The key to finding the right kind of foods for people suffering from ulcerative colitis is to look for foods that contain all the essential nutrients but would not aggravate the digestive tract. Given below a list of food items that are good to eat when you have ulcerative colitis or colitis flare-up: Soothe symptoms with salmon Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids in high amount. It is excellent for your colon and heart health. According to a study, essential fatty acids ease inflammation. It means that salmon helps to counterbalance the inflammation caused by a colitis flare. Other food items containing a rich source of omega-3 include flaxseed oil, albacore tuna, ground flaxseed, and walnuts, which should be added to diets for colitis. Add yogurt to your meals Yogurt or any other fermented foods like miso, kefir, sauerkraut, etc. contain probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria present in our guts and fermented foods. These bacteria are important to maintain a healthy immune system and digestion. If you eat foods that are filled with active and live cultures, they would keep optimal levels of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Always buy yogurt that lists active and live culture on their contents’ list. However, you need to watch their sugar content. Go for only unsweetened and plain yogurt. You can add fruits or honey by yourself for some sweetness. Add squash to your diet for colitis Any variety of squash, be it spaghetti, zucchini, butternut or acorn, is a healthy choice. Squash contains antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene. They are high in fiber as well. While antioxidants aid in repairing damage caused by inflammation, fiber keeps the gut flora healthy. However, if you feel that fiber worsens your symptoms during a flare-up then you may want to avoid eating raw squash.

High cholesterol treatment can very well be done using natural, herbal, or home remedies. The treatment would be more effective if the disease has not progressed to an advanced stage yet. There are studies and research to support the claim of certain herbal and home remedies to treat high cholesterol level. However, no such claim has been made about heart failure. There are many who experienced success with alternative high cholesterol treatments. Thus many other rely on the power of herbal treatment which makes them follow an alternative treatment plan for high cholesterol. Here is a list of herbal and natural remedies that can be incorporated in your lifestyle and diet plan to reap their benefits for high cholesterol treatment: Astragalus The use of this herb is found in traditional Chinese treatment where it was used to strengthen the immune system. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Since it is considered as an “adaptogen,” it has the properties to protect the body against several health issues. Studies show that this herb has to offer certain benefits for your hearts health thereby contributing toward being an effective high cholesterol treatment method. Hawthorn Hawthorn is a shrub belonging to the rose plant family. Its leaves, berries, and flowers are in use since Roman times to treat a heart problem. Studies proved that this shrub could be helpful in treating a mild case of heart failure. However, there is no proof that this plant is effective as a high cholesterol treatment method. Flaxseed Flaxseed is derived from the flax plant. Both flaxseed oil and flaxseed contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in high levels. This is an omega-3 fatty acid which may be effective in lowering the risk of any heart ailment. Studies show that flaxseed may help to lower cholesterol levels, especially for people with high cholesterol levels as well as postmenopausal women.

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition which can lead to very serious consequences if not kept under control. Unchecked diabetes may result in cardiovascular problems, blindness, kidney diseases, and various other complications. Aside from medication, there are certain lifestyle and dietary changes which can help an individual manage diabetes. Eating a well-balanced diet helps patients diagnosed with this condition maintain their health more easily. Given below are foods that you should avoid when you have diabetes. Sugary drinks Sugary drinks should be completely avoided when you have diabetes. Not only are these very high in carbohydrate content, but they are also rich in fructose, which causes insulin resistance. Studies show that when you drink sweetened beverages, risks of a diabetes-associated condition such as fatty liver become very high. High fructose content triggers metabolic changes and leads to belly fat, high triglyceride, and blood cholesterol levels. Trans fats Trans fats are very unhealthy and are found in peanut butter, margarine, creamers, spreads, and frozen meals. Food manufacturers often add this to muffins, crackers, and baked products so that they last longer. Trans fats do not spike blood sugar levels directly, but they can cause inflammation, belly fat, and insulin resistance. They also lower good cholesterol levels and impair the function of arteries. White bread, rice, and pasta None of these foods are good for people affected by diabetes because they are processed and high in carbohydrates. It is advisable to stay away from bagels, white bread, and other foods made of refined flour. These raise blood sugar levels in those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Flavored yogurt You must avoid fruit-flavored yogurts as these contain a lot of sugar. Instead, you can consume whole-milk yogurt which is a healthier alternative and beneficial for gut health and weight control. Fried foods Deep-fried foods like french fries and packaged foods must not be part of your diet, as these can produce toxic compounds like aldehydes, which heighten risks of diseases.

