Top healthy snacks for kids
Diets & Meal Plans

Top healthy snacks for kids

Would it not be great if you could add nutrients to your kid’s diet through foods they love to eat? There are some excellent snack ideas that actually make it possible for you to make snacking both fun and nutritionally-satisfying for your kid. And you can prepare these at home without applying too much of an effort. Here are some snacks for your child that are healthy and nutritious: Popcorn: Popcorn is a huge favorite with children. The best part is that it is made from whole grains that are rich in fiber and essential nutrients. Cookies : Cookies can be healthy, unlike what most people think. You simply have to use the correct ingredients. For instance, you should opt for whole wheat flour instead of refined white flour; you can even add rolled oats to make them fiber-rich, and can replace butter with applesauce to lower the amount of saturated fats. When you give your child healthy cookies with low-fat milk, the snack becomes both well-balanced and nutritious. Pizza : This is similar to the sandwich as a snack idea but it is possible to make it healthy by using toppings like sliced peppers, olives, and ham. The pizza should be made from premade whole wheat dough, which is easy to buy. Crispy rice treats : These are puffed rice snowballs that have seeds and dried fruits, and makes for an excellent kid-friendly snack that’s rich in fiber and proteins. Cheese : This is a readily available home snack that can be an excellent source of calcium, fats, and protein for your kid. Full-fat dairy foods will satisfy your kid’s need for calcium and Vitamins D and A, while cheese will give your kid high-quality protein that is a must for optimum growth. Veggie pita pocket : Most parents are worried that their kids do not eat enough vegetables.
Top 6 Foods that may help fight lung cancer
Diets & Meal Plans

Top 6 Foods that may help fight lung cancer

Lung cancer is a life-threatening disease that affects millions of men and women all over the world. Depending on the type and severity of lung cancer, overall health condition, and age of the person, the healthcare providers may recommend a series of treatment procedures like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. During and after treatment, it is essential to eat a healthy diet that contains foods that may help you battle lung cancer. Green tea Green tea contains polyphenols that demonstrate high antioxidant properties. Research has found that green tea consumption may inhibit tumor growth and help fight lung cancer. It was also found that consuming green tea regularly may reverse some of the damages caused by smoking. In addition to that, studies have proven the effectiveness of green tea in lowering the risk of developing lung cancer. Pears Pears are rich sources of phloretin, which a compound that possesses anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. The powerful effects of phloretin help enhance the anticancer effects of chemotherapy medications like cisplatin. These medicines are often used for the treatment of lung cancer, specifically non-small cell lung cancer. The anticancer properties of pears make it one of the most potent fruits that may help in your battle with lung cancer. Dark green leafy vegetables Packed with various nutrients, dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, chicory, lettuce, and collard greens are some foods that can help prevent and manage certain types of cancer like lung cancer. These vegetables are enriched with carotenoids and folate and act as natural antioxidants. Consume a diet rich in leafy greens to help your body fight against lung cancer. Ginger As per the findings of clinical studies, ginger demonstrates potent chemopreventive effects against life-threatening conditions like lung cancer. The high abundance of phenolic compounds like 6-shogaol found in ginger enables it to work as an anti-tumor agent.
5 foods that can help fight lymphoma
Diagnosis & Prevention

5 foods that can help fight lymphoma

A lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the immune system, specifically in the lymphocytes, which are the are the infection-fighting cells of the body. The lymphocytes of a patient with lymphoma, change and grow out of control. This results in rapid cell growth which leads to cancer. Lymphoma is of two types—Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It can be treated with chemotherapy and other cancer treatment methods. However, diet plays an important role since the immune system is already weak and vulnerable to attack. Here are 5 food items that help fight lymphoma and improve the quality of life during treatment. Broccoli Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and radish have proven to help strengthen the body’s immune system and can thus help significantly in fighting lymphoma. Patients are advised to have anywhere between 5 and 10 servings of vegetables daily. Other sources of cruciferous vegetables include Brussels sprouts, kale, turnips, and arugula. Chicken Meat is a large source of protein and lean meat like chicken and turkey can help give patients the required amount of protein during or after the treatment. However, it is important to avoid excess consumption of red meat since doctors have found a correlation between increased risk of cancer and the consumption of excess read meat. Lean meat, on the other hand, had much fewer side effects and is the healthier option in general. Quinoa The body requires a healthy diet, especially during cancer treatment. This involves the consumption of the right carbohydrates to give the body the energy it needs. A healthier alternative to traditional sources of carbs like rice, potatoes, and bread is quinoa. Cooked quinoa has 23% carbohydrates while keeping it as a simultaneous source of both protein and fiber. Moreover, quinoa is gluten-free which is an added advantage to who those who are intolerant to gluten.
How does a high-fiber diet help fight melanoma naturally
Diets & Meal Plans

