Eczema, which is also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that affects the skin and makes it itchy and inflamed. This condition is most prevalent among young children and infants. Infants who have eczema usually develop red, itchy patches on their forehead, scalp, and cheeks, while older people often develop these on their hands and feet, wrists, and ankles. Is there a link between eczema and food allergies? Studies suggest that around 35% children, aged below five, suffering from eczema suffer from food allergies as well. These allergic reactions may trigger symptoms such as flare-ups, itching, hives, flushing, wheezing, gastrointestinal problems, vomiting, heartburn, and abdominal pain. This is why it is essential to get young kids with eczema tested for food-related allergies. However, in many cases, children with eczema and food allergies tend to lose their allergy towards products, such as soy, milk, and wheat, after a few years. Once the allergy has completely gone, the child can resume eating these foods, and their symptoms will not worsen. But, before they are allowed to consume such trigger foods, one should check with a doctor for the same. Are certain foods responsible for causing eczema flare-ups? Diet can be considered partly responsible for causing flare-ups in children with eczema. When one tweaks their child’s diet and excludes certain trigger foods, the condition could improve. Since finding these trigger foods is not an easy task, one will need to work in unison with an allergist. Some of the foods that can be considered as triggers for eczema flare-ups include the following: Eggs Milk Peanuts and tree nuts Fish Soy Shellfish Wheat products However, it is important to note that these foods may worsen the symptoms of eczema, but may not cause the condition itself. Following a fixed list of foods to eat and avoid may not always be beneficial as what may cause an allergy in one may be completely harmless to the other.

Cholesterol is essential in the body as it is found in the cells and membranes and is helpful in producing hormones, bile acids thereby aiding in digestion and vitamin D. The liver produces cholesterol. Bad cholesterol is often common in women. Women face the major issue of having a high blood cholesterol level as they tend to gain weight, especially around the waistline. One in every six adults has bad cholesterol. With the rise in obesity amongst children, the rate of bad cholesterol in children is also increasing. The body does need some cholesterol, and the presence of cholesterol in the body is normal, but bad cholesterol can clog and block the arteries. To maintain a healthy heart, a normal cholesterol level is required. If you are wondering what is the normal cholesterol level, read on. The normal cholesterol level is when the cholesterol is kept below 200 mg/dL in adults. 200 mg/dL of cholesterol is a borderline high-risk in developing bad cholesterol problems. A check-up of the cholesterol should be done every 5 years. Cholesterol levels are divided into two fat and protein packages referred to as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and the high-density lipoprotein (HDL). These levels are tested in order to determine the good or bad cholesterol. Although many people know what the normal cholesterol level is, they fail to maintain the same. Your diet plays an essential role in maintaining a good or bad cholesterol level. There are several studies that back the idea that deaths from heart disease can be countered by treatment of high cholesterol or bad cholesterol. This would also aid in the profiling of people that may test for bad cholesterol therefore making them prone to a heart disease. The process of bad cholesterol accumulation is made over the years when fats from food raise the blood level of cholesterol.

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.

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.

It is vital to monitor what you are eating, and how much you are eating on a day to day basis to avoid stomach problems. The wrong kinds of food or too much food can affect your digestive system. When you eat certain types of food that are hard to digest or if you eat too much of something, it can cause diarrhea. If you suffer from diarrhea occasionally, then you don’t need to worry about this problem. However, if you are facing this problem due to food poisoning or stomach flu, then you must consult a doctor as soon as possible. When you are suffering from diarrhea, you need to make some changes to your diet to bring your digestive system back on track. You need to understand which foods you can consume and which ones you should avoid when you have diarrhea. Some food items and ingredients can worsen this condition. Here is the list of some food items that can help manage diarrhea. Foods to add to the diet When you have diarrhea, you should always make sure that you add bland food to your diet. You should avoid spicy and oily food during this time as such food items can worsen this condition. Here are some foods that you can add to your diet: Banana Banana is a bland fruit that is easy to digest. It will also help to strengthen your digestive system. You lose a lot of electrolytes during an episode of diarrhea. However, banana has potassium that can help restore your electrolyte levels. Mashed potatoes Potato is another food item that you can add to your diet when you have diarrhea. This vegetable is also rich in potassium, and you can eat mashed potatoes when you are unwell. Make sure that you consume peeled potatoes, as you need to avoid potato skin if you have diarrhea.

