5 Easy ways to manage cholesterol at home
Health

5 Easy ways to manage cholesterol at home

Cholesterol is a wax-like fatty substance necessary to make hormones in the body. There are two primary types of cholesterol in the body, namely, LDL and HDL. LDL is bad cholesterol, and high amounts of LDL can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries. HDL is the good cholesterol as it helps the liver get rid of the excess fat in the body. 1. A Healthy Diet Diet is directly associated with one’s cholesterol levels, and it is important to maintain a balanced intake of food and beverages. It is necessary to reduce the number of saturated fats present in red meat and full dairy products as the fats raise the overall cholesterol levels. One must also eliminate trans fats, which are mostly present in hydrogenated vegetable oils from their diet. Increasing the intake of foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids can help manage blood pressure along with managing high cholesterol. Soluble fibers also reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the bloodstream to reduce the chances of fat buildup in the system. One can also incorporate whey protein into their diet, which helps lower the LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in the system. 2. Alcohol and smoking Heavy consumption of alcohol and regular smoking increase the risk of suffering from the symptoms of high cholesterol.
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Amyloidosis – warning symptoms and treatment options
Health

Amyloidosis – warning symptoms and treatment options

Amyloidosis is the buildup of an abnormal protein called amyloid in the body. This buildup leads to the damage of organs and eventually causes organ failure. Although amyloidosis is, it is a serious medical condition. Warnings signs of amyloidosis The symptoms of amyloidosis are not prevalent in the early stages but become evident when the condition is more severe. The warning signs depend on the affected organ. For instance, if the heart is affected, then the person may experience chest pain, irregular heart rate, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure among other signs, or if the liver is affected then the person may experience swelling and pain in the upper abdomen. However, some of the general symptoms of the amyloidosis are- • weakness, • fatigue, • swollen tongue, • bruising on the skin, • bruising around the eyes, • tingling or numbness in the hands, and • joint pain. How to treat amyloidosis? This condition is incurable. However, there are certain treatments that can be used to slow down the production of amyloid protein, which helps in reducing the symptoms of amyloidosis. Some of the amyloidosis treatment options include- • pain relievers, • blood thinners for preventing blood clots, • medications for controlling the heart rate, • medications for managing vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea, and • diuretics for reducing the fluid buildup in the body.
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4 healthy snacks to include in ADHD diet for kids
Health

4 healthy snacks to include in ADHD diet for kids

Diet plays an important role in the growth of a child’s’ physical as well as mental health. When it comes to ADHD or hyper attention disorder in children, wholesome nutrition helps in coping with the symptoms caused by this disorder. Here are 4 nutrition-packed snacks that can be added to the diet of children with ADHD. Whole-wheat crackers A great way of substituting potato chips is to go for whole-wheat crackers. Baked chips or even pretzels are great for your child’s nutritional needs. Potato chips have high-fat content and offer very little when it comes to nutrition. In order to give your child a fair share of healthy and crunchy foods, choose whole-wheat crackers. Another great substitute for potato chips is hot-air popcorn; it is loaded with fiber and is a suitable add-on to a child’s ADHD diet. Hummus spread on pita A Middle Eastern spread, hummus is made from boiled chickpeas blended with a paste made from sesame seeds, also known as tahini. Hummus is loaded with fiber and protein, which helps kids with ADHD to focus better and stay calm. You can serve hummus on a whole-wheat pita bread, which is a fiber-rich option. Add finely chopped veggies to the hummus for a crunchy twist.
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Understanding common foods and supplements to help fight depression
Health

