Probiotic foods to include in your diet
Diets & Meal Plans

Probiotic foods to include in your diet

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for boosting immunity and maintaining a healthy weight, and are especially beneficial for the digestive system. We usually think of these as germs that cause diseases, but the body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. More than 70% of our immune cells live in the gut and are dependent on a healthy gut. Probiotics are often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria that keep the gut healthy. Probiotic foods for a healthy gut The following foods are known to help boost gut and overall health: Yogurt : It is linked to a number of health benefits and may be suitable for people with lactose intolerance. Ensure to choose yogurt that has active or live cultures. Kefir : Kefir is a fermented milk drink that is a source of probiotics and calcium. It is smoother and easier to digest. Sauerkraut : Sauerkraut is finely cut fermented cabbage that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Ensure to choose unpasteurized brands that contain live bacteria. Also, those sold in the refrigerated section will contain more probiotics than those available in cans or jars. Tempeh : Tempeh is a fermented soybean product that serves as a high-protein substitute for meat.
Prostate cancer – What you should eat and avoid
Diets & Meal Plans

Prostate cancer – What you should eat and avoid

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common cancer to occur among men. A diet rich in fats and sugar is widely known to increase the chances of developing this cancer. However, there are certain foods that you should eat and avoid to boost prostate health. Foods to consume: Tomatoes Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant present in tomatoes. This antioxidant reduces cell damage and slows the production of cancer cells. Thus, it effectively prevents prostate cancer from developing, as it reduces the growth of tumors. Though tomatoes, in any form, are beneficial, cooked tomatoes are absorbed by the body more efficiently. One can have it in many forms like spaghetti sauce, ketchup, juice, or puree when cooking. Tomatoes are a must-have in order to avoid the risks of prostate cancer. Broccoli A healthy vegetable, broccoli contains many complex compounds. The sulforaphane phytochemical is one of the compounds that selectively kills cancer cells and leaves normal prostate cells unaffected. Broccoli adds color and a unique taste to your soups, stir-fries, and salads. Green tea Green tea has traditionally been a part of Asian diets for centuries. This is one of the reasons why men in Asian countries do not suffer from this condition as much.
ADHD diet – Foods to eat and avoid
Diets & Meal Plans

ADHD diet – Foods to eat and avoid

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a medical condition that hampers the normal functioning of the brain. Every year, approximately 11% of the children in the country are known to suffer from this condition, while almost 5% of adults are known to get affected. People suffering from this chronic condition have extreme difficulty in being attentive and, thus, often face the consequences of low performance. People with this condition also have difficulty even sitting at one place for a long time or focussing on something hard. However, the symptoms of ADHD can be kept under control by including some specific helpful foods and avoiding the rest. Herein, we discuss some of the foods to eat and avoid for ADHD which might help you decide. What should you eat? The following foods are highly beneficial and must be included in an ADHD diet: Protein-rich foods Foods rich in protein is a necessity in the regular diet of people suffering from ADHD. Protein in our regular diet helps in repairing damaged tissues. However, in people with conditions like ADHD, protein-rich diet enhances the production of neurotransmitters which help in boosting up the cognitive performance of the brain. Apart from that, it maintains blood sugar level, fluctuations in which causes ADHD triggers.
5 foods that can help ease the symptoms of arthritis
Diets & Meal Plans

5 foods that can help ease the symptoms of arthritis

Arthritis is a medical condition where the musculoskeletal system, especially the joints where two or more bones meet, causing inflammation in the joints accompanied by pain, swelling, stiffness. There are various forms of arthritis- like bacterial, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, to name a few. Family history, obesity, immune system disorder, injury in the joints are some of the causes of developing arthritis. Treatment of arthritis depends on the type of arthritis one is suffering from. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating healthy foods can help in preventing or easing the symptoms of arthritis. The following food items will help manage the symptoms of arthritis. Foods rich in Omega 3 Fatty fish like mackerel, salmon, and sardines contain anti-inflammatory properties which help in easing the symptoms of arthritis. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 helps in keeping the bones and muscles strong and is also good for a healthy heart and brain. It also helps in reducing the discomfort caused in the joints, especially weight-bearing joints like hips, knees, and feet. Intake of omega-3 also helps in improving flexibility and quick recovery from arthritis. Omega-3 supplements in the form of capsules are also available. Garlic Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, garlic is a great source to ease the symptoms of arthritis.
7 foods to completely avoid if you have bipolar disorder
Diets & Meal Plans

