Foods to avoid for those with bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder is a brain-related illness that causes mood swings and makes a person feel low sometimes and elated at other times. Apart from medication, diet plays an important role in the mood swings and manifestation of the symptoms. Certain foods can affect one’s mental health and must be avoided by those having bipolar disorder. Trigger foods Certain foods can trigger manic disorder or depression. The moods can alternately swing from depression to a feeling of joy, and the food items listed in this article can affect people in different ways. They can cause depression when a person’s mood is low. Different foods may act as triggers for each person, aggravating their symptoms, and such food must be avoided. It is important to maintain a food diary where details of the food consumed and the symptoms experienced are noted. This will help to find out which foods trigger the symptoms, and those can be avoided. Caffeine Too much caffeine can affect sleep, and lack of sleep can aggravate the symptoms for those suffering from bipolar disorder. Apart from affecting sleep, caffeine can also irritate the digestive system and increase acidity. It is best to avoid or minimize the consumption of coffee and other beverages that contain caffeine. Food with high fat levels Those who have bipolar disorder should avoid food that contains high levels of fat. Some believe that high levels of fat affect the absorption of medicines. In reality, the effects of the medication will still be felt, but the high levels of fat are not good for the heart and increase the risk of obesity, leading to a lower quality of life. Fatty food should be avoided, especially when medicines are being taken. Avoid tyramine Some people with bipolar disorder are prescribed MAO inhibitors.

Top 15 foods to help fight cervical cancer There has been innumerable research on ways to prevent and fight cervical cancer, and much of this emphasises on following a plant-based diet as a method to fight it. Researchers are of the view that regular consumption of some specific types of foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole-grains can protect against this cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by an HPV or Human Papillomavirus infection and any diet that is rich in carotenoids, antioxidants, folate, and flavonoids can help the body to fight this. Superfoods to fight cervical cancer Avocados: One can include avocados in their diet because these are excellent sources of healthy fats, rich in folate and are tasty and nutritious too. Broccoli: This has extraordinary compounds that can get rid of carcinogenic toxins, induce apoptosis inside cancer cells, stop DNA mutation, and prevent benign tumors from growing into malignant ones. Citrus fruits: Adding more citrus fruits in the diet to get vitamin C can be very beneficial for cervix health. Oranges and lemons are excellent choices of citrus fruits; for those who do not like fruits, they can get their daily dose of vitamin C from Brussels sprouts and broccoli. Tomatoes: Tomatoes can help prevent this type of cancer. Incidentally, foods rich in lycopene like tomatoes help to promote cervical health. Leafy greens: Spinach, collard greens, and kale are perfect choices for dark, green, leafy veggies as these have a high folate content and can promote cervix health. Papaya: This fruit is a nutritional powerhouse and one of the best sources of vitamin C, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin. This combination is found to be highly effective for reducing the risks of cervical cancer. Raspberries: These are loaded with nutrients and low in calories. Daily consumption of this fruit can prevent cells from getting infected with HPV.

7 snacks that help lower your cholesterol Cholesterol in the blood can be a problem when its levels are high. It can lead to clogged arteries and exposes a person to the risk of a heart attack or a stroke. Those with high cholesterol need to follow a strict diet. The snacks listed here can help in lowering cholesterol levels. Nuts Nuts are tasty and filling and would be a great snack for anyone. Having a fistful of nuts at 11 am or 4 pm is the best way to snack to avoid hunger pangs and to feel satisfied. Those having high cholesterol levels would find nuts highly beneficial as nuts have shown to be useful in reducing the levels of bad cholesterol, i.e., LDL cholesterol. Almonds, cashew nuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, and peanuts can be consumed as a snack. A quarter cup per day is recommended by the American Heart Association. Popcorn A tasty snack that everyone loves is popcorn. For someone with high cholesterol, popcorn can be a good snack to help in lowering the levels, provided it is made without butter and salt. Instead of butter, olive oil would help not just in reducing bad cholesterol levels but also in increasing good cholesterol levels. Instead of salt, herbs like oregano, thyme, or mixed herbs can be used to spice up the taste of popcorn. Vegetables with dip Vegetables that are low in fat are excellent snacks for those having high cholesterol levels. Vegetables like carrot and cucumber can be eaten as a snack with a low-fat dip like hummus. Any low fat or low salt dip can be used with vegetables. Yogurt with fruits and nuts Yogurt is healthy and a good probiotic that aids in digestion. Low-fat yogurt makes a good snack for someone having high cholesterol.

