Eczema Diet – Top Foods to Have
Diets & Meal Plans

Eczema Diet – Top Foods to Have

Those who suffer from eczema develop itchy skin feel constant inflammation, and one of the main triggers of this condition is food. So, eczema patients must add the right food to their diet, which mainly comprises foods that can naturally help the healing process. These foods must contain substances that stimulate the body’s immune system to release anti-inflammatory compounds that are useful to reduce redness and itching. Herein, we discuss some of the foods that are beneficial for those suffering from eczema. Foods with Fatty Acids Fatty acids are useful in fighting inflammation. They provide nutrients that protect and rejuvenate the skin, reducing the symptoms of eczema. The essential fatty acids are found in whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, barley, seeds, nuts, plant oils, and avocado. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially useful in fighting inflammation. It is found in fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. It is recommended to consume at least 250 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids daily. Apart from fighting inflammation, these compounds are also good for the heart. Foods with Quercetin There are several fruits and vegetables like apples, avocado, kale, berries, cherries, broccoli, and spinach that contain a flavonoid called quercetin. It gives the natural color to fruits and vegetables. Quercetin helps reduce inflammation and acts as a natural antihistamine to fight allergies. Foods with Beta-carotene Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals, which is good for the skin. Beta-carotene is found in carrot, pepper, tomato, mango, squash, and leafy greens. Probiotic Foods Yogurt is a food that contains probiotics. These are food containing good bacteria that not only help in digestion but can also reduce allergies. Apart from yogurt, probiotics are found in soft cheese, sourdough bread, sauerkraut, and fermented pickles. Foods with Anthocyanin Anthocyanin is a pigment that adds color to food like red cabbage.
Foods to Avoid if You Have Eczema
Diets & Meal Plans

Foods to Avoid if You Have Eczema

Eczema is a skin disease that is usually caused by allergies, mostly due to certain food items. The foods to avoid mentioned here can trigger eczema and cause itching and other symptoms. These foods must be strictly avoided. The primary symptom of eczema is itching. Some food products can be allergens and worsen by the symptoms of eczema if consumed. Foods that Trigger Eczema The foods you need to avoid if you have eczema is something you need to identify. The help of a dermatologist or immunologist can be taken to understand what triggers asthma symptoms. Once identified, you need to strictly avoid these items. There are several that may need to be avoided by those having eczema. However, it must be noted that not all people are allergic to all these food items mentioned herein. You need to avoid only those items that cause you problems. Elimination Diet You can use the elimination diet to find out if you are allergic to any of these food items. When you eat any of these food items, a reaction may occur between 6 and 24 hours. You need to include these food items in your diet under the supervision of a doctor and try it out for a month. If you face problems, then that particular food needs to be eliminated from your diet, else you can continue to eat it safely. Foods that You Should Avoid Following are foods that generally cause allergic skin reactions. If any of these foods affect you, stop consuming them immediately. Grapes Grapes and wine contain salicylates. They also have high levels of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and amines. These three substances can increase eczema symptoms and, hence, need to be avoided. Citrus Products Citrus fruits and foods containing citrus are similar in chemical composition to grapes.
4 Foods to Eat for Migraine
Diets & Meal Plans

4 Foods to Eat for Migraine

The severity and duration of a migraine attack tend to vary from person to person. For some individuals, the pain may subside within a few hours, while it may last for a couple of days for others. Coping with debilitating pain and constant nausea can be extremely challenging. The diet you follow can either help you get relief from the symptoms or worsen the condition. Read on to know about the food items you should consume when you have a migraine to help you deal with the symptoms: Magnesium-rich food As per clinical studies, magnesium plays an important role in the treatment and prevention of migraines. It has been reported that most people who are prone to attacks have low magnesium levels. Increasing the intake of magnesium can yield positive results in such individuals. By including magnesium-rich foods in your diet, you can lower the likelihood of an attack and also get relief from the pain during a migraine episode. Increase your intake of food items like brown rice, green leafy vegetables, nuts and grains, roasted pumpkin seeds, dried apricot, and avocado to alleviate the symptoms of a migraine. Ginger Since time immemorial, people have used ginger for migraine treatment. Ginger is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory components, and as per clinical studies, it can exert abortive and prophylactic effects that can reduce the severity of the symptoms associated with migraine. There are various ways to include ginger in the diet to alleviate pain associated with migraines. You can either mix ginger root powder with water and consume it once a day or brew a cup of herbal tea with ginger and honey. However, it is important to maintain caution while taking ginger, as overconsumption may lead to side effects like abdominal discomfort. Fatty fish Fatty fish like trout and mackerel are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA).
7 Foods That May Increase Your Risk of Breast Cancer
Diets & Meal Plans

