Foods to eat and avoid for migraine

Foods to eat and avoid for migraine

Most times, headaches cause major discomfort in our regular activities which can lead to a lack of interest in completing tasks. Migraines are a severe form of headaches that causes intense pain that could last from a few hours to days on end. It can also affect other physical activities as well. Migraines are usually caused due to a lack of food and sleep; however, the exact cause of migraine is still unknown. Besides other treatment options, there are some foods that can help manage the condition effectively. Food habits to follow: Intake of vegetables and fruits Vegetables and fruits have many beneficial factors and help our body in many ways. Whole and natural foods that contain no artificial flavoring and preservatives keep us healthy and avoid conditions such as migraine. Different types of fruits and vegetables in any color can act as pain relief in case of migraine. However, it is important to avoid citrus fruits as it can trigger a migraine. Natural sweeteners such as vanilla extract and maple syrup can also be beneficial. Healthy fresh meat Always go for fresh meat and avoid processed meat. Fresh meat such as chicken, fish, or red meat are considered to be safe for those suffering from migraines. Red meat and salmon contain a good amount of vitamin B2 that helps in relieving migraine pain. Smoked and processed meat, however, contain a high amount of salt, preservatives, and artificial coloring that can trigger a migraine. Eat mini meals Hunger is one of the most common reasons for migraines. Eating three large meals can leave you hungry very often and lead to headaches. Eating foods in small portions during the day reduces hunger and helps eradicate migraine. Make sure you eat enough to stay active throughout the day. Drink lots of water Water has many benefits and helps our body in different ways.
Top six brain-boosting supplements

Top six brain-boosting supplements

People spend most of their time talking about their physical health without paying any heed to their brain health. What you need to understand is, the brain is also an essential aspect for your health. Without the right functioning of your brain, your life could literally become a living hell. Also, if you can somehow boost the power of your brain, then it could provide you miraculous results whether it is in the professional field or studies. Your brainpower starts to decline in your 20s. Therefore, many people turn to brain-boosting supplements to increase their declining brain power. Here, we discuss some of the best boosting supplements that you can use to enhance your brain power. Fish oils Fish oil supplements are one of the rich sources of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), and two types of omega-3 fatty acids. There many health benefits associated with these fatty acids and one of them is improving your brain health. DHA plays one of the most pivotal roles in the functioning of your brain and keeping it structured. EPA and other omega-3 fatty acids help to protect your brain from getting damaged. DHA supplements are regarded as one of the best brain-boosting supplements. It improves your memory, analyzing, and reaction skills. EPA, on the other hand, it also improves your mood. Fish oil contains both these fats. Thus, taking fish oil can enhance your brain power. Resveratrol Resveratrol is one such antioxidant that could help you to boost your brain power. Many believe that resveratrol is one of the best brain-boosting supplements. It is naturally found on the skin of the red and purple fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, and grapes. It is found that consuming supplement with resveratrol might prevent the decaying of the hippocampus or the integration section of your brain linked with your memory.
4 best lactose-free milk products to buy in 2021

4 best lactose-free milk products to buy in 2021

Milk has recently come under scrutiny for its high lactose content. The human body has no problem with lactose when young. However, as one gets older, lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose into simple sugars, decreases. This makes it difficult for the body to tolerate milk sugar. Therefore, lactose intolerance is a common problem. People that are lactose intolerant can go with lactose-free milk products, which contain lactase to help digestion. Many brands sell lactose-free milk, but here are the best of them. Westsoy unsweetened soymilk Certified by USDA Organic, a certificate granted to all organic agricultural products, Westsoy unsweetened soymilk is high in protein. It contains no nuts and gluten, and most importantly, is free of lactose. It is made from natural organic ingredients that are as good and healthy as the ingredients in regular milk. Also, it doesn’t contain additional ingredients like sweeteners or additives and is a good source of potassium as well as iron. So Delicious coconut milk With over 30 years of experience in dairy-free spaces, So Delicious sells frozen desserts, melty shreds, creamy yogurt alternatives, and smooth plant-based beverages and creamers. Its coconut milk is lactose-free, gluten-free, and contains no artificial flavors or colors, hydrogenated oil, and trans fat. It is certified vegan and is a great substitute for dairy milk. Silk almond milk This almond milk by Silk is low in fat but is a good source of calcium, making it great for the bones. It also doesn’t contain saturated fat, cholesterol, almonds, and fructose corn and is an excellent source of iron, potassium, and vitamin D, A, and E. It has a bit of vanilla flavor as well, providing 450 mg of calcium per cup serving, which is 50% more than regular dairy milk. Califia Farms oat milk This oat milk tastes delicious and feels just like dairy milk.
Top 6 foods to manage psoriatic arthritis symptoms

