Diet options that help ease constipation Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult and infrequent (less than 3 times a week). Constipation can be prevented by following a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water. Constipation mostly occurs when there is an insufficient intake of water and fiber. The symptoms of constipation are bloating in the stomach, dry and hard stools, and difficulty in emptying bowels. Thankfully, constipation can be cured by correcting your eating habits. Some foods that help relieve constipation are: Fruits Fruits are abundant with dietary fiber which helps relieve one from the symptoms of constipation. Along with the goodness of fiber, fruits are also filled with vitamins and other nutrients that benefit the body in various ways. Fruits like kiwi, pineapples, berries, apricots, papaya, figs, peaches, plums, grapes, pears help improve one’s bowel movement. Flax seeds Flax seeds are filled with a high amount of fiber, along with other nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which help in easy bowel movements. These flax seeds can be added to a variety of dishes like salads, oatmeal, milkshakes, etc. Vegetables To obtain a high amount of fiber content in our body, it is advised to eat vegetables every day. Just like fruits, vegetables are a natural source of fiber along with nutrients such as vitamins, calcium, fat, proteins, etc. There is a proven record that vegetables and fruits help our body function better when consumed regularly. Whole grains Refined products such as white rice and flour increase the chances of constipation. Replace these refined products with whole grain products to see a great difference in your bowel movements. Whole grains are a rich source of dietary fibers, and Arabinoxylan is the main component which helps ease constipation. This also helps with weight loss. Overall, it helps you have a healthy lifestyle.

5 foods that ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disorder that causes a host of discomforting symptoms like inflammation in the digestive tract, pain in the abdominal area, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and rectal bleeding. At times, these symptoms tend to intensify and lead to a flare-up. Coping with Crohn’s disease flare-up can be extremely challenging as it can have a direct impact on your quality of life. Diet plays a crucial role in tackling the symptoms of this disease. What you eat can either help minimize the severity of the symptoms or worsen the condition. Herein, we discuss some of the best foods you can have to relieve these painful and discomforting symptoms. Refined grains Refined grains are some of the best food items that you can have to relieve yourself from the symptoms of this chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Unlike whole grains, refined grain items can be easily digested. These food items contain a low content of fiber and are likely to help with the flare-up. Some of the refined grain food items you can consume to subside Crohn’s disease symptoms are white bread, rice, pasta, and pancakes. Fully cooked vegetables Fully cooked vegetables are known to support the digestive system’s overall health. It is advised to remove the seeds and skin of the vegetables before cooking them well. Consumption of well-cooked food will help promote the health of the gut when you are experiencing a Crohn’s disease flare-up. It lowers inflammation in the body and may reduce the frequency of bowel movements. Whether you are having asparagus or potatoes, ensure that the vegetable is fully cooked for best results. Low-fiber Fruits Fruits like bananas, honeydew melon, and peaches contain are low in fiber. This particular characteristic enables them to work wondrously on the symptoms of this chronic disease.

Foods that help fight depression and improve mental health Depression is a common problem faced by many people. It can have a negative effect on one’s mental health. Food has an important role to play in fighting depression. There are certain food items that can help with depression and improve a person’s general mental health. Antioxidants It is believed that free radicals in the body have a role to play in causing depression. Antioxidants that are found in food can help fight them. This in turn helps to fight the symptoms of depression. Some of the foods rich in antioxidants are broccoli, carrots, peaches, pumpkin, spinach, tomatoes, nuts, seeds, sweet potato, kiwi, pepper, and green tea. Good carbohydrates There are certain food items that have ‘good’ carbohydrates. They are complex carbs that have a number of health benefits. They produce a chemical called serotonin that can help to improve one’s mood and thus fight depression. Good carbohydrates are found in whole grains, legumes, and fruits like apple. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish like tuna, sardines, herring, and salmon. They are also abundantly found in nuts like walnuts and almonds. Apart from food, they are also available as food supplements. Studies have shown that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids helps to reduce anxiety levels in those who suffer from depression. Protein-rich food Food that is rich in protein can help in boosting the level of serotonin in the brain. This is good for overall mental health and to improve one’s mood. Food rich in protein like turkey, chicken, yogurt, beans, low-fat cheese, chickpeas, and pumpkin can be included in the diet. Leafy greens Vegetables are good for improving mental health. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, collard greens, watercress, and Brussels sprouts have omega-3 fatty acids. They are also rich in folate content that can help in improving the mood of a person.

