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Welcome to "Know Your Symptoms" – Your Health Companion Have you ever felt unwell and wondered, "What could this mean?" Whether it's a persistent ache, sudden dizziness, or unexplained fatigue, understanding your body's signals is key to taking charge of your health. At Know Your Symptoms, we’re here to make health information accessible, straightforward, and relatable. Our mission is to help you navigate common health issues, understand symptoms, and uncover the causes behind them. What you’ll find here: Symptom Guides: Learn about what might be causing your discomfort. Disease Overviews: Understand common illnesses and how to manage them. Lifestyle Tips: Explore preventive care and wellness habits. Nutrition Advice: Discover foods that can support your recovery and overall health. Your health is your most valuable asset, and understanding your symptoms is the first step toward feeling better. Whether you're looking for guidance, curious about a condition, or simply want to take better care of yourself, this is the place for you. Let’s journey together toward better health and a better understanding of your body. Stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, stay healthy!

5 Habits to Beat Insomnia on Hot Summer Nights

Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about How to beat insomnia. Let’s dive in!

When the weather stays hot for long periods, many people struggle with insomnia. Insomnia is a condition where you can’t sleep well despite having the right time and environment. If it takes you more than 30 minutes to fall asleep or you wake up at least twice during the night, you may be experiencing insomnia.

For the body to comfortably fall asleep, its core temperature needs to drop by about 0.3°C from the average level. The body naturally generates heat through metabolism, and releasing this heat effectively is key to maintaining a stable temperature.

However, when tropical nights keep the temperature above 25°C, combined with high humidity and disrupted biological rhythms from outdoor activities, insomnia can become a real issue. Poor sleep affects not only your daily life but also your overall health, so it's essential to take action.

Let’s explore 5 habits that will help you sleep better on hot summer nights.


1. Keep Your Bedroom Temperature Between 24–26°C


During sleep, your body temperature naturally drops, so a slightly cooler environment can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The ideal bedroom temperature for sleep is 24–26°C, so using an air conditioner or fan can help during summer.

However, keeping the air conditioner on all night isn't ideal—instead, set a 1-2 hour timer and use a fan to circulate air. If you tend to get cold easily in certain areas, like your hands or feet, use a blanket to maintain body warmth.

Humidity control is also key. Using a dehumidifier or the dehumidifying function on an air conditioner to keep indoor humidity between 40–50% can greatly improve sleep quality.


2. Use Breathable Bedding


During hot weather, opt for bedding made of breathable, moisture-wicking materials like cotton or linen. These fabrics absorb sweat and dry quickly, keeping you cool. Using a cooling mattress pad can also help regulate body temperature.

For pajamas, choose loose-fitting, lightweight cotton that doesn’t stick to your body. Avoid tight clothing that may restrict circulation and trap heat.

To maintain hygiene and comfort, wash your bedding and pajamas more frequently in the summer.


3. Make Your Bedroom Dark and Quiet


Before bed, dim the lights as much as possible. Bright lights block the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone, keeping your brain alert and making it harder to fall asleep. Blackout curtains are especially helpful during the summer when the sun rises early, preventing unwanted light from disturbing your sleep.

Also, avoid electronic devices before bed. Blue light from screens tricks your brain into thinking it's daytime, delaying sleep. Try to avoid using smartphones, computers, and TVs at least 1-2 hours before bedtime.

Minimizing noise is just as important. If needed, use earplugs or white noise machines to create a peaceful sleeping environment.


4. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol


Staying hydrated throughout the day can help prevent insomnia, but be careful what you drink. Avoid excessive coffee, sugary drinks, or alcohol.

Caffeine stimulates the brain and keeps you alert for hours, making it harder to fall asleep. It's best to avoid caffeine after lunch and be mindful of your total intake.

Alcohol may make you fall asleep quickly, but it can disrupt your sleep cycle, causing you to wake up in the middle of the night. To improve sleep quality, skip the late-night drinks.


5. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule


Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body’s internal clock, reducing the risk of insomnia. This applies to weekends too—even if you sleep late the night before, try to wake up at your usual time.

If you feel extremely tired during the day, a short 20-minute nap can help. However, napping too long can cause grogginess and headaches, making you feel even more exhausted.

By making these small adjustments, you can enjoy cooler, more restful nights—even in the hottest summer months! 

Your health buddy is here for you. Wishing you a healthy and happy day ahead. Stay well!💖



This content is for informational purposes only and does not hold any individual or entity legally responsible. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution. This does not represent my final medical opinion and may vary depending on specific circumstances and evolving medical perspectives.

