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.

Following healthy diet plans or healthy eating does not mean that you have to implement strict dietary restrictions. It also does not mean that you have to deprive yourself of the foods you really would love to eat. On the other hand, it refers to feeling energetic and vibrant, stabilize your mood and enhance your health. When you feel tired of all the strict limitations and inadequate nutrition, you lose interest, and the purpose of losing weight becomes complicated. Everybody would come up with a lot of advice, but you need to choose what serves best for you. These simple tips help you remove all confusion, and you can learn how to develop a nutritious and healthy diet plan that brings excellent results. Strike a balance Some rigid yet healthy diet plans put forward rigid guidelines. What you need is a perfect balance of minerals, vitamins, fiber, fat, carbohydrates and protein and it helps you sustain a healthy body. It is not all about eliminating specific food categories from the diet, but selecting the healthiest choices from every category is the best option. Learn how to add essential fats to your healthy diet plan You must realize that not all fat belongs to the same category. The bad fats can make your efforts ineffective, and they make you more vulnerable to heart diseases and other related health problems. On the contrary, good fats safeguard your health in the best manner. Healthy fats like omega-3 are essential in stabilizing your mental as well as physical health. You must learn how to add healthier fats to your healthy diet plan to improve your health and lose weight effectively. Mix protein from animal sources and plant sources in a balanced way Protein is one of the best energy boosters for the human body.

Inflamed joints are a painful condition. Joint pain due to arthritic conditions like gout is one of the leading cause of pain worldwide. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that is characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals around the joints. The course of gout is recurrent with attacks of inflammation, followed by pain that starts a few hours later. The pain is often severe and of rapid onset. Gout is caused by various genetic and environmental factors. Gout occurs when there is a high level of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid forms crystals and these uric acid crystals deposit around bone joints, tendons, and supportive tissues. Gout was once called “the rich man’s disease” or “the king’s disease” since it was associated with excessively rich diets. With modern diets and prolonged life spans, gout has become increasingly common. Being overweight, eating too much meat, and drinking too much beer increases your chances of developing gout. Gout diet plans aim to ease the symptoms and reduce the frequency of attacks. Causes of gout The primary cause of gout is uric acid buildup. In most cases, the underlying reason for overaccumulation of uric acid is underexcretion of urate by the kidneys. Though uncommon, sometimes the reason could be an overproduction of uric acid. Genetic and dietary factors play a huge role in the development of gout. Diets with excessive amounts of meat, seafood, alcohol, and sweetened beverages, increase the risk of developing gout. Gout diet plans include consuming vitamin C, dairy products, and coffee along with moderate levels of physical exercise. Symptoms to watch out for The most defining symptom of gout is recurrent attacks of acute arthritis. The joints become red, inflamed, tender, hot to the touch, and even painful. In half of all cases, the joint of the big toe is affected.

Diabetes, a lifelong disease is increasingly affecting a large population of the world. It is a condition in which hormone insulin levels are disrupted. Insulin is released by the pancreas, in order to help the body store the sugar and use fat from the food we consume. However, in case of a diabetic patient, the pancreas produces little or no insulin. In a few cases, diabetes may be triggered when the body does not respond well to the insulin produced. Diabetes can be classified into three types – type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the insulin is not produced, and insulin has to be injected into the body. This is a type of diabetes may occur at any age but is common among people below the age of 20 years. On the other hand, people with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or the insulin is not used up properly. Symptoms of diabetes The symptoms of diabetes may occur before or after the onset of the condition. They may occur suddenly and may be severe in few patients. Here are some symptoms of diabetes. Increased thirst – People who have diabetes tend to feel thirsty every short while. The mouth feels dry at all times. This symptom may prevail even when a person is well-hydrated. Frequent urination – Increased thirst is accompanied by the need to visit the toilet every short while. Blurred vision – Eyesight begins to feel hazy, and the vision blurs. This symptom is a major indicator of type 1 diabetes. Numbness – There may be numbness or tingling in the feet or hands. This is usually mild in the beginning but feels more bothersome after a while. Slow-healing – A significant symptom of diabetes includes the slow-healing of cuts and wounds.

