Lifestyle changes and medication that help reduce cholesterol
health

Lifestyle changes and medication that help reduce cholesterol

Statins are the first type of medication prescribed to bring high LDL cholesterol within normal limits. However, they can have varied side-effects, and even be ineffective, in case your cholesterol problem stems from a genetic disorder. Read on to know about the different alternatives to statins that can help treat high cholesterol. Medication Below are a few alternatives to statins that your healthcare provider might recommend. Bile acid sequestrants Sequestrants bind themselves to bile acid in the intestines and get flushed out of the body via the stool. The liver starts absorbing more cholesterol if it senses a drop-in bile acid content. This entire cycle ends in effective reduction of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Bile-acid-binding medicines include colestipol, cholestyramine, and colesevelam. Ezetimibe The second most recommended form of treatment – ezetimibe, is an inhibitor medicine that has a two-pronged approach to lowering your cholesterol. It first blocks proteins that facilitate the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, decreasing the cholesterol levels reaching the bloodstream. Second, the inhibitors work to reduce the amount of cholesterol available to the liver. This forces the liver to make up for the loss, by absorbing cholesterol from the bloodstream. Together, these effects can successfully lower your cholesterol levels.
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Follow these food habits to manage migraines
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Follow these food habits to manage migraines

Headaches may cause discomfort in daily activities, leading to a lack of interest in completing tasks. Migraines are a severe form of headaches that cause intense pain, which could last a few hours to days on end. A migraine is usually caused due to a lack of proper nutrition and sleep; however, the exact cause is still unknown. Apart from taking certain medications, making changes to the food regime can help manage the condition effectively. Food habits to follow: Intake of vegetables and fruits – Vegetables and fruits have many beneficial factors and help our body in many ways. Whole and natural foods that contain no artificial flavoring and preservatives keep us healthy and avoid conditions such as migraine. Different types of fruits and vegetables in any color can act as pain relief in case of migraine. However, it is important to avoid citrus fruits as it can trigger a migraine. Natural sweeteners such as vanilla extract and maple syrup can also be beneficial. Healthy fresh meat – Always go for fresh meat and avoid processed meat. Fresh meat such as chicken, fish, or red meat are considered to be safe for those suffering from migraines. Red meat and salmon contain a good amount of vitamin B2 that helps in relieving migraine pain.
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7 healthy and tasty snacks for kids
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7 healthy and tasty snacks for kids

The food we consume plays an important role in keeping our body fit and healthy. So including foods that are rich in nutrients should be included one’s food regime. Healthy snack ideas that offer the perfect combination of fiber, protein, and fat are the right way to go about a perfectly healthy lifestyle . A huge variety of processed snacks are available in the market which will help fill up your kids’ stomach but will not be healthy. Kids are fussy eaters, so it is very important to balance their food regime by introducing foods offering a perfect balance of nutrients in the form of tasty snacks. Some snack ideas that offer the perfect combination of fiber, protein, and fat are discussed herein. Popcorn An absolute favorite among kids, popcorn has a lot of nutritional value as it is made of whole grain. Popcorn is rich in polyphenols, which is a great source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which helps in preventing the body from different types of diseases. A great source of fiber popcorn in keeping the bad cholesterol levels low. Nuts A handful of nuts consumed regularly helps in the growth and overall development of kids. Regular consumption of nuts also helps in regulating bowel movements, blood pressure and also helps in lowering bad cholesterol levels.
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Nutrition tips that help manage epilepsy
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Nutrition tips that help manage epilepsy

According to studies, diet can help improve seizure control in people who suffer from epileptic seizures. While these studies have been based on strict diets such as the Ketogenic diet, recent studies have shown that less restrictive diets such as the Low Glycemic Index diet and the modified Atkins diet can also be helpful in managing conditions such as epilepsy. When it comes to diet and dietary habits, they can be very hard to change, especially when a lot of changes are administered at the same time. Also, it is common for one to get all excited about a “new diet” in the beginning, but people tend to lose all that enthusiasm after a while. So, trying to make one change at a time is probably the best, sustainable way to start a diet, especially one that can help them manage certain conditions effectively. Eliminating simple sugars: The very first and important step for following a diet and nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy is to eliminate foods that contain high amounts and concentration of simple sugars. This type of carbohydrates have high glycemic indices, which leads to them being absorbed rapidly by the body. Once one has eliminated these sugary foods completely for more than just a few weeks, they could probably find that one no longer has the desire to eat them at all.
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4 foods that are important in managing hemophilia
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4 foods that are important in managing hemophilia

