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.

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.

Diabetes is a deadly disease, not simply because of its symptoms but due to other complications it can cause. In this condition, the blood sugar levels or glucose levels are much higher than usual, and it can lead to many other problems like cancer, heart problems, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. Diet plays a significant role in controlling the sugar levels of a person. Thus, it is imperative for a diabetic to control their food habits and also exercise regularly to keep parameters under check. Let’s learn about some interesting and healthy snacks for improving diabetes. To manage your blood sugar levels, you need to balance out what you eat and drink along with the amount of exercise you do daily. Along with eating healthy, it is also pertinent that you have snacks at regular intervals. Here are some tasty and healthy snacks for improving diabetes. Fish fillet Fish is a great source of protein without the ill effects of eating meat. In fact, having fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, and sardines is even better as they have a high level of omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, that are amazing for heart health. They protect the cells lining the blood vessels and enhance the way the arteries function after eating. Grill them with very little oil and toss in some green vegetables and voila! You have one healthy snack for improving diabetes. Sauteed vegetables Leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are good sources of many minerals and vitamins, including vitamin C, which helps in reducing inflammatory markers and also fasting blood sugar levels for those with type 2 diabetes or even high blood pressure. Also, green leafy vegetables are a good source of antioxidants – zeaxanthin and lutein that protect the eyes from cataract and degeneration which are common complications of diabetes.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer wherein the body’s plasma cells are affected. The American Cancer Society reports that over 30,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with the disease in recent times. Although the disease is not preventable, there are foods that help you to effectively manage multiple myeloma and its symptoms. Malignant plasma cells may cause anemia or other infections. While normal cells try to ward off infections, myeloma cells prevent healthy cells from working efficiently. Myeloma cells instead accelerate bone breakdown, and put off new bone development, thus making fractures and breaks very common. Conventional treatment includes chemotherapy, bisphosphonates, surgery, radiation, and stem cell transplant. Complementary treatments include special diets, herbs, vitamins, massage, and acupressure. Although there are no such proven diets to treat or fight multiple myeloma, a specific nutrition strategy might prevent other symptoms like anemia or kidney damage. It may also reduce the risks of cancer recurrence. Get adequate iron Foods that curb multiple myeloma symptoms contain iron. Multiple myeloma leads to anemia – a condition in which the body contains only a few red blood cells. As a result, it causes weakness and fatigue. Other causes of anemia include deficiency in iron, vitamin B12, and folate. Foods containing iron are an integral part of a diet that aims to help patients with the disease. Some good sources include: Raisins Lean red meat Bell peppers Kale Sweet potatoes Broccoli Brussel sprouts Tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, papaya, guava Foods containing essential folate, a B vitamin that contributes to the formation of white and red blood cells in the bone marrow, include: Asparagus Black-eyed kidney beans Beef liver Lentils Beans Spinach Broccoli Foods containing vitamin B12 work together with folate to help the body form more red blood cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency can affect the ability of the bone marrow to make as well as maintain red blood cells in patients suffering from multiple myeloma.

If your eyes feel gritty like they have sand stuck inside them, appear red, burn, and/or sting, then you could have dry eyes. Dry eyes occur when the tiny glands within and around the eyelids don’t produce enough tears to keep the eyes healthy and your vision clear. Healthy tears, which are produced by eyes, keep the surface of the eye hydrated, comfortable, and smooth, washing away debris and dust and protecting them from infection. However, factors such as age, medications, and certain diseases tend to result in the eyes producing fewer tears. A person can experience dry eyes when the eyes do not produce the right kind of tears for clearing out dust/debris particles or keeping the surface well-lubricated. While there are cases wherein the doctor might have to treat underlying diseases or issues for helping your eyes produce tears, there are also some natural home remedies for dry eyes that one can follow to find relief. Warm compresses Tears are made of mucus, water, and oil, all of which the eyes require for staying healthy and moist. Flaky, inflamed eyelids could end up clogging the oil-producing glands along the eyelid’s edge, resulting in dry eyes. To help loosen the clogged oils and ease the irritation, take a clean washcloth, wet it with warm water and wring it before placing it over your closed eyes for a minute. After that, gently press the eyelid’s edge with your finger for squeezing out the clogged oils. The heat and the moisture helps loosen up the glands that are clogged with oils. Warm compresses done every day also help lessen inflammation, long after your eyes feel better. Wash crusty lashes Crusty lashes need to be cleaned. Cleaning out the eyelids and the surrounding hair and skin helps get rid of any eyelid inflammation.

