Aspects to consider while selecting the best dog food Before grabbing any bag of kibble that you came across online, it’s important that understand your pet’s food requirements. Your dog’s health and development are directly proportional to the quality of nutrients in the food they intake. Dry or wet? High-fiber or protein-rich? Meat-based or vegetarian? Raw or cooked? Packaged or fresh? All of these questions will be answered herein. Think about your dog Selecting the best food for your dog can be confusing, challenging, and costly. While all dogs have similar basic needs, not every one of them can be met with the same type of food. Canines have individual needs based on their health, age, and breed. Of course, bigger breeds have different nutritional needs compared to those of smaller ones. Not to mention the dogs and puppies with special dietary needs. Also, your dog’s lifestyle and weight also play an important role in the selection process. For instance, a hyperactive husky will have different nutritional needs than a nursing one or from a chihuahua that mostly lazes it out on the couch. The number of meals and treats, similarly, would also depend on their weight and allergies. There is a chance that you might end up with prescription dog food if your pet has allergies. Check the ingredients You must remember to check out the ingredient list for the products it contains. While the list does not specify the amount or quality of ingredients used, it comes handy when your dog has special dietary needs. It is also very useful for owners who want to feed their pets with the best dog food and are specific regarding the sources of carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber. Dogs aren’t strictly carnivores, but their diet does consist mainly of meat. The mixture of grains, vegetables, meat, and other food sources might not seem appealing to us but dry kibble and wet canned food are nutrient-rich and meet the requirements.

Constipation is essentially a digestion-related problem. The food you consume can affect the digestive system. Constipation leads to difficulty in having bowel movements, bloating, irritability, and a host of other problems. Those who have constipation should ensure to avoid consuming the food listed below. These foods can worsen digestive problems and make it difficult to pass stool and cause other problems. Processed foods Processed foods are one of the items to avoid if you have constipation. Processed meat found in bacon, hot dogs, and sausages can increase constipation. Processed foods made from white flour, like cakes, cookies, doughnuts, pizza, and sandwiches made from white bread, should be avoided. Even processed grains can cause constipation in some people. White rice, pasta, and white bread can cause constipation as it does not have bran needed for a smooth bowel movement. Fried foods like French fries, potato chips, hamburgers, and fried chicken are also a problem for people suffering from constipation. Gluten Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye, barley, and other such grains. Food having gluten can cause constipation in some people, while others are allergic to gluten. Consuming foods with gluten can aggravate constipation symptoms. Dairy products Milk and products made from milk can cause constipation in many people. Children are especially at risk of constipation when they consume cow’s milk. Red meat Red meat can be a problem for many people. It does not have much fiber and is high in fat. It makes digestion difficult and takes more time to get absorbed. Red meats can affect bowel movement and cause difficulty in emptying bowels. Alcohol Most people suffer from constipation when they indulge in too much alcohol. Alcohol can dehydrate the body and slow down digestion, thus contributing to constipation. Alcohol must be completely avoided or its consumption should be strictly limited.

When the body loses bone mass faster than it can restore its bone health, this bone disease is known as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes bone loss and affects the mineral density that makes the bones weak and more susceptible to fractures. An estimated 10 million people in the country suffer from osteoporosis and 80% of the cases reported are women. Identifying the symptoms Osteoporosis is a “silent” disease as one may suffer from the symptoms and be completely unaware of the condition. There are a few ways to watch out for these osteoporosis symptoms that cause pain and can affect a person’s mobility. Some can be identified in the early stages while severe symptoms are only evident in the advanced stages. Symptoms in the early stages A developing condition of osteoporosis can be identified when even the slightest of impact from a fall or injury causes the bones to break. One can watch out for these osteoporosis symptoms in the early stages. Weak gums A receding gum line suggests the jaw is losing bone mass. The gums become weak and can no longer anchor the teeth. Low grip strength If one experiences trouble holding onto an object or maintaining a strong grip, it can be a result of a developing osteoporosis condition. Studies have associated low bone mineral density to reduced hand grip. Brittle fingernails Physical changes in one’s fingernails as a result of compromised bone health is another possible indicator in the early stages. Symptoms in later stages One can watch out for these osteoporosis symptoms in the advanced stages as the bone deterioration increases in intensity. Height loss Loss of height is the most noticeable symptom caused due to the compression of the spine as a result of bone loss. Fractures Fragile bones are more susceptible to fractures and some of the most harmless actions including a sneeze or cough can trigger a mild fracture.

