Top 5 foods for managing osteoporosis

Top 5 foods for managing osteoporosis

When the body fails to replace older bone tissues with newer ones, it leads to osteoporosis. It is a condition that results in weak and brittle bones. Osteoporosis increases the risk of bone fractures and is often diagnosed late due to limited symptoms. So, it is important to look after your nutritional requirements to maintain bone health to avoid any health complications. To help you, here are the top five foods for managing osteoporosis. Nuts Nuts are a convenient and tasty remedy that also enhances the effect of bone density supplements for osteoporosis. You should include an assortment of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts in your daily snacks. Nuts are replete with minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese, ensuring bone health. Milk Milk and milk products are superfoods that strengthen bone density. The recommended intake of dairy products is three servings a day. However, low-fat or skimmed milk is better as they contain less fat. Alternatively, soy milk and products are also good sources of calcium. Fatty fish Fatty fish include options like tuna, mackerel, salmon, and more. They are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins A, C, D, and E and are high in protein content. This makes them a great addition to the plates of osteoporosis patients. The vitamin D found in these fish helps improve the body’s calcium absorption, resulting in improved bone health. Fortified foods For people that avoid dairy and dairy products, it can get tricky to get the required amount of calcium and vitamin D from food. In such instances, patients are advised to include fortified foods in their meals. This can include having a bowl of fortified cereal at breakfast with plant milk. Alternatives include fortified juices, vitamin D-rich pasta, and bread. Protein-rich foods Protein is crucial for the body to perform basic functions as well as help in the repair of damaged cells.
5 natural supplements and vitamins to treat tardive dyskinesia

5 natural supplements and vitamins to treat tardive dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a rare neurological disorder in which individuals experience involuntary and unusual movements in the mouth and the surrounding muscles. Some patients may also experience symptoms in the neck, arms, or legs. This disorder occurs as a result of prolonged usage of certain neuroleptics medication. These medicines are often prescribed to manage mental, neurological, or gastrointestinal disorders and are usually only prescribed for a shorter period of time. Tardive dyskinesia can be treated with the help of medication and certain natural vitamins and supplements. Some such vitamins and supplements and their natural sources are: Manganese When suffering from medication-induced tardive dyskinesia, the doctors may prescribe certain medicines that contain the appropriate amount of manganese. This condition can be prevented by ingesting at least 15 milligrams of manganese in a day, either through supplements or natural sources, such as nuts, soy, whole grains, and leafy vegetables. Vitamin E Vitamin E is an essential vitamin that is necessary for the smooth functioning of the body. This vitamin is a group of eight fat-soluble compounds (four tocopherols and four tocotrienols) that act as antioxidants in the body. When an individual suffers from tardive dyskinesia, the doctor may advise them to consume vitamin E supplements daily. Foods that are rich sources of vitamin E include seeds, nuts, green leafy vegetables, or vegetable oils. Ginkgo biloba One of the most commonly recommended natural remedies to help reverse tardive dyskinesia is Ginkgo biloba. This plant is incredibly rich in powerful antioxidants and is said to be quite effective in neurological and psychological disorders. Ginkgo biloba can also help in improving brain function and heart health. Moreover, it helps in reducing reduce anxiety and depression to some extent. Vitamin B6 Consuming vitamin B6 while undergoing treatment for tardive dyskinesia is quite helpful in reducing the overall symptoms to some extent.
3 types of anemia and popular ways that may help cure it

3 types of anemia and popular ways that may help cure it

Anemia is a medical condition in which you do not have enough healthy red blood cells in your body. To treat your anemia, you first need to understand its underlying cause and what type of anemia you are suffering from. Some of the common types of anemia that you must know are the one caused by iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, continuous bleeding, pregnancy, and a bone marrow related disorder. Read along to know about three popular treatment options that you can consider if you are anemic. Iron deficiency anemia treatment Anemia caused because of deficiency of iron in the body is probably one of the most common types of anemia. Your bone marrow needs iron to produce hemoglobin for your red blood cells. The treatment for this type of anemia typically involves your doctor prescribing you oral supplements of ferrous sulfate, which you will be advised to take every day. If you are looking for natural ways to cure this type of anemia, then you can do so by including iron rich food like dark leafy vegetables, beans, and nuts in your diet. Vitamin deficiency anemia treatment It is believed that another major reason why people are anemic is that their body lacks the necessary vitamins, specifically vitamin B12. To treat this type of anemia, doctors inject a man-made form of vitamin B12 called hydroxocobalamin into your body, every alternate day for two weeks. You can also increase the level of vitamin B12 in your body naturally by including meat, milk, eggs, salmon, fortified cereals and soy products in your diet. Pregnancy caused anemia treatment During pregnancy, your requirement for iron increases and if your dietary intake of iron does not meet this requirement, then you might end up suffering from anemia. During pregnancy, if your hemoglobin level is less than 9 grams per dL, then you are diagnosed with anemia.
Home remedies that help relieve nasal congestion in children

