7 Foods That May Increase Your Risk of Breast Cancer

7 Foods That May Increase Your Risk of Breast Cancer

No diet or food can prevent or trigger breast cancer immediately. However, what you eat will certainly make a big difference to the risks of developing breast cancer. Getting breast cancer depends on multiple factors like family history, gender, age, etc., that are not in your control. Diet is perhaps one of the factors which you can control and change to minimize the risks of developing breast cancer. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer already, you may want to know which foods to avoid to ensure that cancer does not grow further or relapse after you recover. Research shows that dietary factors may account for almost 30-40% of all types of cancers. Your dietary choices affect the way you live and determine how healthy you are. There has been plenty of research on breast cancer and there are some helpful guidelines which can benefit patients. You need to stay healthy after treatment by controlling your body weight, exercising regularly, and eating the right kind of foods to cut down risks of cancer relapse. There is no magic diet to eliminate the risks of breast cancer. However, breast cancer survivors need to eat more vegetables, whole grains, fresh fruits, fish, and chicken. Listed below are the foods you should avoid if you already have breast cancer, or want to prevent it from occurring. Alcohol Studies have found a probable connection between increased risks of breast cancer and regular alcohol consumption. According to reports, alcohol tends to elevate the estrogen levels; this damages the DNA. Women who drink three alcoholic drinks every week increase their risks of developing breast cancer by almost 15%. Sugar In a research conducted on mice, it was seen that when the mice were given foods rich in sugar, they developed tumors in the mammary gland, which are similar to breast cancer tumors in human beings.
Home Remedies for a Speedy Recovery from Lung Cancer

Home Remedies for a Speedy Recovery from Lung Cancer

Once a person is diagnosed with lung cancer, they will have to go through medical treatments like chemotherapy. Though these medical treatments help in recovery, they have many side effects. These side effects can be reduced with the help of home remedies. The remedies also help in the recovery of lung cancer. Some of the common home remedies are mentioned below. Yoga Yoga promotes overall well-being and helps people with lung cancer sleep better. Some yoga poses help pump blood to the lungs, oxygenating them. Aromatherapy Inhaling the fragrance of essential oils helps in the recovery of cancer in many ways. These oils can be applied to relieve you from pain caused by chemotherapy. Aromatherapy, as a home remedy, helps in energizing and stimulating the emotional centers of the brain. It also helps in calming down uneasiness and nausea caused during chemotherapy treatment. Some of the common essential oils that help in the smooth recovery of lung cancer include: Rosemary – helps in decongestion and acts as a pain reliever Frankincense – helps you enter a meditative state Lavender – relaxes nerves and reduces stress Peppermint- helps fight nausea Acupuncture Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy develop many side effects, which include depression, nausea, anxiety, and pain. Most of these conditions can be treated by acupuncture. It helps to harmonize and maintain the flow of positive energy in the body. Acupuncture also helps in developing the stamina to manage pain during treatment. Stay hydrated Water helps transfer nutrients to various parts of our body. It is advisable to drink eight to ten glasses of water every day to stay healthy. Drinking water also helps in flushing out bad bacteria. Undergoing chemotherapy leads to dry mouth due to radiations exposed to the salivary gland. The dry mouth problem can last for a lifetime even after recovery.
Best Foods to Eat to Relieve Constipation

Best Foods to Eat to Relieve Constipation

A proper diet can be very helpful for someone suffering from constipation. It is a condition that involves difficulty in having bowel movement. Delay in bowel movements can cause a series of problems like abdominal bloating, hemorrhoids, fecal impaction, irritability, etc. Those with constipation should ensure that the foods listed here are a part of their everyday diet. Prunes Prunes are one of the best foods to have if you are suffering from constipation. It is often advised if you are having difficulty passing stools. Prunes contain a compound called sorbitol that stimulates the movement of water into the intestine. This compound is very helpful in treating constipation. Prunes also contain fibers that are good for digestion. High-fiber fruits Fruits rich in fiber are very helpful for digestion and can help in smooth bowel movement. Fruits like apricot, plums, peaches, berries, and raisins should be eaten with the peel to get the best benefits. Whole grains While processed grains are bad for constipation, whole grains are very useful. Oats, brown rice, quinoa, and barley are very good for digestion. While white bread and products made from flour should be avoided, those having constipation can safely consume brown bread. Seeds Seeds have a good amount of fiber and are good for digestion. They also contain other nutrients required by the body. Chia seeds and flax seeds are excellent foods for those suffering from constipation. Psyllium is a seed that is very beneficial for those suffering from constipation. Vegetables Vegetables are one of the best foods that those suffering from constipation can eat. Leafy vegetables and greens are also very helpful. They have fiber and other nutrients that help keep the digestive system in good condition. Artichoke, kale, spinach, carrots, cabbage, lettuce, squash, broccoli, peas, and zucchini are some of the vegetables that a person suffering from constipation must include in their diet.
Foods to avoid if one has colitis

