Prevent Piles Through Diet

How to Prevent Piles

Piles or hemorrhoids are the growth of lump of flesh in the rectal area that cause pain and discomfort when passing stool. This may be a serious condition, but there are ways on how to prevent piles, and they are the following:

• Drink the recommended 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. Drinking water is essential in making your bowel movement a lot easier. Constipation is one of the major causes of piles.

• Another way is by having a regular exercise. Daily exercise speeds up digestion and the release of waste products of the body. Exercise can also reduce the pressure in the rectal veins thereby making the defecation process smoother.

• Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged period. Take some time to walk around and stretch to promote good circulation.

 Foods To Prevent Hemorrhoids

• You can also eat nutritious food to prevent piles. Fibrous foods such as green, leafy vegetables and fruits contain high amount of fiber that can also improve your bowel movement and at the same time cleanse the digestive tract to get rid of fatty build-up that makes bowel movement a difficult task.

• Avoid drinking coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages because these beverages promote constipation, which could lead to the formation of piles.

• Aside from eating lots of fibrous food to prevent hemorrhoids you should not delay your trip to the comfort room.

Diet to Induce Sleep

What Foods Make You Sleep

Foods which are high in amino acid tryptophan make you sleep. Tryptophan is considered as raw product from which serotonin and melatonin are manufactured, they are utilized as nerve transmitters which slow down the nerve traffic and thereby calm the brain and induce sleep.

Foods that induce sleep are high in their glycemic index.

Foods rich in calcium help the brain to utilize tryptophan to manufacture melatonin, a sleep inducing agent in brain.

Foods That Make You Sleepy

High in tryptophan

• Milk, cheese
• Soyabean and soy milk
• Rice and beans
• Eggs, meat and poultry
• Fish and crabs
• Seasame and sunflower seeds
• Apple and ice cream products

High in glycemic index

• Honey
• Watermelon
• Potato and French fries
• Rice
• Pretzels
• Corn flakes

Diet for Healthy Brain

Brain Health Foods

Diet is one of the most important things to consider. Here are healthy brain diet and foods you can choose from:

• Low-cholesterol foods such as lean meat, fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts
• Protein and unsaturated fat such as fish and fish oils
• Anti-oxidant vitamins E and C and brain vitamins B complex are important in your diet
• Consume caffeine and alcohol moderately.
• Researches show that having a good breakfast is essential.
• Consuming simple carbohydrates such as fruits fruit juices, cake, and biscuits will give you more glucose, the fuel for the brain.

Healthy Brain Tips, Exercises

Do some physical and mental activities such as:

• Exercising daily at least 30 minutes per day is sufficient. Examples are aerobics, jogging, and brisk walking.
• Workout during the evening after a stressful day instead of early in the morning.
• Use the stairs instead of elevators. Prefer to walk instead of riding when going to short distances.

Uric Acid Reduction Diet

Uric acid is a chemical, created in the body by the breaking down of substances known as purines. It is flushed out of the body by the kidneys, through urine, after it dissolves in the blood. If it is not flushed out of the body properly, high levels of uric acid gets accumulated which causes ailments like gout and kidney diseases. High uric acid levels in the body, is known as 'hyperuricemia' and it may also worsen conditions like diabetes, leukemia and hypertension.

Hyperuricemia is usually caused due to the regular intake of purine rich foods and conditions such as hypoparathyroidism, lead poisoning, renal failure and side effects of chemotherapy.

Uric Acid Reduction Diet

Diet plays an important role in maintaining the level of uric acid in the body. High levels of uric acid in the body can be reduced by consuming certain foods and reducing or completely avoiding purine rich foods. Uric acid reduction diet can also help reduce the risk of developing arthritis, gout and kidney disorders that are caused due to hyperuricemia.

What to Eat

Uric acid reduction diet should consist of foods that are rich in potassium like potatoes, avocados, dried peaches, orange juice, apples, bananas, skimmed milk and yogurt, kidney beans, yam, etc. It is usually advised, that the diet for reduction of uric acid should contain foods rich in complex protein like tofu, berries, bananas, tea, celery, parsley, cabbage and tomatoes.

Foods like eggs, butter, cheese, corn, gelatin, peanut butter, tart cherries, vinegar, etc. that are low in purines and protein, should essentially be a part of the diet of those suffering from hyperuricemia. Products like rice, pasta, whole wheat breads and cereals should be regularly consumed.