Home remedies that help relieve nasal congestion in children

Colds, flu, and allergic reactions are common causes of nasal congestion seen in infants, toddlers, and young children. Unfortunately, most of these conditions cannot be treated with the help of antibiotics alone. Instead, they need to be tackled with supportive treatment methods that help soothe symptoms and boost the immune system to fight the virus. Following are a few natural treatments and home remedies to ease nasal congestion and stuffiness in children. Clear out the mucus Nasal congestion is mainly caused due to the inflammation of the blood vessels that lie in the lining of the nose. In some cases, nasal stuffiness can also be attributed to increased mucus secretions. So, one way to tackle a stuffy nose is to clear out the mucus. If you are dealing with an infant, you may want to try out a nasal bulb. Nasal bulbs provide suction and gently clear up the build of mucus in the nasal passage. Try steam inhalation Steam inhalation is a popular and effective home remedy to tackle nasal congestion. The warm steam can help loosen thick mucus in the nasal passage and give the child much-needed relief. You can try giving the child a warm bath before bedtime. You can also get a steam machine. Use a humidifier Humidifiers are used to add moisture to the air. This helps prevent dryness that can lead to irritation. To tackle nasal congestion, you can try a cool-mist humidifier. This helps keep the air moist and reduces symptoms such as dry cough and stuffiness. Use humidifiers, especially at night, and try to keep them out of the child’s reach. Don’t forget to clean out the humidifier often, as mold can grow in wet and moist spaces. Chicken soup can help Another great home remedy for nasal congestion and stuffiness is chicken soup.
Manage flea and tick infestations with these home remedies

Manage flea and tick infestations with these home remedies

One of the biggest concerns that trouble pet owners during summers are the flea and tick problem. While there are many over-the-counter and prescription products that help manage the infestation, it is always better to first explore homemade remedies made with ingredients found in the kitchen. Here are some common preventive measures that include homemade sprays, topical remedies, and even general hygiene that can help keep such infestations at bay. Vinegar spray Vinegar is one of the more effective ingredients among other natural remedies for dog flea and tick control prevention. Fleas and ticks cannot survive the pH levels of apple cider vinegar and are eliminated upon contact. Use the diluted homemade spray once or twice a month to prevent infestations. You can also prepare a cider-based vinegar shampoo by mixing some soap into the solution. Give lather baths twice or thrice a month to control flea and tick infestation. Lemon wash and baths Citrus fruits work as a potent repellent to counter flea and tick infestations. And lemon juice is one of the common suggestions for a topical spray. You can cut some lemons and keep them immersed in boiling water overnight. Strain the liquid the next day and use a simple spray applicator to spread the solution evenly over your pet’s coat. Cover the area under the fur, behind the ears, around the legs, and most importantly, all over the tail. If you prefer a lotion, simply mix some salt and dilute the lemons in boiling water. Apply this homemade lotion after shampooing and conditioning, and make sure you coat the fur properly. Essential oils Lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, cedar, citronella, and eucalyptus essential oils are excellent herbal flea and tick repellents. Once you are sure that your pet is not allergic to any of these oils, you can prepare a strong shampoo or topical spray to counter the infestation.
8 Foods That Trigger Migraine Headaches