Foods to avoid if one has colitis

Foods to avoid if one has colitis Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum, which make up for a major part of the large intestine. It can cause symptoms like bleeding from the rectum, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. These can flare up due to various triggers, with food being one of the major ones. A low-fat, low-salt, high-calorie, low-fiber and gluten-free diet is the best diet to follow for those who suffer from colitis. There are certain foods can result in the aggravation of the symptoms of the condition, read on to know more. Gluten Foods that have gluten, like wheat, rye, and barley can cause allergies in some people. It can also lead to the development of symptoms similar to those seen in ulcerative colitis in those who have gluten sensitivity. This is why the ingredient is high on the list of foods to be avoided. Alcohol Alcohol can irritate the stomach and worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. It must be avoided or consumed in moderation and ideally, one should either drink alcohol with a meal instead of on an empty stomach. High-fiber foods High-fiber foods like adzuki beans, peas, lentils, and legumes can cause bloating and gas and can worsen the symptoms of colitis. Fibrous vegetables can be consumed after skinning and deseeding them as the skin contains most of the fiber content. If they are cooked until they become soft, they can be eaten safely as this prevents problems after consumption. Fibrous fruits that are raw, dried, and have seeds can cause problems and must be avoided. Fruit juice can be consumed, except prune juice. Sulfur Sulfate is an essential nutrient that assists in many body processes. But, in individuals with ulcerative colitis, its presence can feed bacteria that creat H2S toxic gas which can lead to bloating and discomfort.
Top 6 Foods that may help fight lung cancer

Top 6 Foods that may help fight lung cancer

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.
Foods to eat and avoid with gastritis

Foods to eat and avoid with gastritis

Gastritis is a stomach disorder wherein the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed. This can occur due to certain foods or even bacterial infections. Gastritis can be avoided by avoiding certain foods as they help in dealing with symptoms effectively. On consulting with a doctor, one will be able to know the foods that should be consumed and avoided if suffering from gastritis. In the following, some of the foods that should be eaten and avoided have been listed. Foods to eat Food that can help kill the bacteria that cause gastritis and reduce inflammation should be consumed. Some of the choices have been listed below: Broccoli Broccoli is rich in a compound known as sulforaphane. Studies have shown that sulforaphane can kill the H.pylori bacteria that cause gastritis. Probiotics Probiotics found in yogurt, sourdough bread, and kefir can be very good for the stomach. It can strengthen the digestive process and, thus, help prevent gastritis. Fiber Foods that are rich in fiber, such as apples, beans, legumes, carrots, and oatmeal, are good for digestion and can help fight the symptoms of gastritis. Garlic Garlic is antibacterial and can help to kill the H. pylori bacteria. It can also reduce inflammation, thereby relieving one of the symptoms. Having raw pods of garlic can, however, cause irritation in some people. A helpful alternative is consuming garlic in the form of capsules. Whole grains Whole grains are good and should be consumed instead of processed grains. Brown rice is a good substitute for white rice and brown bread can be consumed instead of white bread. Lean meats Those suffering from gastritis should consume lean meats that have less fat and which do not irritate the stomach. They include skinless chicken, turkey, and pork chops. Lean proteins Lean proteins found in tuna, beans, chicken breast, and egg whites are good to include in a diet for gastritis.
Healthy Food Items that Help Lower Cholesterol Levels

