Living with epilepsy can be challenging and it is essential to know how to manage it better. People suffering from this condition are constantly looking for ways to stay seizure-free. It is believed that a balanced diet that has the right amount of nutrients from various food groups can ensure that the brain and body function normally. So, a diet can help one control seizures and live with epilepsy efficiently. How diet affects epilepsy While no food can trigger an epileptic seizure, a well-planned diet can reduce the risks of seizures by maintaining good health. A balanced diet will give one the energy and important nutrients and better sleep and stamina for engaging in activities. These factors can help one live better; one becomes more positive and develops stronger focus and control to manage the condition. Top nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy When the body metabolizes fats, it produces ketones. So, following a Ketogenic diet forces the body to utilize more fats for energy production instead of glucose or sugar through a diet that increases fat intake and lowers carbohydrate intake. This diet plan can work in reducing seizures amongst kids and grownups suffering from epilepsy. But for this diet to work its magic, one will have to follow it without any breaks. So, the types of food and the respective amounts must be precisely measured. Preparing meals is bound to be a time-consuming affair. However, the diet may not work for kids. The MCT diet or medium-chain triglyceride diet is one where people use an oil supplement for their dietary fat intake instead of getting oil from foods. This is why this diet may be easier since one will be free to eat more carbs and proteins and one can get fewer fats from food. The Atkins diet is a low-carb, high-protein diet plan similar to the Keto diet, with some flexibility in fluid, proteins, and calorie amounts.

High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition where the blood pressure along the artery walls becomes high. As time passes, the increase in the blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels, leading to heart diseases, strokes, or even kidney diseases among other health problems. Hypertension is known as a silent killer because it does not show any symptoms. In some cases, it even goes unnoticed until the symptoms get out of hand. Over 75 million people in the country have hypertension. DASH diet The most popular and effective way to control high blood pressure is through a DASH diet. It stands for a Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension. This diet includes plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts. Meats like poultry and fish are also a part of this diet. Low-fat dairy is another vital part of the DASH diet. The diet is curated to ensure that it has low amounts of sugar and salt, which will lower the blood pressure over time. There are no sweet beverages, red meat, fats, and desserts in this diet. People who follow this diet for a long time can also reduce their risk of strokes as well as artery diseases. Here are the recommendations that one needs to follow according to the DASH diet. Ideally, one should only consume 2,000 calories per day as a part of this diet. Grains with eight servings: You can include half a cup of pasta or one slice of bread. You can vary the portions and types of whole grains that you consume each day. Vegetables: That includes half a cup of cooked vegetables as well as raw green leafy vegetables. It is an essential part of the diet that one must consume every day. Fruits are also a vital part of the diet.

Lifestyle changes and diet modifications are essential when lowering triglycerides is on your mind. Triglycerides are a type of fat which is present in the blood, and when it elevates to a certain level, it increases the incidence of heart diseases. The fats present in our food are also a form of triglycerides, and when an excess of sugar is taken, it is also stored in the fat cells in the form of triglycerides. Therefore, it is vital that a healthy balance of diet is managed so that triglycerides level in the body comes down. There are numerous choices in terms of the diet to lower triglycerides in the body, and if a combination of these is taken on a regular basis, the level of triglycerides will definitely fall and come to a healthy level eventually. Here are some foods one must include in their diet to lower triglycerides in the body. Fatty acids and fish Fish are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and can thus lower the triglycerides level in the blood. The level of triglycerides has been known to come down by 25 to 50 percent in a month’s time when around 3.4 grams of fish oil was used on a daily basis. This omega-3 fatty acid is known to reduce the number of triglycerides that is produced in the body and therefore fish is considered to be a key diet to lower triglycerides. Soy protein The effect of soy protein on triglycerides levels has also been studied, and some encouraging results have come out. In a study done in Canada, twenty people who had high blood lipid levels ate a diet containing 25 grams of soy protein for six weeks on a regular basis. After the desired duration when tests were conducted it was found that the triglycerides levels in these people had fallen by 12 percent.