7 Foods That May Increase Your Risk of Breast Cancer

No diet or food can prevent or trigger breast cancer immediately. However, what you eat will certainly make a big difference to the risks of developing breast cancer. Getting breast cancer depends on multiple factors like family history, gender, age, etc., that are not in your control. Diet is perhaps one of the factors which you can control and change to minimize the risks of developing breast cancer. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer already, you may want to know which foods to avoid to ensure that cancer does not grow further or relapse after you recover. Research shows that dietary factors may account for almost 30-40% of all types of cancers. Your dietary choices affect the way you live and determine how healthy you are. There has been plenty of research on breast cancer and there are some helpful guidelines which can benefit patients. You need to stay healthy after treatment by controlling your body weight, exercising regularly, and eating the right kind of foods to cut down risks of cancer relapse. There is no magic diet to eliminate the risks of breast cancer. However, breast cancer survivors need to eat more vegetables, whole grains, fresh fruits, fish, and chicken. Listed below are the foods you should avoid if you already have breast cancer, or want to prevent it from occurring. Alcohol Studies have found a probable connection between increased risks of breast cancer and regular alcohol consumption. According to reports, alcohol tends to elevate the estrogen levels; this damages the DNA. Women who drink three alcoholic drinks every week increase their risks of developing breast cancer by almost 15%. Sugar In a research conducted on mice, it was seen that when the mice were given foods rich in sugar, they developed tumors in the mammary gland, which are similar to breast cancer tumors in human beings.
5 Must-Eat Foods for Breast Cancer Patients
Diets & Meal Plans

5 Must-Eat Foods for Breast Cancer Patients

Diet has always been considered as one of the factors that trigger any type of cancer. There is no single diet plan which can prevent you from developing breast cancer . There are some foods which can keep you healthy and boost your immune system so that the risks of getting any cancer are low. Eating organic foods can protect you from unhealthy cell changes. Studies show that nutrition from foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains will help you maintain optimum body weight, and give your body the energy it needs to stay healthy. It is perhaps why cases of breast cancer are significantly less in countries where people tend to follow a plant-based diet. Studies on teens in our country have revealed that girls who ate a high-fat diet during puberty are prone to developing breast cancer, even if they have not been overweight. While research is still ongoing on the possible connection between breast cancer and diet, the truth is that calories do matter. Fats are a prime source of calories, so high-fat diets are not recommended if you want to stay healthy. Extra fats can produce more estrogen which can trigger abnormal cell growth. Foods to eat Fruits and vegetables It is important to have at least five servings of these each day to stay healthy. Fruits and vegetables have anti-estrogen and antioxidant properties. For instance, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and broccoli are rich in phytochemicals, and these cruciferous veggies are the perfect addition to a diet that can protect you from cancer. Fruits and vegetables have low-fat content and high fiber as compared to an animal food-based diet. It is better to eat whole fruits instead of juicing them. Whole fruits are lower in calories, but give you the necessary fiber to help keep you feeling full and satisfied for long hours.
7 Foods to Include in Your Diet for Healthy Hair
Diets & Meal Plans

7 Foods to Include in Your Diet for Healthy Hair

The food you eat can have a major impact on the health and appearance of your hair. More often than not, a majority of hair problems like hair loss, hair thinning, and itchy scalp stem from nutritional deficiencies. If you suffer from iron or vitamin deficiency, there are chances that you are highly susceptible to hair problems. Your diet plays a crucial role in hair treatment, and here we have compiled a list of food items to consume for healthy hair and to boost hair growth: Fatty fish Fish and other seafood are enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids and a host of other nutrients that help control hair fall and aid hair growth. Increasing the consumption of fatty fish like salmon and mackerel is a great way to boost hair growth. Along with that, it helps combat a myriad of conditions like a dry and flaky scalp. Berries Berries like strawberries and blueberries are rich in antioxidants that safeguard your hair from free radicals, which damage it and hamper healthy growth. The high content of vitamin C in berries aids hair treatment by boosting the collagen production in hair and promotes hair health. It keeps premature aging signs like greying and thinning of hair at bay. You should consume these delicious fruits regularly to promote hair health and growth. Flaxseed oil Flaxseed oil contains vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids, the essential substances for hair care. By making flaxseed oil a part of your diet, you can naturally combat problems like hair breakage and thinning, and dry and itchy scalp. Add this nutrient-rich oil to your recipe to get healthy and shiny hair. Spinach The unmatched nutritional value of spinach makes it one of the best foods for ensuring healthy hair and to promote hair growth. It contains iron, vitamins, and folate and facilitates hair growth, along with improving the overall appearance of your hair.
Dietary Tips to Manage Diabetes
Diets & Meal Plans

Dietary 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.
Foods to Avoid When You Have Diabetes
Diets & Meal Plans