Top 10 snacks for those with diabetes It is very important to keep blood sugar under control to prevent health problems like kidney failure. Diet is very important for diabetics and they need to be careful about what they eat. The snacks mentioned herein would be excellent choices for diabetics. Almonds Almonds have various minerals and vitamins that are very useful in controlling blood sugar level. Studies have shown regular consumption of almonds result in reduced blood sugar levels. Almonds are a good snack for diabetics to enjoy. They are also good for cardiac health. Yogurt and berries Yogurt and berries are a very good snack for diabetics to enjoy. Yogurt is a probiotic that can help in digestion and thus aids the absorption of food with sugar. Berries are rich in fiber and help to stabilize the level of blood sugar. It also has antioxidants that can reduce inflammation in the pancreas and ensure low sugar levels. Hard-boiled eggs Eggs that are hard-boiled have protein. This can ensure that blood sugar levels don’t rise after a snack. Eggs are also filling and eating two eggs daily ensures a diabetic doesn’t feel hungry and snack on unhealthy food. Salsa on eggplant A good snack that diabetics can have is eggplant slices that are baked with black-bean salsa on it. It is low in carbs and fat, tasty, and filling. Carrots and hummus Carrots, like all vegetables, are nutritious and are a good snack. To make it tasty and filling, they can be eaten with a hummus dip made from chickpeas that are rich in fiber. This is a good snack that can help in reducing blood sugar level. Avocado Avocado is a superfood with many nutrients. It has oleic acid and high fiber that helps in regulating blood sugar level.

Living with epilepsy can be challenging and it is essential to know how to manage it better. People suffering from this condition are constantly looking for ways to stay seizure-free. It is believed that a balanced diet that has the right amount of nutrients from various food groups can ensure that the brain and body function normally. So, a diet can help one control seizures and live with epilepsy efficiently. How diet affects epilepsy While no food can trigger an epileptic seizure, a well-planned diet can reduce the risks of seizures by maintaining good health. A balanced diet will give one the energy and important nutrients and better sleep and stamina for engaging in activities. These factors can help one live better; one becomes more positive and develops stronger focus and control to manage the condition. Top nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy When the body metabolizes fats, it produces ketones. So, following a Ketogenic diet forces the body to utilize more fats for energy production instead of glucose or sugar through a diet that increases fat intake and lowers carbohydrate intake. This diet plan can work in reducing seizures amongst kids and grownups suffering from epilepsy. But for this diet to work its magic, one will have to follow it without any breaks. So, the types of food and the respective amounts must be precisely measured. Preparing meals is bound to be a time-consuming affair. However, the diet may not work for kids. The MCT diet or medium-chain triglyceride diet is one where people use an oil supplement for their dietary fat intake instead of getting oil from foods. This is why this diet may be easier since one will be free to eat more carbs and proteins and one can get fewer fats from food. The Atkins diet is a low-carb, high-protein diet plan similar to the Keto diet, with some flexibility in fluid, proteins, and calorie amounts.

Ketosis is a metabolic reaction that takes place when the body does lacks carbohydrates and looks to burn fat instead to give the body the energy it requires. Ketogenic diets have recently become very popular, but few realize that it comes with a variety of both pros and cons. The benefits of this diet have been well established and the results are very appealing. That being said, results are guaranteed only if it’s done right and the pros and cons of a keto diet are fully understood before jumping into it. Pros Following a keto diet rewards you with a variety of benefits, such as Lose body fat Ketogenic diets have proven to lose weight and especially lower the body fat percentage even though the intake of fat is higher than usual diets. This is primarily because the fat being consumed are healthy fats and is being burned by the body owing to the absence of carbs. Once the body goes into ketosis, it will start burning fat. Resets insulin sensitivity Insulin insensitivity refers to the body’s inability to break down glucose and making use of it. A keto diet can help reset this and bring it back into optimal functioning where the glucose will be metabolized as per requirement. Helps manage diabetes This is more prominent for the Type 2 diabetes patients since a low carb intake could help keep a healthy blood glucose level without any insulin shots at all. Increases fertility in women Since ketosis helps regulate diabetes and also reduces the chances of being obese, it will, in turn, mean it boosts fertility in women. The diet is known to heal reproductive hormones to a large extent. Cons There are some problems that come with taking up the ketogenic diet, such as Ketoacidosis The human body is not used to being deprived off carbohydrates, and ketoacidosis is one such con of this diet.

Would it not be great if you could add nutrients to your kid’s diet through foods they love to eat? There are some excellent snack ideas that actually make it possible for you to make snacking both fun and nutritionally-satisfying for your kid. And you can prepare these at home without applying too much of an effort. Here are some snacks for your child that are healthy and nutritious: Popcorn: Popcorn is a huge favorite with children. The best part is that it is made from whole grains that are rich in fiber and essential nutrients. Cookies : Cookies can be healthy, unlike what most people think. You simply have to use the correct ingredients. For instance, you should opt for whole wheat flour instead of refined white flour; you can even add rolled oats to make them fiber-rich, and can replace butter with applesauce to lower the amount of saturated fats. When you give your child healthy cookies with low-fat milk, the snack becomes both well-balanced and nutritious. Pizza : This is similar to the sandwich as a snack idea but it is possible to make it healthy by using toppings like sliced peppers, olives, and ham. The pizza should be made from premade whole wheat dough, which is easy to buy. Crispy rice treats : These are puffed rice snowballs that have seeds and dried fruits, and makes for an excellent kid-friendly snack that’s rich in fiber and proteins. Cheese : This is a readily available home snack that can be an excellent source of calcium, fats, and protein for your kid. Full-fat dairy foods will satisfy your kid’s need for calcium and Vitamins D and A, while cheese will give your kid high-quality protein that is a must for optimum growth. Veggie pita pocket : Most parents are worried that their kids do not eat enough vegetables.

