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Published on: Jul 31, 2021
2 minute read
By: Endocrinologist

Superfoods Are Not The Only Healthy Option: Spinach, Kale And Cabbage Pack A Powerful Nutritional Punch

Healthier foods are not always called superfoods. There is spinach, kale, and cabbage that have more nutrients than other greens out there. Below you will find some of the healthiest foods like green beans with less sugar content or avocado which helps to reduce cholesterol levels in your body.

Sunflower Seeds - Sunflower seeds are the perfect snack for on-the-go people. They're high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber while still being low-calorie. Best of all, they can be eaten whole with no preparation needed! Sunflower seeds have long been a favorite among builders because their shape makes them easy to use as fasteners, but now it's clear that these tiny nuts also make great snacks when you need something quick and nutritious at your side.
Unsweetened Greek Yogurt - The daily consumption of yogurt has been shown to reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes by 14%. Not only is it a healthier option than regular yogurt, but its low GI and high calcium content make it an excellent choice.
Flax Seeds - Flax seeds are a superfood that helps to manage diabetes. This is because of the gel-forming fiber they contain which slows digestion and releases glucose into your blood slowly so it doesn't spike in one sitting like sugar would.
Oranges and other Citrus Fruits - Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits are great sources of fiber, which can help with blood sugar levels. However, it is always best to eat the whole fruit rather than drinking just juice. When juicing citrus fruits their GIs vary greatly, but an average size orange has a GI of 40 while an average size grapefruit has a lower GI of 25 because all its natural fibers remain intact when eaten in the whole form instead of being converted into liquid through the juicing process.
Chia Seeds - If you're looking for an easy way to improve your diet and manage blood sugar levels, chia seeds can be a great place to start. They are rich in antioxidants which may help reduce the risk of diabetes or any complications from it. Another superfood that can help with managing our body's response to glucose is Chia Seeds due their richness in Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and magnesium; these nutrients have been shown by research studies as being instrumental towards reducing one’s risk of developing type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or even its severity when diagnosed properly.
Quinoa - One of the healthiest grains on earth, quinoa is packed with protein and antioxidants to help you keep your blood sugar levels in check. Quinoa also has more fiber than most other grain options which will give you a feeling of fullness that lasts longer because it takes about 30 minutes for our stomachs to tell us we are hungry again after eating.
Berries- Berries are a great healthy option for your sweet tooth. They provide many benefits like vitamin C, K, manganese, and fiber while also being helpful with diabetes management. Whether you enjoy strawberries or blueberries; berries can satisfy any craving!
Tomatoes - Tomatoes are the perfect diet addition for those looking to reduce their risk of cancer and heart disease. Lycopene is a powerful substance that has been found in multiple studies to be more easily absorbed by the body when consumed as part of an already healthy diet, untouched by processed sugars or carbs. Tomatoes have a low GI ranking which means they can keep you feeling full longer even without adding extra calories from fat and sugar!
Beans - Beans are a great source of fiber and protein, which is equivalent to an ounce of meat. While they contain carbohydrates, all type beans will also provide you with vitamins and minerals such as magnesium or potassium in addition to the high amounts that it contains. Beans can be any color from light brown when cooked like kidney beans to black for pinto beans; no matter what your preference is there's something out there just for you!
Fish High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Fish and fish oil, which contain zero carbohydrates, are a rich source of protein that can be added to any meal for diabetes management. This is because they slowly digest due to their low carb content and release sugar into the bloodstream at an even rate. Salmon high in omega-3 fatty acids ensures this effect by balancing out your carbohydrate intake with its slow digestion time while also providing healthy fats from Omega 3s!

Diabetics must carefully measure and monitor their blood glucose levels. This is important because it can help you determine whether adjustments need to be made in your diet, medications, exercise routines, etc. It's recommended that diabetics with diabetes symptoms check their sugar twice a day with an accurate glucometer and record the numbers in a log so they can track any increase or decrease over time of these readings

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Asthma Symptoms in Adults: Early Signs, Triggers, and When to Seek Care

Asthma is often perceived as a childhood condition, but a significant number of cases develop or persist into adulthood. In India, adult asthma is increasingly recognised due to rising air pollution, occupational exposure and lifestyle-related risk factors. Unfortunately, asthma symptoms in adults are frequently misdiagnosed as recurrent infections, allergies or age-related breathlessness, leading to delayed treatment.

