Foods and drinks to consume for a healthy liver

Foods and drinks to consume for a healthy liver

A crucial organ of our body, the liver performs some central functions to keep the body healthy. It filters the blood that comes from the digestive tract and sends it out to the rest of the body. It breaks down carbohydrates to form glucose and also bile. The function of the bile formed is to assimilate food and nutrient absorption. This organ is crucial to the human body and should be taken care of with utmost care. As a result, it is pertinent to consume foods and drinks that are good for the liver. Food and drinks that are good for the liver Dysfunction of the liver can lead to many complications, causing severe medical conditions. Thus, one should be careful of what they consume and make an effort to include healthy foods into their diet. Some of the foods that they should consume regularly include: Oats Oats are rich in fiber, which helps in the process of digestion immensely. Including oats in your diet regularly will have good effects on your liver. Beans Beans, another food item that is rich in fiber, helps maintain a healthy liver. It is also a great source of protein. Grapes Among fruits, grapes are ideal for a healthy liver. This fruit contains a good amount of antioxidants which results in the reduction of inflammation of the liver, preventing it from damage. Fish oil supplements In addition to fish oil supplements, one should also consume fish regularly as it is a good source of protein and other nutrients. Additionally, fish oil supplements help with one’s overall health as well. Yogurt Probiotics, a gut-friendly bacteria, is abundant in yogurt. This helps keep the liver healthy. Fish As mentioned earlier, fish constitutes omega-3 fatty acids which aid to reduce inflammation. They assist in the maintenance of enzyme levels in the liver.
Healthy foods to keep bladder problems at bay

Healthy foods to keep bladder problems at bay

Good nutrition can turn around a person’s health, preventing varied illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. It helps improve the overall quality of life, enhancing productivity, agility, and mental health. This article discusses the foods that help improve bladder control and help manage the symptoms that come with the condition. Let’s take a look at this compiled list. Nuts, seeds, and legumes These foods are a potent source of fiber that helps enhance the work of the digestive tract. Quick digestion aids in lowering the pressure a full stomach can have on the bladder, which may multiply the symptoms of an overactive bladder. This category includes foods like black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, split peas, lentils, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds, among others. The idea is to consume more plant-based foods over refined and overly processed ingredients. Non-citrus fruits and vegetables Citrus foods can irritate the bladder, leading to intense bladder control symptoms. Hence, foods like lime, lemon, oranges, grapefruit, citrons, etc., are best avoided. Foods recommended to add to one’s meals include sweet potato with skin, broccoli, pears, green beans, winter squash, and peas. Lean meat and fish Fresh lean meat and fish are a good choice for people with bladder control issues. Additionally, fish like mackerel, salmon, shellfish, and tuna are potent sources of monosaturated fats that are good for bladder health. If one doesn’t eat fish, they can opt for flax seeds and nuts. Oats, oatmeal, and homemade bread These are recommended staple options for one to add to their daily food regime. These whole grain options are easy on the digestive system and also come with the benefits of fiber, making them a great satiating option that’s good for the bladder. Eggs and cheese These two breakfast staples can be a part of the daily nutrition for a healthy bladder.
Foods to avoid to help prevent Parkinson’s

Foods to avoid to help prevent Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that leads to impaired movement. Symptoms vary by individual, but they typically include muscle spasms, tremors, and muscle soreness. There is no cure, but one can manage the condition by making changes to overall meal plans. While some foods, like fruits and vegetables, can help with symptoms, others should be avoided to maintain overall health. Thus, here are some foods to avoid to help prevent developing Parkinson’s. Foods to avoid to help prevent Parkinson’s disease Processed food Processed foods, such as canned goods, sodas, cereals, chips, sweets, and cakes, have been linked to increased symptoms of the condition. Parkinson’s disease frequently causes symptoms such as swallowing, speech, and odor problems. Processed foods only exacerbate these issues, making it vital to avoid them. Dairy products Drinking milk and having dairy products regularly may increase the chances of developing this condition; it may also hasten the progress. Thus, it is better to stay away from significant amounts of dairy items. Sausages Protein is essential for good health, but processed meats like sausages can weaken the immune system and raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Instead of cured meats like sausages and hams, one should eat fatty fish, skinless chicken, turkey breast, and various plant-based types of meat. Steamed bag of vegetables While vegetables are safe to eat, steamed bagged vegetables contain a chemical called bisphenol A, which, when heated, can leach into the food, causing severe a flare-up of symptoms. To avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals, choose fresh vegetables and frozen items not packed in microwave steam bags. Pasta and bread White flour, used in bread and pasta, can disrupt the digestive system’s normal operation. These foods are rich in unhealthy carbs and sugar, which weaken muscles and impair the brain, potentially worsening Parkinson’s. White flour pasta and bread can be replaced with brown rice, lettuce, leafy greens, and cauliflower.
4 useful ways to manage psoriatic arthritis