Triglycerides are a specific type of fat found in the body. Having high triglyceride levels can increase the risk of heart diseases. Our body breaks down food and converts the extra calories into triglycerides. It stores them in fat cells to generate energy later. While one needs these fat cells to supply energy to the body, having excess triglycerides can increase an individual’s risk of developing a heart condition. What one eats plays a crucial role here, one must make sure that they follow a diet to lower triglycerides. Several reasons can lead to high triglyceride levels such as obesity, regular consumption of alcohol, kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or eating a high-calorie diet. Around one in every five people in the country suffers from high triglyceride levels. Understanding triglycerides numbers The regular level of triglyceride in the body is under 150. The higher the number, the greater are the chances of heart disease. Here are some numbers you should pay attention to: Standard triglyceride – lower than 150 mg/dL Borderline triglyceride – between 150 and 200 mg/dL High triglyceride – over 200 mg/dL Very high triglyceride – over 500 mg/dL. Food plan to control triglyceride levels High triglyceride levels often lead to problems such as diabetes, thyroid disease, obesity, and more. So, as the first line of treatment, one’s doctor will try to control the condition by bringing down the triglyceride levels. Moving on, one must consume a healthy diet to lower triglyceride levels and keep other medical conditions in check. Here are some easy tips to keep one’s triglyceride level within the stipulated level by choosing the right foods. Limiting the sugar intake According to the American Heart Association, an average individual should not consume more than 6-9 teaspoons of added sugar every day. The most common sources of sugar are sweets, fruit juice, and soft drinks.

The problem with food items available today is that most of them are processed. The sugar and salt content in several food items is very high. Even if the sugar content is moderate in some sweets, we consume too much of it and end up harming ourselves and spoiling our health. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the country and these numbers are only expected to rise. While we cannot reverse the effect of diabetes, its early detection is the key to survival. There are diet plans we can follow to maintain our health. Here are a few of the best diets for diabetes which you must follow every day: What to avoid There are certain food items that need to be avoided no matter what. You may be tempted to consume these food items but remember, your health comes first. Processed carbohydrates are a strict no. Food with sugar content needs to be minimized too. This includes your all-time favorite candy, soda, potato chips, and other packaged or processed snacks. Artificial sweeteners need to be avoided as well. While these will not spike the sugar content in your blood the same way sugar does, they could have a telling impact in the way your body reacts to insulin. It is better to avoid it as a whole to be on the safer side. Do not consume too much of anything with little to none sugar content as too much of anything can be bad for you as well. Avoid eating bacon, beef jerky, hot dogs, sausages, and pepperoni. These foods inhibit the body’s response to insulin and increase the resistance to insulin. Best diets for diabetes Do not be disheartened. There are many healthy and tasty foods you can eat. Lean proteins are low in saturated fat and are perfect for people with diabetes.

The rising amount of stress levels owing to unhealthy lifestyle is taking a toll on your body’s immunity system. Sedentary lifestyle brings with it series of medical conditions, which not just harm you physically but also exhaust you mentally. One such medical condition targeting people within the age group of 30 to 48 is IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). There is no single concrete reason as to why people suffer from this syndrome. However, experts believe it could be because of problems in the nervous system, infections, changes in the gut bacteria, weak muscle contractions or swelling of the intestines. These issues can be aggravated by excessive consumption of fast food, aerated drinks and other foods are primarily heavy on the stomach, which leads to an imbalance in the digestive system. This causes episodes or diarrhea, constipation or both leading to irritable bowel syndrome. The doctors can initiate the IBS treatment by recommending supplements, antidepressants, anti-diarrheal drugs, laxatives, etc. Apart from seeking professional help, here are some tips that can help supplement your IBS treatment. High-fiber diet A few changes in your regular eating habits will ensure a good healthy digestive system and will help in avoiding bowel irritation. Consume foods that are high in fiber content as it helps in steady digestion. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are high in fiber as well as easy on the gut. However, do not go overboard on consuming fiber as excess consumption might result in stomach crunches and bloating. Plan a regular intake amount of fiber and include it in your daily diet. If natural fiber leads to excessive bloating, then consult a doctor who could suggest you with fiber supplements which are available at drugstores. Regular home meals Home cooked food is the best measure especially when you are suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

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.

Acid reflux is a severe health complication. It takes place when acid moves back to the esophagus from the stomach. The damaged lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is responsible for acid reflux. LES normally closes to avoid entry of stomach food to the esophagus. Our eating habits have a strong impact in the acid produced in the stomach. It is advised to take proper diet and some specific food products that prevent acid reflux. Acid reflux known as gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)is caused by the prolonged problem of acid reflux. Acid reflux has different symptoms amongst which heartburn is the most common. You may feel burning sensation in the stomach after taking meals. Some other symptoms include bloating, burping or sore throats. If you suffer from GERD you will realize that certain food products activate the symptoms of acid reflux. These food triggers for GERD vary for all people. It is difficult to describe a specific diet for all individuals. Due to this, all the patients with acid reflux must keep a track of their eating habits and the spontaneous acid reflux action. Check out the following: What do you eat? How many meals do you take in a day? What symptoms of GERD do you experience? Track the food items you eat for a week. This way you can find out which food products trigger acid reflux. Once you have found out the foods to avoid with acid reflux, change your diet plans. For better results get the recommendations of the doctors to have control of GERD. Given below is a list of the foods to avoid with acid reflux: Spicy food: Spicy foods contain large amounts of salts and spices which trigger heartburns. The spicy foods interfere with the stomach acid and worsen the condition. Reduce the spicy food from your diet and you will be at ease with acid reflux.