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that is mostly diagnosed at a young age. The blood doesn’t clot as it should in people with this disease, causing excessive bleeding, which can turn life-threatening. The condition largely occurs due to the absence of certain blood-clotting proteins (called clotting factors), although it can also be acquired due to an immune system issue. Physical therapy, clot-preserving medications, and vaccinations are viable treatment options. Alternatively, certain food choices can also help manage the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the beneficial foods to eat for people with hemophilia: Whole grains Oatmeal, brown rice, and barley are a few of the healthiest whole grains to eat for hemophilia patients. These foods contain fiber and nutrients that help stabilize blood glucose levels. By lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke, these foods prevent serious complications associated with hemophilia. Whole grains also reduce chronic inflammation, which can be touted as a major contributor to internal bleeding. Calcium-rich foods Important for the growth and maintenance of the bones, calcium is paramount for hemophilia patients. The nutrient helps keep tooth and bone health in check, preventing damage and subsequent blood loss.
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6 foods that can help fight arthritis pain
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6 foods that can help fight arthritis pain

Arthritis is a group of diseases that can cause stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints and can end up affecting people of all ethnic backgrounds, genders, and ages. Arthritis is of different types. One of the common types is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease wherein the joints come under attack by the immune system. Another common type is osteoarthritis, which develops due to overuse of the joints. Fortunately, there are certain foods that can help manage the condition effectively by relieving joint pain and also by easing any inflammation caused. Listed below are some of the best foods that can help people suffering from arthritis manage the condition more effectively. Fatty fish: Fatty fish such as trout, sardines, mackerel, and salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids that possess potent anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that people consuming fatty fish showed decreased levels of specific inflammation-related compounds, less morning stiffness, and joint pain intensity. Fatty fish are also rich in vitamin D, which can help prevent symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. According to the AHA (American Heart Association), including a minimum of around two servings of fatty fish in one’s food helps fight against inflammation effectively. Garlic: Garlic and its components are full of health benefits as they possess cancer-fighting properties and are also responsible for lowering the risks of dementia and heart disease.
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The benefits of healthy food habits for sickle cell patients
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The benefits of healthy food habits for sickle cell patients

Sickle cell disease, also known as sickle cell anemia, is a genetic disorder that modifies regular red blood cells into a sickle or crescent shape. The disease is more common in people with a deficiency in vitamin D and poor appetite. The condition may also lead to reduced growth and development in children. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how nutrition can help support sickle cell patients. Balance and increase nutrients When it comes to sickle cell disease, asymptomatic patients tend to show energy levels below the set threshold. This number falls to about half when illness sets in or when the person is hospitalized. Therefore, one should increase the food they eat if they wish to tackle the condition’s symptoms. Some of these foods include the following: Whole grains, rice, and cereals, which are high in vitamin B, magnesium, folate, and selenium Milk, cheese, and yogurt that are loaded with vitamin D and calcium Certain vegetable oils that are rich in vitamin E and fatty acids Meats, nuts, seeds, and beans are good sources of protein, zinc, and iron Green leafy vegetables and fruits, as these foods carry high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and even fiber Calorie intake A high-calorie intake also supports those with sickle cell disease.
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6 reasons to add probiotics to your food regime
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6 reasons to add probiotics to your food regime

