The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) spreads through bodily fluids like blood and genital discharges. It attacks the immune system and can even lead to death on progressing into stage 3 HIV, commonly referred to as AIDS. Therefore, timely detection and management are crucial. Keeping this in mind, we have listed some of the early symptoms of an HIV infection and a few nutritious foods to eat to delay its progression. Early and uncommon signs of an HIV infection The first symptoms of HIV usually develop within two to four weeks after contracting the virus. The initial stage is also known as acute HIV infection and often includes symptoms like fever, headache, tiredness, sore throat, skin rash, mouth ulcers, swollen lymph glands, diarrhea, and muscle and joint pain. Some people in the initial stage experience symptoms linked to health conditions like esophageal candida, herpes zoster, and HIV wasting syndrome, which are usually seen later on. Some patients may also show non-HIV-associated gastrointestinal and central nervous system symptoms, such as gallbladder inflammation, severe gastric bleeding, kidney failure, brain inflammation, and meningitis. Remember that not everyone with the virus exhibits symptoms in the early days of an HIV infection. Foods to slow down HIV progression These foods can help improve overall health and delay the progression of an HIV infection: Kale This dark leafy green is among the most nutritious veggies. Kale is packed with compounds that boost immune health and keep inflammation levels in check, decreasing the risk of complications associated with HIV. Lean beef Lean protein is necessary to build muscles and bolster the immune system. An excellent source of high-quality protein is lean cuts of beef. Other good sources include fish, eggs, beans, and nuts. Brown rice Unlike white rice, brown rice is a whole grain full of fiber and B vitamins.

Obesity is the accumulation of excess body fat in the body to an extent that it has a negative effect on health. Over two-thirds of adults in the country are obese, and this condition is increasing at an alarming rate among children as well. The main cause of obesity is wrong eating habits and lack of physical activities. Being obese increases the risk of developing cancer, heart-related problems, diabetes, and other diseases. It also heightens the risk of premature death. Those who are weight conscious are familiar with the term Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator. A BMI calculator is mostly used as a measure of obesity by physicians due to its simplicity. The Body Mass Index is calculated using a mathematical formula wherein a person’s weight in kilograms is divided by the square of height in meters. BMI has been used by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a standard for recording obesity statistics since the early 1980s. This index provides a numeric measure of whether a person is over or underweight. On the basis of the value of BMI, one can classify a population, with the average physique as follows: A BMI below 18.5 is considered as underweight A BMI 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy weight or normal A BMI 25 to 29.9 is considered as overweight A BMI 30 and over is considered as obese A BMI 40 and over is considered as severe obesity However, studies show that a BMI Calculator, which is based on the height and weight of a person, is not an entirely accurate measure of body fat content and does not consider muscle mass. So, people with large muscle mass will usually have a high BMI even though their body fat is in the healthy range. It is also possible to have a healthy BMI even while you are carrying a lot of fat around your waist.