Diabetes and diets are closely linked; hence, they are one of the most important aspects to monitor. If you are diabetic, increase lean proteins and high fiber, while reducing processed carbohydrates in your diet. You must also increase your fruit, vegetable, and low-fat dairy food intake. Hypertension Stopping Diet This diet plan was designed to fight hypertension, but it is also found to be helpful in bringing down the risk of diabetes. Moreover, it may help in weight loss as this diet involves reducing portions and meal sizes. Blood pressure is the primary focus of this diet. It focuses on including nutrients like magnesium potassium and calcium, and includes the following foods. Seafood and poultry for protein Fresh vegetables (especially beans) and fresh fruits Nuts and seeds Fat-free or low-fat dairy products Whole grains Vegetable oils for healthy fats People on this diet should limit their sodium consumption to no more 1500 for a day. It is advisable to cut down on red meat and desserts. Mediterranean Diet The Mediterranean diet derives itself from the traditional Mediterranean cuisine and is one of the best diets for diabetes. This diet contains a high amount of naturally available oleic acid. It has been proven to reduce fasting sugar level and helps manage weight. Moreover, it lowers the risk of metabolic disorders. The following foods are included in the diet. Chicken, eggs, and fatty fishes like salmon Fresh fruits and vegetables Nuts and seeds Olive oil and nuts Paleolithic Diet This diet is created on the assumption that current-day chronic diseases are caused due to modern agricultural practices. This diet includes foods that are possible to acquire by hunting and gathering, just like our ancestors acquired them. It is also considered as one of the best diets for diabetes and includes the following foods.

You can find so many people talking about type 2 diabetes medications. Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, has nowadays become a common health problem, and it can always be described a lifestyle disease. If you cannot effectively manage type 2 diabetes, you will be putting your life in serious danger. Managing type 2 diabetes involves eating healthy, proper exercise, diabetes medication, or insulin therapy if required and timely blood sugar monitoring. These steps allow you to maintain your blood sugar levels, and this helps in delaying or preventing diabetes-related health complications. What does it mean by eating healthy? Many people think that healthy eating means following a diet meant for diabetic patients. Healthy eating means following a diet that is rich in fiber and low in fat. If you have diabetes, depending on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains becomes a good option. The intake of meat, dairy products, sweets, and refined carbohydrates should be reduced as a method to control type 2 diabetes. Think about low glycemic index foods Low glycemic index foods are always beneficial if you suffering from diabetes. The glycemic index can be described as a measure of the speed at which a food leads to a rise in your blood sugar. High glycemic index foods increase your blood sugar immediately. However, low glycemic index foods balance the blood sugar levels and most fiber-rich foods have a low glycemic index. Seek the help of a dietitian An experienced dietician can help you develop a good meal plan for maintaining your health. He/she will show you ways to control the intake of carbohydrates, and you can come to know how much carbohydrates you must consume with your snacks and meals for keeping your blood sugar levels in control. Get engaged in physical activity If you have type 2 diabetes, you have to exercise regularly and aerobic exercise is the best option.

You can use bacteria for fighting bacteria! Confused? Some health disorders that are caused by bad bacteria can be directly treated or the symptoms can be eased to a large extent by consuming good bacteria, commonly referred to as probiotics. Before you know how they can help manage Crohn’s disease, you must know what it is all about. Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the functioning of the intestines. The immune system of those affected by this disease starts attacking the good bacteria present in the gut, resulting in a steep depletion of good bacteria. The term probiotics can be split into “pro” meaning for, and “biota” meaning life. Probiotics play a key role in the replenishment of good bacteria in the gut, which in turn improves digestion and overall health. Hence, consuming probiotics for Crohn’s disease may be considered as an effective treatment method. The role of good bacteria The bacteria present in our digestive system play a key role in digestion and immunity. A healthy gut maintains a delicate balance of good bacteria. This balance is essential for proper digestion and assimilation of food. Digestive disorders like Crohn’s or intake of antibiotics tend to upset this balance, resulting in inflammation of the intestines and poor digestion. Due to the depletion of naturally occurring good bacteria in the gut, there is a need for external replenishment by consuming probiotics. Probiotics for Crohn’s Disease A typical symptom of Crohn’s disease is alternating periods of flare up and inactivity. This is an autoimmune disease that has no cure, but symptoms can be managed by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Consuming probiotics for Crohn’s disease helps in managing the symptoms effectively. Ensuring a good supply of nutrients to the stomach and intestines helps bring about remission. Crohn’s disease diet plan must include probiotics, which have proven digestive benefits.