Losing weight is a matter of being consistently inspired to do it. The best weight losers are engaging and provide you with the reasons you want to lose weight. Diet helps you break unhealthy patterns and develop a new way of life. The environment and the packaging of a diet program can be even more impactful than the lesson. While choosing a diet program, the most important elements that we should keep in mind are food logging, goal-setting, education, and community support. Food logging helps in staying informed of your daily calorie intake and brings a level of self-awareness as to what can be a mindless or habit-driven act. You’ll get bored and stop seeing results if your wellness routine remains the same day after day. Therefore, the best weight losers are the ones that automatically set daily goals or encourage us to set them. Focusing to attain your target daily steps or earn points keeps you striving. Here are five of the best weight losers you can rely on: Weight Watchers Weight Watchers is the most highly rated weight losers’ program. They encourage making sensible choices rather than drawing hard lines for good and bad food. They have a Smart Points value for every food, and they allow a certain number of Smart Points in a day. Rather than indulgent, high-point foods, they get the most out of your budget by suggesting healthy, low-point foods. The breakfast package includes Starbucks coffee with sugar, spinach, and a feta breakfast wrap. Their lunch is packed with hummus and crackers, vegetable tikka masala, white rice and as a snack they recommend a peach. For dinner, they encourage eating flank steak, asparagus, sugar snap peas, and pineapple salsa. Noom Noom helps you figure out how to prioritize or limit food items with its color-coding system.

The constipation remedies are determined after finding out the reasons for constipation which may include certain foods in the diet, medication, choice of lifestyle, and also certain diseases. Before selecting a remedy, it is important to understand the side effects. Understanding constipation If bowel movements are three or fewer in a week it is an indication of constipation and constipation remedies need to be sought. This is accompanied by bloating, extreme discomfort as well as pain while passing stools. There are significant repercussions on your physical, mental health and the overall quality of life. Home remedies for constipation Drinking water : Dehydration could be a major cause for constipation. Therefore, in order to avoid constipation, it is important to drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated. For people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, carbonated water could be more effective. Carbonated drinks such as soda with sugar, however, should be avoided at all costs as they cause greater damage. Drinking water is one of the most effective remedies for constipation. Soluble fiber : Add more fiber to your diet especially if you feel constipated. The consistency and bulk of bowels are said to improve with higher fiber content in the diet that helps them to pass with more ease. There are two types of dietary fibers, namely soluble and insoluble fibers. Wheat bran, whole grain, and vegetables contain insoluble fibers. They make stools bulkier ensuring that their passage through the digestive system is quicker and easier. Oat bran, nuts, barley, beans, seeds, peas, lentils, certain fruits and vegetables have soluble fibers. By absorbing water, they lead to the formation of a paste which is like gel, and this acts a stool softener and consistency is improved. However, it might have adverse effects in people with irritable bowel syndrome. The most effective solution is non-fermentable soluble fiber like psyllium.

When it comes to supplements—the dose makes all the difference. There are some supplements that are more needed than others. Omega 3 is one such supplement. However, choosing the right kind of supplement for the right kind of nutritional requirement is important. If you’re reading this, then you have probably might have been prescribed with supplements by your doctor—in which case this isn’t an issue for you. Your doctor would probably recommend a prescription that includes one of the best omega 3 supplements. However, if you’ve simply been notified of a deficiency and if you are on the lookout for supplements—knowing how to pick the best one can make a world of a difference. What is Omega 3 and why do I need it? This is a crucial question that needs answering before you choose a supplement for you. Omega 3 fatty acids are crucial for your health. What makes them special is that your body cannot simply synthesize it when needed—it needs to be taken through one’s diet. A typical western diet will undoubtedly leave you with an Omega 3 deficiency. Omega 3 is found in fish, nuts, and very few plants. On the other hand, a strictly vegetarian diet can also likely leave you deficient of Omega 3. Unless you’re eating a steady supply of fatty sea fish, you’re probably in need of the best Omega 3 supplements that you can get your hands on. They contribute to proper brain functioning in a way no other nutrient does. Omega 3 supplements are essential for biological functions that happen in the nervous system. So, now that you know what it is and why it’s needed, revise your diet and get yourself checked. In case if you have an omega 3 deficiency you need to know how to pick the right and best supplement.

A wax-like substance that is found in the human body cells is known as cholesterol. It has varied uses in our body, like enabling the building of the body’s cells; it is present in our bloodstreams and fixed to proteins called Lipoproteins. Our body consists of two types of Lipoproteins, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), i.e., the bad cholesterol and High-density lipoprotein (HDL), i.e., the good cholesterol. It is essential that these two types are present in the right quantities as any sort of imbalance will lead to health concerns. The idea is to raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. Therefore, you need to constantly get your cholesterol levels checked by a medical practitioner who will guide you on any medications if required. Your HDL or good cholesterol has an optimum level generally prescribed by doctors. In men and women, a level of 60mg/dL or above is desirable, anything below 50 mg/dL is considered to be a risk. It is widely acknowledged that people who have a naturally higher level of good cholesterol, i.e., HDL, are perceived to be at a lower risk of a heart attack or stroke. Herein, we list below some of the ways on how to raise HDL cholesterol. Exercise Get going on that exercise routine that you have been dreaming of but skipping out on for so many days. It is widely seen that physical movements and exercise have proven to raise the HDL cholesterol in your body. Take it on slowly and build it into your daily routine. If you’re new, try to jog or walk for 15-30 minutes daily and then go to traditional gyms. Aerobics, core-strength training, and high-intensity workouts are very effective for raising HDL cholesterol. Exercise will enhance the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of HDL. Shed those extra pounds If you follow the above advice, i.e., exercise, then you’re bound to lose some of that extra weight that you have.