Diarrhea is an infectious disease that causes unrestrained liquid bowel movements, which may count up to 3 or even more times in a day. Diarrhea is a common disease, and it usually lasts only for a few days either on its own or through consuming over-the-counter medicines. Acute diarrhea occurs due to food intolerance, food allergy or bacterial infection. You may even develop a critical diarrheal condition known as Travelers’ Diarrhea. This occurs when you are frequently traveling and consume unhealthy food or water from various sources. If you are suffering from diarrhea, which does not get better and is persistent even after 4 weeks, it is a serious condition which is known as acute diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea is majorly anything that hinders your daily curriculum of activities. Chronic diarrhea may often lead to abdominal cramps, malnutrition, weight loss or even fever. While diarrhea may be caused due to several reasons, the main causes of chronic diarrhea have been listed below. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Irritable bowel syndrome is known to be the most common cause of chronic diarrhea and stays for at least 6 months. One interesting fact to notice is that the actual causes of IBS are not somewhat clear. IBS is known to be long lasting that may lead to changes in one’s lifestyle in a way which does not let them commit to their daily activities normally. IBS is often accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating, uncontrollable bowel movements often leading to anxiety, depression or exhaustion. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Inflammatory Bowel disease is the cause of chronic diarrhea that leads to inflammation in the intestines of the patient. IBD occurs as a result of immune system working against the wellness of the body. In case of IBD, the immune system attacks the good or the friendly bacteria thus leading to inflammation.

Here’s What is Causing Your Digestive Problems Diverticulitis is an inflammation of small pockets in the intestine. These are most commonly found in the large intestine but can occur anywhere along the digestive tract. Since the problem often goes unnoticed until it becomes more serious, it’s important to keep an eye out for diverticulitis symptoms. Diverticula are small pouches that appear on the walls of the large intestine. This occurs when the inner lining of the large intestine bulges out and forms small sacs in the outer lining. It can be caused by a consistently low-fiber diet which places your digestive system and intestines under immense pressure, leading to diverticula formation. The formation of these diverticula is called diverticulosis or diverticular disease. The inflammation of the diverticula is called diverticulitis. Diverticula are fairly common and have been associated with aging. With age, the walls of the intestines get weaker and the passing of hard food through it is enough to cause diverticula. It’s estimated that up to 50% of people in the world develop diverticula by the time they are 80 years old. Diverticulitis refers to the infection that occurs when there is bacterial growth within the diverticula. Diverticulitis symptoms can be severe and lead to complications such as abscesses in the intestine and even intestinal bleeding. Diverticular disease is often asymptomatic but as it progresses, you tend to have more pronounced diverticulitis symptoms. A low-fiber diet plays a significant role in the development of diverticulitis symptoms. Diverticulitis symptoms and signs Unfortunately, most cases of diverticulitis show no symptoms until the condition gets significantly worse. When there is an inflammation of the diverticula, the following diverticulitis symptoms may be noticed. Abdominal pain One of the most characteristic diverticulitis symptoms is a painful sensation in the lower left portion of the intestine.