Foods rich in bromelain and vitamin C like pineapples, red cabbage and red bell peppers can also be very effective in reducing uric acid. Soy products, lemon juice and fibrous foods, chocolate and carbonated beverages help in natural uric acid reduction. Fatty acids found in salmon, olive oil, flax, nuts, etc. may also be very beneficial to reduce uric acid levels. Plenty of water should be consumed to ensure elimination of uric acid through urine.

What Not to Eat

While following a diet for the reduction of uric acid, foods that are extremely high and moderately high in purines and protein, especially some kinds of meat and seafood, should be strictly eliminated.

Foods extremely high in purines and protein would include foods like yeast, pork, lamb, shrimps, anchovies, hearts, mussels, sardines, organ meats such as kidneys, liver and sweetbreads, etc. Those moderately high in purines and proteins include mushrooms, spinach, cauliflower, dried beans, peas, asparagus, turkey, goose, chicken, oatmeal, chicken, bacon, etc.

Alcohol, especially beer and soft drinks should be avoided completely, when consuming uric acid reduction diet. It increases the levels of uric acid in the body, thus hindering the process of uric acid reduction.

All in all, uric acid reduction diet should be low in proteins and purines and high in potassium and complex carbohydrates. It is also essential to maintain a moderate body weight for the reduction of uric acid in the body. The diet, along with medication and exercise, should be able to successfully lower uric acid levels in the body.

High Blood Sugar Diet

Low Carb Food: A low carb diabetic diet can control diabetes as it emphasizes on low fat intake. Low carb diet is significant since it helps to control the level of insulin, which is a fat building hormone. By restricting the calorie intake, this type of diet promotes healthy weight loss. Taking into consideration your body mass index (BMI), the dietitian may suggest you to follow a 1500 calorie diabetic diet or 1800 calorie diabetic diet which may include lots of green and leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, which are rich in fiber. Low fat milk and yogurt can be consumed while you can replace meat with tofu, fish and poultry. Avocado oil, pure olive oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, etc. can be used for cooking.

Low Glycemic Food: Most of the patients of type 2 diabetes suffer from obesity and high cholesterol levels. They should keep a low glycemic food list handy. Consumption of such food can lower the risk of heart diseases or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This food can control the body weight and can reduce craving for food.

Vegetables: Vegetables like spinach, chicory, sorrel, Swiss chard, broccoli, cabbages, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, green beans, etc. are low in fats and still are great sources of fiber, minerals and vitamins. You can include all such vegetables in the diet, to control high blood sugar.

Fruits: Fruits provide lots of carbohydrates and hence should be consumed in moderation. After checking the calorie count, two to four servings of fruits like blackberries, cantaloupe, strawberries, oranges, apples, bananas, peaches, pears, apricots, mango, raisins and grapes.

Grains: Whole grain bread or cereals, brown rice, oats, rye, etc. should be included in the high blood sugar diet as they provide zinc and chromium which enhance the action of insulin in the body. Diabetic patients can have foods like bread, cereal, rice and pasta which provide sufficient starch and carbohydrates.

Oatmeals: Oatmeal, which is high in nutritional value, is also known to reduce cholesterol levels in the body. It is a good source of fiber and it can be a perfect breakfast for diabetic people. Oatmeal diabetic diet can be a perfect high blood sugar diet.

Complex High Fiber Carbohydrates: The list of foods for diabetics to eat includes complex carbohydrates like cereals, legumes, peas, lentils, dried beans, whole grain products, which are packed with fiber. Read more on

Diet for High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia)

Dietary Nutrition Is Critical

If you want to improve your cholesterol count, it's not simply a question of eating less fat. A low-fat diet by itself is unlikely to work. Instead, you need to follow a nutritionally balanced diet that provides you with the right balance of macronutrients (fats, protein, carbs) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals), plus sufficient amounts of both soluble and insoluble fiber. The point is, to maintain a healthy body and an efficient metabolism, we need a wide range of nutrients, otherwise our system won't function effectively. So for best cholesterol results, aim to develop healthy eating habits across the board. 