8 Foods That Trigger Migraine Headaches

Migraine is a neurological condition that is often accompanied by a host of painful and discomforting symptoms like sensitivity to light, dizziness, and nausea or vomiting. To cope with this, it is important to identify the common triggers of a migraine headache. Studies say that frequently reported migraine triggers are food items, and eliminating these food items, or at least limiting their consumption, is crucial for treatment: Chocolate Chocolate is often considered to be a risky migraine trigger and is among the most common triggers as it is replete with caffeine. Chocolate also contains the amino acid tyramine that adds to the intensity of the headaches. However, chocolates also have dopamine and serotonin, which are beneficial, so consuming chocolate in moderation may prove to be beneficial for the treatment. Caffeine An occasional cup of coffee does not cause a painful migraine attack, but drinking coffee or caffeinated drinks regularly can worsen the frequency and severity of headaches. Due to its vasoconstrictive properties, caffeine restricts blood flow to the brain, causing relief in the case of a painful headache, but it is best to avoid too much of coffee if you experience frequent headaches. Frozen foods Studies show that there is a strong link between frozen foods and migraine headaches. Consumption of frozen foods like ice cream, frozen yogurt, a slush, and such may provoke strong headaches. These items contain substances that affect blood flow to the brain, leading to headaches that develop into migraines. Salty foods Salty foods are the most common triggers as high consumption of salty foods raises the sodium levels in your blood and increases blood pressure, which could increase the risk of migraine. Avoid eating too much salt or salty and processed food to prevent it. Pickled and fermented foods Pickled and fermented foods contain high levels of tyramine, which may trigger migraine headaches.
Diet for schizophrenia – what to eat and what to avoid

Diet for schizophrenia – what to eat and what to avoid

Diet for schizophrenia: What to eat and what to avoid? Schizophrenia is a mental illness that can cause delusions, paranoia, social and cognitive problems, and hallucinations. While the most common method of this condition is medication and psychotherapy, those who have schizophrenia can benefit from following a proper diet. Certain food items must be avoided, while there are a few that would be good for schizophrenia patients. What to avoid There are certain food items that a schizophrenia patient should avoid as can cause various health problems that can aggravate the condition. Sugar Schizophrenia patients need to be in good physical health to ensure their mental health improves. Maintaining blood sugar levels is important and for this, sugar and food items containing sugar must be avoided or eaten in moderation. Carbohydrates A diet that has high carbohydrate content needs to be avoided. Instead, a diet that has low carbs and helps in keeping blood sugar in check should be preferred. It also helps in weight control, which is required for those suffering from schizophrenia. Gluten Gluten needs to be removed from the diet for schizophrenics. Most people are allergic to gluten found in wheat, rye, and barley. Studies have shown a link between gluten and aggravated symptoms of schizophrenia. What to eat A healthy and well-balanced diet helps improve both physical and mental health. The following food items and nutrients are essential for someone who has schizophrenia. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 is a very powerful fatty acid that has multiple health benefits. It has been found to be useful in improving mental health. Fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 and if one doesn’t have access to these varieties of fish, fish oil capsules and omega-3 supplements can also be consumed. Omega-3 is also found in nuts and seeds like flaxseed and pumpkin seeds.
Tips to prevent erectile dysfunction naturally

Tips to prevent erectile dysfunction naturally

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is characterized by persistent difficulty in maintaining an adequate erection to engage in sexual intercourse. There are several reasons why men get ED: some include natural aging process while others may be the outcome of an underlying medical condition wherein blood vessels and associated nerves that supply blood to the penis are affected. Herein, we discuss some tips you can try to protect your potency and prevent erectile dysfunction. Follow a healthy diet Anything that is bad for the heart is also bad for the penis. Doctors opine that unhealthy food that may be causing blockages to the coronary arteries in your heart may also be responsible for inadequate sexual performance. People who consume fewer vegetables and fruits and more fatty, fried, and processed foods are at a greater risk of erectile dysfunction. According to experts, the best diet is the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and nuts, as these are fats that are healthy for the heart. Keep weight in check Type 2 diabetes can cause nerve damage that affects the entire body. The nerves that supply blood to the penis may also be affected and this could give rise to erectile dysfunction. Maintaining a healthy weight will also allow you to last longer in bed and have a more satisfying sexual life. You are advised to control your weight through a regimen of healthy food and daily exercise. If you are overweight, do consult a nutritionist and join a gym for good guidance on how to stay in shape. Monitor levels of cholesterol and blood pressure It is important to constantly check your blood pressure and cholesterol. Research shows that high blood pressure and cholesterol can severely affect blood vessels that carry blood to the penis. This will give rise to erectile dysfunction.
Managing melanoma with high-fiber foods

Managing melanoma with high-fiber foods

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.
Foods to help keep multiple myeloma symptoms in check