4 useful ways to manage psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a health condition that affects about 30% of people affected by psoriasis, bringing the number of patients in the country to around 2 million. Just like psoriasis causes inflammation of the skin, Psoriatic arthritis results in inflammation of the joints. The best way to manage this condition is a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle changes. Here are some essential management tips necessary to manage psoriatic arthritis and reduce flare-ups: Treatment options Doctors might have to go through various treatment plans since finding one that suits the patient isn’t easy. That said, there are some options that show substantial results and are commonly prescribed. These include the following. OTEZLA® Approved by the FDA, OTEZLA® is a prescription treatment option for patients with psoriatic arthritis. It acts by inhibiting the phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzyme that is the cause of the increased inflammatory response of the body. Regular use of OTEZLA® has proven beneficial for patients and can be combined with phototherapy or topical treatments. RINVOQ® RINVOQ® is an oral treatment option for active psoriatic arthritis patients. Doctors usually prescribe this treatment option when patients fail to respond to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. It is an oral treatment option used for adult PsA patients only. Foods to eat and avoid Omega 3 helps lower inflammation in the body and improves bone health. Some foods that need to be included in regular meals are salmon, walnuts, and seeds. Fruits and vegetable portions also need to be increased as they provide the body with necessary nutrients and have anti-inflammatory properties. Similarly, foods with inflammatory properties can contribute to the worsening of symptoms in patients with PsA. These include foods like dairy and dairy products, sugar, processed meat, red meat, fried foods, and processed food products. Lowering the intake of these food groups can show improvement in the patient’s condition.
Here’s What You Need to Know about TSH Levels

Here’s What You Need to Know about TSH Levels

The thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH, is a type of blood test that is done to check the level of thyroid balance in the human body. TSH is generated in the body when the hypothalamus produces the substance thyrotropin. This hormone enables the pituitary glands to produce and release TSH. In simpler terms, it can be said that TSH is the hormone that regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland. It acts as the health index of the thyroid gland. In this article, we aim to find out and explore the TSH normal range in the human body. A brief overview of TSH The pituitary gland of the human brain is the originating point of TSH which controls the stimulation of other hormones—triiodothyronine or T3 and Thyroxine or T4—being generated in the thyroid glands. For the smooth functioning of our bodies, it is imperative that there is a balance in the quantity of these enzymes and hormones. This balance enables the other health aspects of the human body to be maintained well and is the wellspring of overall health for the body. TSH levels It is imperative that the TSH normal range is maintained in the human body. Investigations show us that in a healthy adult, the TSH normal range is between the ranges of 0.4–4.o mlU/L. There are also other organizations that have opined that level till 2.5 happens to be the ideal level that should be considered as the TSH normal range. Anything that is between 2.5 and 4, could be considered to be a higher level. However, this is a range that could alter, according to the age and the other health conditions of a person. The following are some of the variations that can be pointed out in the TSH range. – For a premature baby, 0.7–27 mlU/L is the TSH normal range.
Everything You Should Know about a Blood Glucose Test

Everything You Should Know about a Blood Glucose Test

A blood glucose test is required to measure the amount of glucose (sugar) present in the blood. This is an important aspect of diabetes care since the disease essentially hampers the proper absorption of blood sugar by the body. Let’s look at some of the fundamental aspects of a blood sugar test: Blood glucose Glucose is a simple form of sugar that is present in blood in the form of blood sugar. It is a vital source of energy in microorganisms like bacteria, plants and animals as well as in humans, in different forms. In humans, it enables the working of all the major organs like the brain, heart, liver, kidneys, etc. by providing them with the necessary fuel. Glucose is essential for the functioning of the brain and lower than normal glucose level affects the mental and psychological functions. It can also be stored in the body to be used when required. Sources of glucose Energy is released by the conversion of carbohydrates in our food into glucose. However, our food is a combination of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. All the carbohydrates we consume are immediately released into the bloodstream. Some of the proteins are converted into glucose and is stored in the liver for use later. Only very a very small quantity (less than 10%) of fats are converted into glucose and they are absorbed very slowly into the bloodstream. However, a diet high in fats results in the slower conversion of carbohydrates into glucose. That’s why many people who eat a high-fat diet may find their blood sugar levels spiking after several hours. Why is high blood sugar harmful? While glucose is vital for energy, hyperglycemia (excessive levels of blood glucose) or long-term presence of excess sugar in the blood can cause serious damage throughout the body.
All You Need to Know about the Benefits of Turmeric