Top 6 foods to manage psoriatic arthritis symptoms

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects vital bone joints. There are no known causes of the condition, but doctors attribute the risk of psoriatic arthritis to several genetic predispositions, immunity, and environmental triggers. There is no cure for the condition yet, but healthy changes in food and lifestyle combined with certain treatment options can improve quality of life. Here are six foods that can help manage psoriatic arthritis in the long term. Fatty fish Fatty fish such as trout, sardines, mackerel, and salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids that possess potent anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown people consuming fatty fish showed decreased levels of specific inflammation-related markers, reduced morning stiffness, and joint pain intensity. Fatty fish are also rich in vitamin D, a nutrient that can help prevent symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. According to the AHA (American Heart Association), including a minimum of around two servings of fatty fish in one’s food helps fight against inflammation effectively. Garlic Garlic is loaded with inflammation fighting phytonutrients has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that go a long way in helping reduce the symptoms of arthritis and help strengthen the immune system. In addition, the potent herb can be helpful in lowering the risks of complications linked to psoriatic arthritis. Ginger Apart from the fact that it adds ample flavor to sweets, soups, and teas, ginger has also been shown to help ease the symptoms of different forms of arthritis including psoriatic arthritis. Studies are not conclusive about its potent effect, but ginger has shown to improve pain symptoms among those who consumed it to manage psoriatic arthritis flareups. Ginger and its active components help in blocking the production of substances that increase inflammation in the body. Ginger can be prepared in a dry powdered form of can be added fresh to foods and beverages to boost nutrient intake and manage flareups linked to psoriatic arthritis.
7 Easy and healthy snack ideas

7 Easy and healthy snack ideas

Millennials are all for quick fixes, and you cannot blame them as they need to be on par with their fast-paced life. Our tendency to opt for things that make our lives easier now includes foods as well; we would prefer heating the pan pizza for breakfast rather than take the efforts to make scrambled eggs. When the weigh scale shoots past one’s previous weight is when realization dawns upon them that there are no quick fixes to losing those extra pounds. Though you can conquer the three important meals of the day without giving in to any temptations, snack time is when your conviction is tested. It is always easier to buy processed food off the shelves of the supermarket rather than toiling in the kitchen to make the perfect healthy snack. No one said that making healthy food choices will be easy, so, instead of navigating your way to the ready-to-make snacks or potato chips to satisfy your hunger, you can try some easy healthy snack ideas that the Internet is rife with. Here are some of the easy healthy snack ideas that wouldn’t require you to spend hours in the kitchen and can satisfy your hunger pangs as well. Chia seed pudding Everyone loves pudding! However, it’s not the right choice if you wish to eat healthily and control your sweet tooth. So, instead of your regular pudding, you can treat yourself to chia seed pudding. The major ingredients used for concocting this delicious healthy snack are organic coconut milk and three tablespoons of organic chia seeds. All you to have to do is mix these ingredients in a mason jar and add cinnamon or honey as a sweetener. Allow this mixture to sit overnight, and relish it the next day. Hummus and veggies mason jar This is an extremely easy healthy snack idea and doesn’t require chef-like skills.
7 Healthy snack options for kids

7 Healthy snack options for kids

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 food regime. Healthy snack ideas that offer the perfect combination of fiber, protein, and fat are the right way to go about a perfectly healthy lifestyle . 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 food regime 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.
Diet and nutrition tips for managing epilepsy

