Essential Things to Know about the Paleo Diet
Diets & Meal Plans

Essential Things to Know about the Paleo Diet

The paleo diet meals are different from a regular diet and are very similar to the diet followed by our hunter-gatherer ancestors from the Paleolithic era. The diet includes unprocessed and whole foods and it offers numerous health benefits. The paleo diet has gained immense popularity nowadays, and recent studies have revealed that this diet is highly effective for weight loss and one can avail multiple health benefits. Planning a paleo diet There are many people who rely on this diet to avail amazing health benefits, but before practicing it, you should remember that it is just a general guide and you can alter it according to your personal preferences and requirements. However, it would be beneficial to consult a dietician before making the final choices for your paleo diet. Foods you can include in a paleo diet If you are willing to practice this diet, you can consider including foods like egg, fish, vegetables, meat, nuts, and fruits. Certain spices, herbs, healthy fats, and oil as play an important role, making it imperative for you to include them on a regular basis. Unprocessed foods are the primary source of your strength and nutrients, and if you are thinking of adopting the paleo diet, then eating unprocessed foods is essential. You can consider including the following items in your paleo diet plan to avail the benefits. Meats are essential, and it is recommended to consume chicken, lamb, and pork and various fishes like haddock, salmon, shellfish, shrimp, trout. Omega-3 enriched foods are highly recommended to be included in a paleo diet. You can consume eggs and vegetables like carrots, broccoli, peppers, and tomatoes. Fruits are a reliable source of necessary nutrients like dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and folic acid, and therefore, you should consume fruits like strawberries, oranges, blueberries, bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and turnips.
Type 2 Diabetes – Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Options
Diets & Meal Plans

Type 2 Diabetes – Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Options

Diabetes is a deadly and life-long persisting disease that impacts the way in which your body deals with glucose intake. It can be the cause of various other diseases and thus must be addressed at the initial stage. The most common type of diabetes is type 2 and it affects nearly 27 million people in the country. In this type of diabetes, the body becomes incapable to break down the sugar intake and store the glucose in the body properly, thus making it important to abide by the type 2 diabetes diet specifically designed by the physician. Although mostly found in people above the age of 40, there is an increase in the cases of type 2 diabetes among youngsters as well. Causes of type 2 diabetes Some primary causes of type 2 diabetes are as follows: Being overweight Genetic history Lack of physical activities Malfunctioning of the pancreas or liver Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes Some of the common symptoms of type 2 diabetes that should not be ignored are as follows: A perpetual feeling of being thirsty Recurrent urge to urinate Hazy vision Bad temper Difficulty in the healing of wounds Extreme and impenetrable tiredness Diet plan for type 2 diabetes – First step toward healthy living An important factor that can help you to control diabetes and keep your blood sugar level stable is following a proper diet. Therefore, while your doctor will give you oral medication, he will also specify a structured diet plan which you should not ignore at any cost. Following a healthy diet doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice all your favorite dishes. It basically comprises a wide range of starches, fibers, fats, and proteins. The challenge in deriving the right type 2 diabetes diet lies in creating a perfect blend of foods that will provide your body with all the necessities without an excess of a certain type of food to ensure that the sugar level is in control.
List of Foods to Avoid If You Have Diabetes
Diets & Meal Plans

List of Foods to Avoid If You Have Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common health issues faced by both adults and children these days. In case you have diabetes, choosing the right food becomes a task. If you are not able to control diabetes, then it can lead to some serious health issues. Eating the wrong food will increase the insulin and sugar levels in the body and hence increase the associated risk. It is extremely important to be aware of diabetes foods to avoid and what is the right food for you. Here is some useful information about which foods to avoid and what to eat if you are having diabetes. Diabetes foods to avoid Sweetened drinks:  Having sugary drinks can be the worst choice for any person with diabetes. Usually, these drinks are made from processed sugar, and they are bad carbohydrates. This can raise the blood sugar levels and weight as well. Both of these can cause problems for you and avoiding this is a wise choice. Fruit juices:  For people with diabetes, fiber-rich fruits are considered to be the best. But drinking fruit juices is considered to be a bad choice. Pure fruit juices contain 100 percent pure fruit sugars and that can increase the sugar levels in your blood. Add this to the diabetes foods to avoid list to stay healthy and reduce the risk. White rice and food made of white flour:  White rice and food made from white flour like white pasta or white bread will contain white carbs and they act almost like sugar when the food is digested. The sugar levels in the body will start to increase as an obvious consequence of this. Opt for whole grains instead of white flour. Full-fat dairy products:  Dairy products contain LDL cholesterol in high levels. When you are eating this kind of food, there are high chances of getting heart-related health issues.
Dishes to Include in Your Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan
Diets & Meal Plans

