Liver functioning is an essential process of the human body. The liver is required to help detox your body, break down carbohydrates, make glucose, store all the nutrients and produce bile. Bile liquid is required to absorb all the nutrients and digest them by giving a proper metabolism to the body. Taking care of your liver is part of a holistic nutrition hence you should be aware of what destroys your liver and what helps its healthy functioning. For your overall health functioning the ability of the liver to do all the above is a necessity. Any kind of liver dysfunction can lead to bodily disorders like type 2 diabetes, metabolism issues, and other liver diseases which could also lead to death. It is possible to manage the risk factors once the liver dysfunction starts by making sure you have a healthy intake of food and drinks that are good for the liver. Plant foods A large number of plant foods like avocado, bananas, barley, broccoli, beetroots, carrots, figs, lemons, papayas, chard, kale, celery, and watermelons are foods that are good for the liver. Grapefruit Naringenin and naringin are the two main antioxidants present in grapefruit which is one of the foods that are good for the liver. Grapefruit reduces the toxic build up in the liver. This helps protect the liver cells and reduces inflammation. Garlic Reducing body weight is a great index to a healthy liver. Garlic helps in reducing the fat content near the liver. Coffee Studies have found that around 50 percent of the population consumes coffee. Coffee is one of the drinks that are good for the liver. It protects the liver’s protective tissues. Coffee definitely has other potential hazards but it reduces chronic liver problems to a good extent. Oatmeal Oatmeal has fiber and beta glucans that are essential for protecting fatty liver tissues.

Those with high cholesterol should ideally opt for healthy snacks rather than empty calories or artery-clogging foods. Snacks with excessive fats or sugar can adversely affect cholesterol levels, so every calorie counts here. Moreover, skipping snacks is not an option. This is where healthy snacks come into the picture; they can help maintain metabolism, blood sugar, and even cholesterol levels. Here are eight easy snacks that will help lower cholesterol. Avocado on toast Avocado contains unsaturated fats, which keep cholesterol levels in check. This fruit contains about 10 grams of fiber. Pair it with whole grain, pumpernickel, or rye toast to make the snack even more fibrous. Popcorn According to the American Heart Association, popcorn lowers cholesterol levels since they are high in fiber content. In fact, popcorn contains more fiber than whole-wheat bread or brown rice. Although it has low calories, it should be eaten in moderation. Nuts Studies have concluded that bad cholesterol can be controlled by replacing fatty foods with healthy monosaturated foods, like nuts, almonds, and walnuts. But be sure to eat only a handful. Tuna nori wraps Tuna helps lower cholesterol since it contains omega-3 fatty acids. Make a tuna salad by adding olive oil, onions, or celery. Then, make a wrap by using nori, a thin sheet made of edible seaweed or lettuce leaves. Roasted chickpeas To make this snack, spread cooked chickpeas on a baking tray. Add salt and olive oil to taste and roast them for about 30 minutes. Lastly, sprinkle some black pepper powder, paprika, lemon zest, or dried spices to enhance the flavor. Edamame Edamame is loaded with fiber and good fats that help control cholesterol levels. To prepare this snack, steam frozen edamame and sprinkle minimal salt for taste. You can also add dry herbs, curry powder, or a dash of lemon juice for more flavor.

5 natural treatment options for amyloidosis Those suffering from amyloidosis are impacted due to a build-up of excessive the protein amyloid. Amyloidosis can affect any of organ, including the heart, liver, kidneys, and spleen. If not treated immediately, amyloidosis can lead to organ failure. There is no known cure for this condition, but there are treatment options that control the spread of these abnormal proteins. One of the treatments is the administration of chemotherapy medication. In addition, patients can also use certain methods to naturally treat amyloidosis. Here are five natural ways in which patients can get relief from this disease and control their symptoms: Follow a light-to-moderate exercise regime Amyloidosis often takes away the motivation and physical drive required to exercise. Yet, movement is necessary to stay healthy and keep your joints and muscles in good shape. Strenuous gym sessions are never recommended, but you can opt for a light to moderate exercise pattern. Exercises that may help you include yoga, walking, jogging, or even weight training. Tai chi has also been proven to help relax the mind while working out the body. Practice meditation to de-stress. Patients suffering from amyloidosis often have a hard time following regular sleep patterns. Body ache may force them to take naps during the day which can leave them wide awake at night. This insomnia can then cause fatigue the following day. This is a vicious cycle indeed. Studies have shown that practicing meditation helps a great deal in fighting insomnia and stress that comes along with amyloidosis. Ask for prescription diuretics Amyloidosis often leads to fluid retention and swelling in the extremities. This can cause patients much discomfort. Prescription diuretics are known to be highly effective in dealing with curbing water retention in the body. Do check with your doctor for the diuretic pills that are best suited to your health needs, Eat a balanced diet Amyloidosis can upset the digestive tract and often make a patient lose their appetite.