Diet and nutrition tips for managing epilepsy

According to studies, diet can help improve seizure control in people who suffer from epileptic seizures. While these studies have been based on strict diets such as the Ketogenic diet, recent studies have shown that less restrictive diets such as the Low Glycemic Index diet and the modified Atkins diet can also be helpful in managing conditions such as epilepsy. When it comes to diet and dietary habits, they can be very hard to change, especially when a lot of changes are administered at the same time. Also, it is common for one to get all excited about a “new diet” in the beginning, but people tend to lose all that enthusiasm after a while. So, trying to make one change at a time is probably the best, sustainable way to start a diet, especially one that can help them manage certain conditions effectively. Eliminating simple sugars: The very first and important step for following a diet and nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy is to eliminate foods that contain high amounts and concentration of simple sugars. This type of carbohydrates have high glycemic indices, which leads to them being absorbed rapidly by the body. Once one has eliminated these sugary foods completely for more than just a few weeks, they could probably find that one no longer has the desire to eat them at all. One’s body will be more satisfied with the next step of the diet—whole, natural foods. Following a whole, natural foods diet: The step of following a wholesome, natural diet is a complex one that needs to be broken down into smaller, simpler-to-follow step. Healthy food items which have extremely little to no processing factor at all should be included in the diet. Foods that are minimally processed have a maximum of 3 ingredients. So, if one spies a food label listing with more than 3 ingredients, then they can be sure that that food item is processed.
Diet and nutrition tips to manage diabetes

Diet and nutrition tips to manage diabetes

The key to managing diabetes is to follow a healthy diet that can keep your blood sugar levels in control. What you eat in your meal has a direct effect on how much sugar your blood contains. So, making the right food choices is going to help you manage blood glucose levels better. At the same time, keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all diet for patients diagnosed with diabetes and you must consult your doctor before making major dietary changes. Your doctor will come up with a meal plan to tell you what you can eat for your main meals and snacks in between meals. The plan also contains details on how much of these foods you should have. A healthy diet for those with diabetes should typically have 40%-60% calories from carbs, 30% or less from fats, and 20% from proteins. How to make a diet plan to manage diabetes? The idea is to follow a diet plan which is low in sodium, cholesterol, and added sugar. You need to identify which foods cause your blood sugar levels to spike. It is not always the type of food that you consume, but the combination of foods that you eat, which can be harmful when you have diabetes. To begin with, you must know how to measure portions and count carbs as they have the most impact on blood glucose levels. Individuals who take insulin at mealtimes need to know the portion of carbs in their meals to make sure they get the right dose. Every meal must be well-balanced, with a good blend of carbs, fruits, veggies, fats, and proteins. Carbs like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are good for people with diabetes because they are fiber-rich and keep blood glucose levels stable. You must also adjust your diet and medicines.
Insulin pumps – 3 best devices to buy in 2021

Insulin pumps – 3 best devices to buy in 2021

An insulin pump is a computerized device mainly used by people suffering from diabetes. It mimics the functioning of the pancreas, which is an organ that breaks down sugar, fats, and starches into simpler substances. An insulin pump works by delivering small doses of short acting insulin continuously (basal rate). The device is also used to deliver variable amounts of insulin when a meal is consumed (known as bolus insulin). While the basal insulin rates in the pump are set up by your doctor, you can program the amount of bolus insulin directly on the pump. Most pumps also come with built-in bolus calculators to help you figure out how much insulin you need at mealtime based on your glucose levels and the amount of carbohydrates you are eating. With the basics covered, let us now look at the best insulin pumps in the market. Omnipod by Insulet It can be really hard to find a more cost-effective insulin pump than the Insulet Omnipod. It is small, compact, and can be programmed from a few feet away. It is completely watertight as well, so you don’t have to worry about getting it wet. The font size of the text on the screen is large, making it easy to operate by older people as well. Medtronic MiniMed 630G System Medtronic is known for manufacturing industry-leading products, and the MiniMed 630G Insulin Pump System is no different. It features an automatic basal shutoff and a high-resolution digital screen that makes it easy to read vital information. One can also receive information about carbs and insulin statistics on the screen. Animas Vibe Insulin Pump The Animas Vibe insulin pump is a commonly used product by diabetes patients. It is completely watertight, has a full-color screen, and features large texts to make it easy to read.
Effective natural remedies for urinary tract infection