The body requires large amounts of protein as it is a macronutrient. Once it is absorbed into the body via digestion, protein is broken down into several amino acids. These amino acids are then built into a new set of proteins which aid in building muscles and making red blood cells, as well as helping out with other bodily functions. Consumption of protein items is crucial after exercise for a gym enthusiast as it helps the muscles grow and recover. It is no coincidence that more and more bodybuilders are taking protein in some form or the other. While getting protein through solid food is the best practice, it is not often as effective as taking assortments of protein-enriched substances like cereals, oatmeal or protein shakes. Listed below are a few benefits of protein shakes and a few of the best protein drinks in the market today. Benefits of protein diet shakes Apart from the fact that protein diet shakes are easy to make, there is a reason why they are so popular among bodybuilders. As mentioned above, protein is used to help muscles grow and recover. It also helps manufacture nucleic acids, cellular messengers, enzymes, hormones, and immune-system components. Without proteins, our bodies will be unable to create the structures needed to make cells, tissues, and organs. The muscles will not heal as quickly as they should if there is a low intake of protein. Bodybuilders prefer protein diet shakes because they are a quick option to prepare. Other people may make use of protein diet shakes for the same reason. You may be someone who works hard from 9-5 and preparing a meal to meet your protein intake requirement might prove to be quite the task. Preparing protein diet shakes however is fuss-free and easy, to say the least.

Diabetes is a deadly and life-long persisting disease that impacts the way in which your body deals with glucose intake. It can be the cause of various other diseases and thus must be addressed at the initial stage. The most common type of diabetes is type 2 and it affects nearly 27 million people in the country. In this type of diabetes, the body becomes incapable to break down the sugar intake and store the glucose in the body properly, thus making it important to abide by the type 2 diabetes diet specifically designed by the physician. Although mostly found in people above the age of 40, there is an increase in the cases of type 2 diabetes among youngsters as well. Causes of type 2 diabetes Some primary causes of type 2 diabetes are as follows: Being overweight Genetic history Lack of physical activities Malfunctioning of the pancreas or liver Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes Some of the common symptoms of type 2 diabetes that should not be ignored are as follows: A perpetual feeling of being thirsty Recurrent urge to urinate Hazy vision Bad temper Difficulty in the healing of wounds Extreme and impenetrable tiredness Diet plan for type 2 diabetes – First step toward healthy living An important factor that can help you to control diabetes and keep your blood sugar level stable is following a proper diet. Therefore, while your doctor will give you oral medication, he will also specify a structured diet plan which you should not ignore at any cost. Following a healthy diet doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice all your favorite dishes. It basically comprises a wide range of starches, fibers, fats, and proteins. The challenge in deriving the right type 2 diabetes diet lies in creating a perfect blend of foods that will provide your body with all the necessities without an excess of a certain type of food to ensure that the sugar level is in control.

Crohn’s disease is that of the intestines wherein there is chronic inflammation. The frequent occurrence of Crohn’s disease is in the small intestines. The effects of this disease are in the intestines; thereby, causing digestive tract disorders, pain in the lower abdomen, and diarrhea. There is no reason to accord how external nutrition can help benefit the inflammation associated with the disease, but some research has helped support the claim. The management plan of a Crohn’s disease patient should be discussed with the patient taking into account the activity and behavior of the disease. In one study, it was exhibited that the patients who had an intake of half of their total daily calorie requirements in the form of elemental diet and regular diet had a lower relapse rate had a significantly lower relapse rate compared to patients who received unrestricted normal diet compared to the patients who were administered unrestricted normal diet. This data helps evidence that supplementary enteral nutritional may help with the remissions caused by Crohn’s Disease. This can be considered as an adjunct to the drug therapy being administered. It is seen that certain foods trigger the impact of the disease and inflammation. Self-management and a diet plan for Crohn’s disease is formulated by learning to avoid these food triggers, which might help in the healing of the intestinal health. These food triggers have been deduced by the data available to the patients who suffer from the disease. The diet plan for Crohn’s disease is not one that fits all and has to be as per the individual. Crohn’s disease may cause a problem in the absorption of nutrients. This would indicate that a high-calorie and high-protein diet should be followed. This may not be a preference but the same is recommended. The doctor may also recommend certain vitamins and mineral supplements which have to be administered with the diet plan for Crohn’s disease.

Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes the inflammation of the inner lining of the large intestine, and rectum. It also causes sores. It is regarded as an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks its own body. It can also be called an inflammatory bowel disease, and yet it is not the same as Crohn’s disease. This disease affects over 900,000 citizens every year and is seen in males more than females. This disease is diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40 years. Diet An individual suffering from this disease needs help to manage their symptoms and also change their diet. A colitis patient must follow a diet that suits them. For different symptoms there are different types of diets:- A high-calorie diet is needed as people suffering from ulcerative colitis tend to lose weight and suffer from malnutrition. A high-calorie diet will help prevent it. A lactose-free diet is for those who suffer from this disease and are also lactose intolerant. A low-fiber diet helps to reduce the frequency of cramps and bowel movements. A low-salt diet is for those patients who are on corticosteroid therapy. This diet helps to reduce water retention. A low FODMAP – Fermentable Oligo-Di-Mono-saccharides and Polyols, these are some types of sugars which are found in some sugar alcohols and carbohydrates. A diet that is gluten-free for those who are sensitive to gluten. Paying attention to nutrition is an important aspect for patients suffering from ulcerative colitis as bleeding and diarrhea lead to loss of nutrition, electrolyte imbalance, and dehydration. It is important to take nutritional supplements if you cannot follow a balanced diet because of the symptoms. Foods of certain types can trigger the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and maybe also worsen them. You need to identify the foods by keeping a list.

Do you suffer from heartburn frequently? It could be a case of Acid Reflux Disease, also known as GERD, i.i., Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Normally, during the process of digestion, there is a sphincter at the mouth of the stomach, that closes once you’ve finished eating. Then, the contents move into the stomach, where it is digested with the help of digestive enzymes. During the digestion process, acids are released. If the sphincter does not seal itself completely or opens too often, the acid flows back into the esophageal tract and causes heartburn. If this condition persists, you are suffering from acid reflux. Causes A stomach abnormality known as hiatal hernia is a common cause of acid reflux. Lying on your back or bending over the waist, after eating a heavy meal. Being overweight and obese. Consuming certain foods can cause acid reflux. These include tomatoes, garlic, mint, onion, spicy and fatty foods. Smoking. Consumption of alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated beverages. Snacking just before retiring for the night. Pregnancy. Blood pressure medication, certain muscle relaxers, common drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen also cause acid reflux Symptoms The common symptoms are heartburn, where the burning sensation extends from the chest to the throat and regurgitation. A bitter-tasting and sour acid backs into your throat and mouth. Other symptoms that show up include nausea, bloating, continuous hiccups, burping, bloody/black stools, vomit covered with blood, dysphagia, unexplained weight loss, dry cough, wheezing, hoarseness, and chronic sore throat. Diet and lifestyle changes can help in reducing the symptoms of acid reflux disease. A diet for acid reflux is crafted by excluding foods that can trigger the symptoms and make them worse. Dietary Changes Acid reflux disease can cause a lot of discomfort. Dietary changes help to reduce the symptoms by excluding certain foods. Eating small and frequent meals rather than eating three large meals in a day, can greatly help in alleviating the symptoms.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the nerve functioning and causes problems related to the vision, muscle control, and other body functions. The adversity of the disease varies from person to person. While some people might not need treatment at all, some go through a lot of hindrances in their daily activities as well. Due to the disease, the brain cannot send signals through your body. As a result, you might experience symptoms such as tiredness, difficulty in walking, tingling and numbness, double vision, depression or trouble in focusing. However, proper multiple sclerosis diets can help a lot in dealing with the condition. A good diet can help you to cope better with multiple sclerosis disorder. It can help in maintaining regular bowel functions and can improve the health of your skin, teeth, heart, gums, and flexibility. With a healthy diet, you can also avoid weight gain and heart diseases in general. If you have MS, then you should consult your doctor before following a certain type of diet. Here are the foods that you should eat and those you need to avoid when you have MS. Foods to eat when having MS A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining good health. Multiple sclerosis diets include fruits and vegetables that provide the required nutrition that the body needs. Your diets should essentially include things that help the body to maintain and grow along with a lot of fluids. You can eat fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, skinless chicken, and meat that is trimmed of visible fat is also a good option. Beans, soy, lentils, and nuts should also be included. Not to mention vegetables and fruits that is a must for a healthy diet. It is advised to consume whole grain products of which you can have three to four servings per day while following multiple sclerosis diets.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that makes one’s skin itchy and dry. Although the exact cause is unknown, some studies have linked this condition to an overactive response of the nervous system to an irritant. Although topical creams and other types of medications can help manage the condition, doctors may recommend certain types of foods and lifestyle changes to coexist with the condition efficiently. Who are at risk of developing eczema? People who have a family history of eczema are at risk of developing the condition. Moreover, children and infants who are born into families having a history of allergic diseases such as asthma or hay fever are also at an increased risk of suffering from eczema. Which are some foods that can be beneficial for patients with eczema? Since people with eczema often develop food allergies, one will need to examine their personal food preferences to make sure there are no further risks of the same. Some of the most common allergy triggers are usually associated with food items such as eggs, cow’s milk, gluten, soy products, fish, nuts, and shellfish. However, not everyone with eczema responds in the same way to these food items. It is important to understand that eating certain foods will not cause eczema per se, but it may trigger flare-ups in those suffering from this condition. So, it is recommended to follow an eczema-friendly diet to help manage the condition in a better way. No two patients with eczema will have the same reactions to certain types of foods. Some of the important components of an eczema-friendly diet are almost the same as an anti-inflammatory diet. Fish is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids which are capable of fighting inflammation effectively. Some examples of fish that have high levels of omega-3 acids include tuna, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and herring.