Cancer becomes harder to manage with each passing day. It impacts patients both physically and psychologically, making every day a battle. While it’s impossible to say which type of cancer impacts the worst, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is among the trickiest ones. This is because the disease is rare and isn’t treated like other types of cancer. Chemo and targeted drugs are two major treatment options, although both have painful side effects. Fortunately, you can manage GIST yourself and lower its consequences. Here are five tips that can help you. Eat smaller meals Digestion often becomes difficult after having surgery for GIST. However, you cannot skip eating either, as your body needs nutrition to heal. One way to address the problem is to lower the portion size of your meals. So instead of having three large meals in a day, break it down into 5-6 smaller meals. Avoid sugary foods and add more protein Sugary foods can increase acidity that might worsen symptoms. Proteins and carbohydrates, meanwhile, will have the opposite effect. Therefore, it makes sense to add more protein sources to your diet. That said, consult your doctor or dietitian before adding or subtracting foods from your diet. Don’t forget to exercise Cancer is definitely tiring and might make you feel fatigued. Staying in bed, though, is not the right thing to do as the condition will lead to emotional distress. Exercise will lift your spirits that can help your body recover faster. Begin with light exercise, and don’t increase the intensity without consulting your doctor. Get enough rest Compromising on sleep can adversely affect your symptoms. So ensure that you get at least eight hours of sleep at night. If possible, try and squeeze in a short nap in the afternoon as well. Seek help if you’re stressed Cancer is an extremely serious disorder that takes a toll on your physical and mental health.

Our pets can mean the world to us. With cats being among them and one of the most adored creatures, these furry loved ones deserve great care on our behalf. When it comes to choosing the right foods and healthy diet options for cats, it is essential to choose one that comprises an adequate amount of nutrition with the right protein and healthy fat levels. However, choosing the right one considering the plethora of options available in the market can be a daunting task. In the following, some of the popular food treats for cats and also some healthy diet options have been listed to help you make an informed choice. The price of the product does not always determine the quality of the food. Always read through the ingredients and make sure it meets all essential nutritional values for your pets. Look for high-grade animal and edible proteins, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and carbohydrates which would all make a portion of wholesome food with natural ingredients. Some of the popular food treats with these benefits include the following: Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free Canned Food This product is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that can help in developing and strengthening muscles. It is a wet food with a grain-free chicken recipe. American Journey Grain-Free Dry Cat Food It is a dry variety of grain-free cat food that is made of real meat with digestible resources such as fruits and vegetables that help in easy digestion. Weruva Your cat will love this tasty wet food which is made of natural animal proteins with no added preservatives or artificial coloring. Purina Beyond® Indoor Grain-Free Food A tasty meal for your cat prepared from fresh salmon and chicken is a thickened source of protein and other essential supplements. If packaged food might seem to be expensive at times, cat owners can resort to delicious cat food recipes that they can make from the items available in their pantry.

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer. One of the ways of treating this disease is immunotherapy, where the body naturally fights melanoma. Studies have shown that food that is rich in fiber can help in the fight against melanoma. Immunotherapy and melanoma Melanoma is one of the deadliest types of skin cancers. Immunotherapy is one of the treatment options for those who have melanoma. It involves administering drugs that help the body’s immune system naturally fight melanoma. The drugs used in immunotherapy activate the T-cells that fight cancerous cells and kill them. These drugs help the T-cells recognize the cancer cells so that they are destroyed. They help in improving the natural immunity of the body while fighting cancer like melanoma. Diet and immunotherapy Studies carried out by the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy have shown that diet can play a role in the success of immunotherapy. The studies showed that when the gut microbiome, which refers to bacteria in the stomach, is diverse and healthy, then it can improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy. The studies showed that consuming a diet that is high in fiber and rich in probiotics would help boost healthy gut microbiome. This, in turn, can make the immunotherapy more effective. The importance of a high-fiber diet The studies showed that those patients who consumed a diet that was high in fiber (having whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) responded five times more effectively to immunotherapy treatment. The scientists believe that high-fiber in the diet ensures diverse gut flora (bacteria and other organisms in the stomach). Apart from treating melanoma, it is believed that a very high-fiber diet can be very helpful in boosting the immune response of the body. The best high-fiber diet People suffering from melanoma and undergoing immunotherapy should consume a high-fiber diet that helps the immune system’s fight against the disease.

