6 foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia

6 foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia

Dementia is a psychological condition involving the progressive loss of cognitive abilities, including memory, reasoning, concentration, and the ability to carry out daily tasks. Many patients with dementia show behavioral changes and mood swings, hallucinate, and get disorientated and irritable. Besides early diagnosis and timely treatment, constant care, family support, and some lifestyle changes can contribute to healing from dementia. Here are some foods that can help individuals prevent and manage dementia symptoms: Spinach Spinach contains high levels of lutein, an antioxidant that helps prevent loss of cognitive functions. Moreover, several studies have drawn associations between the intake of spinach and other leafy greens and the prevention of cognitive decline. Spinach can be added to stir-fries, gravies, soups, smoothies, etc. Fatty fish Fatty fish varieties like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are packed with Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Studies have demonstrated a decline in DHA levels among individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, a leading cause of dementia. Thus, a meal plan rich in DHA can help reduce one’s susceptibility to these psychological conditions. A daily intake of 200 mg of DHA is recommended for brain health. Broccoli Being a cruciferous vegetable, broccoli is rich in carotenoids and vitamin B. These components can reduce the levels of homocysteine, an amino acid known to contribute to cognitive decline and related psychological conditions in the body.
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6 signs that indicate progressing dementia

6 signs that indicate progressing dementia

Dementia is a term used to describe symptoms affecting a person’s memory, communication, analytical skills, and overall cognitive function. The condition has no cure, and the symptoms progress further affecting daily routine triggered by abrupt changes in mood and behavior. Many of the signs and symptoms of dementia tend to overlap with known neurological disorders, making it necessary for everyone to be aware of the 6 glaring signs of dementia discusses in this article. Reduced cognitive abilities The trouble with memory is one of the more common and prominent signs of dementia ranging from forgetting things more often or even recalling forgotten things at a later stage. Here, it is common for a person to experience serious inconsistencies when it comes to memory. Severe dementia can also prompt a person to ask questions repeatedly, even if they have already gotten the answer to their queries. Memory loss and reduced ability to analyze, compute and calculate are cognitive problems affecting daily routine as dementia progresses. Abrupt personality changes Dementia significantly affects personality as the symptoms worsen over time. Increased anxiety, confusion, and unexplained fear are all common signs triggered by a neurological disorder. Frequent mood swings, reduced interest in favorite activities, and irrational suspicion develop abruptly, triggering severe personality changes.
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Foods to avoid to manage atrial fibrillation

Foods to avoid to manage atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a health condition in which the rhythmic pumping of the atria (the heart’s upper chambers) gets affected. It causes the heart to beat at an irregular or fast rate. This signifies that the heart is weak and must work harder to pump blood and function properly. While there are treatments for this condition, following a healthy meal plan is also essential. Here are some foods to avoid with atrial fibrillation. Caffeine While consuming small amounts of caffeine is not harmful, overdoing it can cause complications, especially if one suffers from atrial fibrillation. According to studies, 300 mg of caffeine per day is safe. But most packaged energy drinks on the market have a lot more. Energy drinks aim to provide a burst of energy by using caffeine. However, someone with a weak heart may find it hard to keep up with these drinks. Trans or saturated fats It is no secret that too much fatty food leads to several health conditions, including atrial fibrillation. Options like fried chips, doughnuts, potato chips, margarine, and deep-fried foods with high amounts of fat can increase cholesterol levels and blood pressure. And these are the precursors to heart diseases. Patients who add fatty foods to their meals experience worsening symptoms of this health condition.
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5 foods to avoid with atrial fibrillation

5 foods to avoid with atrial fibrillation

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) occurs when there is a breakdown in the functioning of the atria or the heart’s upper chambers. Instead of beating at an average rate, the pulse begins to fibrillate, beating at a fast or irregular pace. AFib can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure, which can be fatal. To manage this condition, it is recommended to implement some lifestyle changes in addition to medical therapies. Based on available evidence, avoiding certain foods can help manage AFib better, as these have been shown to affect health and increase the risk of heart complications negatively. They may also lead to other health issues such as diabetes, cognitive decline, and certain cancers. Therefore, common foods to avoid with atrial fibrillation include: Energy drinks Energy drinks contain a large amount of caffeine, excessive sugar, and stimulants, which can negatively affect the cardiovascular system. Observational research has linked the consumption of energy drinks with serious cardiovascular events, including arrhythmias and sudden cardiac deaths. It is suggested that people with AFib avoid energy drinks. Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and margarine According to studies, foods high in saturated and trans fats are associated with a high risk of AFib and other cardiovascular conditions.
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Benefits of healthy eating for mental health