Lung cancer is a life-threatening disease that affects millions of men and women all over the world. Depending on the type and severity of lung cancer, overall health condition, and age of the person, the healthcare providers may recommend a series of treatment procedures like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. During and after treatment, it is essential to eat a healthy diet that contains foods that may help you battle lung cancer. Green tea Green tea contains polyphenols that demonstrate high antioxidant properties. Research has found that green tea consumption may inhibit tumor growth and help fight lung cancer. It was also found that consuming green tea regularly may reverse some of the damages caused by smoking. In addition to that, studies have proven the effectiveness of green tea in lowering the risk of developing lung cancer. Pears Pears are rich sources of phloretin, which a compound that possesses anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. The powerful effects of phloretin help enhance the anticancer effects of chemotherapy medications like cisplatin. These medicines are often used for the treatment of lung cancer, specifically non-small cell lung cancer. The anticancer properties of pears make it one of the most potent fruits that may help in your battle with lung cancer. Dark green leafy vegetables Packed with various nutrients, dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, chicory, lettuce, and collard greens are some foods that can help prevent and manage certain types of cancer like lung cancer. These vegetables are enriched with carotenoids and folate and act as natural antioxidants. Consume a diet rich in leafy greens to help your body fight against lung cancer. Ginger As per the findings of clinical studies, ginger demonstrates potent chemopreventive effects against life-threatening conditions like lung cancer. The high abundance of phenolic compounds like 6-shogaol found in ginger enables it to work as an anti-tumor agent.

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer. One of the ways of treating this disease is immunotherapy, where the body naturally fights melanoma. Studies have shown that food that is rich in fiber can help in the fight against melanoma. Immunotherapy and melanoma Melanoma is one of the deadliest types of skin cancers. Immunotherapy is one of the treatment options for those who have melanoma. It involves administering drugs that help the body’s immune system naturally fight melanoma. The drugs used in immunotherapy activate the T-cells that fight cancerous cells and kill them. These drugs help the T-cells recognize the cancer cells so that they are destroyed. They help in improving the natural immunity of the body while fighting cancer like melanoma. Diet and immunotherapy Studies carried out by the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy have shown that diet can play a role in the success of immunotherapy. The studies showed that when the gut microbiome, which refers to bacteria in the stomach, is diverse and healthy, then it can improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy. The studies showed that consuming a diet that is high in fiber and rich in probiotics would help boost healthy gut microbiome. This, in turn, can make the immunotherapy more effective. The importance of a high-fiber diet The studies showed that those patients who consumed a diet that was high in fiber (having whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) responded five times more effectively to immunotherapy treatment. The scientists believe that high-fiber in the diet ensures diverse gut flora (bacteria and other organisms in the stomach). Apart from treating melanoma, it is believed that a very high-fiber diet can be very helpful in boosting the immune response of the body. The best high-fiber diet People suffering from melanoma and undergoing immunotherapy should consume a high-fiber diet that helps the immune system’s fight against the disease.

Nutrition plays a vital role in the battle against multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that starts from the bone marrow. Fatigue, loss of appetite, chronic constipation, bone pain, and weight loss are some of the commonly experienced signs of multiple myeloma. These symptoms can take a serious toll on one’s quality of life, and not keeping them under control may lead to serious health complications. Studies and trials have found that certain types of foods may help ease the symptoms associated with this type of cancer. Listed here are the top 3 foods one can incorporate in their diet plan to get effective relief: Fiber-rich foods The consumption of food items rich in fiber may help in easing the symptoms of multiple myeloma. Fiber-rich food items can be instrumental in sustaining energy levels and combating fatigue in individuals suffering from this type of cancer. Also, increasing the intake of fiber may give relief from digestive problems like constipation, which may be side effects of treatment like chemotherapy. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that helps break down food and facilitates digestion. One should make food items replete with fiber a part of their diet to help curb the symptoms of this life-threatening condition. Some of the healthiest high-fiber foods are whole grains like brown rice, whole-grain pasta, green vegetables like broccoli and celery, fruits like apples and figs, and oatmeal. Iron-rich foods Research has shown that there is a strong link between multiple myeloma and anemia. Anemia is a condition that results from poor nutrition, specifically iron deficiency, making iron-rich food items an important part of the diet for patients of multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma may adversely affect the levels of key nutrients like iron in the body, and it is important to make food items like beans, lean meats, and dark leafy green vegetables a part of the diet to naturally boost iron levels.