Understanding common foods and supplements to help fight depression

Depression, a mental health disorder, is commonly characterized by a person experiencing a loss of interest in activities and their surroundings. The condition results in a persistent feeling of sadness and exhibits several behavioral and psychological symptoms that can severely affect one’s daily routine. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approves of several new depression treatments and medications to help people manage the condition and overcome the disorder. However, one can also make a few lifestyle changes and adjust their diet to help manage depression on their own. Here are certain foods that can help fight depression: Foods that prevent cell damage The human body manufactures molecules called free radicals. These oxidative free radicals play a crucial role in the development of depression and other associated neuropsychiatric disorders. On the other hand, foods rich in antioxidants help reduce the damage caused by such radicals. These include sources that are rich in Beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. One must incorporate apricots, peaches, blueberries, grapefruit, kiwi, oranges, strawberries, etc, in their diet. Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, collards, pumpkin, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers must be a part of one’s staple diet. Foods rich in carbohydrates Dopamine and serotonin are the two primary neurotransmitters; they regulate processes and functions throughout the body.
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Nutrition tips for an effective epilepsy diet
Health

Nutrition tips for an effective epilepsy diet

Epilepsy is a condition wherein a disturbance in nerve cell activity can result in uncontrolled and unexpected seizures. The seizure can result in abnormal behavioral changes, vivid sensations, and even loss of consciousness. Nerve pain medications, sedatives, anticonvulsants, and changes in one’s diet can help you manage the symptoms of the chronic condition. Here are a few essential points to consider to ensure proper nutrition while following an epilepsy-friendly diet. Deficiencies Vitamin, mineral, and nutrient deficiencies can aggravate the symptoms of any medical condition. A calcium and magnesium deficiency, in particular, can result in convulsions caused due to epilepsy. Therefore, it is important to incorporate dairy and non-dairy calcium-rich foods in one’s daily diet to supplement and maintain optimum levels. Common sources include cheese, yogurt, milk, sardines, leafy greens, fortified cereals, soybean, and fortified soymilk. Note that the sources will vary depending on the type of diet one plans to follow during their epilepsy seizure treatments. Planning the diet Ketogenic diet, Atkins diet, and Modified Atkins Diet (MAD) are among the popular choices when it comes to the neurological condition. Diet forms a crucial aspect of treatments for epilepsy seizures as something so simple as failing to plan a meal or not having enough food can affect the frequency of the seizures.
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Here’s how you can lower cholesterol levels
Health

Here’s how you can lower cholesterol levels

The human body requires cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances required for digestion. But it’s important to keep the cholesterol levels in check as high cholesterol can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. High blood cholesterol can be prevented or treated with medications and healthy lifestyle and dietary choices. Medication to control cholesterol Doctors often prescribe medications when the cholesterol levels are alarmingly high and the affected individual needs immediate medical attention. The best treatment option for cholesterol at this time is statins. Along with bad cholesterol, statins also lower the levels of triglycerides—a type of blood fat—and mildly increase the good cholesterol levels. While medicines can improve an individual’s condition, they may have some side effects including intestinal problems, liver damage, and muscle inflammation. To avoid these side effects and lower cholesterol in a natural way, one must switch to a healthy diet and lifestyle. Lifestyle and dietary changes to lower cholesterol levels Poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and diabetes are some common causes of high cholesterol. It is essential to keep a check on these factors and take some steps to control the condition. Limit smoking and alcohol: To treat cholesterol, one must cut down or limit smoking and alcohol consumption as far as possible.
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4 must-have foods for those with arthritis
Health

4 must-have foods for those with arthritis

Caused by the inflammation of joints, arthritis is a debilitating health disorder with no permanent cure. It causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints. Inclusion of certain foods can help in managing arthritis. Whole grains Enriched with fiber, whole grains help in maintaining a healthy body weight. Additionally, whole grains help in lowering the levels of inflammatory proteins in the blood. However, the gluten content of whole grains may trigger inflammation in some people. Therefore, it’s recommended to have these foods with caution. Foods made from the entire grain kernel are usually recommended to those with arthritis. These foods include whole-wheat flour, brown rice, oatmeal, bulgur, and quinoa. A daily serving of 3 to 6 ounces of whole grains is recommended. Nuts and seeds A daily intake of 1.5 ounces of nuts is recommended for those with arthritis. A handful makes one ounce of nuts. Nuts are packed with monounsaturated fats that have inflammation-fighting properties. Moreover, nuts have a high content of protein and fiber. These keep a person satiated and keeps hunger pangs at bay. Snacking on a handful of walnuts, pine nuts, almonds, and pistachios can help in easing the symptoms of arthritis. Beans Packed with fiber and phytonutrients, beans help to lower inflammation of joints, an effect which is similar to those of RA medicines for pain relief.
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4 foods for natural treatment of eczema in adults
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4 foods for natural treatment of eczema in adults