Experiencing recurrent migraine episodes can be frustrating as they end up affecting your daily activities. While medication is an integral part of the migraine treatment process, some home remedies can help relieve your headaches and other symptoms. These could also help prevent any future attacks. Let’s take a look at them: Take rest The most underrated yet effective migraine treatment is rest. Just being away from the bright lights and loud noises and lying down in a dark, quiet room can calm your senses. Lying down in a room or taking a nap can help during a migraine attack, but you should also seriously consider working on developing a decent sleep pattern. Making a deliberate attempt to sleep and wake up on time can be instrumental in dodging severe episodes in the future. A study concluded that people with poor sleep schedules are likely to have more headaches than people with healthy sleeping routines. So you should aim to get at least 7 to 8 hours of undisturbed sleep. Use lavender oil Commonly used for relief from stress and relaxation, some evidence suggests that lavender oil can a great form of migraine treatment. Inhaling it could be an effective and safe way of alleviating the pain. The use of lavender oil in one study showed that participants noted a difference in the frequency and intensity of the attacks in a 3-month period. If you wish, you can also apply diluted lavender oil directly to your temples. Practice yoga Simple yoga exercises involving breathing and meditation techniques can enhance blood flow and ease any tension in the muscles. Research has found that people with migraine who participated in a yoga program along with traditional treatment gained better respite from their headaches. In the long run, regular yoga exercises may help alleviate the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine attacks.

Almost a third of the population over the age of 60 in the country have experienced symptoms of constipation, which increases with age. An outcome of a poor lifestyle and diet, constipation is difficulty in passing stools or reduction in one’s bowel movement. This article lists foods that not only relieve constipation but are also better for bowel movements. Water: Water is probably the solution to half the health problems in the world. Since dehydration is one of the commonest causes of constipation, and drinking plenty of water can often help in easing or resolving the symptoms. Due to dehydration, the intestines are unable to add enough water to stools — this results in lumpy, dry, and hard stools, leading to constipation. Pulses: Most pulses such as peas, chickpeas, lentils, beans, and more are extremely rich in fiber, which is a nutrient that promotes good digestion and reduces constipation. According to a study conducted in 2017, 100 grams of cooked pulses pack in close to 26% of the daily recommended fiber intake. It also contains substantial quantities of other nutrients that help in easing constipation, such as vitamin B6, zinc, folate, and potassium. Broccoli: Broccoli is an extremely healthy vegetable and contains sulforaphane, which is a substance that could end up protecting the gut and easing digestion too. Sulforaphane could also help in preventing the overgrowth of some intestinal microorganisms, which could interfere with healthy digestion. Broccoli is also said to improve bowel movements. Yogurt and kefir: Probiotics are extremely effective in improving gut health. Many dairy products, including kefir and yogurt, contain microorganisms called probiotics, helping improve gut health and in softening stools. According to a 2014 study, 180 ml of unflavored probiotic yogurt every morning for two weeks improved bowel movements in those with chronic constipation. Fruits: Specific fruits such as pears, apples, grapes, kiwis, raspberries, and blackberries are helpful in solving the problem of constipation.

Living with a chronic condition isn’t easy; you’ll always have to be on guard against elements that trigger the condition and will have to lug your medications wherever you go. Asthma is one such chronic condition that, according to the CDC, affects approximately 25 million people in the country. Moreover, this condition is quite prevalent in children—1 child out of every 12 is diagnosed with asthma. Asthma is an inflammatory condition that affects the airways to the lungs and makes breathing difficult. This, in turn, makes performing any physical activity impossible. Mostly, people opt for medications to keep asthma under control and prevent an asthma attack. But there are others who rely on alternative treatment techniques to control asthma symptoms and keep the condition in check. Here are some effective home remedies to keep asthma under control. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment method that involves inserting thin needles into specific points in the body. In fact, this method has been used in western countries as well to improve the symptoms of asthma. Acupuncture improves lung function and is believed to modulate the immune system as well. Also, there is an increase in studies on the effect of acupuncture in treating respiratory conditions. Although some have yielded inconclusive results, some have reported that acupuncture can control the symptoms of asthma. Yoga One of the major triggers of asthma is stress, and one of the best ways to deal with stress is to practice yoga. The breathing exercises used in yoga can help people with asthma control breathing as well as relieve stress. There are certain yoga poses that can improve asthma symptoms as they open your throat and chest and facilitate easy breathing. The Bound Angle Pose, Bridge Pose, Bow Pose, and Cat Pose are some of the effective yoga poses that can help you deal with asthma symptoms.