Choose Healthy Fats

Eat More Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids
 

Not all types of fat are bad for serum (blood) cholesterol. True, we don't need any dietary cholesterol, nor do we need any saturated fat, or any hydrogenated or "trans fat". However, we DO need some fats - called essentially fatty acids (EFAs) - because our body does not manufacture them itself. The most important essential fatty acid is known as omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid). This is found in some vegetable oils like flaxseed oil and fish oils from oily fish like mackerel, salmon, herring, sardines and tuna. Omega-3 actually helps to improve blood fats like cholesterol.

Switch To Non-Saturated Fats/Oils
 

Aside from EFAs, the basic rule for lowering cholesterol is to substitute non-saturated fats (eg. monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat from foods like fish, nuts, and vegetable oils) for saturated fat. The latter is found mainly in animal foods like meat and cheese, so go easy on meat/cheese and introduce more vegetarian meals into your weekly diet plan. 

Beware Trans Fat
 

In addition, beware foods that contain "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated" or "trans-fats". For example, limit your consumption of shortenings, hard margarine, cakes, cookies, crackers, snack foods, fried foods, donuts, pastries, baked goods, and other processed foods made with these types of fat. Hydrogenated or trans fats function like saturated fat. A high intake of saturated fat, hydrogenated or trans fat increases cholesterol and other lipid levels, and may cause atherosclerosis.

Limit Your Intake Of Dietary Cholesterol
 

For most people, the RDA for cholesterol is < 300mg per day. However if you have hypercholesterolemia, the official advice is to eat no more than 200mg per day.

Eat Plenty Of Fruits And Vegetables

Fruit and veg is packed with valuable nutrients and contains a number of plant chemicals (phytochemicals) which are supposed to offer some protection again heart disease and cancer.

Fruit is a rich source of the antioxidant vitamin C (which helps to protect against degenerative diseases like atherosclerosis and cancer) and potassium (helps to regulate blood pressure), as well as both soluble and insoluble fiber both of which may help lower cholesterol slightly. Vegetables provide a wide range of nutrients, many of which help to maintain good heart health.

Choose High Fiber, Low-GI Carbohydrates

Despite claims from advocates of low-carb diets that carbs are bad, the fact is that many carbohydrates are an essential element in any low cholesterol diet plan. They are very nutritious and an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. The basic rule is to choose high-fiber low-GI carbs that are whole grain: meaning unrefined carb foods that retain most of the original fiber and grain. Examples of available whole grains include: wholewheat, whole oats/oatmeal, wheatgerm, whole-grain corn, air-popped popcorn, brown rice, basmati rice, whole rye, whole-grain barley, buckwheat.

The recommended daily carb intake is 45 to 65 percent of total calories. And the recommended dietary fiber intake is 14 grams per 1,000 calories, per day.

Lower Your Cholesterol Further By Improving Lifestyle

Exercise

Although eating a heart-friendly diet is an important step towards healthy cholesterol levels, anyone suffering from hypercholesterolemia, familial hypercholesterolemia or hypertriglyceridemia must consider the cholesterol-lowering benefits of physical exercise and take steps to follow a program of medically approved exercise. Although it is important to match the intensity and duration of your workout to your physical condition, there is no doubt that regular aerobic or cardio exercise strengthens the heart muscle, improves cholesterol results and helps protect against atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Obesity is now established as an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. It is also part of a cluster of symptoms (others include, hypertension, hyperlipemia, diabetes) which make up the condition known as insulin resistance syndrome - itself a predictor of adverse heart health. So for optimum cholesterol levels and heart health, try to maintain a healthy weight (BMI 20-24.9). If you are overweight (BMI 25-29.9) or obese (BMI > 30), it is definitely worthwhile losing weight. In fact, if you follow a healthy weight loss diet you should very quickly see an improvement in your cholesterol bloodwork.

Quit Smoking

Cigarettes and other forms of tobacco help to increase LDL levels (bad cholesterol), and depress HDL levels (good cholesterol). In fact, smoking massively increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Diet for High Blood Pressure( Hypertension)

Controlling high blood pressure (hypertension) is generally accomplished through prescriptive medications (such as Micardis) and eating a healthy diet. Foods for high blood pressure are important to maintain a low blood pressure and minimize the affects of the annoying side effects caused by these medications. Usually, a healthy eating plan is recommended by healthcare professionals upon diagnosis.