Dishes to Include in Your Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan

The Mediterranean diet plan is basically based on the diet plan followed by the people of Greece and Italy in the 1960s. The diet primarily consists of food items predominantly eaten by natives from that region such as generous helpings of fruits, vegetables, pasta, and rice and a limited quantity of red meat. There are alleged reports that swear by this diet plan’s ability to help one reduce weight,  prevent strokes, type 2 diabetes, premature death, and heart attacks. There is no such exact diet plan because around the Mediterranean Sea, there are many countries and the people of those countries have a diverse palate influenced by indigenous produce and their culture. In this article, you will get dishes and foods that you can include in your Mediterranean diet menu in order to make it healthier. The basics of a Mediterranean diet Here are some of the some of the basic foods that you should include in your Mediterranean diet menu: Foods you must eat regularly: Vegetables, legumes, bread, whole grains, extra virgin olive oil, fruits & nuts, fish and seafood, seeds, herbs, and spices Foods to eat in moderation: Eggs, cheese, poultry, and yogurt. Foods to eat rarely: Red Meat Foods to be avoided: Sugary dishes, added sugars, refined grains, processed meat, and refined oils Food items you need to abstain from while on the diet: These are some of the unhealthy foods that you should not have in your Mediterranean diet menu: Added sugar: Candies, soda, ice cream, and other related sugary foods Refined grains: Pasta prepared with refined wheat and white bread Refined oils: Canola oil, soybean oil, and cottonseed oil Trans fats: Margarine and other processed foods Processed meats: Sausages and hot dogs, among others Food items that should be included in the Mediterranean diet: There is no exact definition of what a Mediterranean diet comprises since the region is made up of different countries that have varying culinary preferences.
All You Need to Know about Low FODMAP Diet Plans
Diets & Meal Plans

All You Need to Know about Low FODMAP Diet Plans

Do you have digestive problems? Or do you know someone who is suffering from digestive problems? This is one of the most common problems faced by people in the country. If you or someone close to you is having digestive problems or unexplained abdominal pain, then a low FODMAP diet is the best solution. This is going to help in reducing the discomfort that you have in your stomach every day. Find below information on low FODMAP diet plans. What is a low FODMAP diet? A FODMAP eliminated diet or low FODMAP diet is a diet where the food compounds that belong to FODMAP will be extremely low or not consumed. FODMAP stands for the following. Fermentable – A food compound that can be easily broken in the large intestine with bacteria. Oligosaccharides – This means less sugar. Disaccharides – A kind of sugar that is formed with the help of two different sugars. Monosaccharides – Simple or single sugar molecules. And Polyols – Means sugar alcohols. So, in simple words, diet plans, low on FODMAP mean the kind of diet which places restriction over certain carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are the ones that do not get absorbed into the small intestine and hence can cause gas and other issues in the stomach. What happens when a high FODMAP diet is taken? When you are eating a high FODMAP diet, carbs present in the food do not get absorbed by the small intestine. These travel to the colon for fermentation by bacteria. This will, in turn, give rise to a number of problems like nausea, bloating, bowel changes, gas, headache, abdominal pain, indigestion, constipation, fatigue, diarrhea, acid reflux, and muscle pain as well. How do the low-FODMAP diet plans work? Basically, there are two phases in these diet plans. Phase 1 In the first phase, which lasts for a duration of three to six weeks, you need to eliminate all the food that has high FODMAP.
Tips to Control Blood Glucose Levels
Diets & Meal Plans

