Bipolar depression refers to the “lows” or depressive stages of one’s mental health that occurs with a condition known as bipolar disorder. It is necessary to follow proper food habits to manage this phase of depression. The food habits not only refers to what foods need to consume but also what should not be eaten. Caffeinated beverages like coffee, soda, and energy drinks; fatty and fried foods like fries and onion rings. As well as processed foods like chips, cookies, granola bars, fruit snacks, and frozen dinners; sugary desserts and candy bars; salt, which is found in bacon and ham, cheese, pickles, and soy sauce; red meat, including lamb, pork, beef, and goat; saturated fat found in cream, cheese, butter; products containing white flour such as pasta, bagels, and bread; alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, and spirits; and other whole-milk dairy products are few of the food items that need to be cut down to manage such phase of depression. Here is a list of foods and the reasons why it should be avoided: 1. Caffeine can trigger mood swings A person with bipolar depression may always feel the need to have extra caffeine since it seems to boost energy initially; however, this ultimately disrupts their sleep pattern.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term that refers to any illness that affects the lungs’ ability to function normally. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two important conditions of COPD. Lung conditions usually cause irreversible lung damage and progress to degenerate the functioning of the lungs. Wherever there is no cure for COPD, managing the symptoms to make breathing easier is the best option available. COPD is treatable, but with proper diet, medication, and lifestyle modifications there is every possibility that people diagnosed with COPD can live a healthy life. Making changes to diet is essential as there are some foods that trigger COPD. These foods which should be avoided or should be consumed in smaller quantities are: 1. Salt Too much sodium or salt in the diet can cause water retention in the body, which affects the ability to breathe in COPD patients. This condition is called edema. The extra water acts like an extra layer around the diaphragm, which makes it difficult for a COPD patient to breathe. Reduce the salt in food and also read labels on processed foods. Salt consumption should be restricted to the required level so that water retention does not happen and cause harm to the lungs.

Cystic fibrosis is a disorder where not only does the mucus thickens and clog the normal functioning of the lungs, but it also obstructs the activity of tubes carrying digestive enzymes. These enzymes help in metabolism and the functioning of the pancreas, affecting the normal digestion process in turn. A person suffering from cystic fibrosis should be on a high-nutrient diet that gives importance to various food groups. Enlisted below are a few groups of nutrients especially required by cystic fibrosis patients. 1. Starchy foods Carbohydrates are an essential part of the cystic fibrosis-diet as individuals with the condition require much more energy than normal. At least one portion of starchy food should be included in every meal. Potatoes, bread, cereals, rice, and pasta are all foods that must be had by people who have cystic fibrosis. Consume dishes that have a high content of meat and cheese sauces. Lasagna is a prime example of this type of dish. Snack on cereal, toast, and sandwiches 2. Protein-rich foods Proteins are required for bodybuilding and are an important source of energy. Teenagers and children suffering from cystic fibrosis especially need additional protein. The daily intake of food should include at least 2 servings of one of the following:

DASH is an acronym for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is referred to as a condition in which your blood pressure reading is above 140/90, which is considered as the acceptable level. It is a very common condition, the incidence of which increases with age. More than 1 billion people worldwide are estimated to be affected by hypertension. Following a diet with less salt, exercising regularly along with medications can keep the blood pressure under control. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to heart problems and even a stroke. There are usually no symptoms for hypertension, and you can have it for years without knowing it. Taking a blood pressure reading at least once a year is advisable. The DASH diet plan is designed to help treat or prevent high blood pressure. It has been designed and promoted by the National Institute of Health on the basis of documented and comparative studies conducted with different diet plans. 1. Hypertension This diet is low in salt and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins. Although the diet was created to help those with hypertension, it is popular across all cross-sections as it is considered healthy and wholesome.

