Top Foods that Cause Acid Reflux
Diets & Meal Plans

Top Foods that Cause Acid Reflux

If you suffer from a burning sensation or acute discomfort that travels up from your stomach into your chest and the regurgitation of food that you recently ate along with a sharp and sour taste of acid, these symptoms are native to acid reflux. While the occasional experience of acid reflux need not worry you, if it becomes regular, more intense, and disturbs your sleep, you must visit your doctor. Food that enters the stomach is retained by means of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a muscular ring, and it must close immediately as it may become weak or damaged. If it doesn’t close fully or remains open too often, it causes digestive acids to move up into the food pipe or esophagus. This causes the typical symptoms of heartburn, sour taste in the mouth, regurgitation, dyspepsia or burning sensation in the stomach, nausea, upset stomach, bloated feeling, difficulty swallowing, burping, dry cough, and a sore throat. Sometimes, the symptoms are so severe that they can be mistaken for a heart attack. If symptoms persist and are left untreated, you can develop gastroesophageal reflux disease. Relationship Between Food and Acid Reflux Your diet has a significant impact on acid reflux. Foods that are acidic in nature contribute to the increase of acids in the stomach and there are more chances of these causing reflux through a weak or damaged LES. There are many such trigger foods, and along with the medication, exercise and lifestyle changes that your doctor recommends, avoiding such foods can help you manage and eliminate your symptoms. Eating heavy meals close to bedtime and lying down immediately after a meal can trigger an attack. Being obese or pregnant, bending over after a meal, snacking close to bedtime, smoking, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen and muscle relaxants, certain antibiotics, and blood-pressure medications can set off acid reflux symptoms.
Basics of a Hypothyroidism Diet
Diets & Meal Plans

Basics of a Hypothyroidism Diet

Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the levels of thyroid in the body decreases. There are two thyroid hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine. You can face a lot of problems when the levels of either thyroid hormones are low. When this happens, a change in diet alone might not be enough. However, avoiding and eating certain foods as a part of your regular meals can improve the absorption of these hormones by the body. It is important to eat the right food as it impacts your health directly. Foods have the basic nutrients and minerals that keep the body working. It is the fuel that plays a big impact on how the body functions. The wrong foods can make the situation a lot worse. Nutrition-rich foods have health benefits that can treat thyroid. Foods to Include in a Hyperthyroidism Diet Selenium High amounts of selenium can be found in Brazilian nuts, sunflower seeds, and several other foods. It is required for the enzymes to check if the thyroid hormones are functioning properly. Tyrosine These are amino acids that the thyroid glands need to produce the T4 and T3 hormones. You can find plenty of amino acids in foods like dairy products, meats, and legumes. You can also take supplements for the same. However, it is best to consult a doctor before you do so. Antioxidant-rich Fruits and Vegetables One of the first signs of hyperthyroidism is weight gain. A healthy hyperthyroidism diet will have high-density foods that are also low in calories. Fruits and vegetables are a vital part of this diet. They also help in balancing the weight. You need to consume adequate amounts of these fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Tomatoes, blueberries, bell peppers, and several other foods are rich in antioxidants. They can improve the condition of the thyroid gland and are also good for health.
Here’s How You Can Lower Your A1C Levels
Diets & Meal Plans

Here’s How You Can Lower Your A1C Levels

A1C level is a measurement used to indicate your blood sugar levels. It is vital to have your blood tested regularly to determine your A1C levels and check if you have diabetes. Even if you don’t have diabetes, you should try to keep your blood sugar levels in control. What is A1C level? When sugar enters the bloodstream, it attaches itself to a protein called hemoglobin that is present in your red blood cells. This sugar-bound protein is known as glycated hemoglobin. The higher the amount of such hemoglobin in your blood, the higher your blood sugar levels will be. A1C tests are conducted to gauge your blood sugar levels over the past three months, to get an idea of your sugar level fluctuations. Hemoglobin cells live for about three to four months, so A1C levels give a good picture of your glucose level in the bloodstream for that period. What is the optimal A1C level? A1C levels are referred to in percentages. For a nondiabetic patient, the A1C level should preferably be less than 5.7%. Anything between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes. An A1C level of 6.5% and above means that the patient has diabetes. For a person with diabetes, the target is to bring the A1C level below 7%. With lower A1C levels, one can keep a check on the progression of diabetes as well as its associated complications in control. Eye diseases, kidney, nerve, and cardiovascular diseases are the risks associated with diabetes. By putting in some effort to manage your blood sugar level, you can reduce the risk of diabetes. Monitoring and managing blood sugar levels One needs to get their A1C tests tested every three months to accurately track their blood glucose levels. Follow the doctor’s prescriptions and instructions carefully. Be active and exercise for at least 30 minutes each day, to lower your A1C levels.
Tips to Design the Best Diet for Fibromyalgia
Diets & Meal Plans

