The American Cancer Society estimates that over 13,240 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer and of these 4,170 women have died. Eating various vegetables and fruits will protect you from cervical cancer. This cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). A diet that is high in folate, flavonoids, carotenoids, and antioxidants helps fight the HPV infection and also prevents this infection from turning the cells into lesions that are cancerous. Research has proved that a plant-based diet, which is a mix of vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and beans, is the best to fight cervical cancer. To prevent the onset of cervical cancer, you’ll have to find ways to include all these food types in your diet. You can follow this basic pattern for your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast: You can eat granola, yogurt, cantaloupe, and orange juice. Lunch: You can add zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, and red peppers in your vegetable cheese toast sandwich. Dinner: Diced tomatoes, chicken, black beans, spinach, whole wheat pasta, and grapefruit can be added in your tossed romaine salad. Flavonoids are chemical compounds that are found in fruits and vegetables. One can add foods rich in flavonoids to their diets. These include lettuce, garlic, spinach, soy, onions, lima beans, cranberries, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, black beans, asparagus, and apples. Folate is a B vitamin that is soluble in water. Foods that have folate are strawberries, romaine lettuce, orange juice, lentils, cereals and breads, chickpeas, and avocados. Apart from folate, carotenoids are also highly beneficial in managing symptoms of cervical cancer. Carotenoids are a source of Vitamin A and are found in winter squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, and beans. Diet is just part of the solution for avoiding risk of cervical cancer. A healthy lifestyle helps to reduce the risk of cervical cancer and requires getting vaccinated for HPV, getting pap smears, not smoking, and being monogamous.

Depression is a medical illness wherein a person’s moods, thoughts, actions, and emotions are adversely impacted by factors such as one’s biochemistry, genetics, personality, and environmental factors. It is a treatable disorder, but the stigma surrounding it has made most people hesitate to reach out for help. Once diagnosed, the individual can opt for medication and therapy as forms of treatment. Additionally, lifestyle and dietary changes go a long way in helping manage the condition. Food plays a huge role in the way one feels about the day. It affects one’s moods, energy levels, and enthusiasm. A diet deficient in any nutrient is likely to leave one feeling weak, but a healthy, well-balanced diet can be a useful method of treatment for most diseases. There is no such diet that can relieve a person from depression. However, there are certain diet plans or types of food that can definitely help a person deal with the symptoms of depression in a better way. The overall health of a person is also improved with a healthy diet. Given below are foods that must be had, or avoided, to help boost mental health and fight depression. Molecules called free radicals are produced by the body normally, but these can damage the cells, lead to aging, as well as other problems. To be able to reduce the destructive impact of these molecules, one is advised to consume foods high in antioxidants. Sweet potato, broccoli, cantaloupe, apricots, spinach, carrots, pumpkin, peaches, and collards contain beta carotene. Examples of rich sources of vitamin C include tomatoes, blueberries, peppers, potatoes, kiwi, broccoli, strawberries, oranges, and grapefruits, while seeds and nuts, wheat germ, margarine, and vegetable oils contain vitamin E. It is recommended to choose the kind of carbs consumed wisely, as the nutrient is linked to the mood-boosting brain chemical, serotonin.

Arthritis is a medical condition where the musculoskeletal system, especially the joints where two or more bones meet, causing inflammation in the joints accompanied by pain, swelling, stiffness. There are various forms of arthritis- like bacterial, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, to name a few. Family history, obesity, immune system disorder, injury in the joints are some of the causes of developing arthritis. Treatment of arthritis depends on the type of arthritis one is suffering from. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating healthy foods can help in preventing or easing the symptoms of arthritis. The following food items will help manage the symptoms of arthritis. Foods rich in Omega 3 Fatty fish like mackerel, salmon, and sardines contain anti-inflammatory properties which help in easing the symptoms of arthritis. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 helps in keeping the bones and muscles strong and is also good for a healthy heart and brain. It also helps in reducing the discomfort caused in the joints, especially weight-bearing joints like hips, knees, and feet. Intake of omega-3 also helps in improving flexibility and quick recovery from arthritis. Omega-3 supplements in the form of capsules are also available. Garlic Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, garlic is a great source to ease the symptoms of arthritis. Garlic not only adds taste to the food but also helps in lowering the pain caused due to arthritis because of the properties present in garlic. Not only does garlic helps in easing the symptoms of arthritis but it also contains properties which help in fighting cancer cells, strengthening the immune system and lowering the risk of heart diseases. Garlic can be consumed raw or can be added to food while cooking. Broccoli An important source of carotenoids, fiber and vitamin C, present in broccoli helps in easing the symptoms of arthritis.