The Deadly Effects of Blue Light on the Human Body

Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about 'The deadly effects of blue light on the human body'. Let’s dive in! 

The First Thing You Reach for in the Morning



What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? Many of us instinctively reach for our smartphones, feeling around the bedside table until we find it. Even if there’s nothing urgent, we start scrolling—checking the news, looking at our schedule, or simply browsing. But before we even realize it, our eyes start feeling dry and irritated.

At night, it’s the same story. Lying in bed, lights off, the bright glow of the smartphone screen illuminates the darkness. As we stare at the screen, we squint—our eyes struggling against the harsh light. That strain you feel? It’s a direct effect of blue light exposure.

Protect Your Vision: Foods That Keep Your Eyes Healthy

 
Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Vision Issues. Let’s dive in!

From the moment you wake up to the moment you go to bed, your eyes are constantly strained by screens. Smartphones during your commute, computers at work, TV during your downtime—it’s non-stop exposure to digital screens.

As a result, eye health issues are becoming more common. Dry Eye Syndrome, where your eyes don’t produce enough moisture, and Computer Vision Syndrome, where your vision becomes blurry after prolonged screen use, are now widespread problems.


Even "digital presbyopia" (early-onset farsightedness) is on the rise. Typically, presbyopia affects people over 50, but now, people in their 20s and 30s are experiencing vision problems due to excessive screen time. Let’s explore how screens harm our eyes and what foods can help protect our vision.


The Biggest Threat to Eye Health: Blue Light from Screens


Many factors threaten modern eye health—dry air, UV rays, pollution, aging—but blue light from screens is one of the biggest culprits.

Blue light has a short wavelength (380–500nm) and is commonly emitted by LED lights, TVs, computers, and smartphones—the worst offenders, emitting 1.6 times more blue light than computer screens and twice as much as TVs.

While blue light itself isn’t inherently harmful, prolonged exposure can cause sleep disorders, blurry vision, and even macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness.

The retina contains special light-sensitive cells that react to blue light, affecting brainwaves, melatonin levels, and heart rhythms. At night, using your phone in the dark suppresses melatonin, leading to insomnia and disrupted sleep cycles.


Beyond Sleep Issues: Can Blue Light Cause Blindness?

The macula, the part of the retina responsible for 90 percent of your vision, protects against blue light with two key pigments: zeaxanthin (for central vision) and lutein (for peripheral vision).


However, excessive blue light exposure damages these pigments, weakening the macula. This can lead to macular degeneration, one of the top three causes of blindness worldwide.

Signs of Macular Degeneration

  • Objects appear distorted
  • A dark spot forms in the center of your vision
  • Gradual vision loss, potentially leading to blindness

There is no cure for macular degeneration, making prevention crucial.

How to Reduce Blue Light Exposure

  • Keep screens at a safe distance from your eyes
  • Avoid looking directly into LED lights
  • Use screens in a well-lit room to reduce strain
  • Limit screen time whenever possible

Best Foods for Eye Health

Protecting your eyes starts from within. Several nutrients help slow vision decline and prevent eye diseases.


Vitamin A: The Key to Clear Vision

  • Prevents dry eyes and enhances night vision
  • Helps regenerate rhodopsin, the light-sensitive pigment in your retina
  • Found in: Carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, liver, red peppers, tomatoes, kiwis, oranges

Tip: Vitamin A is fat-soluble, so cook carrots with oil for better absorption.

Zinc: The Vision Protector

  • Maintains the density of macular pigments
  • A deficiency can speed up macular degeneration
  • Found in: Oysters, anchovies, seaweed, beef, brown rice, walnuts, peanuts

Omega-3: The Moisture Lock

  • Strengthens the tear film, preventing dry eyes
  • Slows age-related vision loss
  • Found in: Salmon, tuna, mackerel, flaxseeds, walnuts

Studies show that eating omega-3-rich fish once a week significantly reduces the risk of macular degeneration.

Zeaxanthin and Lutein: The Ultimate Blue Light Blockers

  • Shield the macula from blue light damage
  • Unfortunately, your body cannot produce them naturally
  • Found in: Egg yolks, avocados, spinach, pumpkin, barley

Diet alone may not provide enough, so eye health supplements can help fill the gap.


Protect Your Eyes Before It’s Too Late

Once vision deteriorates, it’s almost impossible to reverse. The best defense is early prevention.

  • Reduce screen time when possible
  • Keep your eyes hydrated
  • Eat eye-boosting foods regularly
  • Consider supplements if needed

Your eyes work nonstop every day—it’s time to give them the care they deserve.