What is the meaning of the term “probiotics”? It means the bacteria that we consume particularly for health benefits. Our gut or large intestine contains a lot of bacteria, and they are collectively known as the microbiome. The microbiome consists of more than 1000 various species of bacteria, and they can be divided into individual strains. Probiotics can change the balance of the bacteria available in the gut, and they are made of one or more strains. If you can consume the right species based on the already existing bacteria in the gut, they can deliver some good results. Probiotics help you treat irritable bowel syndrome effectively. Various studies suggest that approximately 15% of the population is suffering from irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. IBS infected people show irregular bowel habits, and other symptoms include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Probiotics are being extensively used in the treatment of IBS. What are the best probiotics for IBS? The most popular and well-researched species are Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. Shortage of these two species can always be associated with IBS patients. Best probiotics for IBS with constipation People, who suffer from constipated issues, can take a natural supplement containing probiotic strain known as Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12. Various clinical studies have been conducted on this strain of probiotics. It can be described as the most researched strain in the entire family of Bifidobacteria. Most of the studies have shown that this strain is extremely beneficial to get rid of constipation and encourage good bowel movements. Supplements containing Bifidobacterium lactis also improves gut health, and they are an excellent source of fiber because of the presence of Fructooligosaccharides. Most effective probiotics for IBS with diarrhea If you are suffering from frequent diarrhea, you can select Saccharomyces boulardii. It is a proven product to deliver the best support for improving gut health and several clinical studies back the advantages of this product.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease with a potentially disabling effect that attacks the central nervous system. In this condition, the nerve fibers are affected due to damage to the myelin coating. The myelin acts as a protective and active sheath but is attacked by the immune system. When the nerve fibres are damaged, there is an interference in the transmission of signals between the brain, spinal cord and rest of the body parts. The communication process is tampered and this also causes varied symptoms and signs that are accompanied with multiple sclerosis. If the condition is not diagnosed and treated in time, the nerves undergo further damage and can cause a permanent effect over time. There are various effects that are caused by multiple sclerosis. However, it entirely depends on the extent of damaged nerves. Moreover, the symptoms and signs will be determined based on the types of nerves that are affected. The signs and symptoms are experienced will differ from person to person. While one may feel fatigue regularly, another patient may find it difficult to move certain body parts. The most common symptoms that are seen in the patient include abnormal thinking and constant forgetfulness. Apart from this, certain patients may also go through a loss of vision in both or one eye, depending on the severity of the nerve damage. Also, in most cases, people feel a sudden sensation in different parts of the body and this can be described as piercing a needle or pins into the skin. There are some factors that increase the risk of one developing multiple sclerosis. It is likely to affect someone who is in the age bracket of 15 to 60 years. However, family history or genes can play a major role in the contraction of this disease. Also, women are at a higher risk as compared to men.

Diets are no more just fads. They have been here for ages and perhaps will stay for some more time as well. For women, following healthy diets is important. Moreover, there are instances when women tend to follow the wrong diet that yields wrong results. However, what tends to be misinterpreted is the fact that women fail to understand that crash diets do just as the name suggests—crash down the body. What’s significant here is the fact that while women tend to balance family demands as well as external work, maintaining the best diet for women becomes tough. Do remember that the best diet for women is also a healthy diet. The right choice of food supports the mood, energy as a well as healthy weight. The right diet also helps enhance fertility, lessen PMS as well as leads to better overall health. Is a woman’s nutritional need different from a man’s? During the growing stage, the diet needs of both genders are similar. However, with the onset of puberty, there are some changes in the nutritional requirements of women. Women need lesser calories when compared to men. There arises the need to consume certain nutrients as a woman ages. There are few minerals that the body needs as well. This is attributable to the hormonal changes linked to menstruation, pregnancy as well as menopause at a later stage. Most often the best diet for women are ignored or do not meet their health requirements. There could be a thousand reasons for this such as the lack of time, lack of energy and too much muddle. This leads to wrong diets leaving a huge deficit in nutrients as well as mood swings. You do have to remember that the best diet for women is often vastly different from one woman to another.

For anyone who is over the age of 20, cholesterol levels should be checked intermittently every 5 years to keep a track record of health. The test used to screen cholesterol levels is known as lipid profile, and it is recommended by experts that women above the age of 45 years and men above the age of 35 years should get frequent screenings done to check for lipid disorders. The aspects covered by the lipoprotein profile include the following: Total cholesterol LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, more famously known as “bad” cholesterol) HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, more commonly known as “good” cholesterol) Triglycerides (fats that are carried into the blood from the food that is consumed. Too much of alcohol, sugar or calories in the body get converted to triglycerides that are stored in fat cells throughout the body.) The results of the blood test for the lipid profile come in the forms of numbers. The numbers indicated in the test should not be the only proof to predict the risk of any potential heart problems. They also cannot help formulate ways in which the predicted risk can be lowered. These numbers are simply part of a much larger equation under which other factors like age, blood pressure, sugar levels, hormone profile, smoking habits, use of medications and other factors are also accounted for. This complete information profile is used by the doctor to calculate the 10-year risk a person may be at for serious heart problems. Once the key areas have been identified, a health strategy may be developed to reduce the risk. The test report shows all cholesterol levels in a measure of milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Total cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol are one of the many factors that are considered by a doctor to predict a 10-year risk assessment or a lifetime risk assessment regarding heart disease, like heart attacks or strokes.

