The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located below the liver. It collects and stores bile, which is produced by the liver and releases it into the small intestine to aid the process of digestion. Majority of people seldom give a thought to the health of their gallbladder. Although unlike the liver, heart and the kidneys, the gallbladder isn’t really necessary for maintaining body health and proper functioning, yet it is an important body organ. There are varieties of foods that keep the gallbladder healthy while there are some that increase the likelihood of problems like gallstones or inflammation. These problems can trigger agonizing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating and abdominal pain. Such a scenario often leads to surgery, where the gallbladder is removed. Therefore, it is important to consume a healthy gallbladder diet to promote good health and keep problems at bay. Although diet doesn’t have a direct impact on gallbladder problems, watching what one eats and maintaining a healthy body weight can help to prevent the formation of gallstones and consequently, avoid the discomfort they cause. Diet and gallstone risk Diets that are high in fat and cholesterol and low in fiber are more likely to result in gallstones. Also, the risk of gallstones is much higher in people who are overweight and obese. If one is overweight and wishes to lose the extra pounds, then it should be done gradually. Following crash diets can also cause the liver to release more cholesterol into the bile, upsetting the normal balance of bile salts and cholesterol. This extra cholesterol can form crystals, leading to gallstones. Diet for a healthy gallbladder A healthy gallbladder diet is full of fruits and vegetables. Both are extremely rich sources of nutrients and fiber, the latter of which is essential to promote gallbladder health.

Several popular diet plans set guidelines on the types of food for cholesterol control that you can or cannot consume. The Mediterranean diet is one such successful diet. Apart from its obvious benefit in reducing bad cholesterol levels, it is an excellent source of vitamins and proteins. What is the Mediterranean Diet? The Mediterranean diet gets its name from the region where it is commonly followed, namely the nations near the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean diet chiefly comprises food for cholesterol reduction. The focus of this diet is on lean meats, red wine, whole grain, good fats, and fresh produce. Studies have shown that the people from Greece and Southern Italy, who mainly followed the Mediterranean diet, have lesser rates of heart disease. They were also found to have lower cholesterol levels. Features of the Mediterranean Diet A Mediterranean diet typically has the following features: The Mediterranean diet mostly comprises nuts, seeds, and olive oil as they are rich in monounsaturated fats Legumes like beans are used more often in this diet Red wine is consumed almost daily, but in moderation Fish that have a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, are part of this diet Grains that are rich in fiber, like oatmeal and other whole grains, are consumed People from the Mediterranean do not consume a lot of red meat They also consume less sugar in this diet There is moderate use of dairy products, with mainly healthy items such as parmesan cheese and yogurt used in their cooking The Mediterranean diet makes liberal use of fresh vegetables and fruits in the dishes prepared It is chiefly due to the features mentioned above that a Mediterranean diet is popular with those suffering from high cholesterol. Chief Foods for Cholesterol Reduction The Mediterranean diet includes the following foods that are great for lowering cholesterol.

Gout or arthritis is one of the most common problems that affect both men and women at large. The symptoms of gout include severe pain in the joints, inflammation, and redness that causes extreme discomfort. Mainly, the big toe is affected, causing uneasiness while walking or doing normal chores. Other joints affected by gout include the knees, elbows, joints between the fingers, and such. It is mainly caused due to the accumulation of excess uric acid in the joints. The patients suffering from gout have to pay thorough attention to their regular diet so that they can keep the pain at bay. Here are some of the superfoods for gout to help prevent gout episodes. Superfoods for gout Patients suffering from gout should follow a strict diet to manage the condition, but the superfoods for gout are both delicious and healthy for the body. The foods prescribed for patients must have lower purine content as purine increases uric acid levels in the body. Here are some foods to help with the condition: Nuts Almost all types of nuts are considered to be superfoods for gout as they are loaded with vitamins and minerals, which help in regaining lost bone strength and repairing damaged tissues in the long run. Whole grains Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and barley are undoubtedly the best superfoods for gout. These are rich in fiber, which helps in maintaining a healthy gut. They are also loaded with nutrients and vitamins that cater to the body’s daily requirements. Legumes Legumes are highly recommended as one of the beneficial foods for patients of gout, especially because of the range of nutrients. Legumes like soybeans, lentils, tofu, and other types of beans are extremely helpful in reducing pain and inflammation of the affected region. Fruits Fruits ideally work wonders for health and are downright considered a superfood for gout.