All You Need to Know about the Benefits of Turmeric

Today, people all over the world are beginning to recognize the benefits of turmeric. This humble root is an essential part of Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines and medical systems. Turmeric’s active constituent is an organic chemical called curcumin. What is turmeric? Turmeric is a rhizome plant from the ginger family. The plant has its origins in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. In its present form, it’s a cultivar and doesn’t grow in the wild. People in these countries use the rhizome root-stems as a spice for color and flavor in a variety of dishes. It is also used as a dye and cosmetic. It is also used for religious purposes in some countries. The benefits of turmeric have been known for a long time in the traditional medicine systems of these countries. Turmeric’s active ingredient curcumin provides a wide range of health benefits. Some parts of the harvest are used fresh, while the rest of it is boiled and dried in ovens. The dried roots are then ground into a fine powder. This powder consists of nearly 70% carbohydrates, almost 13% water, various proteins, fats, minerals, essential oils, and natural phenols or curcuminoids that give this ingredient a bright yellow-orange color. Curcumin The main constituent of turmeric is a phytochemical (plant-based chemical) called curcumin. In some traditional medicinal systems, turmeric is valued for its diverse properties. However, modern research was initiated only in the 19th century when curcumin was isolated from turmeric chemically. Its complete chemical structure was mapped only in the early 20th century. The benefits of turmeric Turmeric is an essential ingredient in Indian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. It imparts an attractive color to food and gives it a rich, palatable appearance. Apart from this, its subtle yet slightly bitter, pepper-like aroma and sharp mustard-like flavor complement other spices in a variety of dishes.
An Overview of Essential Vitamins and Their Purpose

An Overview of Essential Vitamins and Their Purpose

The path to a healthy and energetic life is known to all but very few can follow all the “rules” of consuming a balanced diet, regular physical exercise and sleeping properly. If you are worried about feeling a lack of energy throughout the day and feel drowsy even after a good night’s sleep, chances are that you have vitamin deficiency in your body, which can be fulfilled by none other than the vitamins for energy. Ensure that your diet also contains magnesium, folic acid, omega 3 fatty acid, amino acid etc to make it a truly healthy meal. Vitamin A (Retinol) As the name suggests, Vitamin A enhances the activity of retina or eye health. Animal liver, fish oil, eggs, milk, orange or yellow vegetables like carrot, papaya, tomato and pumpkin and fruits like apple and citrus are rich in Vitamin A. It keeps the central nervous system and immune system working properly so that your energy levels are boosted up. Being a powerful antioxidant, it fights radical damage to stop premature aging and keeps you young. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Legumes like beans and peas, yeast, beef, pork, fish, liver, seeds, eggs, milk, asparagus, oats, nuts, and oranges are rich in Vitamin B1. You can also consume cereals, bread, flour, rice, and pasta to fulfill the deficiency of this Vitamin. It is one of the most important vitamins for energy as it breaks down carbohydrate for converting into energy. It keeps your blood sugar level normal and supports proper functioning of the major organs of the body including the brain. Thiamine also keeps the cardiovascular health normal so that your body gets proper blood flow to keep you energetic throughout the day. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Fish; especially tuna, chicken, turkey, liver, and avocado are the commonest sources of B3. Mushrooms, peanuts, green peas, and sunflower seeds also contain this vitamin.
7 Effective Ways to Lower Cholesterol

7 Effective Ways to Lower Cholesterol

High cholesterol makes you extremely vulnerable to a lot of health complications including stroke, heart attack, and other types of heart diseases. How to lower cholesterol? The cholesterol available in your body can be controlled with the help of medications; however, the most preferred method would be to bring the right lifestyle changes. Even if you are using medications, changes in your lifestyle can speed up the cholesterol-lowering effect. Consume healthy fats Following unhealthy eating habits has become common practice nowadays. People are after junk foods and over a period of time, they develop unhealthy eating habits. If you’re wondering how to cholesterol, you must introduce some changes in your diet to lower your cholesterol and lower your heart. Excess consumption of saturated fats is not a good option. These types of fats can be found in dairy and red meat products and they increase your total cholesterol and bad cholesterol called LDL. Doctors advise people to keep the daily calories from saturated fat to below 7 percent. The healthier options of fat are monounsaturated fats and these types of fats can be found in canola oils and olive oil. You can eat low-fat dairy products and leaner cuts of meat to have healthy fats. Remove foods that contain trans fats from your diet Trans fats raise your bad cholesterol (LDL) and they also reduce the quantity of HDL or good cholesterol. When you keep on consuming trans fats, you are increasing the chances of getting affected with heart attacks. Fried foods are the main source of trans fats and several commercial products available in the market also contain these types of fats. If you consume products like snack cakes, crackers, and cookies; you are absorbing these unwanted fats. Small quantities of trans fat add up when you keep on consuming processed foods, and you should avoid food items that contain partially hydrogenated oils.
Top 10 Brain Supplements to Enhance Brain Functionality