Foods to avoid if one has colitis Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum, which make up for a major part of the large intestine. It can cause symptoms like bleeding from the rectum, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. These can flare up due to various triggers, with food being one of the major ones. A low-fat, low-salt, high-calorie, low-fiber and gluten-free diet is the best diet to follow for those who suffer from colitis. There are certain foods can result in the aggravation of the symptoms of the condition, read on to know more. Gluten Foods that have gluten, like wheat, rye, and barley can cause allergies in some people. It can also lead to the development of symptoms similar to those seen in ulcerative colitis in those who have gluten sensitivity. This is why the ingredient is high on the list of foods to be avoided. Alcohol Alcohol can irritate the stomach and worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. It must be avoided or consumed in moderation and ideally, one should either drink alcohol with a meal instead of on an empty stomach. High-fiber foods High-fiber foods like adzuki beans, peas, lentils, and legumes can cause bloating and gas and can worsen the symptoms of colitis. Fibrous vegetables can be consumed after skinning and deseeding them as the skin contains most of the fiber content. If they are cooked until they become soft, they can be eaten safely as this prevents problems after consumption. Fibrous fruits that are raw, dried, and have seeds can cause problems and must be avoided. Fruit juice can be consumed, except prune juice. Sulfur Sulfate is an essential nutrient that assists in many body processes. But, in individuals with ulcerative colitis, its presence can feed bacteria that creat H2S toxic gas which can lead to bloating and discomfort.

Diet options that help ease constipation Constipation occurs when bowel movements become difficult and infrequent (less than 3 times a week). Constipation can be prevented by following a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water. Constipation mostly occurs when there is an insufficient intake of water and fiber. The symptoms of constipation are bloating in the stomach, dry and hard stools, and difficulty in emptying bowels. Thankfully, constipation can be cured by correcting your eating habits. Some foods that help relieve constipation are: Fruits Fruits are abundant with dietary fiber which helps relieve one from the symptoms of constipation. Along with the goodness of fiber, fruits are also filled with vitamins and other nutrients that benefit the body in various ways. Fruits like kiwi, pineapples, berries, apricots, papaya, figs, peaches, plums, grapes, pears help improve one’s bowel movement. Flax seeds Flax seeds are filled with a high amount of fiber, along with other nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which help in easy bowel movements. These flax seeds can be added to a variety of dishes like salads, oatmeal, milkshakes, etc. Vegetables To obtain a high amount of fiber content in our body, it is advised to eat vegetables every day. Just like fruits, vegetables are a natural source of fiber along with nutrients such as vitamins, calcium, fat, proteins, etc. There is a proven record that vegetables and fruits help our body function better when consumed regularly. Whole grains Refined products such as white rice and flour increase the chances of constipation. Replace these refined products with whole grain products to see a great difference in your bowel movements. Whole grains are a rich source of dietary fibers, and Arabinoxylan is the main component which helps ease constipation. This also helps with weight loss. Overall, it helps you have a healthy lifestyle.

5 foods that ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disorder that causes a host of discomforting symptoms like inflammation in the digestive tract, pain in the abdominal area, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and rectal bleeding. At times, these symptoms tend to intensify and lead to a flare-up. Coping with Crohn’s disease flare-up can be extremely challenging as it can have a direct impact on your quality of life. Diet plays a crucial role in tackling the symptoms of this disease. What you eat can either help minimize the severity of the symptoms or worsen the condition. Herein, we discuss some of the best foods you can have to relieve these painful and discomforting symptoms. Refined grains Refined grains are some of the best food items that you can have to relieve yourself from the symptoms of this chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Unlike whole grains, refined grain items can be easily digested. These food items contain a low content of fiber and are likely to help with the flare-up. Some of the refined grain food items you can consume to subside Crohn’s disease symptoms are white bread, rice, pasta, and pancakes. Fully cooked vegetables Fully cooked vegetables are known to support the digestive system’s overall health. It is advised to remove the seeds and skin of the vegetables before cooking them well. Consumption of well-cooked food will help promote the health of the gut when you are experiencing a Crohn’s disease flare-up. It lowers inflammation in the body and may reduce the frequency of bowel movements. Whether you are having asparagus or potatoes, ensure that the vegetable is fully cooked for best results. Low-fiber Fruits Fruits like bananas, honeydew melon, and peaches contain are low in fiber. This particular characteristic enables them to work wondrously on the symptoms of this chronic disease.

Foods that help fight depression and improve mental health Depression is a common problem faced by many people. It can have a negative effect on one’s mental health. Food has an important role to play in fighting depression. There are certain food items that can help with depression and improve a person’s general mental health. Antioxidants It is believed that free radicals in the body have a role to play in causing depression. Antioxidants that are found in food can help fight them. This in turn helps to fight the symptoms of depression. Some of the foods rich in antioxidants are broccoli, carrots, peaches, pumpkin, spinach, tomatoes, nuts, seeds, sweet potato, kiwi, pepper, and green tea. Good carbohydrates There are certain food items that have ‘good’ carbohydrates. They are complex carbs that have a number of health benefits. They produce a chemical called serotonin that can help to improve one’s mood and thus fight depression. Good carbohydrates are found in whole grains, legumes, and fruits like apple. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish like tuna, sardines, herring, and salmon. They are also abundantly found in nuts like walnuts and almonds. Apart from food, they are also available as food supplements. Studies have shown that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids helps to reduce anxiety levels in those who suffer from depression. Protein-rich food Food that is rich in protein can help in boosting the level of serotonin in the brain. This is good for overall mental health and to improve one’s mood. Food rich in protein like turkey, chicken, yogurt, beans, low-fat cheese, chickpeas, and pumpkin can be included in the diet. Leafy greens Vegetables are good for improving mental health. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, collard greens, watercress, and Brussels sprouts have omega-3 fatty acids. They are also rich in folate content that can help in improving the mood of a person.

