Probiotic foods are those that have bacteria that is good for digestion. This includes bacteria like lactobacillus, bifidobacterium that help smooth digestion of food. Sometimes, the good bacteria in the gut can get destroyed due to various reasons. This leads to digestive problems. Consuming food that has probiotics is thus good for digestion. It can improve mental health, reduce depression, improve skin health, and can also be good for the heart. On the other hand, prebiotics are foods that help the probiotic bacteria grow. They have resistant starch and other nutrients that help gut-friendly bacteria flourish. Consuming prebiotics naturally helps good bacteria. Foods like raw bananas, artichokes, and cooked cold potatoes are good prebiotics. Let’s take a look at some of the foods that can improve digestion: Yogurt One of the best sources for probiotics is yogurt. Since it is formed by fermentation of milk, it contains lactic acid bacteria. It helps prevent diarrhea and is also useful for those who have digestive troubles. Those who want a healthier option can choose low-fat yogurt without sugar. Sauerkraut Sauerkraut is a good probiotic. However, only unpasteurized sauerkraut should be consumed as it is safer. Miso soup This popular Japanese soup is made from soy paste that has been fermented. It is rich in probiotics and vitamins and low in calories and fat. Kefir Kefir is a milk drink that is made from goat’s milk and is fermented. The fermentation ensures the presence of probiotics. Apart from the positive effect on the stomach, it is also good for bone health and improves general immunity. Tempeh Tempeh is a fermented product that contains probiotics and is made from soybeans. Apart from the probiotic benefit, it also has vitamin B12 that is essential for the body. Sourdough bread This is a type of bread that is fermented and is thus rich in probiotics.

When undergoing treatment for cancer, it becomes imperative for one to eat the right kind of food and ensure that the body gets all the nourishment and energy it requires. This is because the body will be working overtime to battle cancer, and it would also need the energy to repair cells that get damaged because of radiation and chemotherapy. Foods to help battle prostate cancer Whether one is trying to eliminate prostate cancer or prevent themselves from getting diagnosed with it, knowing the foods that can protect them from cancer-inducing carcinogens is helpful: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is effective against prostate, stomach, and lung cancers. Lycopene can also slow down the spread of cancer cells and is most effective when consumed in the natural form. Any diet that includes a lot of vegetables and fruits can provide good protection against cancers. Lycopene-rich fruits like papaya, guava, and watermelon must be made part of the diet. Pectin, which is present in apples, plums, and apricots, is also known to reduce cancerous cells by almost 40%. A diet that consists of fiber-rich vegetables helps ward off prostate cancer, a prime reason for less Asian men being affected by this disease as compared to those in the West. Cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower are particularly beneficial as they slow the growth of cancerous cells. Green tea and soy have been recommended to keep prostate cancer away, but these are only in the testing stage as of yet. Some chemicals present in soy are found in other legumes and pulses as well, and these may also be effective in preventing prostate cancer. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and mackerel, can reduce the risk of cancer. Some studies suggest that pomegranate is effective for men with prostate cancer, but there is no solid evidence.

Gastritis is a stomach disorder where the stomach lining becomes inflamed. It may happen due to certain foods or bacterial infection. Gastritis can be avoided by shunning certain foods as they help in dealing with the symptoms. Herein, we discuss the foods one needs to have and avoid when suffering from gastritis diet. What to avoid Gastritis symptoms can be aggravated by certain foods. Allergies to foods can cause gastritis and, hence, certain foods need to be avoided as they would trigger symptoms. Spicy foods Spicy food can irritate the stomach and aggravate the symptoms of gastritis. Peppers, chili powder and chilies in general, jalapenos, and spices like nutmeg and clove can cause a wide variety of problems. Spicy foods should be avoided or a least used in moderation. Alcohol Alcohol can aggravate symptoms of gastritis and should be definitely avoided. The stomach lining is adversely affected when Acidic foods Food that is acidic in nature must be avoided. It can irritate the stomach. This includes citrus fruits, coffee, grains, and even tomatoes. Any acidic food affecting a person must be avoided to prevent worsening of the symptoms. Fried and fatty foods Foods that are fried and fatty affect the digestive system. They are among the top causes gastritis and must be avoided. What to eat Food that can kill the bacteria that cause gastritis and reduce inflammation should be consumed. Broccoli Broccoli is rich in a compound called sulforaphane. Studies have shown that sulforaphane can kill H.pylori that cause gastritis. Garlic Garlic is antibacterial and can help to kill H. pylori. It can also reduce inflammation, thus reducing symptoms. Having raw pods of garlic can cause irritation in some people. A helpful alternative is consuming garlic in the form of capsules. Probiotics Probiotics found in yogurt, sourdough bread, and kefir can be very good for the stomach.