Vertigo ! Feeling Dizzy All of a Sudden?

Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Vertigo. Let’s dive in! 

As You Age, the Risk Increases


Ever had that spinning sensation out of nowhere? While dizziness can have many causes, if you feel it whenever you move in a certain way, you might have Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)—also known as “ear stone disease.”

Inside your inner ear, there are tiny calcium crystals called otoliths, which help detect movement and maintain balance. But when these crystals get dislodged due to aging, head trauma, stress, or even infections, they can enter the semicircular canals and confuse your brain, leading to intense dizziness.

People with a history of ear infections, sudden hearing loss, or Meniere’s disease are at a higher risk. And since aging weakens the otolith organs, BPPV is more common in those over 50. If you have osteoporosis, your risk is even higher.

Spinning Sensation When Moving Your Head?


A key symptom of BPPV is a brief but intense spinning sensation (vertigo) when you move your head, lasting 30 seconds to 1 minute before gradually fading. It's often worst in the morning, especially when getting out of bed, tilting your head up, or bending down.

Severe cases may also cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, or cold sweats, but no ear pain or hearing loss.

Luckily, BPPV is treatable with a simple repositioning technique called the Epley maneuver. This non-surgical method helps move the dislodged crystals back where they belong, with an impressive success rate of 70–90%.

How Does Exercise During Pregnancy Affect Your Baby?

Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Exercise during pregnancy. Let’s dive in!


Every parent hopes for a healthy baby who grows up strong and well. That journey begins long before birth—starting in the womb. Many expectant mothers focus on eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly to give their baby the best possible start.

Research has shown that exercise during pregnancy benefits not only the mother but also the baby. But how long do these effects last? Could prenatal exercise influence a child's development even after birth?

6 Superfoods to Help Prevent Diabetes – Eat Your Way to Better Health!

 Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Superfoods to help prevent diabetes. Let’s dive in!

What you eat has a huge impact on your health. Your body reacts instantly to the food you consume, making healthy eating habits essential for overall well-being. However, in today's world, high-calorie, high-fat, and high-protein diets have become the norm, leading to a rise in lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes. Combined with lack of exercise and stress, poor eating habits can put anyone at risk.

But the good news? You can enjoy delicious foods while protecting your health! Here are six powerful foods known to help prevent diabetes and regulate blood sugar levels.


1. 100% Dark Chocolate – A Sweet Treat for Better Blood Flow


Diabetes thickens the blood, making circulation difficult. Studies show that consuming 963mg of 100% cocoa dark chocolate improves peripheral artery blood flow by 1.5 times within just two hours. Even better, if eaten three times a day, the increased blood flow is maintained at 1.3 times the normal level, helping to restore blood vessel function.

Dark chocolate also helps lower bad cholesterol and blood sugar levels, making it a delicious and beneficial choice for those concerned about diabetes.


2. Garlic – A Natural Protector Against Diabetes and Its Complications


Garlic isn’t just great for flavoring your food—it’s packed with powerful anti-diabetic properties. Excess sugar in the body binds with proteins or fats, creating harmful substances called glycation end products, which contribute to diabetes and conditions like stroke.

Garlic contains a compound called SAC, which prevents the formation of these harmful substances, reducing the risk of diabetes and its complications. Plus, it’s rich in allicin, a compound that stimulates the pancreas to release insulin, helping to regulate blood sugar levels.


3. Coffee – A Surprising Ally in Diabetes Prevention


Did you know that coffee may help protect your pancreas? Diabetes often damages insulin-producing pancreatic cells due to protein build-up. However, coffee contains chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, which prevent the accumulation of harmful proteins (HIAPP) that contribute to diabetes.

For maximum benefits, decaffeinated coffee is even more effective, as it has higher levels of chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid compared to regular coffee. But be careful—avoid sugary or creamy coffee mixes. Stick to plain black coffee and limit it to three cups a day.


4. Vegetables – The Best Natural Blood Sugar Regulator


While both fruits and vegetables are important, vegetables have more diabetes-fighting compounds, making them a top choice. Leafy greens like spinach and cabbage are especially effective. Research shows that consuming 106g of green leafy vegetables daily can reduce diabetes risk by 14%.

Vegetables are also rich in fiber, which slows down sugar absorption, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels throughout the day.


5. Brown Rice – A Fiber-Rich Alternative to White Rice


Unlike refined white rice, brown rice is packed with three times more fiber and digests more slowly, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar.