Melanoma is probably the most serious form of skin cancer wherein the pigment-producing cells called melanocytes mutate and become cancerous. Though melanoma only accounts for less than 2 percent of cases in the country, it is extremely dangerous because it has the ability to rapidly spread to other organs if not treated at an early stage. Aside from medication and therapy, certain strict dietary changes will also help one manage the condition and aid in speeding their recovery. It is essential to have a diet that’s packed with high fiber content for creating more diverse intestinal bacteria. This is believed to lead to a stronger response to immunotherapy while battling melanoma. It is always advisable to have a balanced diet of fiber, vitamins, proteins, and calcium ingrained foods, but a high fiber diet may help one’s gut battle melanoma better, especially if begun early on during the therapy. Given below are a few tips on how to ensure one’s diet is rich in fiber. To start with a high-fiber diet, one must include both soluble and insoluble forms of fiber that are natural and unprocessed. One must refrain from all kinds of white foods such as white rice, sugar, and flour as they have no fiber content. Whole grain cereals are perfect to start the day with and one can also opt for brands that focus specifically on the fiber content. Add wild rice, barley, whole-wheat pasta, and bulgur wheat to the overall diet for maximum fiber intake. Flaxseeds must be consumed on an everyday basis as they are high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. One must eat all possible forms of whole grains and refrain from the refined variety as the fiber content gets stripped off during the production process. It is important to add loads of fruits to the health chart basket such as berries, bananas, apples, and pears for maximum fiber intake.

Diabetes mellitus or diabetes is a medical condition characterized by hyperglycemia. The insulin level, as secreted by the pancreas, is not sufficient enough to synthesize the glucose present in the blood. This results in a high volume of sugar in the blood. Diabetes can have a serious impact on the entire body in the long run. The most affected parts include the brain, heart, and kidneys. Usually, the pancreas malfunction and are unable to produce the required amount of insulin. This causes Type 1 diabetes. However, sometimes, the cells do not react effectively to the insulin already produced and develop resistance against it. This causes type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes, on the other hand, results from increased glucose in the blood at the time of pregnancy. The child is also highly prone to encounter type 2 diabetes. A sedentary lifestyle along with physical inactivity leads to obesity.These are the major reasons that trigger type 2 diabetes making it the most common metabolic disorder these days.Usually, patients are given injections to meet the daily insulin requirements. Consistent performance of physical exercise is said to be more impactful than medication. Though there is no permanent remedy for diabetes, a low carb diet is a key to keep blood sugar levels under control.The low carbohydrate condition is often contested as carbohydrates are considered to be the most important source of energy for the body. The following factors must be kept in mind while preparing a diabetes diet chart: Roughage –Roughage helps in improving the gastrointestinal tract and thus, metabolism. It also helps in controlling obesity which is essential in managing diabetes. Foods rich in fiber should form the most important part of a diabetes diet breakfast. The major sources are legumes, dark green vegetables, and nuts. Glycemic Index – This is associated with the amount of starch in a particular food item and its contribution to blood sugar levels inside the body.