should substitute these for berries and citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit as they contain less fructose. Bananas also make an excellent selection here as they are not only low in fructose but also high in fiber and contain insulin( a substance that fosters the growth of good bacteria in the gut).

4. Oats

Oatmeal makes a good breakfast as it contains a significant amount of dietary fiber known as beta-glucan fiber. These beta-glucan fibers aid in moving cholesterol-rich bile acids through the digestive tract and then out of the body. Also, oatmeal is known to have phenolic compounds and phytoestrogen that poses as an antioxidant. These chemicals aid in reducing the effects of inflammation resulting from cardiovascular diseases and other issues.

5. Lean Proteins

Are you a sufferer of IBS or bowel sensitivity? Then you are advised to stick to lean proteins and stay clear of foods rich in fat. Foods rich in fat can foster contractions of the colon. This is why you should go for healthier choices. Even red meats for instance can promote colon bacteria that secrete chemicals linked with an increased risk of clogged arteries.

6. Unsaturated Fats

Unsaturated fats help the body absorb vitamins like A, D, E and K. it also combines with fiber to boost bowel movements. Also, research links consuming unsaturated fats with various health benefits, like a lower risk of premature deaths and cardiovascular diseases. Omega-3s specifically is an amazing option for a healthy heart and reduced inflammation.

7. Wholegrain Foods

Whether whole wheat or white bread or white or brown rice, you should opt for whole grains. It’s highly recommended for optimum gut health. Research postulates that for a colon to function at high potential, it requires at least 25 grams of fiber each day. Unlike other refined carbohydrates like white bread and Granola Bars, whole grains provide lots of fiber as well as numerous nutrients like vitamin B-complex, and Omega-3 fatty acids amongst others.

8. Leafy-Green Vegetables

Leafy green vegetables are highly packed with fiber and other essential nutrients like vitamin C, A, K, and folate. Research even shows that these vegetables also contain sulfoquinovose( a sugar that feeds the healthy gut bacteria hence fostering digestion). Eating a subsequent amount of leafy green lets you develop an ideal gut microbe (organisms that live in the colon).

9. Fluids

It is essential to continue drinking (non-alcoholic), especially water and yogurt. These fluids provide the smooth passage of waste through your digestive system and also soften poo. When consumed, fiber behaves more like a sponge, collecting water. With low fluid intake, fiber cannot carry out its job and you’ll get stuck up in constipation.

To ensure your body gets the needed amount of fluids, try drinking a glass of water with any meal you take. You should also avoid caffeine drinks as they are notable for heartburn.

WRAP UP

If you have a close look at the foods mentioned in this write-up, you’ll notice that most foods that foster digestion are rich in many nutrients like fiber. For a healthy gut, it doesn’t just rely on what you eat. Other factors like stress, sleep and exercise can also have a good impact on it. So, to get the best results, we recommend you eat the foods listed while carrying out the proper exercise with less stress and good sleep. 

If you’re experiencing any difficulty in digestion, it’s best advised you consult your doctor immediately.

Overview

Diuretics are medications made to boost the level of water and salt that are expelled from the body in the form of urine. Also known as water pills, diuretics help the kidneys put extra salt into your urine. These drugs are often prescribed to help treat high blood pressure and other issues as well. Diuretics make you urinate more frequently, so it’s advisable you take them in the morning. At times, you’ll have to take them twice a day at the same time for optimal results.

What Does Diuretics Help Treat?

Diuretics are commonly known for treating high blood pressure. They aid in reducing the level of fluid in the blood vessels which directly lowers your blood pressure. These drugs can also help in treating congestive heart failure ( a condition that prevents the heart from pumping blood throughout the whole body). This condition leads to an accumulation of fluid in your body; another condition is called edema. Diuretics can however aid in reducing the buildup of this fluid.

What are The Different Types of Diuretics?

There are basically three types of diuretics. They include:

• Thiazide diuretics
• Loop diuretics
• Potassium-sparing diuretics

Note that each type of diuretic has a specific part of the kidney in which it functions. The best diuretic for your system depends on your general health and the condition being treated. Let’s have quick look at the different types of diuretics.