Good food and proper nutrition are beneficial in reducing the risk of developing diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, obesity, and prostate cancer. One third of adults die of cancer in the country. A healthy diet enhances the immune system and increases the energy levels, which facilitates in recovery from diseases. It is important to maintain a healthy diet if you want to lower the risk of developing prostate cancer. Here are some guidelines you can follow to maintain the health of your prostate. Your diet should contain plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in fiber but low in fat, and the intake of sugar should be largely reduced. For prostate health Fruits and vegetables contain lots of vitamins, inflammation-reducing substances, natural fiber, minerals, polyphones, and antioxidants. Many people do not consume enough fruits and vegetables and a change in the way you eat is required by including a variety of vegetables and fruits. These should include cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli, which contain phytochemicals that help reduce oxidative stress. Carrots, tomatoes, mushrooms, pomegranate, grapes, grapefruit are citrus fruits and can be included in one’s diet to manage prostate health. A research group has linked prostate cancer with lycopene, which is an antioxidant, and its consumption reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Lycopene is found in tomatoes, tomato products, and red vegetables and fruits. Reduce the intake of animal products like dairy products, animal fat, and red meat – lamb, pork, and beef. They are tied to the development of prostate cancer. Eating soya in the form of soy milk, edamame, tempeh, and tofu is known to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. It is known to contain isoflavones, which is a plant compound/phytochemical. Since soy intake is high in Asian countries, the incidence of prostate cancer is very low in Asia.

Small changes in your current lifestyle can be extremely beneficial for your overall physical and mental well-being. If you suffer from psoriatic arthritis, lifestyle modifications are much needed as there is no cure for this autoimmune disease. Medications would continue as a part of the daily regime, but controlling what you eat and engaging in physical activities can help reduce the symptoms associated with it. Essentially, you try to bring small and basic changes to your current lifestyle, including your eating habits, sleeping patterns, emotional state, and overall quality of life. Following are some of the lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis if followed religiously: Exercising Keep the adrenaline pumping no matter what. However, start with slow and low impact exercises such as walking and swimming. Ensure that your regular workouts do not affect your joints in any way. You can additionally switch to yoga for an overall holistic experience. Simple and easy stretching exercises under the guidance of an expert can help too. Also, you may want to consider Tai Chi as it improves the functional strength. Continue with moderate exercises to improve your overall metabolism and strength. Consider Pilates, stationary biking, and water aerobics to improve cardiovascular strength. Eating healthy Your intake must be nutritious, balanced, and healthy so that it improves your overall strength and immunity. Eventually, your overall body metabolism must keep improving to fight psoriatic arthritis and its associated symptoms. Vegetables are the best source of antioxidants. Add loads of Omega-3 fatty acid products to your everyday food such as fish, chia, flaxseeds, walnuts, and salmon. You can also add fiber-rich carbohydrates and proteins to your everyday intake in substantial amounts. No alcohol and substance abuse Try to completely quit smoking or drinking. This is an absolute no as it physically takes a major toll on your body, especially when suffering from psoriatic arthritis.