According to studies, diet can help improve seizure control in people who suffer from epileptic seizures. While these studies have been based on strict diets such as the Ketogenic diet, recent studies have shown that less restrictive diets such as the Low Glycemic Index diet and the modified Atkins diet can also be helpful in managing conditions such as epilepsy. When it comes to diet and dietary habits, they can be very hard to change, especially when a lot of changes are administered at the same time. Also, it is common for one to get all excited about a “new diet” in the beginning, but people tend to lose all that enthusiasm after a while. So, trying to make one change at a time is probably the best, sustainable way to start a diet, especially one that can help them manage certain conditions effectively. Eliminating simple sugars: The very first and important step for following a diet and nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy is to eliminate foods that contain high amounts and concentration of simple sugars. This type of carbohydrates have high glycemic indices, which leads to them being absorbed rapidly by the body. Once one has eliminated these sugary foods completely for more than just a few weeks, they could probably find that one no longer has the desire to eat them at all. One’s body will be more satisfied with the next step of the diet—whole, natural foods. Following a whole, natural foods diet: The step of following a wholesome, natural diet is a complex one that needs to be broken down into smaller, simpler-to-follow step. Healthy food items which have extremely little to no processing factor at all should be included in the diet. Foods that are minimally processed have a maximum of 3 ingredients.

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.

Melanoma is a type of cancer that starts in cells that affect the pigment melanin; these cells are called melanocytes. The unusual growth of these cells results in this type of cancer. This condition is a highly common yet highly serious type of skin cancer. It is mostly recognized by an unusual growth or change in the existing mole on the skin. Types of melanoma There are typically four types of melanoma. Each of the types comes from a different way in which cancer has affected the melanocytes. Superficial spreading melanoma Nodular melanoma Lentigo malign melanoma Acral lentiginous melanoma A high-fiber diet may help your gut A healthy diet is said to trigger a better response from the body when the patient is undergoing treatment for melanoma. Some studies have shown that fibers lead to a more diverse type of bacteria called microbiome which is a thriving gut bacterium. The gut microbiome has shown to trigger a strong response to immunotherapy in patients that have aggressive skin cancer. On average, a high-fiber diet may help your gut battle melanoma five times more if you start a high fiber diet at the beginning of your immunotherapy. Since a high-fiber diet may help your gut battle melanoma, you must make it an essential part of your routine. Like any other form of cancer, the chances of contracting this type of cancer is high due to factors like obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight is vital to prevent deadly diseases like melanoma. A high-fiber meal essentially has plenty of fiber and antioxidants. They are present in retinol rich foods like milk, eggs, leafy vegetables, fish and fruits that are yellow or orange. Antioxidants have a 20% chance of reducing the development of melanoma. Along with your vital fibers, vitamin D levels also need to be in check as they are associated with a risk of developing cancer, especially melanoma.

Have you ever experienced a chronic chest pain after eating a greasy meal? If you have felt like that, you know what heartburn is all about. In some people, it occurs occasionally, but some people may experience it quite often. It is also known as acid indigestion, and you have to experience intense pain and a burning feeling in the upper part of your stomach or middle area of your chest. The pain sometimes grows up in your arms, jaw, neck, and jaw and it may last only for a few minutes. At certain occasions, the pain may last for hours. Since this problem invites a lot of pain, many people might be deeply curious about heartburn relief. Leading causes of heartburn A muscle known as lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is situated at the entrance of your stomach, and it works like a gate in your body. When it opens, food gets into the stomach from your esophagus, and sometimes it is closed to prevent food and acid from getting out of the stomach. When the functioning of the LES gets disturbed like opening very often or not having the adequate tightness, stomach acid reaches the esophagus, and it results in a burning feeling. Common triggering factors Triggers differ from individual to individual. Anyhow, the common triggers are overeating, stress, maintaining bad body postures after eating food and increased intake of greasy, fatty and spicy foods. Some people are more susceptible to heartburn, and they include cigarette smokers, pregnant women, overweight people and hiatal hernia patients. What are the changes to be made in the diet to reduce or stop heartburn? You need to realize that certain drinks and foods aggravate heartburn and when you keep on consuming them, things get worsened. Some of the foods and drinks that worsen the condition are coffee, onions, alcohol, greasy foods, chocolate, fatty or fried foods, tomatoes, oranges, lemons, peppermint and sodas and other carbonated drinks.