Top 10 Brain Supplements to Enhance Brain Functionality

The brain supplements are effective supplements to boost the brain power. These supplements have good effects on the functionality of the brain. They improve memory, concentration levels, cognitive function, motivation, creativity, and alertness. The brain function reduces with the gradual progressing of age. People of all age-groups must have effective brain functioning for better performance. Many suffer from memory loss, forget things usually and feel low. Well, there are many natural supplements which can improve memory and help people focus properly. The top 10 brain supplements you can include in your daily diet are as follows: Vitamin B: Vitamin B is one of the top 10 brain supplements which ensures effective cognitive brain functioning. It is important for brain chemicals which include dopamine, serotonin, and epinephrine. All kinds of vitamins have their importance for the body. Folic acid (Vitamin 9) improves memory and focus. Vitamin B12 controls the myelin which offers protection for nerve fibers. Lack of V12 result in mental retardation, loss of memory, mood swing, and damages the nerves. Vitamin V6 boosts the production of brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin which make the mind alert and enhance moods. The benefits of vitamin B are tremendous for health which makes it a necessary supplement. Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo Biloba is a powerful herbal remedy. It has proven results for boosting memory during memory loss and is one of the top 10 brain supplements. Ginkgo Biloba is available at affordable costs. It gives wonderful results for memory improvement among people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It is benefiting supplement for adults and boosts mental creativity and alertness. Caffeine: Caffeine has wonderful properties as a memory booster. The intake of caffeine can enhance mental focus, ability, and productivity. Take diet supplements which contain caffeine. High caffeine levels are found in brain supplements and energy drinks.
Easy Steps for Cholesterol Level Diagnosis

Easy Steps for Cholesterol Level Diagnosis

A type of fat, cholesterol is lipid is essential for the body to function properly. However, too much cholesterol is bad for the health and can have an impact on the most vital organ of human body, the heart. Bad cholesterol often causes heart stroke and other heart-related diseases. Medical terms used by doctors to signify bad cholesterol include lipid disorder, hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia. Cholesterol level diagnosis is made with a simple blood test called lipoprotein profile or fasting lipid. Following are the four numbers that are taken into consideration while performing cholesterol level diagnosis. These are: Total Blood or Serum Cholesterol This takes into account the total sum of High-Density Lipoprotein and High-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol scores.It is also a good indicator of whether the patient has a risk for heart disease. Optimal – Less than 200 mg/dL Borderline high – 200-239 mg/dL High – 240 mg/dL or higher High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Known as good cholesterol, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) helps in keeping the arteries clear of blockage caused by low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. It is also known to protect people against heart disease. For this reason, higher HDL score is always good. But, if HDL falls below the marked range, it is considered that the patient is prone to suffer heart diseases. Low – Should be less than 40 mg/dL(men) and 50 mg/dL (women) Normal – 45 mg/dL + for men and 55 mg/dL + for women Optimal – 60 mg/dL and above lower danger of heart disease Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) High level of bad low-density lipoprotein cholesterol leads to blockage in arteries and increases chances of heart diseases. Thus, low level of bad LDL is always good to protect health. Optimal – Less than 100 mg/dL Normal/Near Optimal – 100-129 mg/dL Borderline High – 130-159 mg/dL High – 160-189 mg/dL Very High – 190 mg/dL and above People suffering from metabolic syndrome or heart diseases should ensure that their LDL is lower than the optimal number recommended.
List of High-Fiber Foods to Increase Your Fiber Intake

List of High-Fiber Foods to Increase Your Fiber Intake

Fiber is very important for our system. It does not just help with the digestion but also reduces the risk of hypertension, stroke, and other heart diseases. Most people do not get sufficient fiber, and so you see it affecting their health in different ways. The list of high-fiber foods won’t affect your health in any negative way. It only benefits you as fiber foods take longer to digest. In this time, all the essential nutrients and vitamins are absorbed by the body. How fiber helps the human body To understand what fiber does in your body, you first need to know that there are two kinds of fibers—soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber turns into a gel and slows the digestion process. This lowers your blood glucose and lowers your cholesterol. Moreover, the insoluble fiber stays in the same form and is the bulk of the stool. It makes the process of digestion a lot easier. Not having sufficient amounts of fiber can lead to constipation. Fiber regulates the speed of your digestion and makes sure that the body gets all the required nutrition. At the same time, you need to have fibers in the right amount. Here is a list of high-fiber foods that you need to include in your diet every day. Beans Beans are the answers to all the good things that your body needs and is hence included in the list of high-fiber foods. They have the necessary proteins, vitamins, and minerals that will aid in digestion and make you strong. If you don’t have much of it in your diet, then you should start eating it. However, having too much of it can make you gastric. So, limit your intake of beans. You can choose from lima beans, broad beans, black beans, kidney beans, and so on.