Bipolar disorder is a mental condition wherein a person experiences extreme mood swings. A person’s feelings may go from extremely good to really low in life. Due to the extreme range of symptoms, it often gets tough to diagnose bipolar disorder. There is no cure for it, but the symptoms can be controlled with medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes. Diet is a major contributing factor to this deadly mental disorder. Certain foods can affect your mood majorly while others can have calming effects. Here are some foods to avoid if you have bipolar disorder. One should remember that it is vital to take a holistic approach and focus on diet as well as other forms of medication and treatment. Some foods to avoid if you have bipolar disorder include: Grapefruit – It has been seen in many cases that some bipolar medicines, particularly anticonvulsants, do not interact appropriately with grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Thus, it is one of the foods to avoid if you have bipolar disorder. Caffeine – Caffeine in any form is known to irritate people and make them restless. It could also cause sleeplessness and nervousness. It is also known to suppress hunger. Thus, caffeine intake should be minimized, and the person should be slowly weaned off it. If you suddenly eliminate it from the diet, it could alleviate symptoms, so do it gradually. Any kind of addiction or dependency is damaging in this condition. Thus, it is most certainly one of the foods to avoid if you have bipolar disorder. High-fat foods – Any food with a lot of fat content in it will take time to digest and can add to the lethargy levels already prevalent in bipolar patients. Also, fatty foods make it tough for bipolar medications to get absorbed in the body, thereby inhibiting their benefit.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) refers to a problem that restricts the flow of air, leading to breathing problems. COPD is caused mainly due to smoking. The other causes of COPD include inhalation of gases, passive smoking, or exposure to pollution. COPD can be classified into three types. The common signs shown by people suffering from COPD are frequent lung infections, cough, and shortness of breath. Although COPD is not curable, it is preventable. Quitting the habit of smoking is the best way one can get relief of COPD. Other options include maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating some energy-boosting foods that help lower the symptoms of COPD. Some energy-boosting foods which should be included for people suffering from COPD include: Whole grains Whole grains like millet, quinoa, and barley are a great source of energy-boosting foods for people with COPD. These grains are rich in vitamins, fiber, protein, and carbohydrates. Moreover, they do not have a high-calorie count. The carbohydrates present in whole grains help boost energy as they do not contain refined carbohydrates; these also provide a filling meal . Consuming whole grain foods help improve the digestion process and maintain a healthy weight. Fresh fruits and vegetables A healthy diet should include a good combination of fresh fruits and vegetables as it provides a lot of nutritional value. It is necessary to include fresh fruits and vegetables, especially if you have COPD, as it will help improve the symptoms. These are high fiber foods that possess antioxidant properties and help boost energy levels. Nuts Full of healthy proteins and unsaturated fats, nuts are perfect to boost energy for those suffering from COPD. Rich in calories, an intake of a handful of nuts helps to prevent COPD-related weight loss issues. Nuts are also rich in fiber and are a great source of vitamin E.