Migraines are severe headaches that are recurring and can last for hours or even days. There is no specific cause known for migraines. As a result, no cure has been found yet. It is usually triggered by several factors like hormonal changes, emotional triggers (stress, anxiety, depression), environmental triggers (smoke or loud noises), and flickering screens. Sometimes, even certain foods or drinks can trigger migraine attacks. These include alcohol and caffeine. While triggers are different for each individual, there are some general home remedies that can help you manage your pain when a migraine comes knocking at your doorstep. Let’s look at some remedies that can help you manage migraine attacks better: Medicinal properties of ginger Ginger is known to be a medicinal herb and has been used as a home remedy for centuries now. Ginger root has anti-inflammatory properties that block out the prostaglandins which cause the pain during a migraine. You can use chopped ginger root in your food or you may also make ginger tea and consume it 2-3 times during the day. Cabbage paste Your simple kitchen ingredients are full of surprises. Cabbage has properties that reduce pain and swelling and can be used in the form of a paste to alleviate your migraine pain. All you need to do is take some fresh cabbage leaves and crush them until it leaves out some juices. Then, take a clean muslin cloth and apply this crushed cabbage paste on the cloth. You can then place this on your forehead until the paste dries out, and repeat as needed. Carrot and spinach juice It is studied that magnesium deficiency can trigger migraine attacks, so having a diet rich in magnesium can help avoid migraines. Dark leafy vegetables have magnesium and sodium. This organic sodium rehydrates the body, unlike the sodium associated with table salt, and helps in relieving pain.

Psoriasis arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin causing red patches, development of flakes and inflammation. Two to three percent of the world’s population has psoriasis, with about 8 million affected people from the US alone. Patients with psoriasis tend to develop an inflammatory form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. It affects about 1% of the population and can result in a poor quality of life. With that being said, here are seven lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis. Eat healthily Following a healthy diet is a lifestyle change that has to be incorporated into everyone’s life, be it someone suffering from psoriatic arthritis or not. Its importance cannot be reinstated enough with obesity being one of the rising concerns in today’s world. Eating healthy. Psoriatic arthritis patients should take care to consume food that is low in salt, sugar, and fat. Since psoriatic arthritis causes pain in the joints, being overweight does not help this at all. Drink lots of water and consume enough fruits and vegetables. Stay active An active lifestyle, similar to healthy eating is not specific to psoriatic arthritis patients but everyone in general. Daily exercise helps to reduce stiffness in the joints, which is one of its many symptoms. The rigor of the exercise should vary depending on the level of the symptoms. Exercising in groups or finding a physiotherapist can help ensure that there is no lack of motivation. Practice meditation Stress is one of the main triggers in Psoriatic Arthritis. Triggers usually cause flares, which cause a spike in the symptoms for a particular period. Practicing yoga and meditation can help reduce any possible stress triggers. Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption Smoking can aggravate breathing issues and also triggers psoriatic arthritis. Increased alcohol consumption also causes other issues that, when combined with psoriatic arthritis, can result in a very poor quality of life.

Depression is a common problem faced by many people. It can have a negative effect on one’s mental health. Food has an important role to play in fighting depression. There are certain food items that can help with depression and improve a person’s general mental health. Antioxidants It is believed that free radicals in the body have a role to play in causing depression. Antioxidants that are found in food can help fight them. This in turn helps to fight the symptoms of depression. Some of the foods rich in antioxidants are broccoli, carrots, peaches, pumpkin, spinach, tomatoes, nuts, seeds, sweet potato, kiwi, pepper, and green tea. Good carbohydrates There are certain food items that have ‘good’ carbohydrates. They are complex carbs that have a number of health benefits. They produce a chemical called serotonin that can help to improve one’s mood and thus fight depression. Good carbohydrates are found in whole grains, legumes, and fruits like apple. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish like tuna, sardines, herring, and salmon. They are also abundantly found in nuts like walnuts and almonds. Apart from food, they are also available as food supplements. Studies have shown that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids helps to reduce anxiety levels in those who suffer from depression. Protein-rich food Food that is rich in protein can help in boosting the level of serotonin in the brain. This is good for overall mental health and to improve one’s mood. Food rich in protein like turkey, chicken, yogurt, beans, low-fat cheese, chickpeas, and pumpkin can be included in the diet. Leafy greens Vegetables are good for improving mental health. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, collard greens, watercress, and Brussels sprouts have omega-3 fatty acids. They are also rich in folate content that can help in improving the mood of a person.