How does a high-fiber diet help fight melanoma naturally

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer. One of the ways of treating this disease is immunotherapy, where the body naturally fights melanoma. Studies have shown that food that is rich in fiber can help in the fight against melanoma. Immunotherapy and melanoma Melanoma is one of the deadliest types of skin cancers. Immunotherapy is one of the treatment options for those who have melanoma. It involves administering drugs that help the body’s immune system naturally fight melanoma. The drugs used in immunotherapy activate the T-cells that fight cancerous cells and kill them. These drugs help the T-cells recognize the cancer cells so that they are destroyed. They help in improving the natural immunity of the body while fighting cancer like melanoma. Diet and immunotherapy Studies carried out by the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy have shown that diet can play a role in the success of immunotherapy. The studies showed that when the gut microbiome, which refers to bacteria in the stomach, is diverse and healthy, then it can improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy. The studies showed that consuming a diet that is high in fiber and rich in probiotics would help boost healthy gut microbiome. This, in turn, can make the immunotherapy more effective. The importance of a high-fiber diet The studies showed that those patients who consumed a diet that was high in fiber (having whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) responded five times more effectively to immunotherapy treatment. The scientists believe that high-fiber in the diet ensures diverse gut flora (bacteria and other organisms in the stomach). Apart from treating melanoma, it is believed that a very high-fiber diet can be very helpful in boosting the immune response of the body. The best high-fiber diet People suffering from melanoma and undergoing immunotherapy should consume a high-fiber diet that helps the immune system’s fight against the disease.
Top 5 foods to eat during menopause
Diets & Meal Plans

Top 5 foods to eat during menopause

Menopause is an inevitable phenomenon in any woman’s life that marks the end of menstruation. In general, menopause occurs in women who are 51 years of age or older. This natural condition is often accompanied by a host of unpleasant symptoms that can take a serious toll on the quality of one’s life. Some of the commonly experienced menopausal symptoms are hot flashes, mood swings, sleep problems, fatigue, and vaginal dryness. Good nutrition plays a vital role during menopause and can help get relief from the symptoms and also promote overall health in the years following menopause. Listed below are a few food options that one can eat during menopause to cope with the symptoms and associated complications. Iron-rich foods Iron is a vital mineral that has powerful properties essential for women during and after menopause. One should aim for 3 servings of foods packed with iron to promote overall health. Also, iron is essential to ward off medical conditions like anemia. Including food items like nuts, eggs, vegetables (spinach, kale), and fish in the diet to ensure the daily iron requirements are met is advisable. High-fiber foods The onset of menopause often leads to estrogen deficiency that increases the risk of heart diseases. As per the findings, an increase in the intake of dietary fiber can help lower the risk of heart disease in women. Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is found in abundance in many food items such as fruits, beans, legumes, bread, grains, breakfast cereal, and pasta. One should consume at least 21 grams of fiber per day to prevent menopause from putting them at risk of cardiovascular diseases. Calcium-rich foods During menopause, women experience a sharp decrease in the levels of estrogen, a hormone that plays a vital role in bone health. Low estrogen levels increase the risk of osteoporosis, a chronic bone disease.
Top 3 foods for multiple myeloma symptoms
Diets & Meal Plans