Probiotics are live microorganisms naturally present in our bodies. However, they can also be taken through certain food items or probiotic supplements. When present in sufficient amounts, probiotics can have several health benefits, such as good digestion, loss of excess body weight, a healthy immune system, and much more! Read on to find out the six most important reasons why you should add this friendly bacteria to your food regime. Maintain Healthy Digestion with Probiotics Probiotics include and foster the growth of good bacteria in your digestive system. You should consume food that contains a fair amount of probiotics. It will help keep your gut healthy by restoring the natural balance of bacteria. These friendly live microorganisms come with the benefit of putting a check on the growth of bad bacteria. Probiotics do not let the harmful bacteria overpower the good bacteria. These bacteria help reverse the effects of illnesses and certain medicines. Probiotics benefits also include treating obesity and allergies. Probiotics are not known to have any side effects. Ensure a Balance of Probiotics to Treat Diarrhea The friendly bacteria present in your digestive system are widely known for treating diarrhea. One of the primary probiotics benefits is its ability to cure and reduce the severity of diarrhea.
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8 foods that help control diabetes
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8 foods that help control diabetes

Diabetes or high blood sugar can be effectively controlled if a proper daily diet is followed. Paying attention to food habits will not only keep a control on the blood sugar but also develop overall healthy weight. A balanced diet is often suggested by dieticians but not many understand the need for the same. If a person is suffering from diabetes, one thought tends to constantly remain in our mind and that is how to control blood sugar. Here are 10 best food items that are popular, easily available, and perfect for controlling blood sugar. Take a look! Vegetables are perfect for controlling blood sugar We all know that vegetables are an important part of everyday meals and diet plan. Including vegetables in the meal helps to keep us fit and healthy. Not only does eating vegetables healthy for a maintained body weight but also for controlling high blood sugar. It is advisable to include all kinds of vegetables in your diet but ensure to choose vegetables that are low in carbohydrates. You can try having mushrooms, tomatoes, sprouts, and onions, to name a few. Try adding more flavor to your meal by seasoning the vegetables well. Broccoli for a healthy heart Often recommended by doctors for people suffering from high blood sugar, broccoli is considered one of the best food items when one is looking to control blood sugar.
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Best foods for Parkinson’s symptom management
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Best foods for Parkinson’s symptom management

Parkinson’s is a disease that affects a person’s ability to control their movements as it progresses. This is because the disease affects the nervous system that is responsible for relaying brain signals to the rest of the body. It usually starts with light tremors and can progress to muscle stiffness and mobility issues. Treatment plans include medications coupled with changes in food habits and lifestyles. Read on to know more. Foods rich in antioxidants Oxidative stress is one of the main triggers of neuron degeneration among Parkinson’s patients. Many foods are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and prevent free radicals from damaging healthy cells. Spinach and kale are nutritious antioxidant-rich veggies to include that you can be included in one’s food regime. Fresh grapes, pomegranates, blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, goji berries, and elderberries actively combat oxidative stress. Studies show that plant-based foods like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant pack the highest amount of nutrition. One can add a few assorted nuts and seeds to the mix, featuring walnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, and pistachios to balance the flavor palate. Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids Healthy fats have been known to slow down the progression of chronic illnesses such as Parkinson’s.
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Foods to eat and avoid to relieve constipation
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Foods to eat and avoid to relieve constipation

Constipation is characterized by a difficulty in passing stools and decreased frequency of bowel movements. The causes of this digestive disorder include eating low-soluble fiber meals, being dehydrated, and living a sedentary lifestyle. It is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems faced in the country, affecting close to 2.5 million people. That being said, most mild cases of constipation can be controlled by following a healthy lifestyle and by eating and avoiding certain foods. Here is a list of common foods to eat and avoid during constipation: Foods to eat Prunes Prunes are an ideal choice when it comes to tackling constipation at home. They are packed with fiber, which helps ease as well as speed up bowel movements. Studies have indicated that prunes increase the frequency of bowel movements and improve the consistency of the stool. Apples Apples are one of the best foods to eat for constipation. That’s because they are full of fiber, especially insoluble fiber. Eating apples can increase water content in the colon, soften the stool, and accelerate stool movement through the intestines. For maximum constipation relief, it is advisable to eat raw and whole apples. Oats Oats are a type of whole grain packed with soluble fiber.
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