5 common asthma triggers you should know about As per statistics, one out of every thirteen people suffers from asthma. If you are also one of them or are acquainted with somebody who is affected with asthma, here are some common asthma triggers you should know of. Knowing about the possible triggers can help you prevent serious incidents from taking place. Tobacco smoke As we all know, smoking tobacco is one of the most unhealthy habits to have. It is extremely harmful to everybody, especially those who have asthma. This not only harms the people smoking it but also those around them, especially if they have asthma. In fact, passive smoking is one of the most common asthma triggers that you should know about. For people who have asthma, staying away from places that have high exposure to secondhand smoke is highly advisable. Dust mites Dust mites are extremely tiny bugs which are found in nearly every home. For people with asthma, dust mites can be one of the biggest triggers. In order to prevent attacks due to dust mites, use clean mattress covers as well as pillow covers. Your sheets should be cleaned at least once a week and washed in hot water. In case, you have too many stuffed toys, decluttering your bedding often and dusting these would also be helpful. Cockroaches Although this is a lesser-known fact, cockroaches can be one of the biggest triggers for asthma attacks. Their droppings can cause major respiratory problems. To avoid this, call a professional to get rid of cockroaches in the house. You can also start by removing any exposed food and water sources as far as possible. Cockroaches are mainly found loitering in places where crumbs are left behind. Additionally, you should thoroughly vacuum the whole area and use gels or traps to get rid of cockroaches.

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.

Pets are sensitive to different allergies. Two types of allergies are common in pets – environment allergy and food allergy. Food allergies in pets are least common but it prevails in almost 10% of US households. The reasons for the allergies include- low immunity, bowel syndrome, genetic issues, allergen contents, among others. Symptoms of top food allergies in cats and dogs include licking of paws, chronic itching, diarrhea, bad gut, puking bile, rashes on the body, chronic gas, bad breath, blood in gums, and bumps all over the body. The root cause for food allergies to occur in pets is the unhealthy diet. How to test for food allergy? There is no proper test that holds perfect for your four-legged friends. There are blood and saliva tests but as of 2019, there are not enough studies to back it up. The best way is to test certain food items on your pets. If one of the foods is allergic it will reflect massively on their body. You can wait for three to four days based on the condition. If it the condition persists, you need to consult the vet immediately. Some pets are born with epi, liver malfunction, kidney issues, and heart problems which make the pet owners switch to a better diet that is good for their health and at the same time not allergic. This happens when a sudden switch of protein has happened. Reasons for the occurrence of food allergies in dogs and cats Unable to digest a certain protein Having a bad immunity due to which the body looks at protein as a harmful substance Ingredients like corn, soy, legumes being present in dry food Having processed foods every day due to which there’s loss of immunity Not having the protein based on body mass Pet owners not helping animals to strengthen their gut Associated food that causes food allergies in dogs and cats Chicken, beef, dairy, fish, and eggs Exposure to stale food Presence of plant-based like peas, legumes, and potato Gluten allergies like wheat, oats, and certain types of grains Kibble that is high in coloring and red meat Solutions to top food allergies in cats and dogs It is advised to contact a nutritionist for finding out top allergies in your dogs and cats.