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease is a health condition that occurs when the stomach contents flow upwards or reflux into the esophagus, thereby irritating it. GERD or acid reflux happens due to the weakening of muscles at the end of the esophagus. A person suffering from GERD might feel a burning sensation in the chest or throat, which is usually referred to as heartburn. They also feel the taste of stomach acid in the back of their mouth. Other symptoms that might be associated with this health condition include dry cough, difficulty in swallowing, and asthma. GERD can affect anyone, even infants and children. If not treated in due time, the symptoms can worsen and result in the narrowing of the esophagus, esophageal ulcer, and even precancerous esophagus. Hence, apart from making lifestyle and dietary changes, GERD symptoms need to be treated with specific medications. Some medications are mentioned below: Nexium (Esomeprazole) Nexium or Esomeprazole is used for certain GERD symptoms such as ulcers and inflammation in the esophagus. It also helps in treating bacteria. Esomeprazole helps in preventing ulcers due to consuming NSAIDs. It is also more effective in controlling the amount of acid produced in the stomach compared to other proton pump inhibitors. The average retail price of the Esomeprazole is around $285, but GoodRx offers the same at $12.21, which is almost a 95% discount. And with GoodRx Gold , Esomeprazole can be bought at $10.61. Prevacid (Lansoprazole) This medicine is available in the form of a capsule and is used for treating GERD symptoms, heartburn, and gastric and duodenal ulcer. It works similarly to proton pump inhibitors by reducing the acid level in the stomach. There are dosage levels of Lansoprazole. GoodRx offers 30mg Lansoprazole capsules at the lowest price of $10.36, which is a 90% discount on its original price.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or IPF is a chronic lung condition where a patient experiences difficulty breathing due to scarred and strained lungs. The condition is generally seen in people aged 70 years or above. The exact cause of IPF is not known. However, there are measures that can be taken to manage the condition and lifestyle. While some foods help manage the condition and control its symptoms, there are foods that result in exacerbated symptoms. This article talks about the foods that are better avoided with IPF. Dairy Dairy is one of the food groups that should be consumed in small portions. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients must try to avoid it completely. Milk and other milk products can lead to increased phlegm and mucus production in the body. This can, in turn, contribute to difficulty in breathing for the patients. It can also lead to increased coughing and wheezing, exerting excessive pressure on the lungs. Daily consumption of dairy products like ice cream and butter should be avoided at all costs. Dairy alternatives like soy milk, tofu, almond milk, and other plant milk products can be used. Processed meat Processed meats have long been condemned for their potential to cause harm to an individual’s health. Foods like salami, sausages, and other cured meat are harmful to individuals for health concerns. These foods often contain added salts and preservatives like nitrates to increase the shelf life of the meat and make its color appear more appealing. The excess amount of salt in processed foods leads to water retention that can cause patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis to experience difficulty breathing. It is advisable to opt for nitrate-free options or avoid deli-meats in its entirety to avoid complications that arise from these foods. Sodas Sodas or other foods with added sugars are best avoided for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Arthritis, a disease that affects your bones and joints, is characterized by inflammation and pain that can worsen with age. It is a very common condition. Although the effects of this condition can be reduced, it can never get completely cured. Foods like fish, nuts, and vegetables help prevent arthritis. However, some foods can cause inflammation and trigger the many symptoms of arthritis. There are many foods that you should avoid if you’re suffering from arthritis. Some of these include: AGEs Advanced Glycogen End (AGE) is a toxic substance that is formed when food is grilled, fried, or heated up in any form. This substance can cause damage to the proteins in your body. To fight this damage, your body releases cytokines, an inflammatory substance, which could trigger arthritis. Sugar High amounts of sugar in your food could also contribute to the development of AGEs. It is best to reduce the intake of candies, sodas, and other items that are rich in sugar. Dairy The protein found in dairy products is harmful to some people with arthritis, as it irritates the joints. If dairy products disturb your health, it is recommended you shift to vegan products which do not contain this protein. However, some studies have shown that milk has anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, you should only stop dairy if your body reacts negatively. Alcohol Alcohol leads to several health issues, one of them being arthritis. Drinking can increase the chances of you developing gout as well. Avoid alcohol as much as possible and concentrate on a healthier lifestyle to keep your joints free from irritation and stiffness. Tobacco Tobacco is a major culprit when it comes to health issues. Along with other major diseases, tobacco can also trigger inflammation that causes arthritis. The most common form of arthritis caused by tobacco is rheumatoid arthritis.

Lung cancer is a common form of cancer all over the world. The death rate due to lung cancer is considerably high. Most forms of cancer are caused due to quick and changing lifestyles, bad dietary habits, and heredity. Once a person is affected by cancer, he or she has to undergo painful and uncomfortable treatment. However, you can prevent getting cancer if certain food items are avoided. The food items to be avoided in order to prevent lung cancer include: Processed meat Studies have proven that processed meat is related to poor lung function. This type of meat is processed using various artificial flavors like color fixatives, preservatives, taste improvers, antimicrobial agents, and added nitrates. These added flavors and chemicals increase chances of inflammation in lung tissues and airways, which leads to cell damage in the lungs. Meat is an important source of protein, however, there should be a healthy limitation to the quantity consumed, along with proper intake of fresh fruits and vegetables — this can lower the risk of cancer. Red meat High intake of red meat increases the chances of lung cancer. Red meat needs to be cooked well before consuming. It needs to be well-done and reheated until it is steaming hot before being served or consumed. Fat Consuming high amounts of fatty foods increases the cholesterol level in our body, which leads to a higher risk of lung cancer. Chain smokers already face cancer risk, which increases when these fats are consumed in larger amounts. Coffee Increased intake of caffeine leads to higher chances of getting lung cancer. Consuming more than two cups a day affects the lung airway, which leads to a deficiency in oxygen that damages lung cells. Unpasteurized food and products Any food product in its raw form is a habitat to several infectious viruses and bacteria.

