Not all cholesterol is bad for your health. HDL (High-density lipoprotein) is also known as “good” cholesterol, and this type of cholesterol is actually better for your health. High HDL cholesterol levels in your body will help to carry cholesterol from the arteries to the liver, which in turn, helps in excreting it from the body. Also, if your HDL cholesterol level is high, you face a lower risk of heart disease. Moreover, high levels of high-density lipoprotein have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which are great for your health. To check your cholesterol levels, you need to go for a blood test. Most healthcare professionals recommend having a minimum blood cholesterol levels of 50 mg/dl in women, and for men, the minimum level is 40 mg/dl. If the HDL level is lower than this, your LDL level might build up, increasing the risk of heart diseases. If you have high LDL cholesterol levels, then treatment is necessary to lower the risk of a stroke or heart attack. Thus, to lead a fit and healthy life, maintaining the right levels of HDL is vital. If you are wondering how to treat high LDL cholesterol levels or how to raise HDL cholesterol levels, then you can go through these effective and healthy tips. Follow a ketogenic or low-carb diet A ketogenic and low-carb diet provides several health benefits such as reduced sugar levels in the blood and weight loss. If you are looking for ways to raise the levels of good cholesterol, you need to maintain a healthy weight. Losing a few extra pounds can go a long way in increasing your HDL cholesterol levels. You need to control your eating habits too. Along with having low-carb foods, try to include polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats in your diet. These fats are mostly available in tuna or salmon fish, nuts, and plants.

Not all bacteria are bad for you, no matter how strange that sounds! Probiotics are essential and beneficial bacteria that help control the growth of bad bacteria that harms the gut. They replenish the body’s microbiome with healthy cultures and are strongly recommended for women aged 50 and above. While there are several food items like kefir, kombucha, cheese, and yogurt that contain probiotics naturally, there are several women who do not get enough of these foods in their diet, making it absolutely essential for them to take supplements. Women who are above 50 should ideally focus on their health and receiving probiotics is an essential part of that process. There are several probiotic supplements available in the market, and we have made the process of choosing the best one easier for you. Here are a few of the best probiotics for women! Ultimate Flora Probiotic by Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic by Renew Life is one of the best probiotics for women. It provides immense support for vaginal, urinary, immune, and digestive health. To best keep the cultures alive, refrigerate the substance right after it is opened. This vegetable capsule supplement contains 25 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) Bifidobacterium strains and Lactobacilli. Higher CFU supplements are available as well. It is best to purchase a supplement of theirs with a CFU of at least 1 billion. It will not serve the purpose otherwise. Women’s Daily Care Probiotics by Garden of Life Women’s Daily Care Probiotics by Garden of Life is a vegetable capsule probiotic supplement. It is to be taken once daily and it aims at restoring and maintaining immune, vaginal and digestive health. It comes with 40 billion CFUs and was carefully designed using L. fermentum and L. reuteri strains. What makes this supplement stand out is the fact that it is resistant to stomach acid and bile.

One of the most crucial micronutrients for our body is magnesium. Now you may ask what a micronutrient is. It is a chemical substance or compound which is required in trace amounts for the normal running of the body. Magnesium, being one of the many micronutrients essential to our body, is present in various sources that we intake daily. But unfortunately, due to most food being processed, naturally occurring magnesium is mostly not sufficient for the needs of the average body. Hence, many people are suffering from magnesium deficiency in the present times and need the best magnesium supplements. Why is magnesium essential? Magnesium plays a key role in protein synthesis, thus supporting the DNA structure, aiding in muscle relaxation and contraction, regulating blood sugar and blood pressure, and controlling neurons (the most basic unit of our entire nervous system). In case you are facing health issues related to any of these areas, it is most probable that you have a magnesium deficiency. However, it is tricky to diagnose magnesium deficiency, but a good indicator is if you are suffering from fatigues, aches, migraines, mood changes, severe PMS, irregular sleep, heart and digestive troubles, depression, brain fog or anxiety. Magnesium Ingestion Magnesium cannot be ingested on its own by the body. It always is ingested as a compound with some other substances, leading to different therapeutic values and absorption rates. Thus knowing that you have a magnesium deficiency is not enough, knowing which form of magnesium to ingest to overcome the deficiency is equally important. Only then will you be able to understand the best magnesium supplement for yourself. Best magnesium supplements Magnesium chloride : Magnesium chloride is the most widely and easily available and needless to say best magnesium supplement due to its solubility in water. The method of ingestion is spraying on the body as well as baths.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the body as it promotes the growth of bones by absorbing calcium. Majority of the world’s population suffers from a lack of vitamin D in the body. We get this vitamin from the exposure to the Sun. Many people do not get enough exposure to the sun’s rays owing to residing in cold climates, etc. The vitamin cannot be synthesized naturally in such people, and taking supplements is a smart option. Low levels of vitamin D in the body can result in children having soft bones and misshapen bones in adults. Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to prostate cancer, colon cancer, heart disease, depression, weight gain, and breast cancer. Studies show that people with higher levels of the vitamin are at a lower risk of contracting these diseases. While this is not definitive, it sure is indicative! Here are a few of the best vitamin D supplement options available in the market. Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3™ Nordic Naturals Vitamin D3 is a great option to explore. It is one of the best vitamin D supplement options available today. It provides for a concentrated source of vitamin D along with some healthy oils. The capsule is made of gelatin and comes with 5000 IU of vitamin D3 dissolved in omega-9 fatty acid and olive oil. These have great heart benefits. The soft gels are flavored with a natural orange extract and preserved with rosemary extract. This keeps the supplement fresh. All in all, this product is fantastic and worth considering. DailyD® Vegan Vitamin D3 Supplement This vitamin comes after being tested for sports certification. It has a dosage of 2500 IU per capsule and uses a lichen source for its vitamin component. It is derived from plant sources and is perfect for vegetarians and vegans as well (unlike the previous supplement).

