The best diets are the ones which are easy to follow, safe, nutritious and effective for weight loss and offer preventive measures for heart disease and diabetes. So, here’s a list of the 12 best diets of 2017 as per the nutrition experts: Vegetarian Diet The vegetarian diet has made its spot in the top 10 list of best diets of 2017 from being number 13 in 2016. This diet is as simple as it can get. There is no meat allowed as the name suggests. The meat will be replaced with a lot more vegetables high in nutrients content to make you feel full. Ornish Diet This diet plan is developed by Dr. Dean Ornish. This diet sees food on a “spectrum” with certain food items being healthier than the others. The less processed, the better as far as eating healthy is concerned. The diet emphasizes on consuming fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and fat as well only if it contains omega 3 fatty acids. It is also among the top ranking diets for heart disease. Jenny Craig Diet This diet plan is promoted by the likes of Mariah Carey and Kirstie Alley. Jenny Craig uses weight-control counseling, and the prepared meal can be picked up from a Jenny Craig location or delivered to your address. Volumetrics Diet Volumetrics diet is developed by Barbara Rolls, a nutrition professor at the Penn State University. This diet plan categorizes food items based on their density. Foods which are less dense like soups, vegetables with high water content, etc. are preferred over cookies, butter, and pizza. Fertility Diet As the name suggests, this diet is meant for those women who are having a problem conceiving. This diet is developed by Dr. Walter Willet and Dr. Jorge Chavarro of the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health.

A gout is a form of arthritis that mainly affects the joints in the feet, mostly the big toe. It could also affect other joints in the body. It is an acutely painful condition, and causes sharp stinging and burning sensations, in the affected area. What causes gout? Body metabolism produces many waste products, among them is uric acid. It is usually flushed out of your body through urine. However, when the level of uric acid rises, it becomes difficult for the body to flush it out. Excess uric acid can lead to the formation of urate crystals, which can accumulate in the joints and cause inflammation. Gout and Purines Purines are chemical compounds that are present in the body, as well as in most foods. They are building blocks for DNA, and also perform many vital functions in the body. However, when purines are broken down, they produce uric acid. So, most traditional anti-gout diets focus on low-purine or no purine foods. If you have gout, you should eliminate or limit many foods that contain high levels of purine. Recent research has shown that not all purine-rich foods need to be avoided. Many vegetables high in purine can help reduce gout attacks. This is because these foods contain other beneficial nutrients that offset the effect, reduce the formation of urate crystals, and help reduce inflammation. Anti-Gout diet When you’re creating plans for an anti-gout diet, you have to focus on—foods to avoid and the foods to include. Besides this, you should also focus on other factors like keeping your weight under control and keeping your body hydrated. Watch your weight Being overweight causes many problems. It can increase fluid retention, increased uric acid levels and increased chances of gout attacks. Excess weight also puts stress on your joints, increasing joint pain.

Hemophilia is a severe medical condition in which the blood doesn’t clot as it normally should. The bleeding disorder is usually inherited and identified by painful symptoms such as excessive bleeding, joint pain, and deep bruises. After diagnosis, in which the doctor focuses on clotting-factors, a treatment plan is laid out and must be followed to avoid unnecessary complications. Read on to know more in detail. How is hemophilia treated? Different types of this condition are treated in different ways. The most common ones include: Desmopressin The medication is commonly used in the treatment of mild hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease. The vasopressin works by increasing the plasma concentration of factor VIII, which is one of the clotting factors in the blood and whose deficiency is the reason behind hemophilia A. Desmopressin dose varies from one patient to another and comes in the form of both injections and nasal sprays. Nonacog alfa Hemophilia B is the second form of the wider condition, wherein clotting factor IX is absent in the patient’s blood. Doctors treat the ailment by injecting a purified protein called nonacog alfa. The medicine approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997, temporarily corrects the deficiency, thereby reducing excessive bleeding. Fresh frozen plasma There are different ways to treat hemophilia C. Fresh frozen plasma is one of the most popular methods since one unit of this blood product contains all the coagulation factors. Factor XI deficiency is the defining cause of this form of ailment, and using fresh frozen plasma can help lower symptoms like prolonged bleeding. Hormone therapy is another useful treatment method for hemophilia. Fibrin sealants Fibrinogen and thrombin are the main components of this material. It is used as a hemostatic agent, and was first approved in the country in 1998.