Foods to help keep multiple myeloma symptoms in check

Multiple myeloma is a kind of cancer that affects the plasma cells which are a part of the immune system. The condition causes those who suffer from it to lose their appetite and eat lesser, making it essential to ensure the required nutrition levels are maintained. It can leave individuals with weakened immunity, damaged kidneys, and even anemia. There are some particular nutrition strategies and simple diet tips that play a positive role in curbing multiple myeloma and contributing to one’s energy levels, overall strength, and health. The correct types of foods in one’s diet can give them the best balance of nutrients and help with multiple myeloma symptoms. The foods that one should eat are listed below: Foods rich in iron Anemia is caused by low levels of iron in the blood. The cancerous cells which build up in the bone marrow crowd out the healthy blood cells, causing complications. If one has developed anemia due to multiple myeloma, then an iron-rich diet will be helpful. A boost in iron levels can help one feel less tired and will also help the body produce more healthy red blood cells. Some excellent sources of iron include tropical fruits such as guava, pineapple, papaya, and mango, broccoli, sweet potatoes, Brussel sprouts, beans, kale, bell peppers, raisins, dark leafy green vegetables, and lean red meat. Plant produce Vegetables and fruits are full of antioxidants that help the body rebuild itself. They even help in fighting constipation, a possible side effect of some cancer treatments and pain medications. Patients with multiple myeloma are advised to stick to cooked vegetables as raw produce can increase the chances of one catching an infection, which is dangerous due to their weakened immune system. Fiber If one suffers from constipation due to chemotherapy, then they might have to boost the fiber levels in their diet.
Foods to avoid in ADHD

Foods to avoid in ADHD

Although foods do not cause ADHD, there are certain foods that trigger the condition. Some types of foods, due to their content, can worsen the symptoms of ADHD or mimic the behavior in individual or child. Research has found that the signs of ADHD appear in children when they have low levels of fatty acids in their body. It is not yet known if supplements of omega-3 fatty acids can improve the child’s behavior. Omega-3 is known to affect the neurotransmitters/brain chemicals. Both ADHD and omega-3 show two distinct symptoms that increase the need to urinate and cause excessive thirst. A balance of omega-3 and omega 6 is best for overall health. Foods recommended for children with ADHD should include fish, lean meats, beans, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. It is best to consult a dietician when suffering from this condition. A few believe that artificial food colors and additives contribute to ADHD. Try and cut off the intake of colorful cereals, candy, sweetened drinks, and food additives to improve the affected child’s behavior improves and health. You also need to eliminate food products which are processed. Instead, go for foods that are healthy and fresh to improve the overall health of the child. Large amounts of minerals and vitamins can turn toxic for the child and there is no evidence that ADHD can be treated with supplements. All you need to do is balance the food that is given to the child. Additionally, eating a lot of fast food and caffeine also brings on the symptoms of ADHD. It is especially important to avoid the intake of candy. Loaded with artificial colors and sugar, these are bad for children suffering from ADHD and are known to promote hyperactivity/ADHD symptoms. Additionally, caffeine should be avoided as well. It is found in corn syrup, sodas, etc.
Things every dog owner should know about dog food allergies

Things every dog owner should know about dog food allergies

You must have tried special shampoos, altered grooming routine and also tried medications; but your dog has not stopped itching, scratching or biting fur. But have you considered working on your pet’s diet? Similar to humans, dogs too have food allergies. Dogs can experience severe itching, irritation, swollen face, among others due to food allergies. There is no age bar in dogs for developing food allergies. Symptoms of dog food allergies Your dog may have developed food allergies if you notice the below symptoms. Itchy skin Allergic dermatitis or itchy skin is one of the common outcomes of dog food allergies. The irritation of itchy skin can occur in various parts of the dog’s body such as ears, paws, rear end and stomach. Hives Hives are primarily itchy red bumps. These are also known as urticaria. Hives may surface within 6 to 24 hours if your dog consumes any food which he or she is allergic to. If the hair or fur of your dog is short, they are easily visible. Stomach trouble Gastrointestinal issues such as gas, vomiting, and diarrhea are also the outcomes of dog food allergies. Swollen face Dog food allergies can lead to swelling of lips, eyelids, or ear flaps. Paw infections Sometimes your dog may have repeated infections in his or her paws or ears. These are the result of certain sensitivity towards certain food ingredients. What are the common allergens? Every dog owner should understand the difference between food sensitivity and food allergies. The prime difference is food allergy triggers an immediate immune system response. But the reaction of food sensitivity is gradual. Most of the common allergens which trigger food allergies in dogs include chicken, beef and dairy products. On the other hand, corn, wheat, rice, barley and oats are some of the less common allergens.