Understanding adult asthma symptoms is critical for early diagnosis, effective control and prevention of severe attacks.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. In asthma, the airways become:

inflamed
narrow
overly sensitive to triggers

This leads to difficulty in breathing, especially during exposure to specific stimuli.

Why Adult Asthma Is Often Missed

Adult asthma symptoms may:

appear gradually
vary in severity
mimic common respiratory conditions

According to Indian Council of Medical Research and WHO data, many adults remain undiagnosed for years, increasing the risk of complications.

Common Asthma Symptoms in Adults

Wheezing

A high-pitched whistling sound while breathing, especially during exhalation, is a classic asthma sign.

Shortness of Breath

Adults with asthma often feel:

breathless during routine activities
difficulty taking deep breaths

This may worsen at night or early morning.

Chest Tightness

Many describe a sensation of pressure or tightness in the chest, which can be mistaken for heart-related issues.

Chronic Cough

A persistent cough, especially:

at night
early morning
after exercise

is a common but overlooked asthma symptom.

Symptoms That Worsen With Triggers

Asthma symptoms often intensify after exposure to specific triggers.

Air Pollution and Smoke

Urban pollution, vehicle emissions and indoor smoke significantly worsen asthma symptoms in adults.

Allergens

Dust mites, pollen, mould and pet dander are common triggers.

Respiratory Infections

Viral infections can trigger asthma flare-ups or reveal undiagnosed asthma.

Physical Activity

Exercise-induced asthma causes breathlessness and wheezing during or after physical exertion.

Weather Changes

Cold air, humidity and sudden temperature changes can aggravate symptoms.

Adult-Onset Asthma

Adult-onset asthma differs from childhood asthma.

Characteristics include:

onset after age 20–30
less association with childhood allergies
more persistent symptoms
higher likelihood of severe disease

Occupational exposure and hormonal changes contribute to adult-onset asthma.

Risk Factors for Asthma in Adults

Several factors increase asthma risk:

long-term exposure to pollution
smoking or passive smoking
occupational chemicals or dust
obesity
family history of asthma
chronic sinusitis or allergies

Women may experience asthma onset or worsening during hormonal changes.

When Asthma Symptoms Become Serious

Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing:

severe breathlessness
difficulty speaking in full sentences
bluish lips or fingertips
rapid worsening of symptoms
poor response to usual inhalers

These signs indicate a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.

How Adult Asthma Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis includes:

detailed symptom history
physical examination
lung function tests (spirometry)
response to bronchodilators

Early diagnosis improves long-term outcomes.

Impact of Untreated Asthma

Untreated asthma can lead to:

frequent attacks
reduced lung function
sleep disturbances
missed workdays
reduced quality of life

According to Lancet respiratory studies, uncontrolled asthma increases hospitalisation risk.

Managing Asthma Symptoms in Adults

Effective asthma management focuses on:

identifying and avoiding triggers
using prescribed inhalers correctly
monitoring symptoms regularly
maintaining follow-up care

Asthma action plans help patients recognise worsening symptoms early.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare helps:

detect asthma early
assess lung function
guide lifestyle modifications

Regular health checkups are especially important for individuals with respiratory symptoms or occupational exposure.

Lifestyle Measures That Support Asthma Control

Helpful practices include:

avoiding smoking
improving indoor air quality
wearing masks in polluted environments
maintaining healthy weight
regular, moderate exercise

Lifestyle support complements medical treatment.

Mental Health and Asthma

Stress and anxiety can worsen asthma symptoms.

Stress management:

reduces symptom frequency
improves medication response

Holistic care improves asthma outcomes.

Importance of Medication Adherence

Asthma medications work best when:

taken regularly as prescribed
inhaler technique is correct

Skipping treatment increases flare-up risk.

Long-Term Outlook for Adults With Asthma

With proper management:

symptoms are well controlled
severe attacks are preventable
normal activity levels are achievable

Most adults with asthma lead active, productive lives.

Conclusion

Asthma symptoms in adults are often subtle, variable and easily mistaken for common respiratory problems. Wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and chronic cough should not be ignored, especially when triggered by pollution, exercise or weather changes. Early diagnosis, trigger control and consistent treatment are essential to prevent severe attacks and preserve lung health. Recognising adult asthma early empowers individuals to manage symptoms effectively and maintain a good quality of life.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Respiratory Disease and Asthma Studies
World Health Organization (WHO) – Asthma Management and Prevention Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Respiratory Health Indicators
Lancet Respiratory Medicine – Adult Asthma Outcomes and Management
NITI Aayog – Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Reports
Statista – Global Asthma Prevalence and Trends

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