Ketosis is a metabolic reaction that takes place when the body does lacks carbohydrates and looks to burn fat instead to give the body the energy it requires. Ketogenic diets have recently become very popular, but few realize that it comes with a variety of both pros and cons. The benefits of this diet have been well established and the results are very appealing. That being said, results are guaranteed only if it’s done right and the pros and cons of a keto diet are fully understood before jumping into it. Pros Following a keto diet rewards you with a variety of benefits, such as Lose body fat Ketogenic diets have proven to lose weight and especially lower the body fat percentage even though the intake of fat is higher than usual diets. This is primarily because the fat being consumed are healthy fats and is being burned by the body owing to the absence of carbs. Once the body goes into ketosis, it will start burning fat. Resets insulin sensitivity Insulin insensitivity refers to the body’s inability to break down glucose and making use of it. A keto diet can help reset this and bring it back into optimal functioning where the glucose will be metabolized as per requirement. Helps manage diabetes This is more prominent for the Type 2 diabetes patients since a low carb intake could help keep a healthy blood glucose level without any insulin shots at all. Increases fertility in women Since ketosis helps regulate diabetes and also reduces the chances of being obese, it will, in turn, mean it boosts fertility in women. The diet is known to heal reproductive hormones to a large extent. Cons There are some problems that come with taking up the ketogenic diet, such as Ketoacidosis The human body is not used to being deprived off carbohydrates, and ketoacidosis is one such con of this diet.

An alkaline diet is a diet that maintains a balanced pH level in the body by controlling the alkaline nature of the fluid. Many health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, vitamin D deficiency, and low bone density to name a few can be prevented by following a regular alkaline food chart. An alkaline food chart includes fresh fruits and vegetables, unprocessed foods which help in protecting the healthy cells in the body. There are many other benefits from alkaline foods such as have preventing the formation of plaque in the blood vessels, preventing the formation of calcium stones in kidneys and other areas of the body, reducing the blood pressure, etc. The alkaline levels of the body constantly change in a day depending on the intake of diet, the last time when you passed urine, etc. The pH levels vary between 7.35 and 7.45 depending on the conditions as mentioned above. The pH levels of the tissues and fluids are what is considered as the pH levels of the body. The pH levels can also vary in different parts of the body. The levels of magnesium and potassium in the body decrease by consuming food with high levels of sodium. Let us look at the benefits of following a diet as per the alkaline food chart: The alkaline food chart includes a diet that helps to protect the bone density and muscle mass. The bones and muscles get damaged by taking food to more acid levels. The alkaline rich foods such as vegetables and fresh fruits help in maintaining the alkaline levels of the body which in turn helps in maintaining the ratio of minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium etc. The alkaline diet helps in lowering hypertension and stroke. The diet in the alkaline food chart helps in decreasing the inflammation and increases the production of hormones in the body.

Diverticulitis is a severe medical implication. It is caused by the swelling of the diverticula. Diverticula are the pouches along the lining of the large intestine. An exertion of pressure causes weak spots in the intestinal wall. Due to this, the intestine bulges the colonic wall structure outwards. Diverticulitis occurs among people after the age of forty. As individual ages, the symptoms of diverticulitis are often seen. Initially, diverticulitis is characterized by minor infection or inflammation. But it can aggravate and tear, and cause the serious problem of diverticulitis. Some of the medical conditions related to diverticulitis include abdominal pain, fever, bloody bowel movements, and nausea. Diverticulitis can be treated with medications. However, if the problem is serious, surgeries are other viable approaches. Making lifestyle changes is the best way to control the worsening of diverticulitis over time. Changing the diet proves helpful for treating diverticulitis. There are certain foods which you must take and avoid. Include the good foods and stay away from the bad foods if you want to prevent the aggravation of diverticulitis. The diet for diverticulitis works efficiently to give the digestive system enough time to rest. It includes liquids and easily-digestible food. These food products are digested quickly and don’t strain the digestive tract. What is the right diet for diverticulitis? Liquid Diet: The intake of liquid diets must be increased. Some of the liquid diets you must take are water, ice chips, fruit juices that don’t contain pulp (apple), vegetable juice, skimmed tea or coffee, gelatin, and broth. If the symptoms of diverticulitis improve with the intake of the liquid diet, your doctors may suggest the intake of fiber diet. He will start with the low-fiber diet and then recommend the high fiber diet. Some of the low fiber foods include eggs, fish, and white bread, cooked foods without seeds, foods without skin, green beans, and juices without pulp, white rice, yogurt, milk, pasta, and low-fiber cereals.