Overeating is a major contributor to diabetes, but thanks to its high fiber content, brown rice keeps you full longer, helping control portion sizes and prevent overeating. It also contains numerous trace minerals that benefit overall health.

For a balanced meal, pair brown rice with 3-4 nutritious side dishes to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.


6. Onions – A Natural Diabetes Fighter


Onions are known for their benefits in heart health, blood pressure control, and preventing artery diseases. But did you know they also have a powerful anti-diabetic effect?

Onions contain a compound similar to tolbutamide, a common anti-diabetes medication that promotes insulin secretion. This helps lower blood sugar levels and prevents diabetes-related complications.

Adding onions to your meals can be a simple yet effective way to support your body’s natural insulin function and improve blood sugar control.


Diabetes prevention starts with smart food choices and healthy habits. By incorporating these six powerful foods into your daily diet, you can help regulate blood sugar, improve circulation, and reduce your risk of diabetes and its complications.
Take control of your health—one bite at a time! 🍏🥗🍚

Sending warm greetings.


Your health buddy is here for you. Wishing you a healthy and happy day ahead. Stay well!💖



This content is for informational purposes only and does not hold any individual or entity legally responsible. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution. This does not represent my final medical opinion and may vary depending on specific circumstances and evolving medical perspectives.

Prevent and Manage Gestational Diabetes for a Healthy Pregnancy

 Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Gestational Diabetes. Let’s dive in!

Gestational Diabetes Alert for Expecting Mothers!

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes hormonal and physiological changes to support fetal development and ensure a safe delivery. However, in some cases, these changes can lead to health risks, one of the most common being gestational diabetes (GDM).

According to the CDC, gestational diabetes affects about 2% to 10% of pregnancies in the United States. While it is a common metabolic disorder, it can have serious consequences for both the mother and baby if not properly managed. That’s why understanding prevention and control strategies is crucial.



What Causes Gestational Diabetes?


Gestational diabetes occurs when high blood sugar levels develop during pregnancy, usually after the 20th week.

Although the exact cause is unknown, research suggests that placental hormones interfere with insulin function, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar. To compensate, the pancreas produces more insulin. However, if the body can’t produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance, blood sugar levels rise, leading to gestational diabetes.


Risks to Both Mother and Baby


Gestational diabetes often has no symptoms and is typically detected through routine prenatal screening. However, some women may experience:

  • Excessive thirst even after drinking plenty of water
  • Frequent urination due to excess sugar being filtered by the kidneys
  • Extreme fatigue from disrupted energy metabolism
  • Blurred vision caused by sugar buildup affecting the eye’s lens

While blood sugar levels usually return to normal after childbirth, women with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

For the baby, gestational diabetes can lead to:

  • Birth defects (if poorly controlled early in pregnancy)
  • Excessive birth weight (over 9 lbs/4.1 kg), increasing birth complications
  • Preterm birth and respiratory distress syndrome
Higher risk of childhood obesity and diabetes

Mothers may also face pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure (preeclampsia), excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios), and preterm labor. In severe cases, an overly large baby can lead to difficult labor or the need for a C-section.


How to Prevent and Manage Gestational Diabetes


While gestational diabetes can affect anyone, certain women are at higher risk, including those who:

  •  Were overweight before pregnancy
  •  Have a family history of diabetes
  •  Had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
  •  Experienced unexplained stillbirth, preterm birth, or recurrent miscarriage

If diagnosed, managing blood sugar through diet, exercise, and medical guidance is key.

  • Eat a balanced diet – Prioritize fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid high-sugar, high-carb foods that cause blood sugar spikes.
  • Stick to a meal schedule – Eating at consistent times helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
  • Exercise regularly – Activities like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga improve insulin sensitivity and blood circulation. Aim for at least 3-4 times a week.

These healthy habits should continue after childbirth to lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Experts recommend a blood sugar test 6-12 weeks postpartum to monitor long-term health.

By taking proactive steps, you can protect both yourself and your baby from the risks of gestational diabetes.

Wishing you a healthy and happy pregnancy!

Your health buddy is here for you. Wishing you a healthy and happy day ahead. Stay well!💖


This content is for informational purposes only and does not hold any individual or entity legally responsible. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution. This does not represent my final medical opinion and may vary depending on specific circumstances and evolving medical perspectives.

Know Your Symptoms

Sudden Hearing Loss: Causes, Symptoms, and Urgent Treatments You Must Know

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Sudden Warning Sign in Your Hearing Recently, in a popular drama, the main character was diagnosed wi...