Gout is a particular type of arthritis that is prevalent in the country and leads to severe pain and swelling in the joints, along with redness and tenderness. Excess uric acid in the body that is not excreted gets deposited in the joints in the form of crystals and leads to inflammation and swelling. People with gout are seen with swollen fingers, wrists, toes (especially the big toe), heels, and knees. When the uric acid content in the body goes up, it results in gout attacks that may last for 3 to 14 days. If left untreated, the condition can also lead to joint damage and deformity. This is extremely painful, but it can be managed with medication and a proper diet. Some foods trigger attacks as they raise uric acid levels, and this needs to be kept in mind while following a diet to manage the condition. Let’s take a look at the best diet for gout, including what foods to eat and what to avoid. What to eat The foods one is planning to eat should be low in purine and fructose as both of these can increase the risk of gout and trigger gout attacks. The best foods to include in the diet of gout patients are as mentioned: All kinds of nuts and seeds All types of legumes are safe like tofu, soybeans, lentils, and such Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and barley Plant-based oils like coconut, flaxseed, olive, and canola oil Any kind of dairy products are safe, but low-fat versions are better options All vegetables Beverages like green tea, coffee, and tea All herbs and spices All fruits, and cherries even help prevent gout attacks as they reduce inflammation and uric acid levels What not to eat High-purine foods should be avoided, along with high-fructose foods, as they are major threats to gout attacks.

Gout or arthritis is one of the most common problems that affect both men and women at large. The symptoms of gout include severe pain in the joints, inflammation, and redness that causes extreme discomfort. Mainly, the big toe is affected, causing uneasiness while walking or doing normal chores. Other joints affected by gout include the knees, elbows, joints between the fingers, and such. It is mainly caused due to the accumulation of excess uric acid in the joints. The patients suffering from gout have to pay thorough attention to their regular diet so that they can keep the pain at bay. Here are some of the superfoods for gout to help prevent gout episodes. Superfoods for gout Patients suffering from gout should follow a strict diet to manage the condition, but the superfoods for gout are both delicious and healthy for the body. The foods prescribed for patients must have lower purine content as purine increases uric acid levels in the body. Here are some foods to help with the condition: Nuts Almost all types of nuts are considered to be superfoods for gout as they are loaded with vitamins and minerals, which help in regaining lost bone strength and repairing damaged tissues in the long run. Whole grains Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and barley are undoubtedly the best superfoods for gout. These are rich in fiber, which helps in maintaining a healthy gut. They are also loaded with nutrients and vitamins that cater to the body’s daily requirements. Legumes Legumes are highly recommended as one of the beneficial foods for patients of gout, especially because of the range of nutrients. Legumes like soybeans, lentils, tofu, and other types of beans are extremely helpful in reducing pain and inflammation of the affected region. Fruits Fruits ideally work wonders for health and are downright considered a superfood for gout.

The American Academy of Dermatology has stated that 80 million men and women in the country suffer from hereditary hair loss, one of the most common types of hair loss. On a positive note, hair loss can be stopped or reduced considerably with certain changes in hair treatment or the diet. Certain foods can promote hair growth and improve the quality of hair, and healthy hair in men also increases their confidence. Here are the best foods to promote healthy hair growth in men: Eggs Eggs are an amazing source of protein and biotin, two nutrients that can promote hair growth. Hair follicles are made up of protein and biotin is known to promote keratin, which is responsible for hair growth. Green leafy vegetables Dark leafy vegetables like spinach are rich in iron and can contribute to hair growth. Iron deficiency can cause hair loss, making iron an important nutrient to be incorporated into the daily diet. Iron is also found in red meat like beef, but one should keep in mind that eating too much red meat can increase the risk of developing heart diseases due to their high fat content. Salmon Fish like salmon are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, and healthy fats like these help in keeping the hair lush and healthy. These fatty acids are also known to help activate the sebaceous glands in the scalp, which, in turn, promotes a healthy scalp and healthy hair. Shrimp, sardines, green beans, almonds, and walnuts are some other sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. These items can be included in meals or snacks as these are some of the best foods for healthy hair growth in men. Carrots Carrots are rich in vitamin-A, which promotes cell growth. They also encourage sebum production in the scalp, which results in better hair growth and reduced chances of dry scalp.

Snacks are always seen as a way of grabbing something tasty, quick to eat, less time consuming to prepare or buy, and as a way of not indulging in a full-blown meal. It quenches the pangs of hunger and lets a person get on with the day without any hassles, making it a major preference among kids. The main problem, though, is that snacks can often be unhealthy as well as addictive. The role of snacks has been reduced to solving cravings and becoming stomach fillers rather than contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Most snacks are highly concentrated with processed carbohydrates and sugar, which causes an issue when it comes to healthy snacks for kids. Listed below are some snacks that contain a good amount of protein, fat, and fiber that are tasty, healthy, can be changed up with improvisations, and are very enjoyable. Jerky Jerky is nothing but meat that is thinned down to strips. It contains an extremely high amount of protein and is an apt candidate for being a healthy snack. Chicken, beef, salmon, and turkey can be trimmed down to jerky. Jerky is sold in abundance at stores, but it is almost certain that the jerky contains processed meat added with a good amount of sugar. It is, thus, more advisable to make jerky at home using only meat and seasoning. Trail mix A trail mix can be modified at home by adding almonds and pistachios to the existing package of dried fruit and nuts mixed with chocolates. Walnuts and cashews can also be added. Pistachios and almonds, on the other hand, have a higher amount of protein in them. They all have high calorific content and should not be consumed in excess at a time. Turkey roll-ups Turkey roll-ups contain cheese and veggies rolled up into slices of turkey breast.