Tips to Design the Best Diet for Fibromyalgia

The best diet for fibromyalgia usually contains foods that exclude dietary excitotoxins. They may be present in food additives or preservatives which are used in artificial sweeteners, processed foods as well as canned food. Avoiding these foods in your diet reduces the occurrence of fibromyalgia. How to choose the best diet for fibromyalgia To craft the best diet for fibromyalgia, one needs to determine the impact of dietary excitotoxins. Neurons in the brain get excited when one consumes chemicals like dietary excitotoxins, and excessive consumption could prove fatal. Food additives for making food sweeter or more flavorful are the most common types of dietary excitotoxins. Eradicating excitotoxins from the diet would be one of the most radical ways of reducing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Here are some tips that will help you design the best diet for fibromyalgia: Avoid foods with added glutamate: A neurotransmitter, glutamate, is a chemical used by nerve cells to transmit signals to other cells. It is included in some foods as well. Sometimes, it is used to enhance the flavor of food. A common type of glutamate, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is found in some diets, and one should avoid the foods which use this additive at all costs. Monosodium glutamate is found in ingredients with hydrolyzed protein concentrate, autolyzed, or protein isolate. Monosodium glutamate is often used in Chinese foods, certain types of chips or snacks which are crunchy, canned vegetables and soups as well as processed meats. So, avoid buying foods if you see MSG on the ingredients lists or if they have a high glutamate content. Whole foods, not processed foods: When it comes to natural nutrients, whole foods are far better than processed foods like white pasta, white flour, or white rice. Processed foods contain more additives and fewer nutrients. If you need carbohydrates, then you should have whole grains such as quinoa, whole wheat berries, brown rice, whole wheat berries, sweet or plain potatoes.
Nutritious Diet for a Healthy Gallbladder
Diets & Meal Plans

Nutritious Diet for a Healthy Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located below the liver. It collects and stores bile, which is produced by the liver and releases it into the small intestine to aid the process of digestion. Majority of people seldom give a thought to the health of their gallbladder. Although unlike the liver, heart and the kidneys, the gallbladder isn’t really necessary for maintaining body health and proper functioning, yet it is an important body organ. There are varieties of foods that keep the gallbladder healthy while there are some that increase the likelihood of problems like gallstones or inflammation. These problems can trigger agonizing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating and abdominal pain. Such a scenario often leads to surgery, where the gallbladder is removed. Therefore, it is important to consume a healthy gallbladder diet to promote good health and keep problems at bay. Although diet doesn’t have a direct impact on gallbladder problems, watching what one eats and maintaining a healthy body weight can help to prevent the formation of gallstones and consequently, avoid the discomfort they cause. Diet and gallstone risk Diets that are high in fat and cholesterol and low in fiber are more likely to result in gallstones. Also, the risk of gallstones is much higher in people who are overweight and obese. If one is overweight and wishes to lose the extra pounds, then it should be done gradually. Following crash diets can also cause the liver to release more cholesterol into the bile, upsetting the normal balance of bile salts and cholesterol. This extra cholesterol can form crystals, leading to gallstones. Diet for a healthy gallbladder A healthy gallbladder diet is full of fruits and vegetables. Both are extremely rich sources of nutrients and fiber, the latter of which is essential to promote gallbladder health.
5 Best High-Protein Breakfast Ideas
Diets & Meal Plans

5 Best High-Protein Breakfast Ideas

A balanced morning meal is highly essential and is also a great way to kick start and plan the day ahead. Research suggests that meals comprising of proteins can help you with satiety and even secure a toned body. Proteins are not meant only for bodybuilders anymore. For starters, there are several benefits of breakfast meals balanced with protein-rich foods. During its digestion, it breaks into different amino acids that trigger the increase in the levels of the gut hormone known as peptide YY. This hormone sends signals to your brain that you have eaten your fill. Moreover, protein slows down the rate of carbohydrate absorption, which in turn will help you to keep a check on your blood sugar level and will help you maintain your weight. So, it means that a protein-packed breakfast can keep you healthy and full until your lunch time. That’s why we have come up with different types of high-protein breakfast ideas, which are tasty as well as healthy. Yogurt-berry parfait You can opt for a 6-ounce non-fat yogurt, which contains 6 grams more protein than normal Greek yogurt as a morning snack to start your day. You can make it healthier by adding natural sweeteners like berries. You can also sprinkle seeds and nuts to increase the protein content further. Adding fiber-rich cereals is also a good idea. To make a yogurt-berry parfait, combine 6-7 ounces of nonfat yogurt with half a cup of berries and half an ounce of chopped walnuts. You can use cinnamon powder and honey to top the parfait. This yogurt-berry parfait can be one of the best high-protein breakfast ideas that will give you a protein punch of about 24-27 grams. Black bean southwest omelet Eggs are good sources of protein. When mixed with black beans, they make for a breakfast that has a high protein and fiber content and will be delicious and satisfying.
Best Vitamins for a Healthy Heart
Diets & Meal Plans