When the body fails to replace older bone tissues with newer ones, it leads to osteoporosis. It is a condition that results in weak and brittle bones. Osteoporosis increases the risk of bone fractures and is often diagnosed late due to limited symptoms. So, it is important to look after your nutritional requirements to maintain bone health to avoid any health complications. To help you, here are the top five foods for managing osteoporosis. Nuts Nuts are a convenient and tasty remedy that also enhances the effect of bone density supplements for osteoporosis. You should include an assortment of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts in your daily snacks. Nuts are replete with minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese, ensuring bone health. Milk Milk and milk products are superfoods that strengthen bone density. The recommended intake of dairy products is three servings a day. However, low-fat or skimmed milk is better as they contain less fat. Alternatively, soy milk and products are also good sources of calcium. Fatty fish Fatty fish include options like tuna, mackerel, salmon, and more. They are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins A, C, D, and E and are high in protein content. This makes them a great addition to the plates of osteoporosis patients. The vitamin D found in these fish helps improve the body’s calcium absorption, resulting in improved bone health. Fortified foods For people that avoid dairy and dairy products, it can get tricky to get the required amount of calcium and vitamin D from food. In such instances, patients are advised to include fortified foods in their meals. This can include having a bowl of fortified cereal at breakfast with plant milk. Alternatives include fortified juices, vitamin D-rich pasta, and bread. Protein-rich foods Protein is crucial for the body to perform basic functions as well as help in the repair of damaged cells.

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an irregular and rapid heart rhythm that causes blood clots in the heart. It can further lead to an increase in the risk of strokes, heart failure, and other cardiac conditions. And though there are treatments like medication, therapy, and catheter procedures for the condition, you must also consider including these foods in your regular meal plan for a healthy heart. Bananas Lack of nutrients, especially potassium in the body, can put you at a higher risk for AFib. So you must have nutrient-rich fruits like bananas. They are rich in potassium, which in turn help manage atrial fibrillation. But make sure to eat fresh fruits and not canned ones, as the latter contain excessive sugars that prove unsafe for the body. Blueberries Blueberries can also help manage the symptoms of AFib. Research suggests that berries contain antioxidants. So having just one cup of blueberries a day may help improve blood pressure and lower atrial stiffness for postmenopausal women in pre-and stage 1 hypertension. Nuts Nuts like almonds and walnuts are rich in protein, fibers, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, minerals, folate, and more. Therefore, consuming these nuts multiple times a week can help reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation and curb the possibility of heart failure. Greek yogurt Greek yogurt is a source of protein that is a crucial requirement to fight AFib. Proteins can prevent the loss of bone mass and lean muscle mass. Yogurt also has significant levels of magnesium, which also complement the rhythm of the heart. However, avoid flavored yogurts as they are high in sugar content and other unhealthy additives. Tomatoes Tomatoes are rich in potassium and help the muscles function to their highest potential. It is also a good source of antioxidants, beta-carotene, vitamin A and C, and folic acid, which are beneficial for a healthy lifestyle.

Foods play a significant role in helping one manage pain in the body. Consuming foods that are deep-fried or high in sugar can worsen bone health and increase pain. On the other hand, eating foods that help improve bone density and contain anti-inflammatory properties may help manage pain and inflammation effectively. Let’s take a look at foods that help fight pain. Omega-3 fatty acids Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. This helps reduce inflammation in the body and reduce pain significantly. They also protect against heart disease and other chronic conditions. Moreover, they improve brain function and provide one with protein, vitamins, and nutrients. Flax seeds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Berries and cherries Berries like blueberries and strawberries contain phytonutrients that help reduce pain and inflammation. One can consume fresh or frozen berries to help manage their pain effectively. Similarly, cherries contain anthocyanins, vitamin C, and polyphenols, all of which help control inflammation. If you cannot get access to fresh cherries, you can consume sugar-free cherry juice as it has similar effects on the body. Root veggies Garlic and ginger are two root vegetables that help elevate food preparations significantly. But apart from being tasty, they also contain healing properties that help reduce or manage pain and inflammation. Garlic also helps maintain a healthy heart and contains anti-cancer properties. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe stomach problems, cramps, nausea, and joint pain. Extra virgin olive oil Ditch the high-sodium salad dressings and fatty oils and opt for extra virgin olive oil instead. The “extra-virgin” on the packaging means that the olives have undergone minimal processing during oil extraction. Olive oil is super-healthy for the heart and contains lubricin, which helps keep the joints and cartilages healthy.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and other symptoms. There is no cure for it; medicines can only help manage the discomforts and improve the quality of life. Furthermore, nutrition plays a vital role. Eating healthy prevents the symptoms from flaring up frequently and makes the condition more manageable. This article lists a few foods that help get rid of asthma attacks naturally. Fruits and veggies Fruits and vegetables provide the necessary vitamins and minerals to keep asthma attacks and symptoms at bay. Vitamin A helps improve lung function and can be sourced from leafy greens like kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, and broccoli. Spinach and Swiss chard also have magnesium that helps improve lung function, while sweet potatoes and carrots are rich in beta carotene. When it comes to fruits, apples and oranges are the best foods that help get rid of asthma attacks. They are loaded with vitamins C and E that effectively counter lung inflammation. Bananas are another rich source of potassium and antioxidants that help relieve wheezing in asthma patients. Foods fortified with vitamin D Vitamin D is one of the most crucial nutrients to fight asthma. Studies show that this vitamin helps reduce the risk of childhood asthma among kids between ages six and 15. While one can absorb vitamin D from sunlight, options like salmon, eggs, fortified milk, and orange juice are the best foods that help manage asthma symptoms naturally. Snacks, bread, and cereals fortified with vitamin D are other options to boost immunity and keep asthma attacks in check. Besides vitamin D, salmon also has omega-3 fatty acids that can counter inflammation and manage breathing difficulties. Root herbs and spices Ginger is an effective root herb that can soothe respiratory discomforts associated with asthma attacks.