It’s no news that tobacco use is harmful to our body, and that quitting this habit is no joy ride. In 2017, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated of 34.3 million adults were smokers in the country. The addiction is such that it becomes an involuntary habit and part of the lifestyle. While the health risks of smoking are well known, quitting this habit needs more determination and will than anticipated. Herein, we look at some ways to follow through the decision to quit this addiction. Nicotine replacement therapy The nicotine in tobacco is what keeps the addiction alive in consumers. It has the tendency to make one physically dependent; hence, a cut-off from it altogether can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms. Once you start on your journey to quit smoking, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) acts as your crutch to keep you steady on this road. NRT gives you nicotine in the form of gum, patches, sprays, inhalers or lozenges that can take care of the body’s physical craving for it. One can start using NRT as soon as they quit smoking. Apart from this, there is a need to have some other psychological therapies that will help one fight the urge to pick up a cigarette. Joining a support group Consider behavioral therapy that will help one stay on this journey. Smoking tobacco becomes not just a physical dependence but an emotional one too, and it’s important that one addresses this process in a holistic manner. Geting professional help from a counselor, joining a support group, speaking to family and friends, and reading some self-help books are few methods one try to kick the habit. It is often advised that a mix of NRT and behavioral therapy can be the route of quitting smoking. Non-nicotine pills Apart from NRTs, there are some pills which do not have nicotine in them but help in curbing the nicotine craving in the body.

Glucose in the body helps in maintaining optimum energy levels and is also the brain’s main source of fuel, but it all comes down to how the glucose in the body is utilized. Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases affecting how the blood sugar (glucose) is used by the body. Based on a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 100 million people in our country are suffering from diabetes or prediabetes. Irrespective of the cause of diabetes, it can cause excess sugar in the blood, leading to several other complications. Apart from medical treatment, dietary changes also play a crucial role in controlling blood sugar levels. Here are some foods that can help in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels in the body: Leafy greens Green vegetables like kale, collard greens, spinach, cabbage, beet greens, and watercress are high in nutrients and low in calories. Leafy greens are low in digestible carbohydrates, which helps in maintaining low blood sugar levels. Other antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin in greens also help in maintaining a healthy immune system. These antioxidants also protect the eyes from cataract and macular degeneration, which may be complications of diabetes. Cinnamon Known as a delicious spice, cinnamon is also known for its potent antioxidant properties, which can help improve insulin sensitivity. It has also been found recently that cinnamon can lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, but several dietitians also suggest limiting the intake of cassia cinnamon (most commonly available) to less than 1 teaspoon a day to avoid other health issues. Fatty fish It is one of the healthiest foods to fight diabetes. Mackerel, sardines, herring, and salmon are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which help maintain blood glucose levels. The fatty acids also protect the cells lining the blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and improve how arteries work after eating food.

Constipation is the infrequent bowel movement and is generally described as having less than three bowel moments in a week. This condition can last for several weeks or longer. It is one of the most common health conditions that people in the country suffer on a daily basis. It is estimated that around 20% of people in the country suffer from constipation. Chronic constipation can result in unpleasant symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and experiencing pain while passing stools. These symptoms can also have a negative effect on the quality of life in the long run. Having said that, it is easy to treat constipation with some simple home remedies, some of which are mentioned below: Stay hydrated Drinking less than required water can result in constipation. Dehydration is one of the major reasons why people suffer from constipation. So, it is highly recommended to drink at least two liters of water to avoid symptoms of dehydration. Apart from treating idiopathic constipation, water can also help in relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. However, avoid drinking carbonated water like flavored soda as it can worsen the symptoms of constipation. Caffeinated drinks Coffee stimulates the muscles in the digestive system which can stimulate bowel movement. Some studies suggest that coffee is at least 60 percent more effective than drinking water. Coffee also contains a small amount of soluble fibers, which can prevent constipation by improving the balance of gut bacteria. Eat more fiber Increasing fiber in the daily diet also increases the bulk in the consistency of the bowel movements, which makes it easier to pass. A recent study has revealed that more than 70 percent of individuals with chronic constipation benefit from including soluble fiber in their daily diet. Insoluble fibers such as whole grains, vegetables, and wheat bran add bulk to the stools helping them pass more quickly.