Most men, as they age, experience problems with their prostate gland. Although the prostate is one of the smallest glands in the body, it can cause huge problems. Almost all men are at a risk of developing prostate gland issues at later stages of their lives. Most common issues with the prostate gland are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, and prostatitis. The prostate gland is of the size of a walnut and is located just below the bladder in men. This gland grows as men age. When the prostate is enlarged beyond normal, it starts creating problems. Common issues due to an enlarged prostate are frequent urination, difficulty in urination, and the feeling of incomplete urination. When the prostate gland is infected (prostatitis), symptoms like fever, pelvic pain, and cloudy urine may be experienced. Taking prostate supplements is one of the ways of preventing prostate problems. However, clear evidence of the effectiveness of supplements is yet to be established. Read on to know the top prostate supplements that can help men with prostate issues. Role of Prostate Supplements Prostate supplements are useful in shrinking the size of the prostate. Some physicians recommend prostate supplements for maintaining optimal health. The top prostate supplements nourish the prostate with the nutrients necessary for proper functioning and healing. Prostate supplements are known to provide symptomatic relief from BPH and prostatitis. The urine flow can be improved and the frequency of urination can be reduced. Some supplements can even reduce the growth of the gland and improve erectile function. Top Prostate Supplements Identifying the top prostate supplements can be quite challenging. It is almost like taking a shot in the dark. Most of the times, one needs to rely on feedback from those who have used it. There are certain supplements that are absolutely needed for the proper functioning and healing of the prostate gland.

Fiber is a plant-based food like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. This fiber is not completely digested by the human body or the dietary enzymes. There are a number of benefits of consuming fiber-based foods as they can help manage weight, keep intestinal cancer at bay, and also help in lowering blood sugar levels in the body. When you start taking a high-fiber diet, you will be able to see much more benefits over a period of time. Your high-fiber diet plan should contain the following: Vegetables of different colors, like spinach, kale, pumpkin, gourd, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers and more. Fresh fruits such as apples, pears, bananas, mangoes, and oranges. Legumes like beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils. Whole grains like wheat, oats, corn, rye, and barley. Seeds and nuts such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds and so on. Benefits of a high-fiber diet There are a number of health benefits that you will be able to enjoy when you are following a high-fiber diet plan and that will help you in staying healthy. Have a look at the benefits: Weight loss One of the most important benefits of a high-fiber diet plan is that you will be able to lose weight healthily. When you are planning to lose weight, just eating at least 30 grams of fiber per day will help you lose as much weight as people who follow a very complex diet plan that includes changes in calorie intake, salt levels, sugar levels, and many other major changes. This fiber does not just make you feel full for a longer time, but will also stop your body from absorbing the calories in your regular food. Lower the risk of type 2 diabetes This is a very well-known fact that fiber can help you stay away from type 2 diabetes.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder. The condition results in acute abdominal discomfort, gas, diarrhea, as well as changes in the patterns of one’s bowel movement. IBS with constipation is one of the most common scenarios that can greatly affect your quality of life. According to a study, the IBS affects more than 10% of the population in the country. The reason for the occurrence of IBS is unknown, which is why there is no specific cure for the condition. However, certain kinds of food items, stress, and hormonal changes are known to flare up the symptoms of this disease. Understanding these symptoms and following some basic steps that ease IBS can help to manage the condition in an effective way. Here are some ways to manage IBS. Making dietary changes Simple changes in the diet can help to relieve the troublesome symptoms of IBS. There is no specific diet for the same as some foods may cause IBS symptoms in one person whereas, on the other, they may not. Eliminating certain foods According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Disease, certain items have shown to trigger the IBS symptoms: Dairy products High-fat products Caffeine Alcoholic drinks Broccoli, beans, and cabbage Drinks containing artificial sweeteners Chocolate and nuts Increasing dietary fiber Increasing your fiber intake is especially helpful in alleviating the symptoms of IBS with constipation. Doctors suggest consuming 22 to 34 grams of fiber each day. There are plenty of food items that are rich in fiber such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, etc. It is important to note that fiber should be added gradually to the diet, little by little. For instance, 2 to 3 grams should be added each day. Adding too much fiber in one go can cause bloating and gas, and further, aggravate the IBS symptoms.