Top 10 snacks for those with diabetes It is very important to keep blood sugar under control to prevent health problems like kidney failure. Diet is very important for diabetics and they need to be careful about what they eat. The snacks mentioned herein would be excellent choices for diabetics. Almonds Almonds have various minerals and vitamins that are very useful in controlling blood sugar level. Studies have shown regular consumption of almonds result in reduced blood sugar levels. Almonds are a good snack for diabetics to enjoy. They are also good for cardiac health. Yogurt and berries Yogurt and berries are a very good snack for diabetics to enjoy. Yogurt is a probiotic that can help in digestion and thus aids the absorption of food with sugar. Berries are rich in fiber and help to stabilize the level of blood sugar. It also has antioxidants that can reduce inflammation in the pancreas and ensure low sugar levels. Hard-boiled eggs Eggs that are hard-boiled have protein. This can ensure that blood sugar levels don’t rise after a snack. Eggs are also filling and eating two eggs daily ensures a diabetic doesn’t feel hungry and snack on unhealthy food. Salsa on eggplant A good snack that diabetics can have is eggplant slices that are baked with black-bean salsa on it. It is low in carbs and fat, tasty, and filling. Carrots and hummus Carrots, like all vegetables, are nutritious and are a good snack. To make it tasty and filling, they can be eaten with a hummus dip made from chickpeas that are rich in fiber. This is a good snack that can help in reducing blood sugar level. Avocado Avocado is a superfood with many nutrients. It has oleic acid and high fiber that helps in regulating blood sugar level.

Living with epilepsy can be challenging and it is essential to know how to manage it better. People suffering from this condition are constantly looking for ways to stay seizure-free. It is believed that a balanced diet that has the right amount of nutrients from various food groups can ensure that the brain and body function normally. So, a diet can help one control seizures and live with epilepsy efficiently. How diet affects epilepsy While no food can trigger an epileptic seizure, a well-planned diet can reduce the risks of seizures by maintaining good health. A balanced diet will give one the energy and important nutrients and better sleep and stamina for engaging in activities. These factors can help one live better; one becomes more positive and develops stronger focus and control to manage the condition. Top nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy When the body metabolizes fats, it produces ketones. So, following a Ketogenic diet forces the body to utilize more fats for energy production instead of glucose or sugar through a diet that increases fat intake and lowers carbohydrate intake. This diet plan can work in reducing seizures amongst kids and grownups suffering from epilepsy. But for this diet to work its magic, one will have to follow it without any breaks. So, the types of food and the respective amounts must be precisely measured. Preparing meals is bound to be a time-consuming affair. However, the diet may not work for kids. The MCT diet or medium-chain triglyceride diet is one where people use an oil supplement for their dietary fat intake instead of getting oil from foods. This is why this diet may be easier since one will be free to eat more carbs and proteins and one can get fewer fats from food. The Atkins diet is a low-carb, high-protein diet plan similar to the Keto diet, with some flexibility in fluid, proteins, and calorie amounts.

Ketosis is a metabolic reaction that takes place when the body does lacks carbohydrates and looks to burn fat instead to give the body the energy it requires. Ketogenic diets have recently become very popular, but few realize that it comes with a variety of both pros and cons. The benefits of this diet have been well established and the results are very appealing. That being said, results are guaranteed only if it’s done right and the pros and cons of a keto diet are fully understood before jumping into it. Pros Following a keto diet rewards you with a variety of benefits, such as Lose body fat Ketogenic diets have proven to lose weight and especially lower the body fat percentage even though the intake of fat is higher than usual diets. This is primarily because the fat being consumed are healthy fats and is being burned by the body owing to the absence of carbs. Once the body goes into ketosis, it will start burning fat. Resets insulin sensitivity Insulin insensitivity refers to the body’s inability to break down glucose and making use of it. A keto diet can help reset this and bring it back into optimal functioning where the glucose will be metabolized as per requirement. Helps manage diabetes This is more prominent for the Type 2 diabetes patients since a low carb intake could help keep a healthy blood glucose level without any insulin shots at all. Increases fertility in women Since ketosis helps regulate diabetes and also reduces the chances of being obese, it will, in turn, mean it boosts fertility in women. The diet is known to heal reproductive hormones to a large extent. Cons There are some problems that come with taking up the ketogenic diet, such as Ketoacidosis The human body is not used to being deprived off carbohydrates, and ketoacidosis is one such con of this diet.