Thiazide Diuretics

This type is the commonly prescribed diuretic. They aid in treating high blood pressure as they not only decrease fluids but also keep your blood vessels at a relaxed phase. These drugs are at times prescribed with other medications notable for lowering blood pressure. Examples of the thiazides taken orally include;

• Metlazene
• Indapamide
• Hydrochlorothiazide
• Chlorthalidone
• Chlorothiazide

Loop Diuretics

Loop diuretics are commonly known for interfering with the passage of salt and water across various cells in the kidney. It is used for treating heart disease as it also aids in minimizing the symptoms of edema and any breathlessness caused by fluid congestion. Aside from heart failure, medical professionals also use loop diuretics to manage other conditions relating to fluid buildup. Conditions like high blood pressure and edema, even nephrotic syndrome or cirrhosis can be managed with loop diuretics. Examples of loop diuretics include:

• Bumetanide
• Furosemide
• Ethacrynic acid
• Torsemide

 

Potassium-sparing diuretics

Potassium-sparing diuretics are known for reducing the fluid level of the body with no loss in potassium. The other two diuretics cause a huge loss in potassium which causes various health issues like arrhythmia. Unlike other diuretics, potassium-sparing diuretics don’t reduce blood pressure. The doctor can however prescribe this medication with others that help lower blood pressure. Examples of potassium-sparing diuretics include:

• Amiloride
• Spironolactone
• Eplerenone
• Triamterene

What are the Side Effects Of Diuretics?

Though taking diuretics as prescribed does not pose any serious issue to your health, they are still some notable side effects attached to it. The side effects of diuretics include:

• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Reduction in the level of potassium in the blood (When Thiazide or loop diuretics are used).
• High level of potassium in the blood (when potassium-sparing diuretics are used).
• Headache
• Increased blood sugar
• Consistent muscle cramps
• Diarrhea
• Skin rash
• Increased cholesterol level.

Aside from the stated symptoms, some persons may also experience more serious side effects in rare cases. These side effects include:

• Kidney failure
• Allergic reactions
• Irregular heartbeat (either too fast or too slow).

What Can I Do When I Notice These Symptoms?

If you by any chance notice any of these symptoms while taking diuretics, you should consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor will check to know the major cause of the symptoms, and also prescribe a different medication or multiple medications to aid relieve you of the side effects. 

Remember, a diuretic is a drug, and before taking any drug, ensure you consult your doctor for a proper prescription.

What Are The Possible Risks of Diuretics?

Though diuretics are considered to be generally safe, there exist certain risks attached when you’re a sufferer of certain medical ailments or take other prescriptions.

Effects of diuretics on certain health conditions

A person suffering from any health condition should always inform the doctor before taking any prescribed diuretics. This medication can either worsen a condition or reduce its effects. Some notable effects on various health conditions include;

• Pancreatitis: When you’ve got Pancreatitis, you should stay clear of diuretics as they can worsen the symptoms of this condition, leaving you at a high risk of acute pancreatitis.
• Gout: Diuretics can also increase your risk of developing gout. So, you’ll have to inform the doctor before taking any diuretic if you’ve got gout.
• Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are advised to stay off diuretics to prevent any complications in the long run.It is important to note that some diuretics, especially thiazides play an important role in managing type 2 diabetes and hypertension. But still, consult your doctor before taking any of it.

Aside from the stated conditions, diuretics may also worsen other conditions like menstrual problems (for women), dehydration and kidney problems.

Interactions with other medications

When you’re placed on a new medication, ensure you let your doctor know about other medications, herbs or supplements you’re taking. Doing so will help the doctor check for any possible interactions between the new medication and the one you’re taking already. Some drugs when interacting with diuretics might pose certain life-threatening conditions. Examples of these medications include:

• Digoxin
• Anti-hypertensive agents
• Acid salts
• Potassium
• Cyclosporine
• Magnesium
• Laxatives
• Oral anti-diabetic agents

FINAL WORDS

Today, medical professionals find diuretics to be the perfect match for treating a range of conditions including congestive heart failure, edema and high blood pressure. These medications can increase your level of urine production as they tend to boost the rate at which water and salt are expelled from the body in the form of urine. Though they may look all advantageous, there also come with some risks attached. So, you should always consult your doctor for a better prescription and stay healthy always!