As much as one would love to pamper their furry friends with treats and all the love in the world, it is essential to not spoil them. Treats can be great to break the monotony of a pet cat’s regular diet and can serve as a reward for good behavior or tricks learned. But how does one understand how many treats to give? Or if the treats are good for their cats? It is essential to pay special attention to the ingredients in the treats before selecting new brands. Consult a vet if unsure of anything and also double-check to understand the possibility of allergies and side-effects. Here are some of the very effective tips to treat cats without spoiling them, which every owner should learn for the better. Break the habit Just like humans, even cats can develop a habit of fancy treats. This results in their unwillingness to have regular food and become more dependant on artificial treats. Thus, owners should strategically plan to treat their cats only twice or thrice in a week. This helps in breaking the monotony and also does not let them develop a habit in the long run. Reward them with treats One of the best tips to treat cats without spoiling them is to reward them when they are obedient. Rewarding cats with fancy treats, whether it is homemade or packaged, helps them understand and differentiate between the good and the bad as well. For example, owners should treat the cats whenever they avoid scratching or chewing shoes or sofas or do not eat from other’s plates, etc. Learn when not to treat Pet owners should understand when not to treat their cats. The love for their beloved pets is completely understandable, but not at the cost of their disobedience. One should never treat the cats every time they sit to have their meals or snacks.

5 snacks that can help lower cholesterol levels People who struggle with high cholesterol levels tend to begin thinking more about everything they eat. Whether it’s a bowl of fruit or a delicious hamburger, they are left wondering how their choices will impact their numbers. While it is tempting to skip snacking altogether, a healthy snack can go a long way in maintaining metabolism as well as blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Changing the kinds of foods one eats can not only lower cholesterol levels but also improve fat levels through the bloodstream. Here are some great snacks that are extremely helpful in fighting cholesterol. Popcorn Popcorn can be low in calories when one eats a smart serving size and avoids the salt and butter. What’s more, it’s a whole grain full of fiber. Popcorn can be easily made at home by air popping it and adding some olive oil and a little bit of parmesan cheese or a few seasonings for some extra flavor. Using olive oil instead of butter helps lower the bad LDL cholesterol and increase the good HDL cholesterol. Nuts Peanuts, walnuts, almonds, etc. are great for the heart and are powerhouses of energy. Some studies have even demonstrated that nuts slightly lower the levels of bad LDL cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association, one should eat ¼ th of a cup of nuts every day for a healthy heart. Vegetables Vegetables are a great source of essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals, all of which go a long way in helping lower LDL cholesterol. While they might not be the first snack that one voluntarily reaches out for, vegetables are required by the body. Vegetable snacking is easier when you buy pre-cut vegetables or prep some vegetables for a weekly ration. Snacking is made easier when you can simply grab a handful of carrots or bell peppers and dip them in some delicious hummus.

The food we consume plays an important role in keeping our body fit and healthy. So including foods that are rich in nutrients should be included one’s diet. Healthy snack ideas that offer the perfect combination of fiber, protein, and fat are the right way to go about a perfectly healthy diet . A huge variety of processed snacks are available in the market which will help fill up your kids’ stomach but will not be healthy. Kids are fussy eaters, so it is very important to balance their diet by introducing foods offering a perfect balance of nutrients in the form of tasty snacks. Some snack ideas that offer the perfect combination of fiber, protein, and fat are discussed herein. Popcorn An absolute favorite among kids, popcorn has a lot of nutritional value as it is made of whole grain. Popcorn is rich in polyphenols, which is a great source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which helps in preventing the body from different types of diseases. A great source of fiber popcorn in keeping the bad cholesterol levels low. Nuts A handful of nuts consumed regularly helps in the growth and overall development of kids. Regular consumption of nuts also helps in regulating bowel movements, blood pressure and also helps in lowering bad cholesterol levels. Cheese Cheese makes an excellent snack for growing kids as it provides a great source of proteins, fats, and calcium. A variety of flavors are available to savor the taste buds. Intake of cheese helps in keeping the bones strong and healthy. Eggs A great source of protein, minerals, and vitamins, eggs make a perfect snack for kids. Eggs also contain amino acids that help in the growth of healthy hair and nails. There are various ways in which egg delicacies can be prepared and enjoyed by kids as snacks.

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.

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.

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.