Top 3 foods for multiple myeloma symptoms

Nutrition plays a vital role in the battle against multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that starts from the bone marrow. Fatigue, loss of appetite, chronic constipation, bone pain, and weight loss are some of the commonly experienced signs of multiple myeloma. These symptoms can take a serious toll on one’s quality of life, and not keeping them under control may lead to serious health complications. Studies and trials have found that certain types of foods may help ease the symptoms associated with this type of cancer. Listed here are the top 3 foods one can incorporate in their diet plan to get effective relief: Fiber-rich foods The consumption of food items rich in fiber may help in easing the symptoms of multiple myeloma. Fiber-rich food items can be instrumental in sustaining energy levels and combating fatigue in individuals suffering from this type of cancer. Also, increasing the intake of fiber may give relief from digestive problems like constipation, which may be side effects of treatment like chemotherapy. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that helps break down food and facilitates digestion. One should make food items replete with fiber a part of their diet to help curb the symptoms of this life-threatening condition. Some of the healthiest high-fiber foods are whole grains like brown rice, whole-grain pasta, green vegetables like broccoli and celery, fruits like apples and figs, and oatmeal. Iron-rich foods Research has shown that there is a strong link between multiple myeloma and anemia. Anemia is a condition that results from poor nutrition, specifically iron deficiency, making iron-rich food items an important part of the diet for patients of multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma may adversely affect the levels of key nutrients like iron in the body, and it is important to make food items like beans, lean meats, and dark leafy green vegetables a part of the diet to naturally boost iron levels.
Foods that are good for digestion
Diets & Meal Plans

Foods that are good for digestion

Probiotic foods are those that have bacteria that is good for digestion. This includes bacteria like lactobacillus, bifidobacterium that help smooth digestion of food. Sometimes, the good bacteria in the gut can get destroyed due to various reasons. This leads to digestive problems. Consuming food that has probiotics is thus good for digestion. It can improve mental health, reduce depression, improve skin health, and can also be good for the heart. On the other hand, prebiotics are foods that help the probiotic bacteria grow. They have resistant starch and other nutrients that help gut-friendly bacteria flourish. Consuming prebiotics naturally helps good bacteria. Foods like raw bananas, artichokes, and cooked cold potatoes are good prebiotics. Let’s take a look at some of the foods that can improve digestion: Yogurt One of the best sources for probiotics is yogurt. Since it is formed by fermentation of milk, it contains lactic acid bacteria. It helps prevent diarrhea and is also useful for those who have digestive troubles. Those who want a healthier option can choose low-fat yogurt without sugar. Sauerkraut Sauerkraut is a good probiotic. However, only unpasteurized sauerkraut should be consumed as it is safer. Miso soup This popular Japanese soup is made from soy paste that has been fermented. It is rich in probiotics and vitamins and low in calories and fat. Kefir Kefir is a milk drink that is made from goat’s milk and is fermented. The fermentation ensures the presence of probiotics. Apart from the positive effect on the stomach, it is also good for bone health and improves general immunity. Tempeh Tempeh is a fermented product that contains probiotics and is made from soybeans. Apart from the probiotic benefit, it also has vitamin B12 that is essential for the body. Sourdough bread This is a type of bread that is fermented and is thus rich in probiotics.
Foods to eat and avoid for prostate cancer
Diets & Meal Plans

Foods to eat and avoid for prostate cancer

When undergoing treatment for cancer, it becomes imperative for one to eat the right kind of food and ensure that the body gets all the nourishment and energy it requires. This is because the body will be working overtime to battle cancer, and it would also need the energy to repair cells that get damaged because of radiation and chemotherapy. Foods to help battle prostate cancer Whether one is trying to eliminate prostate cancer or prevent themselves from getting diagnosed with it, knowing the foods that can protect them from cancer-inducing carcinogens is helpful: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is effective against prostate, stomach, and lung cancers. Lycopene can also slow down the spread of cancer cells and is most effective when consumed in the natural form. Any diet that includes a lot of vegetables and fruits can provide good protection against cancers. Lycopene-rich fruits like papaya, guava, and watermelon must be made part of the diet. Pectin, which is present in apples, plums, and apricots, is also known to reduce cancerous cells by almost 40%. A diet that consists of fiber-rich vegetables helps ward off prostate cancer, a prime reason for less Asian men being affected by this disease as compared to those in the West. Cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower are particularly beneficial as they slow the growth of cancerous cells. Green tea and soy have been recommended to keep prostate cancer away, but these are only in the testing stage as of yet. Some chemicals present in soy are found in other legumes and pulses as well, and these may also be effective in preventing prostate cancer. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and mackerel, can reduce the risk of cancer. Some studies suggest that pomegranate is effective for men with prostate cancer, but there is no solid evidence.
Foods to eat and avoid with gastritis
Diets & Meal Plans