Belly fat or Visceral fat is an annoying thing which not only makes the favorite garments feel tight but a serious health problem that can give birth to more harmful severe issues. Belly flab is a major cause of Type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as certain cardiovascular diseases. There are several health associations that utilize Body Mass Index as a method to classify body weight and anticipate the danger of metabolic ailments. Eliminating excessive fat from the body can be tough. But there are several ways on how to lose belly flab which is supported by scientific researches. Soluble Fibre It is a proven way as the soluble fiber helps in absorbing water to create a gel. Then it aids in slowing down the food while it passes through the alimentary system. There are proper scientific researches that have shown the effectiveness of fiber in promoting weight loss. It makes one feel full and decrease the urge of eating again and again. Besides, helping in curbing excess calories from food is another good thing from this. In a study, it has been shown that an increase of 10-gram intake of soluble fiber can decrease the abdominal fat by 3.7% for 5 years. Try having flaxseeds, avocados, leguminous edible items, berries sprouts, etc. No Food containing Trans Fats Nowadays packaged food is a popular choice for busy people. Most of the ready-to-eat foods contain Trans fats which are formed by inducing hydrogen into fats like unsaturated ones( e.g., soyabean oil) Trans fats are a result of pumping hydrogen into unsaturated fats such as soybean oil. Some types margarine also has this which are associated with coronary diseases, induce insulin resistance and promote fat gain. It’s important to know the ingredients and check them before buying products. Sometimes, they are termed “partially hydrogenated” fats.

Probiotics are microorganisms which supplement natural bacteria in the gut and help in balancing of intestinal flora. World Health Organization has also defined probiotics as live microorganisms which offer health benefits to users. A common use of probiotics is in the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments as inflammatory bowel diseases and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a condition which is usually poorly understood and the treatment options are little. Probiotics are useful in the treatment of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Many research studies have been done in judging the role of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome. Research has shown that Bifidobacterium infantis is effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome. Bifidobacterium infantis is known to reduce the pain in the abdomen, bloating and difficulty in bowel movements. It is available in pure form and is known by the name of Align. Probiotics can be taken safely as it considered as a food by Food and Drug Administration. Health benefits of Probiotics Probiotics have numerous health benefits for any individual. They generally help the friendly bacteria in the human digestive system and are thus known to aid the process of digestion. The role of probiotics in aiding and healing conditions related to diarrhea is also well documented. They are also known to keep the heart of a person healthy and play a vital role in maintaining the mental balance of a person. Probiotics have been appreciated in particular for reducing the severity of allergies and are known to treat conditions related to eczema in particular. Irritable Bowel Syndrome It is a condition which causes discomfort in the belly and causes trouble in bowel movements. It is not life-threatening but can result in weakness in a person and will certainly affect the daily life of a person. Typical symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include diarrhea, constipation, gas and bloating, Irritable bowel syndrome can be triggered by multiple factors including consumption of certain foods and medicines.

Breast cancer is a condition that develops in the breast cells. Changes that are known as mutations cause a division of the cancer cells that begin to multiply in an uncontrolled manner. Typically, the cells begin to grow in the ducts and lobules of the breast while spreading to the fatty tissues and connective tissues. Treatment of breast cancer solely depends upon the stage of cancer or the growth of the tumor. The most common forms of treatment employed include surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Apart from medical treatment methods, one can explore some natural methods and therapies that have great supporting effects. Holistic therapies Holistic therapies are widely revered for their great effects in promoting a sense of peace and bringing about a desirable balance in an individual’s state of mind. Not only does it reduce the level of stress but it also aids the patient in feeling more relaxed. While this therapy does not have a direct effect on the control or treatment of breast cancer, holistic therapies are widely reported to bring a positive change in the mental health and the reduction of anxiety among patients. Some of the most popular forms of therapy include aromatherapy, journaling, art therapy, music therapy, dance therapy, and meditation among several others. These holistic therapies can be used in combination or singularly depending on likes and comfort. Special diet A healthy diet can have several desirable effects on the body. While a specially formulated diet does not aid in the cure of cancer or other diseases, it can have several positive effects in the promotion of better overall health. Eating the right food will help in supporting the medical treatments employed for breast cancer and reduce the ill effect of certain treatments. One should consider adding more vitamins and foods rich in minerals as part of the diet plan.