A gastrointestinal stromal tumor begins in the glandular cells present in the body’s digestive system. An accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure the right treatment is provided for this condition. There are several side effects to the treatment, such as nausea, vomiting, and bowel obstruction. All these issues make it harder for a person to consume the required amount of food in the day. To ease this problem for those dealing with GIST, we have put together a list of foods you must eat and those you must avoid. Foods to add to your diet for GIST Cruciferous vegetables These vegetables are rich in vitamins, fiber, and folate. They are also popular for their cancer-fighting ability. Cruciferous vegetables should be consumed for every meal. Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, kale, cabbage, etc., are a few of the many cruciferous vegetables you can consume. Fruits Fruits are delicious, healthy, and full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These provide roughage for the colon, is light on your stomach, and has anti-cancer effects. Apples, bananas, and oranges are healthy for those with GIST. Probiotic foods Your body can benefit from probiotics in many different ways. They can reduce diarrhea, IBS, and overall digestive health. Yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk contain probiotics. Omega-3 rich foods Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to your body. Flax seeds, chia seeds, fatty fish, walnuts, etc., contain omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential vitamins and nutrients. Foods to avoid for GIST Red meat Red meat contains more saturated fats and chemicals that can affect the bowel cells. You can consume leaner proteins like chicken, eggs, beans, and salmon instead. Baked goods Baked goods contain too much sugar and saturated fats, harmful for people dealing with cancer. Salt Everything, including table salt, salt added to your food, and other salty foods like chips and canned food, should be eliminated from your diet.

Fat tummy is a matter of serious concern for several people. If you have a fat belly, it always bothers you. You might have felt jealous of people having a flat belly. The sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits make people overweight, and your belly is the most vulnerable area for the fats to thrive. Do you want to know how to lose belly fat in 1 week? Hard work and persistence are the prerequisites when you start your journey, and you must also set realistic goals. It is not an impossible task but not an easy task as well. If you want to know how to lose belly fat in 1 week, here are the best methods that can help you with the same. Take a lot of nuts and berries You cannot find better fat-fighting foods than berries. The berries prevent fat cells from turning bigger, and they assist fat cells in creating a hormone known as ‘adiponectin’ that lowers inflammation as well as blood sugar. This process aids fat loss in the best manner. Nuts are also a good option to achieve a flat tummy. The most important aspect is that nuts are loaded with proteins, fibers, monounsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants and, they lower your cholesterol levels to make the weight loss fast and effective. Consume small portions regularly Eating small portions more often will help you to lose belly fat in 1 week. You can divide your meals into small portions instead of overloading your digestive system by eating 3 or 4 full meals. When you divide your meal into small portions and consume within a gap of 2 to 3 hours, you can improve your digestion. It prevents fat stores in and around the belly, and the metabolic process can be supercharged to burn more fat.

Bowel problems can be extremely uncomfortable. From frequent trips to the loo to the feeling of uneasiness, bowel problems cause them all. Bowel problems are generally categorized by conditions affecting the small intestine. They may also affect other parts of the digestive system as well. They have a telling impact on the way the body absorbs and digests food and they can cause several unwarranted symptoms like constipation and diarrhea. If one is suffering from bloody stools, it is essential to visit a doctor immediately. While these problems can be treated effectively with the help of medications, if left untreated, they can lead to a series of further complications. A doctor will diagnose your condition and suggest treatment according to the condition you are suffering from. Bowel problems can be tackled with ease if detected early and treated immediately. Here are a few of the most common types of bowel problems and their causes. Types of bowel problems There are four major types of bowel problems. They include: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects both the large and small intestines. It affects your everyday life as it can lead to frequent gastrointestinal problems. According to the Clinical Epidemiology journal, IBS affects up to 11% of people in the world. Effective and early treatment can go a long way in ensuring that the disease does not complicate and become worsened. Crohn’s disease Crohn’s disease is another common bowel problem. It is an autoimmune disorder and an inflammatory type of bowel disease. In Crohn’s disease, the immune system starts attacking healthy tissues in the anus, mouth, and intestines. This can cause damage to these tissues and immediate treatment is the best course of action. Celiac disease Celiac disease has genetic roots. If someone in your family has suffered from the disease before, your likelihood of contracting the disease increases.