Foods to eat and avoid with gastritis

Gastritis is a stomach disorder wherein the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed. This can occur due to certain foods or even bacterial infections. Gastritis can be avoided by avoiding certain foods as they help in dealing with symptoms effectively. On consulting with a doctor, one will be able to know the foods that should be consumed and avoided if suffering from gastritis. In the following, some of the foods that should be eaten and avoided have been listed. Foods to eat Food that can help kill the bacteria that cause gastritis and reduce inflammation should be consumed. Some of the choices have been listed below: Broccoli Broccoli is rich in a compound known as sulforaphane. Studies have shown that sulforaphane can kill the H.pylori bacteria that cause gastritis. Probiotics Probiotics found in yogurt, sourdough bread, and kefir can be very good for the stomach. It can strengthen the digestive process and, thus, help prevent gastritis. Fiber Foods that are rich in fiber, such as apples, beans, legumes, carrots, and oatmeal, are good for digestion and can help fight the symptoms of gastritis. Garlic Garlic is antibacterial and can help to kill the H. pylori bacteria. It can also reduce inflammation, thereby relieving one of the symptoms. Having raw pods of garlic can, however, cause irritation in some people. A helpful alternative is consuming garlic in the form of capsules. Whole grains Whole grains are good and should be consumed instead of processed grains. Brown rice is a good substitute for white rice and brown bread can be consumed instead of white bread. Lean meats Those suffering from gastritis should consume lean meats that have less fat and which do not irritate the stomach. They include skinless chicken, turkey, and pork chops. Lean proteins Lean proteins found in tuna, beans, chicken breast, and egg whites are good to include in a diet for gastritis.
Foods to eat and avoid with eczema
Diets & Meal Plans

Foods to eat and avoid with eczema

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy rashes, blisters, skin irritation, and even results in leathery skin patches over time. While this condition is more common in kids aged less than two years, it can also affect older children and adults. Many people who suffer from eczema also tend to develop food allergies. So, it is important to discover one’s personal food needs for minimizing issues with eczema and the resulting allergies. Some of the common food allergies associated with eczema include: Shellfish Fish Nuts Gluten Soy products Eggs Cow’s milk However, not everyone may have the same flare ups or reactions to the same foods. Listed below are foods that contain properties that could help in decreasing eczema flare-ups, so that one can get to know their body and what foods works best for them. Foods to eat Fatty fish: One might be able to reduce their symptoms of eczema by eating fatty fish such as herring, mackerel, trout, and salmon. These fish include high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which leads to it having anti–inflammatory properties. One might also consider taking omega-3 supplements. Foods containing quercetin: The plant-based flavonoid quercetin helps give many veggies, fruits, and flowers their vibrant, rich colors. Quercetin also happens to be a powerful antihistamine and antioxidant which helps in reducing inflammation as well as histamine levels in the body. Foods that are rich in quercetin include kale, spinach, broccoli, cherries, blueberries, and apples. Foods containing probiotics: Probiotic food items like yogurt contain live culture that help in supporting a strong immune system, which could help lessen allergic reactions or flare-ups. Foods rich in probiotics include tempeh, kefir, unpasteurized sauerkraut, soft cheeses like Gouda, naturally fermented pickles, miso soup, and sourdough bread. Foods to avoid While what one eats might not directly cause eczema, it can be a trigger for a lot of symptoms.