Breast cancer is known to affect about 1 in every 8 women in the country, which is approximately 12% of the entire female population. In fact, as of January 2019, there are more than 3.1 million women who have a history of breast cancer, and this includes women who are currently being treated and who have finished their treatment. Breast cancer can be cured completely only when it is diagnosed in its initial stages. Once cancer metastasizes to adjacent organs, the treatment methods aim to control the symptoms of the condition instead of trying to cure it completely. Breast cancer treatments involve radiation therapy and chemotherapy, which can wreak havoc on one’s body. People thus often opt for complementary natural therapies that promote overall health and help them stay proactive throughout their cancer treatment. Take a look at some of these alternative therapies that can help with the symptoms of breast cancer. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment method and the studies from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) suggest that this treatment can help women with breast cancer. It involves the use of thin needles that are inserted into the body, and it is believed that this process can stimulate the brain and nervous system to help reduce the pain. In fact, there are some clinical studies that suggest that acupuncture can actively relieve the nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy treatments. It is essential to consult with the doctor before opting for acupuncture. Tai chi and qi gong Tai chi and qi gong originated in China and these are movement-based exercises that aim to move and balance the natural energies within the body. These exercises lay emphasis on breathing and meditation. Moreover, they are instrumental in reducing stress and pain and improving mental health and mobility.

Foods to avoid for those with bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder is a brain-related illness that causes mood swings and makes a person feel low sometimes and elated at other times. Apart from medication, diet plays an important role in the mood swings and manifestation of the symptoms. Certain foods can affect one’s mental health and must be avoided by those having bipolar disorder. Trigger foods Certain foods can trigger manic disorder or depression. The moods can alternately swing from depression to a feeling of joy, and the food items listed in this article can affect people in different ways. They can cause depression when a person’s mood is low. Different foods may act as triggers for each person, aggravating their symptoms, and such food must be avoided. It is important to maintain a food diary where details of the food consumed and the symptoms experienced are noted. This will help to find out which foods trigger the symptoms, and those can be avoided. Caffeine Too much caffeine can affect sleep, and lack of sleep can aggravate the symptoms for those suffering from bipolar disorder. Apart from affecting sleep, caffeine can also irritate the digestive system and increase acidity. It is best to avoid or minimize the consumption of coffee and other beverages that contain caffeine. Food with high fat levels Those who have bipolar disorder should avoid food that contains high levels of fat. Some believe that high levels of fat affect the absorption of medicines. In reality, the effects of the medication will still be felt, but the high levels of fat are not good for the heart and increase the risk of obesity, leading to a lower quality of life. Fatty food should be avoided, especially when medicines are being taken. Avoid tyramine Some people with bipolar disorder are prescribed MAO inhibitors.

Pain, stiffness in joints and swelling are the main symptoms of an arthritis onset. Rheumatoid arthritis is a major kind that is an autoimmune disease where your immune system affects your joint. Fortunately, there are snacks that help ease rheumatoid arthritis pain in humans. A study by the American Health Association mentions that around 24% of rheumatoid arthritis patients have had severe symptoms because of a bad diet. Garlic Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps strengthen the immune system. A study conducted among 1892 people was found that eating garlic reduced the chances of women get arthritis. A specific component in garlic is the reason for reducing the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Fatty fish Salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, etc. are high in omega 3 which are fatty acids. They are known to be an anti-inflammatory food. Research showed that 33 people who used to eat fatty fish on a daily basis at least four times a week. This helped decrease inflammation and reduced the risk of the onset of arthritis, osteoporosis, etc. Supplements made from omega 3 have proven to increase mobility in arthritic patients, relieve pain, and reduce stiffness in joints. American Health Association always suggests nutritionists and dieticians to tell the customers to have fatty fish and salmon oil etc. in their diet. This is one of the easiest snacks that help rheumatoid arthritis. Broccoli One of the healthiest snacks that help ease rheumatoid arthritis. This has known to reduce inflammation in both animals and humans. A study conducted by the medical center of excellence in Ohio found that 1005 women who had any kind of cruciferous vegetables showed lesser inflammation on their joints and less swelling. Sulforaphane present in broccoli was found to block inflammation and alleviate pain in arthritic patients. In dogs and cats intake of broccoli on a long-term basis has helped alleviate inflammation.