Arthritis is a group of diseases that can cause stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints and can end up affecting people of all ethnic backgrounds, genders, and ages. Arthritis is of different types. One of the common types is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease wherein the joints come under attack by the immune system. Another common type is osteoarthritis, which develops due to overuse of the joints. Fortunately, there are certain foods that can help manage the condition effectively by relieving joint pain and also by easing any inflammation caused. Listed below are some of the best foods that can help people suffering from arthritis manage the condition more effectively. Fatty fish: Fatty fish such as trout, sardines, mackerel, and salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids that possess potent anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that people consuming fatty fish showed decreased levels of specific inflammation-related compounds, less morning stiffness, and joint pain intensity. Fatty fish are also rich in vitamin D, which can help prevent symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. According to the AHA (American Heart Association), including a minimum of around two servings of fatty fish in one’s diet helps fight against inflammation effectively. Garlic: Garlic and its components are full of health benefits as they possess cancer-fighting properties and are also responsible for lowering the risks of dementia and heart disease. Additionally, garlic has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties which could go a long way in helping reduce the symptoms of arthritis and even in strengthening the immune system. Ginger: Apart from the fact that it lends ample flavor to sweets, soups, and teas, ginger has also been shown to help in easing the symptoms of arthritis. According to studies conducted, ginger has shown to improve knee pain symptoms in those who consumed it. It also showed that ginger and its components help in blocking the production of substances that increase inflammation in the body as well.

When it comes to dog food, one size does not fit all as different canine breeds have varying needs. Also, due to growing concerns about the use of synthetic and artificial food additives in commercially available pet food, more people are switching to organic and all-natural variants among the hundreds of options available. Here we bring you the top brands that manufacture the best organic pet food for dogs. Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Natural Balance is grain-free pet food that also has no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. One of the popular formulas is made with high-quality duck protein and carbohydrate-rich potatoes and features in the Limited Ingredient Diet® series. It is one of the best dog food options for pets suffering from food allergies or acute sensitivities as most are triggered by an improper food source. Popular formulas include Chicken & Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato & Venison, and Sweet potato & Fish. Of the few organic options, Natural Balance is not the most economical one but is well worth the premium. Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix ® Adult Dog Food To keep their energy up throughout the day, adult dogs need a wholesome meal, full of nutrition and great taste. Created by Castor & Pollux, Natural Ultramix® is premium adult dog food (dry variant) completely free of corn, soy, and wheat. Made with chicken and farm-grown vegetables, along with other poultry and fish-based protein sources, the food mix also boasts essential nutrients for healthy growth. The formula helps maintain a shiny thick coat and supplements healthy bone and teeth growth. Blue Buffalo Co. Blue Buffalo Co. ensures a healthy and holistic approach to manufacturing pet food using natural ingredients with just the right balance of organic supplements. The formula excludes any artificial flavoring, coloring or preservatives, wheat, soy, and corn.

One loves pampering their pet dogs with the best of foods and treats. This often means that you may indulge in sharing some of your foods with them. But dogs have a different digestive system compared to humans. This means that some of the foods that you enjoy could actually be harmful to them. This article discusses foods that are safe for your dog and provide them with necessary nutrients. Carrots Carrots are known for their nutritional benefits for humans. They are loaded with vitamins and beta-carotene that help promote heart, eyes, and skin health. Carrots are also super good for dogs. Carrots help remove plaque buildup from your pet’s teeth, helping maintain good dental health. Their nutritional content can also help improve a dog’s immune health, promoting a shiny coat and skin. Chicken Dogs love chicken meals and chicken broth, and these foods are also healthy for them. Plain-boiled chicken is a great option for when your dog has an upset tummy. It is important to remember that you should give them this food with little to no seasonings. Popcorn Popcorn is a great snack for humans and dogs. They contain minerals such as magnesium and zinc that can help both you and your dog stay healthy. The only thing that you need to keep in mind when serving your dog popcorn is that the snack needs to be completely devoid of any butter, salt, or sugar. Ensure that you do not give them any uncooked kernels, as this can cause them to choke. While human foods act as great treats for your dog, you may want to consider dog food for all your pet’s nutritional needs. Some of the most popular brands of dog food include the following. Royal Canin Royal Canin is one of the most popular dog food brands across the globe.