Healthy Food Items that Help Lower Cholesterol Levels

Wondering how to naturally lower LDL levels? Well, you should first know that cholesterol is an essential substance which helps the human body to build cells. It travels through the blood on proteins which are called lipoproteins. These proteins are classified into LDL or Low-density lipoprotein and HDL or High-density lipoprotein. HDL or good cholesterol absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver, excess of which is flushed out of the body. On the other hand, LDL or bad cholesterol make up most of the body’s cholesterol. When our body has LDL in excess, it can build up on walls of blood vessels, making it narrow. These narrow blood vessels blocks flow of blood to and from the heart, thus causing a heart attack. A lesser known fact is that HDL can lower risk for heart disease and stroke. The LDL particle concentrations are typically categorized by percentiles and the optimal range is 0 – 20% in adults. What causes LDL? Cholesterol is vital to the human body, and hence it is produced naturally. But there are some foods that can only increase the LDL level, more than the body actually requires. Unhealthy food habits or a diet rich in saturated and trans fats, lack of physical activities, exposure to smoking and excess weight are the main reasons for high cholesterol levels. Some people inherit genes from their previous generations too. How to naturally lower LDL? Cholesterol enters our body through two sources. The liver makes all the cholesterol which is required by the body. The remainder of it comes from food from animals and dairy products. There are lifestyle changes that can improve cholesterol levels. So, if you are wondering how to naturally lower LDL in your body, include these in your diet. A variety of fruits and vegetables Fruits and vegetables are the main source of soluble fibers which absorbs cholesterol in intestines by binding it with bile.
Normal Blood Sugar Levels for People With and Without Diabetes

Normal Blood Sugar Levels for People With and Without Diabetes

Having something sweet after a meal is nearly everyone’s weakness. Most of us enjoy consuming sugary treats from time to time. Unfortunately, this has affected many people in the country. Gorging on sugar has its own set of repercussions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a staggering 100 million Americans suffer from pre-diabetes or diabetes. 9.4% of the country’s population suffers from diabetes. 84.1 million Americans have prediabetes. If their condition is left untreated, they will go on to develop the disease. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the country. Naturally, effective measures are essential. You need to be careful and keep your blood sugar levels within the normal range. Here are the blood sugar level charts for people with and without diabetes. Blood sugar level ranges Diabetes is a matter of great concern. Some areas of the country have a higher mortality rate than others, while other regions have a higher number of patients. Maintaining one’s diet is the key to avoid worsening the disease. The food you eat impacts your blood sugar levels, and you need to control your diet. To understand your blood sugar levels, you need to take frequent tests. Prediabetes is a condition which often leads to the onset of diabetes if not treated in its early stages. You need to know about the blood sugar level charts to determine how likely you are to develop this condition. Additionally, the doctor may recommend an A1C blood test to diagnose type 2 diabetes and prediabetes by checking the sugar level charts. The blood sugar level charts have different ranges that vary from person to person. These levels depend on whether the patient has type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. There is a different blood sugar level chart for children with type 1 diabetes.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Control Blood Sugar

Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Control Blood Sugar

High blood sugar is a condition in which the sugar cannot be effectively transported from the blood into the cells. If left untreated, the condition can result in diabetes. As per a study, approximately 50% of the people in the country either have diabetes or are classified as pre-diabetic. Thankfully, there are some easy ways of controlling blood sugar levels to avoid all short-term and long-term problems. Here are some simple lifestyle and dietary changes to assist in diabetes. Blood sugar control measures can be taken to do that. Let’s have a look. Regular exercise Exercise is a great way to combat most illnesses. Indulging in regular exercise can help one shed off the extra weight as well as boost insulin sensitivity. This, in turn, helps the cells to better use the available sugar in the bloodstream. Also, exercise helps one’s muscles to use the blood sugar for generating energy and for muscle contraction. It is best to check blood sugar levels regularly to understand how well one’s body is responding to different activities. Controlling carb intake The body breaks down the carbs into sugar. Following that, the insulin transports this sugar into the cells. In case someone is consuming a lot of carbs or the insulin fails to properly perform its function, the entire process fails and blood sugar level spikes. So, in diabetes, blood sugar levels can be controlled by following a low-carb diet routine. This keeps the blood sugar level in check and prevents it from going up. Increasing fiber intake This is an effective way of diabetes blood sugar control. Fibers slow down the carb digestion and absorption of sugar, thus promoting a steady rise in blood sugar levels. In fact, a fiber-rich diet is known for managing type 1 diabetes. Moving on, there are two types of fibers – soluble and insoluble.
Causes and Treatment Methods of Chronic Diarrhea

