5 snacks that can help lower cholesterol levels People who struggle with high cholesterol levels tend to begin thinking more about everything they eat. Whether it’s a bowl of fruit or a delicious hamburger, they are left wondering how their choices will impact their numbers. While it is tempting to skip snacking altogether, a healthy snack can go a long way in maintaining metabolism as well as blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Changing the kinds of foods one eats can not only lower cholesterol levels but also improve fat levels through the bloodstream. Here are some great snacks that are extremely helpful in fighting cholesterol. Popcorn Popcorn can be low in calories when one eats a smart serving size and avoids the salt and butter. What’s more, it’s a whole grain full of fiber. Popcorn can be easily made at home by air popping it and adding some olive oil and a little bit of parmesan cheese or a few seasonings for some extra flavor. Using olive oil instead of butter helps lower the bad LDL cholesterol and increase the good HDL cholesterol. Nuts Peanuts, walnuts, almonds, etc. are great for the heart and are powerhouses of energy. Some studies have even demonstrated that nuts slightly lower the levels of bad LDL cholesterol.

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 diet 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.

Living with epilepsy can be challenging, and it is essential to know about ways to help manage it in a better way. People suffering from this condition might look for effective ways to stay seizure-free; however, with conflicting information available on the internet, it can be difficult to know what can help ease the condition and what cannot. It has been found that a balanced diet that has the right amount of nutrients from various food groups can ensure that the brain and body function efficiently. Therefore, after consulting with a doctor, one can follow a diet plan as it can help control seizures and live with epilepsy. How does diet affect epilepsy? While no food has been found to trigger an epileptic seizure, a well-planned diet can reduce the risks of seizures by helping one maintain good health. A balanced diet can help provide one with the energy and important nutrients, better sleep, and better stamina for engaging in activities. By following a healthy diet, one can live better, be more positive, and develop a stronger focus, all of which can help control and manage the condition effectively. Top nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy When the body metabolizes fats, it produces ketones.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not a life-threatening problem but it can alter your lifestyle drastically. Women are more likely affected by this condition and it can be experienced during their late teens to the early 40s. IBS tends to affect bowel habits drastically. One can experience discomfort or pain while passing stools. Your bowel habits are likely to change completely from less or more than normal which can be diarrhea or constipation. The texture of the stool may be thin, hard, soft or liquid. Some common symptoms of this condition are as follows: Bloating or a lot of gas Constipation Diarrhea Cramps/ belly pain Pellets or flat ribbon stools (i.e. hard or loose) Common things that activate IBS are: Refined grains that are used to make bread and cereals Processed foods Coffee, alcohol Carbonated drinks Dairy products like cheese High protein diets Stress-related activities like work, commuting, family problems, financial issues Medicines that evoke this condition are antibiotics, some antidepressants and sorbitol included medicine like cough syrups Eating in a hurry while working or driving Chewing gum regularly Not exercising enough It is a well-known fact that a proper diet and consumption of the right food helps control IBS to a great degree.

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.

The early signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be subtle enough and can be easily overlooked by those suffering or those around the patient. It is, therefore, essential to spread awareness about the condition. Knowing the signs and conditions can help with timely treatment. Attention plays a crucial role in early detection, treatment, and ultimately in Parkinson’s relief options. Here are some signs and symptoms that should not be overlooked: Tremor Tremors are one of the most distinguishable early signs of Parkinson’s disorder. The initiation is with slight twitching of hands, thumbs, fingers, and/or chin. The tremors caused as a result of the onset of Parkinson’s are often referred to as “rest tremors.” This is because tremors are usually experienced by patients while they are resting. As the condition progresses, the intensity of the tremors also progresses. Loss of smell Loss of smell or olfactory dysfunction is yet another early symptom of Parkinson’s. Although this symptom is not related to any motor function, it is one of the signs that can appear years before the onset of the disorder. People that go through olfactory dysfunction experience permanent dulling of senses. This is different from the loss of smell or stuffiness experienced during cold or flu.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), also known as macular degeneration, is an eye condition caused due to the deterioration of the macula, a small area in the retina. Fortunately, food plays a vital role in preventing and slowing down the progression of the condition. Let’s take a look at the common symptoms of the condition and what one must include and avoid in their meal regimen to manage these symptoms.  Early signs of macular degeneration These are the common signs of macular degeneration: Blurry vision One may experience vision that is blurry or distorted. Dark or blurry areas may appear in the center of the vision caused by the thinning of the macula.  Sensitivity to contrast As the condition progresses, one may find it difficult to distinguish between different textures and colors. That said, this symptom is not as common in patients with macular degeneration.    Difficulty adjusting to changes in light levels One may find it difficult to adjust their eyes when they move from a well-lighted room to a poorly-lighted room and vice versa, leading to blackouts.  Foods to include One must include these foods in their meal regimen to help manage or prevent macular degeneration: Colorful vegetables Studies have shown that eating colorful and leafy vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, squash, spinach, and kale, can help prevent or reduce the effects of macular degeneration.