Foods to Avoid When You Have Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition which can lead to very serious consequences if not kept under control. Unchecked diabetes may result in cardiovascular problems, blindness, kidney diseases, and various other complications. Aside from medication, there are certain lifestyle and dietary changes which can help an individual manage diabetes. Eating a well-balanced diet helps patients diagnosed with this condition maintain their health more easily. Given below are foods that you should avoid when you have diabetes. Sugary drinks Sugary drinks should be completely avoided when you have diabetes. Not only are these very high in carbohydrate content, but they are also rich in fructose, which causes insulin resistance. Studies show that when you drink sweetened beverages, risks of a diabetes-associated condition such as fatty liver become very high. High fructose content triggers metabolic changes and leads to belly fat, high triglyceride, and blood cholesterol levels. Trans fats Trans fats are very unhealthy and are found in peanut butter, margarine, creamers, spreads, and frozen meals. Food manufacturers often add this to muffins, crackers, and baked products so that they last longer. Trans fats do not spike blood sugar levels directly, but they can cause inflammation, belly fat, and insulin resistance. They also lower good cholesterol levels and impair the function of arteries. White bread, rice, and pasta None of these foods are good for people affected by diabetes because they are processed and high in carbohydrates. It is advisable to stay away from bagels, white bread, and other foods made of refined flour. These raise blood sugar levels in those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Flavored yogurt You must avoid fruit-flavored yogurts as these contain a lot of sugar. Instead, you can consume whole-milk yogurt which is a healthier alternative and beneficial for gut health and weight control. Fried foods Deep-fried foods like french fries and packaged foods must not be part of your diet, as these can produce toxic compounds like aldehydes, which heighten risks of diseases.
Prevent Constipation by Avoiding These Foods
Diets & Meal Plans

Prevent Constipation by Avoiding These Foods

Constipation is essentially a digestion-related problem. The food you consume can affect the digestive system. Constipation leads to difficulty in having bowel movements, bloating, irritability, and a host of other problems. Those who have constipation should ensure to avoid consuming the food listed below. These foods can worsen digestive problems and make it difficult to pass stool and cause other problems. Processed foods Processed foods are one of the items to avoid if you have constipation. Processed meat found in bacon, hot dogs, and sausages can increase constipation. Processed foods made from white flour, like cakes, cookies, doughnuts, pizza, and sandwiches made from white bread, should be avoided. Even processed grains can cause constipation in some people. White rice, pasta, and white bread can cause constipation as it does not have bran needed for a smooth bowel movement. Fried foods like French fries, potato chips, hamburgers, and fried chicken are also a problem for people suffering from constipation. Gluten Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye, barley, and other such grains. Food having gluten can cause constipation in some people, while others are allergic to gluten. Consuming foods with gluten can aggravate constipation symptoms. Dairy products Milk and products made from milk can cause constipation in many people. Children are especially at risk of constipation when they consume cow’s milk. Red meat Red meat can be a problem for many people. It does not have much fiber and is high in fat. It makes digestion difficult and takes more time to get absorbed. Red meats can affect bowel movement and cause difficulty in emptying bowels. Alcohol Most people suffer from constipation when they indulge in too much alcohol. Alcohol can dehydrate the body and slow down digestion, thus contributing to constipation. Alcohol must be completely avoided or its consumption should be strictly limited.
Best Foods to Eat to Relieve Constipation
Diets & Meal Plans

Best Foods to Eat to Relieve Constipation

A proper diet can be very helpful for someone suffering from constipation. It is a condition that involves difficulty in having bowel movement. Delay in bowel movements can cause a series of problems like abdominal bloating, hemorrhoids, fecal impaction, irritability, etc. Those with constipation should ensure that the foods listed here are a part of their everyday diet. Prunes Prunes are one of the best foods to have if you are suffering from constipation. It is often advised if you are having difficulty passing stools. Prunes contain a compound called sorbitol that stimulates the movement of water into the intestine. This compound is very helpful in treating constipation. Prunes also contain fibers that are good for digestion. High-fiber fruits Fruits rich in fiber are very helpful for digestion and can help in smooth bowel movement. Fruits like apricot, plums, peaches, berries, and raisins should be eaten with the peel to get the best benefits. Whole grains While processed grains are bad for constipation, whole grains are very useful. Oats, brown rice, quinoa, and barley are very good for digestion. While white bread and products made from flour should be avoided, those having constipation can safely consume brown bread. Seeds Seeds have a good amount of fiber and are good for digestion. They also contain other nutrients required by the body. Chia seeds and flax seeds are excellent foods for those suffering from constipation. Psyllium is a seed that is very beneficial for those suffering from constipation. Vegetables Vegetables are one of the best foods that those suffering from constipation can eat. Leafy vegetables and greens are also very helpful. They have fiber and other nutrients that help keep the digestive system in good condition. Artichoke, kale, spinach, carrots, cabbage, lettuce, squash, broccoli, peas, and zucchini are some of the vegetables that a person suffering from constipation must include in their diet.