Diabetes is a common illness that can affect adults as well as children. If this health condition is not controlled, it can result in serious outcomes such as cardiovascular diseases and respiratory issues. Having a disciplined meal plan by eating healthy and avoiding junk foods can reduce the risk of type 1 and 2 diabetes. Here are four common foods that can adversely affect the health of those with diabetes: Carbonated and sweetened beverages Sugary drinks like sodas can be the worst choice for people with diabetes. Such beverages are loaded with fructose and contain several quantities of carbohydrates. The high amount of sugar in these drinks is rapidly absorbed by the body, resulting in abrupt metabolic changes. The subsequent release of excess insulin can be quite a problem when dealing with type 1 and 2 diabetes. Fatty liver, increased belly fat, and increased levels of harmful cholesterol are some of the issues that occur from having these beverages on a regular basis. Energy drinks also contain high amounts of added sugars and sodium, which is not a good option for people with diabetes. High-carb grains White bread, pasta, and white rice are low in fiber and high in carbs. Including such foods in your meal plan can result in increased sugar levels. These refined grains have a high glycemic index, which can lead to increased blood sugar levels. Swapping these with whole-grain alternatives reduces the risk of complications. High-fiber foods are your best bet as far as minimizing the risk of diabetes is concerned. An increased amount of roughage can promote the growth of gut bacteria that helps improve insulin resistance. Processed and preserved foods Most packed snacks and canned foods have a high amount of white flour as a core ingredient. For example, cookies, packed chips, and candies are mostly made up of processed carbohydrates, added sugar, and salt.

A number of decorative and garden plants are poisonous to dogs and puppies. Usually, your canine friend will steer away, but boredom and curiosity might lead to an accidental nibble, which can cause a myriad of complications and symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. In this article, we have listed some of the poisonous plants that you might want to keep away from your furry friend. They are: Azalea Azalea is a flowering shrub that is often grown for its ornamental properties. However, its leaves, stems, and flowers have a potent neurotoxin known as grayanotoxin. This toxin can disrupt the ability of the cells and prevent them from functioning normally. If accidentally ingested, it can interfere with skeletal and nerve functions. It also interferes with the action of the heart muscle. Signs such as abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, and low blood pressure are indicative of azalea poisoning, which can lead to serious health issues. If your pet has accidentally ingested any part of this plant, contact the vet immediately. Hyacinth Hyacinth, although a gorgeous addition to your garden, is highly poisonous to your pets. The entire hyacinth plant is poisonous and irritant in nature, but the bulbs hold the highest quantity of toxicity called calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals form microscopic needles. When ingested, they can pierce the soft skin inside the mouth and the lining of the intestinal organs. Hyacinth consumption leads to instantaneous pain, which typically prevents dogs from eating a substantial amount. Whether symptomatic or not, if you have any suspicion that your dog has come in contact with this plant or it has the habit of biting everything, you should immediately contact a vet as a precautionary measure. Castor The castor plant belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Its active ingredient is ricin, one of the most potent plant-based toxins in the world.

Fleas and ticks are tiny, parasitic insects that live on the fur of their host animals like cats and dogs. These pests feed on the host’s blood as soon as they find a home on the animal’s skin. A tick or flea infestation can cause skin problems like itching, irritation, hair loss, and pale lips and gums. Here are a few treatment options, natural repellents, and tips for tackling an infestation: Treatment options Bravecto: This prescription treatment is available in oral and topical forms. It starts eliminating ticks within 12 hours and fleas within 2 hours. The oral treatment comes in the form of chewable meat-flavored tablets that can be easily eaten by dogs. Both the chews and the topical variant of Bravecto provide 12-week protection from fleas and ticks. Simparica: This is a monthly chew that claims to get rid of 100% ticks within 8 hours and fleas within 3 hours. Simparica can work against a variety of ticks and fleas, staying effective for a month to prevent reinfestation. One of its advantages is that the Simparica chewable can be taken without food. It is an oral prescription that helps kills the pests on the skin or fur of the dog. Advantix: Advantix is a topical solution that kills fleas and ticks on contact. This treatment option works against various insects, including fleas, ticks, sandflies, lice, stable flies, and even mosquitoes, and so, the risk of heartworm infection (caused by a parasitic worm carried by mosquitos) in dogs is reduced. Advantix is also recommended for dogs with a history of uncontrolled seizures. Food-based repellents Apple cider vinegar: A homemade solution containing one part apple cider vinegar and one part water can be sprayed directly onto the fur while avoiding contact with the dog’s eyes. A tablespoon of ACV can also be added to your pet’s water bowl to keep the insects away.