Lung cancer can be divided into two main types: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Some people may also develop a rare tumor known as a lung carcinoid, which develops when the cells begin to grow rapidly out of control. There is no cure for any type of lung cancer. At best, the symptoms and complications can be eased with changes in foods, lifestyle, and through certain prescription treatments. Foods Cruciferous vegetables Patients with lung cancer can eat broccoli, Bok choy, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, and kale. The vegetables are excellent food choices as they are rich in glucosinolates, folate, flavonoids, vitamin C, fiber, beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These compounds are known to actively counter cancer causing cells. Fresh fruits Pears and apple contain phloretin, a compound that helps lower the risk of symptoms like fibrosis in lungs during cancer treatment. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and cranberries are rich sources of anthocyanidins, which inhibit the growth of tumor cells. It may also lower the risk of blood clots triggered by the different types of lung cancer. Ginger, capers, and turmeric Ginger contains an active compound called 6-shogaol, which prevents cancer cells from spreading rapidly. Capers are rich in quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that restricts the growth of cancerous cells. Lastly, turmeric is loaded with curcumin, an active compound that blocks the cancerous cells from invading the surrounding healthy cells. Natural herbs Herbs can be used to ease the symptoms of lung cancer and prevent side effects during treatment. Supplements like astragalus can boost immunity and slow down disease progression. Nan sha shen, a natural antibiotic, can be used to counter inflammation. Some symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough, chest infections, and fluid retention in the chest cavity that could trigger shortness of breath.

An allergy is the response of the immune system to an irritating substance. These allergens could come from food, insects, pollen grains, drugs, and medications. When our body comes across any allergen, our immune system becomes active and creates specific antibodies called immunoglobulin to fight with the allergen. Immunoglobulins are present in our nose, throat, eyes, and lungs. These antibodies activate the mast cells in our body which cause the release of certain chemical substances in these zones called histamines. The release of histamine causes symptoms of an allergic reaction such as swelling in the nasal passage, runny nose, itching in the throat, burning eyes, and other such symptoms. Every person is different and so are their allergies. No two people are bound to have the same reaction to an allergen. A person can be allergic to one thing but might be completely non-responsive to the other. Though allergies are different in different people, there are be best allergy treatments people can use to cure all types of allergies. The allergies can also depend upon the amount of exposure. A limited amount of exposure might not harm an individual but if it crosses the threshold, it can cause the allergy to flare up. These reactions basically depend on upon our genetic disposition. If the parents have some kind of an allergy, the child having the susceptibility of having the same allergy might increase manifold. The most common causes of an allergy are mentioned below. Allergy from food – Food items like fish, nuts, and dairy products can cause allergic reactions in different individuals. These allergies could manifest itself in skin allergies or nasal allergic symptoms. Airborne allergies – Airborne allergies are the allergies which are spread through the air. The main causes of these allergies are pollen, that is shed by the trees during the springtime.