7 foods to completely avoid if you have bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental condition wherein a person experiences extreme mood swings. A person’s feelings may go from extremely good to really low in life. Due to the extreme range of symptoms, it often gets tough to diagnose bipolar disorder. There is no cure for it, but the symptoms can be controlled with medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes. Diet is a major contributing factor to this deadly mental disorder. Certain foods can affect your mood majorly while others can have calming effects. Here are some foods to avoid if you have bipolar disorder. One should remember that it is vital to take a holistic approach and focus on diet as well as other forms of medication and treatment. Some foods to avoid if you have bipolar disorder include: Grapefruit – It has been seen in many cases that some bipolar medicines, particularly anticonvulsants, do not interact appropriately with grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Thus, it is one of the foods to avoid if you have bipolar disorder. Caffeine – Caffeine in any form is known to irritate people and make them restless. It could also cause sleeplessness and nervousness. It is also known to suppress hunger. Thus, caffeine intake should be minimized, and the person should be slowly weaned off it.
Effective tips to treat cats without spoiling them
Diets & Meal Plans

Effective tips to treat cats without spoiling them

As much as one would love to pamper their furry friends with treats and all the love in the world, it is essential to not spoil them. Treats can be great to break the monotony of a pet cat’s regular diet and can serve as a reward for good behavior or tricks learned. But how does one understand how many treats to give? Or if the treats are good for their cats? It is essential to pay special attention to the ingredients in the treats before selecting new brands. Consult a vet if unsure of anything and also double-check to understand the possibility of allergies and side-effects. Here are some of the very effective tips to treat cats without spoiling them, which every owner should learn for the better. Break the habit Just like humans, even cats can develop a habit of fancy treats. This results in their unwillingness to have regular food and become more dependant on artificial treats. Thus, owners should strategically plan to treat their cats only twice or thrice in a week. This helps in breaking the monotony and also does not let them develop a habit in the long run. Reward them with treats One of the best tips to treat cats without spoiling them is to reward them when they are obedient.
5 superfoods that can help fight cervical cancer
Diets & Meal Plans

5 superfoods that can help fight cervical cancer

A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet can not only help fight cancer and also help prevent the risk of it. Cervical cancer is one of the deadliest cancer that women face today. It often originates in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, is one of the main reasons for this disease. When the body is exposed to HPV, most often, it is able to fight against it, but at times, the virus survives for years and becomes one of the leading causes of cervical cancer. One can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer through screening tests and a vaccine. Diet can also play a significant role in fighting against this life-altering disease. Read on to know about some of the best superfoods for fighting cervical cancer. Research shows that regular consumption of certain foods, most notably, fruits and vegetables, can help offer protection against cervical cancer. It is so because this cancer is caused by an infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and a diet rich in antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids, and folate can help fight this off effectively.
10 snacks that can help lower cholesterol levels
Diets & Meal Plans

10 snacks that can help lower cholesterol levels

A soft waxy substance found among the fats in the bloodstream is known as cholesterol. The main function of cholesterol is to form some hormones, cell membranes, while it is also necessary for some other functions as well. If the cholesterol starts getting deposited in the arteries in the form of plaque it can cause severe health issues like heart attack and blockage in the arteries. Maintaining an unhealthy lifestyle, genetics, smoking, and a lack of physical activity are some causes of rise in bad cholesterol levels. There are two types of cholesterol which are found in a combination of fats and proteins. High density lipoproteins (HDL) or good cholesterol Low density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol One can control the build-up of bad cholesterol by cutting down on foods which cause a rise in bad cholesterol levels and maintain good cholesterol levels by adding foods and snacks which help in lowering cholesterol levels. Dry fruits: Dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are healthy snacks which help in lowering cholesterol levels as they contain omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamin E, and unsaturated fats. Consuming a handful of nuts helps in lowering cholesterol levels. Avocados: Avocados are rich in fiber and unsaturated fats which help in lowering cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and keep the heart healthy.