Benefits of healthy eating for mental health

Nutrition plays an important role in maintaining one’s health, and certain items, like processed and fried food, can have an adverse effect on one’s mental health. On the contrary, foods rich in nutrients can improve one’s mental well-being. Learning about the benefits of the right kind of food can help encourage better eating habits. So here is how certain food choices can help in improving one’s mental health and well-being: Improves self-esteem One’s self-esteem can be associated with the way they look and feel, and unhealthy eating habits may often lead to poor physical well-being and state of mind. On the other hand, a nutrient-rich, balanced meal plan can help people feel healthy and fitter, improving how they see and feel about themselves. Helps manage disorders The brain responds to what one eats and drinks, and choosing foods rich in essential vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and other nutrients is crucial for healthy cognition. The lack of key nutrients may worsen mental health and disorders like depression. So, one should add foods rich in magnesium, selenium, zinc, and amino acids and have lots of water. Elevates mood Studies show a link between mental health and food, so one’s meals may impact how one feels during the day.
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10 foods that help alleviate menstrual pain

10 foods that help alleviate menstrual pain

For most women, pain is synonymous with menstruation. Approximately 80% of individuals who menstruate experience menstrual pain at some point. Such pain is typically accompanied by cramps, bloating, and mood swings and is caused by the release of natural chemicals called prostaglandins, due to which the uterine walls and blood vessels contract. Adequate rest and a healthy meal plan can help handle menstrual pain. Some foods to incorporate during your menstrual cycle are as follows: Oats Oatmeal is a healthy, fiber-rich breakfast option high in calcium, zinc, magnesium, vitamins A and B, and iron. A cup of oats contains around 14 mg of iron, accounting for three-quarters of the total iron intake needed per day, i.e., 18 mg. Studies have shown that having iron-rich foods can reduce menstrual pain and help you handle menstrual symptoms better. Spinach A cup of cooked spinach contains 6.5 mg of iron and magnesium; vitamins A, C, B6, and E; potassium; and calcium in sizable amounts. Thus, it can help reduce PMS symptoms, including pain, bloating, and cramps. Besides, one may add spinach to stir-fries, gravies, soups, smoothies, etc. Oranges Oranges are packed with vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin D and are among the best fruits to manage period pain and cramps.
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5 silent signs of skin cancer to watch out for

5 silent signs of skin cancer to watch out for

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in our country, with nearly 9,500 people diagnosed every day. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about one in five of our population is projected to develop the condition by the age of 70. But despite its prevalence, skin cancer is one of the most treatable cancers if caught early. Some subtle and silent signs to keep an eye out for include: Translucent, waxy bumps Skin cancer can show up as a clear or skin-colored bump. According to doctors, a translucent, waxy bump could be a sign of early-stage basal or squamous cell skin cancer. This bump may never bleed, hurt, or cause other symptoms. Scaly patches If a dry patch does not go away even after moisturizing or using other treatments, it could be basal or squamous cell carcinoma. Scaly patches could also indicate seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis. Red or purple lesions Common skin lesions or lesions showing up as blue, purple, or red nodules could be a sign of a rare skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma. These bumps grow within a few weeks, often in areas that have received a lot of sun over the years. Another rare cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, may also develop as discolored skin.
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Foods that help improve skin cancer symptoms

Foods that help improve skin cancer symptoms

Skin cancer is a common condition primarily brought on by excessive sun exposure. It can appear as a variety of symptoms, such as darker speckles, a mole, etc. Although the disease can be treated, there are ways to prevent and avoid it through lifestyle and food changes. Spending less time in the sun and eating certain foods may reduce the risk of developing this condition. Here are some foods that can help with related symptoms. Fatty fish Fatty fish, which are high in good fat and omega-3 fatty acids, can protect against melanoma. This type of fatty acid is beneficial to overall health and does not increase the risk of any other types of cancer. An average of one serving of oily fish, such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and trout, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, should be consumed every five days. They have anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the prevention of a variety of illnesses. Colorful fruits and vegetables Strong antioxidants in colorful fruits and vegetables, such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and other bioactive compounds, may reduce the risk of melanoma. Include a lot of orange and dark green fruits in your daily meals. Eating cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale is recommended at least three times per week.
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