Leukemia is one of three major types of blood cancer, with lymphoma and myeloma being the other two. The red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets can all suffer due to it, although the condition mostly refers to cancer of the WBCs. The condition is diagnosed 10 times more in adults than children, so the risk definitely increases as one grows older. The symptoms of the condition vary depending on the type of leukemia the patient is afflicted by. The major ones are Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) Apart from the blood, the bone marrow—a spongy tissue found inside bones and responsible for producing blood cells—is affected in this type of leukemia. Symptoms include bleeding from the gums, frequent infections, and bone pain. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) The major difference between CLL and other types of leukemia is that this one progresses slowly as compared to others. Symptoms of this type are not visible in the early stages, but patients in the latter stages report fatigue, weight loss, and enlarged lymph nodes. Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) A patient suffering this type has an increased number of WBCs in their blood. The condition is more common in adults and is caused due to an abnormality in the genes of the bone marrow. Diagnosis of leukemia Since certain types of leukemia like CLL and CML do not produce symptoms until their later stages, self-diagnosing the disease is difficult. Undergoing diagnostics like blood or bone marrow tests can help with both equally effective at diagnosing the problem. The test results determine the treatment method to choose. Treatment of leukemia The doctor may choose either of the following treatment options after considering several factors, like your age and stage of the disease. Radiation therapy This condition basically spreads through infected leukemia cells that divide rapidly to destroy organs and tissues.

Also called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, Kawasaki disease causes swelling in the body’s artery walls. The swelling blocks the blood supply to the heart and can be fatal. The condition primarily affects children below five and leads to symptoms like high fever, vomiting, red skin, rash in the genital area, and thick eye discharge. This article discusses the condition’s diagnosis and treatment options. Diagnosis Since some Kawasaki disease symptoms like fever and vomiting are common, they can be easily confused with other health conditions. Hence, tests are done to rule out the possibility of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, toxic shock syndrome, measles, and scarlet fever, among others. Depending on the symptoms, doctors conduct the following tests: Blood tests These are mostly done to check the blood cell count in the body. In Kawasaki disease, the WBC count is high, and there are signs of anemia and inflammation. Sometimes, blood tests are also done to look for B-type natriuretic peptides; however, this may not be a conclusive sign. Echocardiogram As the name suggests, this is an ultrasound test that determines the child’s heart health. It can tell if the coronary arteries are under stress, so that treatment can be administered accordingly. Electrocardiogram This test uses electrodes attached to the skin to understand the child’s heart rate. An irregular heartbeat is one of the tell-tale signs of Kawasaki disease. Treatment Kawasaki disease is treatable. Initially, treatment is aimed at controlling the fever to prevent heart damage. It is done using medication administered intravenously or orally. While the treatment may seem simple, it should be administered by a health professional in a health facility to ensure the child does not have severe reactions to any medicines. Once the fever is controlled, doctors monitor the heart and artery health. Follow-up tests are done in regular intervals to monitor the situation and understand the condition better.

People who sweat excessively for no identifiable reason may have hyperhidrosis. In this condition, the body secretes moisture without any triggers, which means one can sweat abnormally even in cool weather conditions. People may perspire to the point that their clothes are drenched and sweat trickles down their legs and arms. Since this condition can put people in awkward situations, let’s take a look at the treatment options available. Antiperspirants Antiperspirants work to reduce the amount of moisture that the body releases. The aluminum-based compound present in the solution prevents the sweat from reaching the outer layer of the skin. Apply the antiperspirant to the areas that sweat abnormally. Remember to let it dry out before wearing clothes. This may be an effective option for people with minor hyperhidrosis. Relaxation techniques When people know that they sweat too much, they begin to worry about it, which ultimately increases the amount of moisture that the body secretes. Trying relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation helps ease the mind and body and reduces stress. These techniques help manage sweat production. Keeping oneself calm can go a long way in managing hyperhidrosis. Oral medications When home remedies fail to improve the condition, doctors prescribe medications that will actively block sweat pores. Oral meds may work for those with excessive facial sweating or patients with generalized hyperhidrosis. There are nerve-blocking tablets that hinder nerves from sending signals to each other. Some patients may benefit from these as well. However, there are certain side effects like blurred vision, dry mouth, and bladder issues. Drying topical creams Drying topical creams keep the skin moisture-free and prevent sweat. They contain aluminum chloride that boosts absorption. People who need a temporary fix for hyperhidrosis for an important meeting or presentation may find these topical creams useful. One should note that these creams can produce side effects like allergic reactions and inflammation of the skin.