Causes and Treatment Methods of Chronic Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the second most reported illness all over the country. The most prominent characteristic of diarrhea is a watery or loose stool. If diarrhea lasts for four or more weeks, then it will be regarded as chronic diarrhea. Although acute diarrhea may not be that serious and will get cured with time, chronic diarrhea may create some serious complications if it is not treated as soon as possible. Here are some of the causes and treatment methods of chronic diarrhea. Causes of chronic diarrhea Too much alcohol and caffeine If you consume foods that have too much caffeine or cola content, then you might get the watery stool. Also, consumption of too much alcohol can ruin your digestive system. In that case, you will face the problem of chronic diarrhea. However, if you consume these substances in a limited amount or even stop consuming it completely, then you may not face this problem. Consuming sugary items Taking too much sugar is known to cause diarrhea. Also, there are some substances that are artificial sweeteners. Consuming these substances regularly can cause chronic diarrhea. Here are some the examples of these substances: Lactose Fructose Mannitol Sorbitol Taking certain medications Certain medications might cause acute or chronic diarrhea. Medications that are used for chemotherapy may cause diarrhea, or if you have taken a course of antibiotics, then you may also get vulnerable to diarrhea. So, if you have this medical condition after starting a particular medication, then you should consult your doctor immediately. Celiac disease If you have celiac disease, then it will be difficult for you to link your food with the specific symptom you are having because your stomach will already be damaged. So, you will be experiencing these symptoms all the time. This will last for around four or more weeks.
11 Foods that Trigger Diverticulitis

11 Foods that Trigger Diverticulitis

The formation of small pouches along the intestinal walls is called diverticulosis. When these small pouches are inflamed or infected, it could cause several problems. As far as diverticulitis is concerned, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest what its exact cause is. However, the symptoms of diverticulitis are well known, and it is necessary to identify the foods that trigger diverticulitis. Foods that trigger diverticulitis Here are some food items that trigger diverticulitis, and one should avoid them at all costs. Spicy foods Eating spicy foods may cause discomfort. Chinese or Indian food, as well as red chilies, may worsen your digestive problems. You could exhibit signs like vomiting, diarrhea or other complications due to an inflammation of the digestive system. Broccoli If you have diverticulitis, broccoli could be a problem for you. Broccoli causes flatulence and discomfort in the lower abdomen. Though broccoli usually smoothens the bowel movements, in some cases, it could lead to hardening of the stools. Cabbage You could experience flatulence while eating cabbage if you are suffering from diverticulitis. As the body breaks down the cabbage, it could lead to gut inflammation. Thus, you tend to belch or release gas, and this could be embarrassing if you are in a formal setting. Corn Complications with digestion occur in people suffering from diverticulitis. Along with fiber, corn contains a high amount of sugar. If you enjoy it, then you should limit the amount that you consume. You could try processed cream corn as it has a lower concentration of sugar and fiber. It is the combination of both sugar and fiber in corn-based foods that trigger diverticulitis. Dairy products Diverticulitis compromises the efficiency of your digestive system, and though you might not have lactose intolerance, you could end up with flatulence and gas. Diarrhea could be one of the side effects as well.
Tips to Lower LDL Cholesterol Levels Naturally

Tips to Lower LDL Cholesterol Levels Naturally

With the number of processed foods on the rise, it is of grave importance to maintain a healthy diet to live a long and fruitful life. While contracting diabetes or high blood pressure may be a result of eating junk food or processed food over periods of time, we can definitely do our bit to ensure that we do not live a life of pills and medications. High cholesterol levels is a great problem faced by many in the country. It is important that we learn how to manage and balance the cholesterol levels in the body. To put it into perspective, there are three different categories of cholesterol. HDL is the good cholesterol, LDL is the bad cholesterol and of course, we have a total cholesterol count. Cholesterol levels vary with weight, age, and gender and we should make it a habit to check our cholesterol levels every 4-6 years. Adults typically have higher cholesterol levels as the body tends to produce more with age. Here is how you can lower LDL cholesterol levels in your body naturally. How to lower LDL cholesterol naturally Diet changes: Bringing about certain changes in your diet can go a long way in helping to reduce LDL levels naturally. Try to reduce eating saturated fats. They are generally present in full-fat dairy products and red meat products. Eliminate trans-fats from your diet. They are often used in cakes, crackers, kinds of margarine, and store-bought cookies. They are labeled as “partially hydrogenated vegetable oil” on boxes. Try to eat food items rich in omega-3 fatty acids. While these do not lower LDL cholesterol levels, they have other health benefits which include the likes of reducing blood pressure and heart-related benefits. Some food items rich in this substance are walnuts, flaxseeds, salmon, mackerel, and herring.