Effective natural remedies for urinary tract infection

A urinary tract is made up of bladder, kidneys, ureters and the urethra. An infection in any part of this tract is known as a urinary tract infection (UTI). In most cases, the infection is caused by two types of bacteria: Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Escherichia coli. However, sometimes, it can also be caused by a virus or fungi. UTI is more common in women than in men. This is primarily because the urethra, which is the tube that carries the urine out of the bladder, is shorter in women, making it more likely for the bacteria to enter and reach the bladder easily. Common symptoms of UTI In UTI, people generally experience the following: A burning sensation while urinating Frequent urination Dark colored urine with a potent odor Pelvic pain A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying In the case of any symptoms, it is imperative to consult medical help. Usually, antibiotics are used to treat the infection. But, a natural home treatment option for UTI that can also help in alleviating the agonizing symptoms. In this article, we will look at some effective home remedies to naturally treat UTI. Natural cure of UTI Consuming plenty of fluids Low fluid intake and irregular urination have been linked to increased chances of UTI. When one is adequately hydrated, the person passes sufficient urine that helps in flushing out the bacteria to prevent infections. Therefore, staying hydrated is the key to preventing the occurrence of UTI. To meet the fluid needs, it is best to drink water throughout the day. As per general recommendations, women should consume 91 ounces of water every day and men should take 125 ounces, which also includes water content from food. Increasing the Intake of Vitamin C This is another simple home treatment for UTI to speed up the recovery process.
Here’s why probiotics are good for health

Here’s why probiotics are good for health

Probiotics or “friendly bacteria” are known to have health benefits if taken in the right proportion. These live microorganisms or probiotics are naturally present in the body. However, they can also be taken in the form of food or probiotic supplements. Fermented food is usually rich in probiotics. For good digestive health, it is important to maintain a balance of bacteria. One of the primary probiotics benefits of a balanced presence of probiotics is good digestion. This also positively impacts your overall health and well being. Probiotics balance the bacteria present in your gut and have a positive impact on your health. Probiotics benefits include good digestive health, loss of excess weight, a healthy immune system, and much more! Maintain Healthy Digestion with Probiotics Probiotics include and foster the growth of good bacteria in your digestive system. You should consume food that contains a fair amount of probiotics. It will help keep your gut healthy by restoring the natural balance of bacteria. These friendly live microorganisms come with the benefit of putting a check on the growth of bad bacteria. Probiotics do not let the harmful bacteria overpower the good bacteria. These bacteria help reverse the effects of illnesses and certain medicines. Probiotics benefits also include treating obesity and allergies. Probiotics are not known to have any side effects. Ensure a Balance of Probiotics to Treat Diarrhea The friendly bacteria present in your digestive system are widely known for treating diarrhea. One of the primary probiotics benefits is its ability to cure and reduce the severity of diarrhea. Diarrhea is often a side effect of taking antibiotics. Antibiotics may adversely affect the balance of bacteria in the digestive system. Ensuring the right proportion of probiotics in the gut reduces the risk of diarrhea induced by antibiotics. Moreover, probiotics are known for treating other kinds of diarrhea as well.
Causes, symptoms, and treatments of nasal polyps

Causes, symptoms, and treatments of nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are benign growths that cover the lining of the nose tissues and sinuses. A polyp is a bulging teardrop-shaped formation that blocks the nasal path, and it usually hangs from the nasal lining. Prolonged irritation of the sinus and inflammation of the lining can trigger the growth of these polyps, but the condition can be easily managed with medications. That said, a mild surgical procedure may be required in some cases to provide long-term relief. Read on for a brief overview of the condition. What causes nasal polyps to form? Inflammation, also referred to as chronic rhinosinusitis, is one of the primary triggers associated with this condition. Inflammation may be deemed chronic if it persists for over 12 weeks. Also, an abnormal response of the immune system and resulting problems in the mucus membrane can trigger the growth of nasal polyps. That said, the direct cause is unknown. What are the noticeable symptoms of nasal polyps? A person may initially experience difficulty breathing and struggle with a reduced sense of smell. Due to the blockage, a sensation of nasal congestion always exists, along with pressure in the forehead or face. Stuffiness can also result in excess mucus running back down the throat, a symptom that is medically referred to as postnasal drip. Congestion forces a person to breathe heavily through the mouth, and the stuffiness can result in the development of sleep apnea. Cough, itching around the eyes, facial pain, and headaches are also common indicators of nasal polyps, especially if a sinus infection accompanies these symptoms. What are the various treatment options for nasal polyps? The condition can be treated with Over-The-Counter (OTC) or prescription medications and surgery in severe cases. Medications Most OTC and prescription medications provide relief from the inflammation and relieve congestion to enable patients to breathe more freely.