According to the American Heart Association, foods for high blood pressure primarily consist of low-sodium, low-fat, and low-cholesterol. Hypertensive patients must adhere to the recommended healthy eating plan in order to avoid the risks of further complications. When implementing a special diet plan to reduce blood pressure, there are several facts to be considered:

Reading food labels

Before purchasing food, be sure to read the nutritional facts on the labels. Because sodium is a basic, yet prominent ingredient in many foods, check for the volume of sodium content. Any substance with the word sodium in it, such as disodium phosphate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium benzoate, sodium hydroxide, and/or sodium nitrate, means that the food is likely to have extremely high sodium content.

Limit consumption of processed foods

Processed foods are generally high in sodium also. Foods such as cured and smoked meats, and some pre- packaged frozen and canned foods, most soups, and condiments are not to be eaten by hypertensive patients.

Use herbs and spices to season foods

Instead of seasoning foods with sodium while cooking, experiment with fresh and dried herbs, such as onions, garlic, basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, rosemary, black and red pepper, and onion and garlic powders.

Limit alcohol consumption

Drinking alcohol excessively raises blood pressure in most people. It is recommended that hypertensive patients limit alcohol consumption to no more than one ounce per day.

Foods for high blood pressure include potassium-rich nutrients

Potassium is a mineral that is essential to overall good health. It actually works in unison with sodium to regulate blood pressure. Sources of nutrients that are potassium-rich include fruits, such as cantaloupe, bananas, watermelon, oranges, and orange juice. Other potassium-rich foods include potatoes, spinach, and zucchini.

Read labels on salt substitutes

Be fully aware that not all salt substitutes are sodium- free. These substitutes may still contain sodium, but in lesser amounts than regular table salt. It is recommended that you consult your primary physician if you are currently prescribed hypertensive medications prior to using a salt substitute.

Diet for Muscular Dystrophy

Overview

Muscular dystrophy is a group of genetic diseases that cause progressive damage to your breathing, limb, facial and heart muscles. This damage diminishes your muscle tissue and leads to baldness, respiratory problems, difficulty standing and moving, heart abnormalities and intellectual impairment. Treatment aims at delaying its progression and enhancing your emotional and physical well-being. Although nutritional measures are not known to help treat muscular dystrophy, according to the Cleveland Clinic, a healthy diet is vital to overall wellness.

 

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are prime sources of antioxidants, such as vitamin C and beta carotene, which support your body's ability fend off and heal from infections, viruses and injuries. Emphasizing antioxidant-rich foods, such as cherries, blueberries, tomatoes and kale, may make muscular dystrophy symptoms more manageable, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other antioxidant-rich varieties include citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, carrots, spinach, bell peppers and sweet potatoes.

 

Protein

Protein provides amino acids -- the building blocks of lean tissue. Consuming too little protein can trigger muscle loss and reduce muscle function, according to Dr. Marilyn C. Crim, a physician and nutrition scientist at the Jean Mayer United States Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston. Choose lean protein sources most often, which are less likely to contribute to inflammation. Valuable options include fish, skinless white-meat poultry, low-fat dairy products, tofu, egg whites and lean red meat.

 

Healthy Fats

Fats play an important role in brain function. They also supply your muscles with energy during low to moderate-intensity activity and help your body absorb fat-soluble nutrients, such as vitamins K, A and E. The UMMC recommends that people with muscular dystrophy emphasize healthy fat sources, such as vegetable and olive oils, and limit or avoid unhealthy trans-fats, which are prevalent in margarine and commercially prepared cakes, cookies, french fries, onion rings and doughnuts. Because fat sources are dense in calories, they may also help you reach and maintain a healthy body weight. Additional nutritious sources include nuts, nut butters, seeds, avocados and fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel.

 

Whole Grains

Starches, such as breads, rice and cereal, provide glucose -- your body's main dietary source of energy. Because whole grains contain all nutritious parts of the grain, they provide more protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than refined grains, such as white flour. The UMMC recommends limiting refined foods and wheat products, if you have an allergy, for improved muscular dystrophy symptoms. Nutritious whole-grain foods include oatmeal, brown rice, wild rice, air-popped popcorn and 100 percent whole-grain breads, cereals and pasta. If you do not tolerate wheat, choose gluten-free rice, corn and oat-based starches; gluten is a protein in wheat.