Maintaining a healthy diet is necessary, to say the least. Processed and junk foods have become an integral part of our diet, and eating too much of it can lead to serious health issues in the long run. The number of people suffering from high sugar and salt levels in the blood has exponentially increased. To put it into perspective, over 100 million people in the country currently suffer from either diabetes or pre-diabetes. A large number of people are obese and hardly exercise. While this may not impact your health immediately, it will in the future. Nobody wants to live a life eating pills to control a disease. The best way out is to bring a radical change today to ensure that this never happens. This change is only possible if you follow an effective diet plan along with regular exercise. We have made the process of selecting effective diet plans much easier for you. Here are a few of the best diet plans of 2018 that actually work! DASH Diet Quite a fancy name for a diet right? The DASH diet is true to its name and it was designed to help people with high blood pressure. Needless to say, it is one of the best and most effective diet plans out there. Regulation of blood pressure is crucial when it comes to patients with hypertension, and the DASH diet aims at helping with the process. This diet comprises low-fat dairy products, lean protein, whole grains, vegetables, and a mix of fruits. If you are on this diet, try to avoid eating some harmful oils, full-fat dairy, sweets, sugary beverages, and saturated fat. You must also try to reduce your salt intake as a preventive measure against high blood pressure. Mediterranean Diet Another diet true to its name and origin is the Mediterranean diet.

Good cholesterol is extremely important to the human body and it is produced in the liver. It is helpful in creating different hormones in the body and also helps in keeping the cells flexible. But, just like anything else, too much of anything is not good for the human body. So, having too much cholesterol or having it in the wrong places can create a lot of health issues. Fat gets dissolved in the water and it gets flushed out of the body, but it is not the same with the cholesterol. Risk of heart problems, blood pressure, obesity, and many other problems can be seen due to high levels of cholesterol in the body. Many people take up gym membership or try to work out at home in order to reduce cholesterol. This is definitely a good start, but exercise alone cannot do the magic that you are looking for. You need to make some changes in your diet or add some naturally healthy food that lowers your cholesterol levels. Here is the list of 10 naturally healthy cholesterol-lowering foods. Avocados Are you wondering which foods that lower cholesterol naturally? Then simply add some avocados to your diet. This is a great source of monounsaturated fats, nutrients, and fiber. Fiber and monounsaturated fats can be really helpful in lowering the cholesterol levels, and hence, this is a must in your diet when you wish to reduce cholesterol levels naturally. Legumes Commonly called as pulses, legumes are one of the best options to reduce cholesterol levels. Alfalfa, chickpeas, beans, and lentils are the plant foods and they are called legumes. As they are low in fat and also contain high fiber, minerals, and proteins, they are considered as good cholesterol-lowering foods. Nuts Yet another of the foods that lower cholesterol naturally, nuts are nutrient-rich food helping in reducing cholesterol in the human body.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease which restricts your diet immensely. There are different types of the disease and irritable bowel syndrome varies from person to person. You need to keep track of the food items that may trigger the syndrome. This can help you prevent it and lead a better, healthier life. The food items which make your symptoms flare up are called triggers. The IBS diet plans mentioned below will help you avoid problems with diarrhea, belly pain, bloating and constipation. It is all about making the right plan and following it to your best ability. Irritable bowel syndrome constipation There are several food items that can make IBS constipation worse. You need to avoid eating these food items and stick to a healthy diet plan. Here are a few food items you need to avoid at any cost. Coffee Carbonated drinks Alcohol Dairy products (especially cheese) Breads and Cereals Made with Refined Grains Processed Food Items High-Protein Diets Minimize or nullify your intake of these food items and you will have a great IBS diet plan to go. This does not necessarily limit you to eating peanuts all the time. You can boost your fiber intake by 2-3 grams per day to increase the likelihood of you reacting better to IBS constipation. Try to eat 25-38 grams of fiber per day and reap its benefits. There are several good sources of fiber. These include whole-grain bread, beans, fruits, cereals, and vegetables. You can also eat food items such as dried plums and prune juice. These are rich in sorbitol which is also a substitute of sugar. Eat this in moderate amounts. Drink plenty of water on a daily basis and you should see improvements soon. Irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhea Frequent visits to the washroom are certainly draining for a patient suffering from diarrhea.