Eczema can be a highly irritating and annoying skin condition. You need to follow the guidelines of your doctor and work closely with him/her to create a plan that reduces the rash and itch. Best eczema treatments plans have four objectives, and they include controlling the itch, healing the affected skin, complete stop f flares and controlling the infections. The treatment method can vary based on the nature of symptoms, medical history, and age of the patient. Highly effective treatment plans combine various remedies to achieve the best results. Medications Eczema medications offer great relief, and they make the healing process of the skin faster. A specific treatment may not create the same impact on everyone, and that is why doctors try out different methods to find out what works best for a patient. OTC hydrocortisone Corticosteroid creams and solutions control the inflammation and itching in a fast manner. They are available in different concentrations, and you can also find ointments and foams as well. Many doctors recommend this one as the first step in treating mild eczema. Various concentrations of this steroid are required on the basis of the location and intensity of rash. If you have a thick, scaly skin, the doctor may advocate a steroid with increased potency. When it comes to side effects of these medications, patients have to deal with stretch marks or sagging skin very rarely. The key is to follow the correct guidelines of the doctor. It is also one of the best eczema treatments. NSAID ointments They can be described as a relatively new medication for the best treatment for eczema. These non-steroidal ointments have anti-inflammatory properties and they are popularly known as Crisaborole. You can use them to address mild to moderate versions of eczema and applying them two times a day controls inflammation very effectively.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) refers to a problem that restricts the flow of air, leading to breathing problems. COPD is caused mainly due to smoking. The other causes of COPD include inhalation of gases, passive smoking, or exposure to pollution. COPD can be classified into three types. The common signs shown by people suffering from COPD are frequent lung infections, cough, and shortness of breath. Although COPD is not curable, it is preventable. Quitting the habit of smoking is the best way one can get relief of COPD. Other options include maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating some energy-boosting foods that help lower the symptoms of COPD. Some energy-boosting foods which should be included for people suffering from COPD include: Whole grains Whole grains like millet, quinoa, and barley are a great source of energy-boosting foods for people with COPD. These grains are rich in vitamins, fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. Moreover, they do not have a high-calorie count. The carbohydrates present in whole grains help boost energy as they do not contain refined carbohydrates; these also provide a filling meal . Consuming whole grain foods help improve the digestion process and maintain a healthy weight. Fresh fruits and vegetables A healthy diet should include a good combination of fresh fruits and vegetables as it provides a lot of nutritional value. It is necessary to include fresh fruits and vegetables, especially if you have COPD, as it will help improve the symptoms. These are high fiber foods that possess antioxidant properties and help boost energy levels. Nuts Full of healthy proteins and unsaturated fats, nuts are perfect to boost energy for those suffering from COPD. Rich in calories, an intake of a handful of nuts helps to prevent COPD-related weight loss issues. Nuts are also rich in fiber and are a great source of vitamin E.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy rashes, blisters, skin irritation, and even results in leathery skin patches over time. While this condition is more common in kids aged less than two years, it can also affect older children and adults. Many people who suffer from eczema also tend to develop food allergies. So, it is important to discover one’s personal food needs for minimizing issues with eczema and the resulting allergies. Some of the common food allergies associated with eczema include: Shellfish Fish Nuts Gluten Soy products Eggs Cow’s milk However, not everyone may have the same flare ups or reactions to the same foods. Listed below are foods that contain properties that could help in decreasing eczema flare-ups, so that one can get to know their body and what foods works best for them. Foods to eat Fatty fish: One might be able to reduce their symptoms of eczema by eating fatty fish such as herring, mackerel, trout, and salmon. These fish include high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which leads to it having anti–inflammatory properties. One might also consider taking omega-3 supplements. Foods containing quercetin: The plant-based flavonoid quercetin helps give many veggies, fruits, and flowers their vibrant, rich colors. Quercetin also happens to be a powerful antihistamine and antioxidant which helps in reducing inflammation as well as histamine levels in the body. Foods that are rich in quercetin include kale, spinach, broccoli, cherries, blueberries, and apples. Foods containing probiotics: Probiotic food items like yogurt contain live culture that help in supporting a strong immune system, which could help lessen allergic reactions or flare-ups. Foods rich in probiotics include tempeh, kefir, unpasteurized sauerkraut, soft cheeses like Gouda, naturally fermented pickles, miso soup, and sourdough bread. Foods to avoid While what one eats might not directly cause eczema, it can be a trigger for a lot of symptoms.