Tips to Control Blood Glucose Levels

If you have diabetes, then you probably have a hard time living a normal life. You have to monitor your blood glucose levels from time to time and make sure that it is under control. What you eat, what you do not eat, how active you are in your daily life, and many such factors play a role in controlling blood glucose levels. When you have control over all these factors, you will be able to lead a healthy life. There are numerous tips that can help in controlling blood glucose, and these can make your life better as well. Here are some of them: Exercise regularly Regular exercise can help you stay fit by aiding with weight loss. It will also increase insulin sensitivity. Thus, your body will be able to use the sugar in the bloodstream in a much better way. Also, a workout will make the muscles use the sugar in the body for muscle strengthening and to produce energy. Brisk walking, dancing, running, swimming or hiking are some forms of regular exercise. Swap your regular food with healthy food By replacing your regular food with some healthy food items, you can bring a difference to your health. There are several simple ways to do this like swapping foods made with white flour like white pasta or white bread with whole grain bread and pasta. Make sure that you add food that is low in GI. If you do not like eating such food, then at least try to add one such item to your diet every day. Eat small meals Your blood glucose levels will remain stable if you spread your meals and snacks evenly throughout the day. Instead of having three large meals per day, try to reduce the quantity per meal and eat multiple times through the day.
Food for Cholesterol – What to Eat and What to Avoid
Diets & Meal Plans

Food for Cholesterol – What to Eat and What to Avoid

Increased cholesterol levels in the blood can cause many problems for the heart. It can block the arteries and can lead to cardiac arrest. Following a healthy diet is a helpful way of reducing cholesterol levels. There are different foods you need to consume to reduce cholesterol levels, as well as those you should avoid. Given below are the list of good and bad food for cholesterol. Good and Bad Cholesterol Good cholesterol is HDL cholesterol. It helps absorb bad cholesterol and move it to the liver, where it gets flushed out of the body naturally. High HDL levels are good for the heart and consuming food that increases HDL levels is beneficial for your health. LDL cholesterol is bad cholesterol. It causes plaque and blocks arteries, leading to a heart attack. Food that increases LDL cholesterol should be avoided or at least consumed less. Food to Avoid Consuming certain food for cholesterol patients that leads to an increase in LDL cholesterol levels and should be avoided. Some of them are Saturated Fats This is a type of fat that leads to an increase in LDL cholesterol and is dangerously bad for health. Food items containing saturated fats must be completely avoided or eaten in moderation. Foods full of saturated fat include red meat such as beef, pork, lamb, and poultry meat with skin. Lard and dairy products like butter, cream, cheese, and cream should also be avoided. Trans Fat Essentially, trans fats are vegetable oils that have solidified. They are unhealthy and must be avoided by those with high cholesterol levels. Food having high trans fat content include deep-fried foods, packaged snacks, pastries, cookies, biscuits, and doughnuts. Salt Salt increases blood pressure and contributes to heart problems, which is why excess salt must be avoided. Junk food and canned goods are rich in salt, and they must be taken in moderation.
Eczema in Children – Overview, Tests, and Beneficial Foods
Diets & Meal Plans