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a condition that makes the skin red and itchy. Mostly observed in children, it can occur at any age and is a chronic disease that flares up periodically. It can be accompanied by hay fever or asthma in many cases. There is no permanent cure for atopic dermatitis. However, eczema treatment in adults and even in children go a substantial way towards lowering the intensity of the flare-ups. Additionally, there are certain foods that help in alleviating the symptoms of eczema. Here are a few foods that help in the natural treatment of eczema in adults: Fatty fish : With a high content of omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish are an essential part of a diet to fight against a host of diseases, including eczema. Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory and alleviate the symptoms of eczema and prevent flare-ups. Eating about an ounce of fatty fish such as salmon and herring daily can be beneficial for those with the condition. Fish oil supplements can also be taken instead of fatty fish. Probiotic-rich foods : These include yogurt, sourdough bread, miso soup, naturally fermented pickles, Gouda, unpasteurized sauerkraut, kefir, and tempeh. These probiotic-rich foods contain live cultures that strengthen the immune system.
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The Most Common Eye Diseases
Health

The Most Common Eye Diseases

At some point many of us will experience minor eye issues (i.e., dry eyes, inflammation or Uveitis, eye strain, floaters, color blindness, excess tears, night blindness, and slight degrades in eye sight. problems at one time or another, especially as we age. While many minor eye issues can be treated with home remedies and over the counter eye drops, more serious eye issues will need to be treated under the care of an optometrist or ophthalmologists supervised care. Here’s a list of the most common eye diseases: 1. Conjunctivitis  More commonly referred to as pinkeye, conjunctivitis occurs most often due to eye irritation or eye infection. Symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and include itching, burning, redness, excess tears, eye discharge, a feeling that something is stuck in the eye all due to inflammation of the sclera (or rear eyelid tissues). 2. Glaucoma Glaucoma occurs when excess pressure builds up so much inside the eye that it may press upon and cause damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma may cause few symptoms or pain in the early stages so any eye inflammation or vision changes should be brought to the attention of your optometrist immediately. Glaucoma is treated using prescription eye drops, or in severe cases, surgery.
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Dietary tips for those with severe asthma
Health

Dietary tips for those with severe asthma

Studies have observed that an increased consumption of processed foods and the lack of sufficient fruits and vegetables in the diet could one of the triggers aggravating the symptoms of severe asthma. Although there are no specific dietary recommendations for asthma, a diet rich in essential nutrients can help in alleviating and avoiding serious symptoms. Here are a few dietary tips for those undergoing treatment for severe asthma. Best foods for severe asthma treatment It has been observed that a diet rich in vitamins C and E, flavonoids, magnesium, selenium, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids can help to lower the risk of asthma. Foods rich in these nutrients can help to lower inflammation, protect cells from damage, and strengthen the immune system. These are some of the best foods for those undergoing treatment for severe asthma. Carrots Apples Cantaloupe Avocado Berries Spinach Pumpkin seeds Pomegranates Tomatoes Kale Banana Sweet potatoes Broccoli Eggs Milk Salmon Fortified orange juice Swiss chard Dark chocolate According to research, nearly 70% of people suffering from asthma may also have GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder). This makes the condition more difficult to manage due to additional dietary restrictions caused by GERD. Apart from medications, an effective way to alleviate the symptoms of GERD is by maintaining a healthy weight.
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