Liver functioning is an essential process of the human body. The liver is required to help detox your body, break down carbohydrates, make glucose, store all the nutrients and produce bile. Bile liquid is required to absorb all the nutrients and digest them by giving a proper metabolism to the body. Taking care of your liver is part of a holistic nutrition hence you should be aware of what destroys your liver and what helps its healthy functioning. For your overall health functioning the ability of the liver to do all the above is a necessity. Any kind of liver dysfunction can lead to bodily disorders like type 2 diabetes, metabolism issues, and other liver diseases which could also lead to death. It is possible to manage the risk factors once the liver dysfunction starts by making sure you have a healthy intake of food and drinks that are good for the liver. Plant foods A large number of plant foods like avocado, bananas, barley, broccoli, beetroots, carrots, figs, lemons, papayas, chard, kale, celery, and watermelons are foods that are good for the liver. Grapefruit Naringenin and naringin are the two main antioxidants present in grapefruit which is one of the foods that are good for the liver. Grapefruit reduces the toxic build up in the liver. This helps protect the liver cells and reduces inflammation. Garlic Reducing body weight is a great index to a healthy liver. Garlic helps in reducing the fat content near the liver. Coffee Studies have found that around 50 percent of the population consumes coffee. Coffee is one of the drinks that are good for the liver. It protects the liver’s protective tissues. Coffee definitely has other potential hazards but it reduces chronic liver problems to a good extent. Oatmeal Oatmeal has fiber and beta glucans that are essential for protecting fatty liver tissues.

Melanoma is probably the most serious form of skin cancer wherein the pigment-producing cells called melanocytes mutate and become cancerous. Though melanoma only accounts for less than 2 percent of cases in the country, it is extremely dangerous because it has the ability to rapidly spread to other organs if not treated at an early stage. Aside from medication and therapy, certain strict dietary changes will also help one manage the condition and aid in speeding their recovery. It is essential to have a diet that’s packed with high fiber content for creating more diverse intestinal bacteria. This is believed to lead to a stronger response to immunotherapy while battling melanoma. It is always advisable to have a balanced diet of fiber, vitamins, proteins, and calcium ingrained foods, but a high fiber diet may help one’s gut battle melanoma better, especially if begun early on during the therapy. Given below are a few tips on how to ensure one’s diet is rich in fiber. To start with a high-fiber diet, one must include both soluble and insoluble forms of fiber that are natural and unprocessed. One must refrain from all kinds of white foods such as white rice, sugar, and flour as they have no fiber content. Whole grain cereals are perfect to start the day with and one can also opt for brands that focus specifically on the fiber content. Add wild rice, barley, whole-wheat pasta, and bulgur wheat to the overall diet for maximum fiber intake. Flaxseeds must be consumed on an everyday basis as they are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. One must eat all possible forms of whole grains and refrain from the refined variety as the fiber content gets stripped off during the production process. It is important to add loads of fruits to the health chart basket such as berries, bananas, apples, and pears for maximum fiber intake.

By following a healthy balanced diet, your hair can become stronger and shinier. Consumption of the right kind of food can also prevent the loss of hair. If a person does not get certain nutrients through their diet, they may see the consequences result in hair loss and hair thinning. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids assure nourishment to the entire head, including the hair shaft as well as the membranes of the cell in one’s scalp. Nourishment of the follicles promotes healthy growth of the hair. It also adds elasticity to the person’s hair which prevents the hair from breaking. Some of the sources of omega-3 fatty acids are grapeseed oil, Brussels sprouts, kale, tuna, salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds. Zinc Zinc helps in keeping one’s hair and scalp healthy by boosting the tissue repair and growth. It also helps in the regulation of hormones that include testosterone in the men’s body, and enabling the production of glands that secrete oil on the scalp helping the hair to grow. Higher levels of testosterone are associated with the loss of hair. So, one requires only 11 milligrams of zinc per day. The best sources of obtaining zinc are roast beef, veal liver, beef, oysters, wheat germ, and chickpeas. Protein If the hair does not receive adequate amounts of protein, there is a possibility of the person developing bald spots on their head. Also, if a person eats very little amount of protein, the hair will start graying. Therefore, one must follow a diet that has naturally high-quality protein. Foods with good amounts of protein are turkey, chicken, tofu, lentils, peas, beans, peanuts, kale, egg yolk, and Greek yogurt. Iron Iron helps in delivering blood to every cell of the human body. If the iron levels in the body are low, the blood will not transport sufficient amounts of oxygen to the scalp for healthy growth of hair.