Eczema in Children – Overview, Tests, and Beneficial Foods

Eczema, which is also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that affects the skin and makes it itchy and inflamed. This condition is most prevalent among young children and infants. Infants who have eczema usually develop red, itchy patches on their forehead, scalp, and cheeks, while older people often develop these on their hands and feet, wrists, and ankles. Is there a link between eczema and food allergies? Studies suggest that around 35% children, aged below five, suffering from eczema suffer from food allergies as well. These allergic reactions may trigger symptoms such as flare-ups, itching, hives, flushing, wheezing, gastrointestinal problems, vomiting, heartburn, and abdominal pain. This is why it is essential to get young kids with eczema tested for food-related allergies. However, in many cases, children with eczema and food allergies tend to lose their allergy towards products, such as soy, milk, and wheat, after a few years. Once the allergy has completely gone, the child can resume eating these foods, and their symptoms will not worsen. But, before they are allowed to consume such trigger foods, one should check with a doctor for the same. Are certain foods responsible for causing eczema flare-ups? Diet can be considered partly responsible for causing flare-ups in children with eczema. When one tweaks their child’s diet and excludes certain trigger foods, the condition could improve. Since finding these trigger foods is not an easy task, one will need to work in unison with an allergist. Some of the foods that can be considered as triggers for eczema flare-ups include the following: Eggs Milk Peanuts and tree nuts Fish Soy Shellfish Wheat products However, it is important to note that these foods may worsen the symptoms of eczema, but may not cause the condition itself. Following a fixed list of foods to eat and avoid may not always be beneficial as what may cause an allergy in one may be completely harmless to the other.
Foods to Eat and Avoid for Patients with Eczema
Diets & Meal Plans

Foods to Eat and Avoid for Patients with Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that makes one’s skin itchy and dry. Although the exact cause is unknown, some studies have linked this condition to an overactive response of the nervous system to an irritant. Although topical creams and other types of medications can help manage the condition, doctors may recommend certain types of foods and lifestyle changes to coexist with the condition efficiently. Who are at risk of developing eczema? People who have a family history of eczema are at risk of developing the condition. Moreover, children and infants who are born into families having a history of allergic diseases such as asthma or hay fever are also at an increased risk of suffering from eczema. Which are some foods that can be beneficial for patients with eczema? Since people with eczema often develop food allergies, one will need to examine their personal food preferences to make sure there are no further risks of the same. Some of the most common allergy triggers are usually associated with food items such as eggs, cow’s milk, gluten, soy products, fish, nuts, and shellfish. However, not everyone with eczema responds in the same way to these food items. It is important to understand that eating certain foods will not cause eczema per se, but it may trigger flare-ups in those suffering from this condition. So, it is recommended to follow an eczema-friendly diet to help manage the condition in a better way. No two patients with eczema will have the same reactions to certain types of foods. Some of the important components of an eczema-friendly diet are almost the same as an anti-inflammatory diet. Fish is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids which are capable of fighting inflammation effectively. Some examples of fish that have high levels of omega-3 acids include tuna, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and herring.
Benefits of Following the Meditteranean Diet
Diets & Meal Plans

Benefits of Following the Meditteranean Diet

Several popular diet plans set guidelines on the types of food for cholesterol control that you can or cannot consume. The Mediterranean diet is one such successful diet. Apart from its obvious benefit in reducing bad cholesterol levels, it is an excellent source of vitamins and proteins. What is the Mediterranean Diet? The Mediterranean diet gets its name from the region where it is commonly followed, namely the nations near the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean diet chiefly comprises food for cholesterol reduction. The focus of this diet is on lean meats, red wine, whole grain, good fats, and fresh produce. Studies have shown that the people from Greece and Southern Italy, who mainly followed the Mediterranean diet, have lesser rates of heart disease. They were also found to have lower cholesterol levels. Features of the Mediterranean Diet A Mediterranean diet typically has the following features: The Mediterranean diet mostly comprises nuts, seeds, and olive oil as they are rich in monounsaturated fats Legumes like beans are used more often in this diet Red wine is consumed almost daily, but in moderation Fish that have a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon,  are part of this diet Grains that are rich in fiber, like oatmeal and other whole grains, are consumed People from the Mediterranean do not consume a lot of red meat They also consume less sugar in this diet There is moderate use of dairy products, with mainly healthy items such as parmesan cheese and yogurt used in their cooking The Mediterranean diet makes liberal use of fresh vegetables and fruits in the dishes prepared It is chiefly due to the features mentioned above that a Mediterranean diet is popular with those suffering from high cholesterol. Chief Foods for Cholesterol Reduction The Mediterranean diet includes the following foods that are great for lowering cholesterol.