Diabetes is a chronic condition where the sugar levels in the blood become incredibly high. Today, diabetes is a widespread condition, mostly because of the kind of unhealthy lifestyle people lead.Contrary to popular opinion, having diabetes does not stop you from eating the foods you like, instead helps in including plenty of nutritious and healthy choices in your diet. A healthy diet is a foundation for the management of diabetes. A diabetes diet is the finest meal plan for almost every individual. It is a guide chart that tells you what kinds and how much quantity of foods you can pick to eat at different mealtimes. Paying heed to the guide chart is of high significance. Following your diabetes diet plan on a regular basis will help keep your blood sugar and weight in check. Start by with building and following diabetic meal plans. You must begin with breakfast followed by lunch and then dinner. Besides this, take two light snacks between the meals. A combination (combo) meal can give you about 1,400 calories each day. Consult with your dietician or doctor to figure out the best diabetic meal plans, so that you can keep your calories intake in check. How many calories you should consume ideally depends on your age, weight, health conditions, and lifestyle. Smart food choices for diabetes The 8 primary elements of diabetic meal plans are: Fruits Vegetables Low-fat or nonfat dairy products Yogurt Whole grains Beans Lean meats like fish and poultry Legumes including peas, lentils, and dried beans These heart-healthy foods are high in nutrients and low in calories and fats. A heart-healthy diet comprises a perfect balance of carbohydrates, fat, fiber, vitamins, and protein. It is the mainstay of medications and activity levels. Sticking to a daily diabetic meal plan may seem to be quite challenging at first, but once you have the meal plan in place, you will start enjoying it.

Onychomycosis is the medical term for toenail fungus. This forms when the skin has abnormal Ph levels. Toenail fungus normally occurs in older people as the skin around the nail gets brittle and dry. The nails may crack allowing the fungus to enter. Some of the symptoms which characterize toenail fungus are: Thickening of the skin Inflammation Yellowing Pain in toes and toenails Crumbling of toenail Primary underlying factors which may lead to toenail fungus include: Poor hygiene habits Weak immune system Bad circulation High moisture content in the environment Toe Nail Fungus Remedies: Let us take a look at some natural toenail fungus remedies. These allow one to get rid of toenail fungus, or prevent its formation. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is also known as Melaleuca. It has strong antifungal and antiseptic properties. This makes it a natural toenail fungus remedies. How to use Tea tree oil as one of the toenail fungus remedies: Clean the affected area well Apply tea tree oil on to the toe with a cotton swab Let the oil stay over the toe for about10 minutes. Then clean up, using a clean cloth Baking Soda: Baking soda dries out excess moisture from the toes. This makes it an effective toenail fungus removal remedy. Baking soda also heals foot disorders, as it neutralizes foot odors. So by keeping the area clean, it helps prevent infection. How to use baking soda for treating toenail fungus: Create a paste using baking soda and water Apply it over the toe Let it stay for 10 minutes before you cleanse it with water For healing toenail fungus, you may also choose to dip your feet in a bucket full of water, mixed with baking soda. Cornmeal: Cornmeal contains a fungus which is otherwise harmless. However, cornmeal fungus counters the fungus which infects the toenail.

All you need to know about food allergies in dogs If you observe your dog constantly itching or shaking their head vigorously as if to dislodge something, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, it is not easy to confirm a food allergy, but a visit to the vet can help rule out any other causes of your dog’s behavior. While most of the cases of dog allergies are a direct result of an adverse reaction to an ingredient, a latent allergy can be triggered by environmental factors too. Keep in mind that food allergies are different from food intolerance. What is a food allergy in dogs? These happen when your pet’s immune system overreacts to the proteins present in the food. You may think that meat alone supplies proteins to your dog, but there are many grains and vegetables which are equally good sources of proteins. Any of these proteins are capable of causing a food allergy. What are the signs of a food allergy? The most common signs of food allergies in dogs are a gastrointestinal disorder, itching, chronic diarrhea, ear inflammation, and licking their feet. What are the most common allergens found in dog food which can trigger a reaction? Beef: When you have been feeding one type of food for years to your dog, it can cause intolerance to it or an allergic reaction to its ingredients. Beef is perhaps the most common component of any kind of pet food and thus, also the most common allergen. Dairy products : Dogs may have problems digesting lactose and this is usually intolerance and not so much an allergy per se. It can result in diarrhea, gas, and vomiting. Wheat: Dogs are more likely to develop an allergy to meat rather than whole grains. But, there are always exceptions to this and wheat may be a trigger too.