Best Vitamins for a Healthy Heart

Supplements and vitamins can help your muscles, bones, and many other body parts. According to many medical study reports, some of the vitamins and supplements may help in improving the blood pressure, lowering the cholesterol level along with maintaining other things that can put your heart at risk. Here is a list of some of the best vitamins for a healthy heart and some supplements. Even though it is unclear whether these vitamins or food supplements help in preventing strokes, heart attacks, and other heart-related diseases or not, but still it is sure that these help in maintaining a healthy heart. Read on and try to add these vitamins, nutrients, and supplements to your daily diet to maximize the heart health. Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) This is one of the best vitamins for a healthy heart, which you can add to your diet chart. It helps in regulating the homocysteine in the bloodstream. This homocysteine is an amino acid that is associated with the possible risks of causing blood clots. Broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and lentils are great natural resources of vitamin b9. Vitamin D Many medical research reports have reflected the fact that deficiency of vitamin D can lead to higher chances of heart-related problems. Hence, getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D is necessary to stay healthy. Your body produces this one of the best heart health vitamins. If you are in the sunlight, the production rate of vitamin D increases. However, being in the sunlight for a long time can cause other health issues as well. Vitamin D helps in regulating blood pressure. Aging, obesity, and getting lesser exposure to the sunlight can cause a deficiency of this vitamin. Coenzyme Q10 Well, technically, this is an enzyme. It not only helps in keeping a better heart health but also helps in lowering the cardiac failure signs and symptoms as per many medical study reports.
Best Nutritious Supplements to Keep the Brain Active
Diets & Meal Plans

Best Nutritious Supplements to Keep the Brain Active

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.
11 Foods that Trigger Diverticulitis
Diets & Meal Plans

11 Foods that Trigger Diverticulitis

The formation of small pouches along the intestinal walls is called diverticulosis. When these small pouches are inflamed or infected, it could cause several problems. As far as diverticulitis is concerned, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest what its exact cause is. However, the symptoms of diverticulitis are well known, and it is necessary to identify the foods that trigger diverticulitis. Foods that trigger diverticulitis Here are some food items that trigger diverticulitis, and one should avoid them at all costs. Spicy foods Eating spicy foods may cause discomfort. Chinese or Indian food, as well as red chilies, may worsen your digestive problems. You could exhibit signs like vomiting, diarrhea or other complications due to an inflammation of the digestive system. Broccoli If you have diverticulitis, broccoli could be a problem for you. Broccoli causes flatulence and discomfort in the lower abdomen. Though broccoli usually smoothens the bowel movements, in some cases, it could lead to hardening of the stools. Cabbage You could experience flatulence while eating cabbage if you are suffering from diverticulitis. As the body breaks down the cabbage, it could lead to gut inflammation. Thus, you tend to belch or release gas, and this could be embarrassing if you are in a formal setting. Corn Complications with digestion occur in people suffering from diverticulitis. Along with fiber, corn contains a high amount of sugar. If you enjoy it, then you should limit the amount that you consume. You could try processed cream corn as it has a lower concentration of sugar and fiber. It is the combination of both sugar and fiber in corn-based foods that trigger diverticulitis. Dairy products Diverticulitis compromises the efficiency of your digestive system, and though you might not have lactose intolerance, you could end up with flatulence and gas. Diarrhea could be one of the side effects as well.
Treat Gout Effectively with Apple Cider Vinegar and Cherry Juice
Diets & Meal Plans

Treat Gout Effectively with Apple Cider Vinegar and Cherry Juice

Apple cider vinegar is known to have been used for many purposes since ancient times. Fermentation of the cider of apples obtained by crushing and pressing apples gives you apple cider vinegar. Known to be used in a variety of ways, from cooking to heart health to losing weight, apple cider vinegar is very useful. Most of all, apple cider vinegar for gout is one of the most well-known uses of apple cider vinegar A Brief Understanding of Gout Gout is a form of arthritis that can afflict anyone. Most typical symptoms of gout would include pain in the joints; mostly, the joint that connects at the base of your big toe. These are sudden attacks of pain, accompanied by incidences of swelling and redness around your joints. You are most likely to experience severe bouts of pain in your joints like wrists and knees. You are also likely to experience pain in certain other parts of your body, such as the ankles, elbows, fingers. This pain can last from 4 hours to as long as 12 hours. Such episodes of pain often result in a lingering effect of discomfort. After a point of time, you may also experience problems in moving your joints normally. Apple Cider Vinegar for Gout Although your doctor may prescribe you with medications to help deal with the problems associated with gout, most of these come with their own side effects. Apple cider vinegar for gout in this sense is a good alternative medicine that can help you deal with the symptoms of gout without having to deal with any side effects. Gout occurs as a result of the problem of increased levels of uric acid in your blood. When there are increased levels of uric acid in your blood, it tends to crystallize and then it starts causing pain in your joints due to accumulation.