5 snacks that help ease rheumatoid arthritis pain Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that damages the health of the joints and affects their ability to function efficiently. In this lifelong inflammatory disease and people experience a lot of pain in the joints of their hands and feet. Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, stiffness, inflammation, tenderness, and weakness in the joints. The excruciating rheumatoid arthritis pain can be extremely difficult to cope with. However, by incorporating certain food items in the diet, you can alleviate this pain. And the best way to do so would be by having healthy snacks that help avoid any further problems. Herein, we discuss some of the snacks you can try making at home. Fruit salad Fruits like cherries, raspberries, oranges, and grapefruit are packed with potent antioxidants and vitamin C that enable them to combat the pain in the joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Berries contain anthocyanins that reduce the inflammation and eases the associated discomfort. Put all these fruits in a bowl and mix to enjoy your very own pain-relieving snack. Edamame Feast on Edamame, which is immature soybeans served with salt, for that boost of fiber and protein to the body. The incredible nutritional value of edamame makes it an amazing snacking item for those suffering from the unpleasant and painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Instead of reaching out for unhealthy food items when hungry, try the super healthy edamame snack with soy sauce or wasabi to enhance the flavor. Crackers with salmon The easy to make crackers with salmon recipe can be prepared within a jiffy. Enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps effectively alleviate pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. It also reduces stiffness and inflammation in the joints that make it difficult to move around or stay active. Have the incredible combination of crackers and salmon and add olive oil to the preparation to further enhance its taste and effectiveness.

Consuming healthy bacteria must be a part of an everyday lifestyle, and for all the good reasons such as boosting immunity, metabolism, and mental health and for the overall physical well-being. Indeed, both the good and bad bacteria live in our digestive system, and this balance affects almost all functions of our health. Now, this can be both positive and negative that could upset your gut in the form of an illness or an infection. All you need is to increase your probiotic intake to restore your digestion process and maintain a balanced intestinal system. Herein, we discuss the best probiotic foods you must eat for a healthy. Yogurt This dairy food has the best strains of bacteria that ease one’s digestive system. And in today’s scenario, you would find several brands that promote probiotic yogurt specifically designed to meet digestive needs. You could tweak it by adding some fruits or toasted oats for that extra flavor. You must ensure that it does not have any sugar, addictive and preservatives. Kefir You will find a hoard of flavors available in the market, and it’s probably the finest fermented milk drink for it has the best strains of friendly bacteria. The good news is that people with lactose intolerance can easily consume this drink with much ease. Kimchi This is one fermented vegetarian dish that is packed with vitamins A and C and has the best anti-inflammatory properties. You can consume this as a side dish or eat with a bowl of rice or noodles to perk it up. Fermented cheese You could easily add cheese to your daily regime intake for that extra dose of probiotics. Mozzarella and regular cheddar cheese are good to go as they have live strains of healthy bacteria. Also, you could look for cheeses that have labels for active cultures.

Depression is a medical illness wherein a person’s moods, thoughts, actions, and emotions are adversely impacted by factors such as one’s biochemistry, genetics, personality, and environmental factors. It is a treatable disorder, but the stigma surrounding it has made most people hesitate to reach out for help. Once diagnosed, the individual can opt for medication and therapy as forms of treatment. Additionally, lifestyle and dietary changes go a long way in helping manage the condition. Food plays a huge role in the way one feels about the day. It affects one’s moods, energy levels, and enthusiasm. A diet deficient in any nutrient is likely to leave one feeling weak, but a healthy, well-balanced diet can be a useful method of treatment for most diseases. There is no such diet that can relieve a person from depression. However, there are certain diet plans or types of food that can definitely help a person deal with the symptoms of depression in a better way. The overall health of a person is also improved with a healthy diet. Given below are foods that must be had, or avoided, to help boost mental health and fight depression. Molecules called free radicals are produced by the body normally, but these can damage the cells, lead to aging, as well as other problems. To be able to reduce the destructive impact of these molecules, one is advised to consume foods high in antioxidants. Sweet potato, broccoli, cantaloupe, apricots, spinach, carrots, pumpkin, peaches, and collards contain beta carotene. Examples of rich sources of vitamin C include tomatoes, blueberries, peppers, potatoes, kiwi, broccoli, strawberries, oranges, and grapefruits, while seeds and nuts, wheat germ, margarine, and vegetable oils contain vitamin E. It is recommended to choose the kind of carbs consumed wisely, as the nutrient is linked to the mood-boosting brain chemical, serotonin.