Are your doctors or nutritionists telling you that you are not allowed to eat half of what is easily available or delicious? Are you constantly worrying or unsure about the type of food that you can consume? The first thing a diabetic should know is that they need not deprive themselves of delicious food just because they have a limited choice. What is crucial is to strike a balance between taste and nutrition, and also ensure that the food being eaten is low in sugar content. Once you understand the nuances of a wholesome meal, you can dig into a whole lot of delicious food items. Read the article below to know of some food items and ingredients that can be added to a diabetic diet. 1. Cinnamon Filled with highly potent antioxidant activity, studies have shown that this spice improves insulin sensitivity and also brings down sugar levels. Cinnamon is known to control cholesterol levels and triglycerides too. Ceylon cinnamon supposedly contains lesser coumarin, thereby helping you to maintain better levels of health. It is popularly referred to as the true cinnamon. 2. Chia seeds High in fiber and low in carbs, chia seeds are exactly what a diabetic needs.

For those suffering from eczema, eating certain foods can trigger their body’s defense mechanism to release compounds to fight infections, which can cause inflammation. This inflammation can cause an eczema flare-up. Certain foods have anti-inflammatory properties and help reduce such instances. Herein, we discuss the most healthy anti-inflammatory foods that help in the natural treatment of eczema. 1. Fish It is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acid that fights inflammation in the body and helps prevent dryness of the skin. Salmon, tuna, sardines, and herring are some of the fish rich in omega-3 acids. Omega-3 supplements are one of the best natural foods for treating eczema. 2. Foods that are high in probiotics Probiotics support a strong immune system for the body. They help reduce flare-ups and allergic reactions. Foods rich in probiotics include miso soup, kefir, soft cheese, tempeh, and naturally fermented foods. 3. Foods containing quercetin Colorful fruits and vegetables like apples, broccoli, spinach, and kale contain a inflammation-fighting flavonoid called quercetin, which gives color to the food and reduces the level of histamine in the body. 4. Food rich in beta carotene Beta carotene is a powerful antioxidant in the body and its especially important for healthy skin.

Many men need help with erectile dysfunction (ED). Some struggle to achieve or maintain an erection on rare occasions, while it is a permanent problem for some others. Occasional ED can also be treated without medication; only some dietary changes have to be made. Some foods and drinks that help to reduce the symptoms of ED are as follows: 1. Dark chocolate Flavonoids are naturally occurring antioxidants that help to repair cell damage. The flavonoids in dark chocolate improve circulation, which is beneficial to deal with ED that occurs due to poor blood circulation. The cacao present in chocolate increases the mood-boosting hormone serotonin, which lowers stress levels and boosts sexual desire. This ED superfood also works to enhance blood flow. 2. Wine It is very often that red wine is associated with dates and romantic dinners, and it could be because it is a libido booster. Studies show that wine increases testosterone levels. It contains a compound called quercetin, which blocks an enzyme responsible for expelling testosterone from the body, increasing the amount of testosterone circulating in the blood, making it a superfood for dealing with the symptoms of ED. 3. Salmon Oily fish like wild salmon, sardines, and tuna are filled with omega-3 fatty acids, which not only benefits the heart but also raise dopamine levels in the brain.

Some people dread winter not because the season is dark, deary, and wet with rain or snow but because they develop itchy, scaly skin and have red patches. These sore patches could peel or develop into boils that ooze. The instinctive impulse to scratch constantly leads to bleeding in severe cases. This, in turn, makes eczema worse. This itch-scratch cycle only becomes worse when the weather is dry and the air lacks moisture. Quite a common skin condition in the country, eczema affects roughly 30 million people a year. A popular quote goes thus: “The beauty of food as medicine is that the choice to heal and promote health can begin as soon as the next meal.” This sounds accurate for some eczema patients. While not everyone with eczema is affected by the foods they eat, sometimes, consuming certain foods can exacerbate the classic symptoms of eczema. Flare-ups can increase when eczema patients eat the following foods: 1. Eggs The top cause of itchiness in a majority of eczema patients is the egg. Raw, cooked, boiled or fried eggs are a common cause of eczema related symptoms in children and adults alike. The specific proteins found in eggs are mistakenly considered a threat to the body and the immune system produces antibodies to thwart the ‘attack’ , thus causing inflammation and reactions on the skin.

Eating small frequent snacks throughout the day increases energy levels and keeps one’s productivity high, while also helping to ease the symptoms of IBS. One should remember to eat snacks slowly and in between meals in order to prevent gas. A well-balanced stock of IBS-friendly, low-FODMAP snacks that provide fiber and are low in sugar and fat is a healthy alternative to regular snacks that may cause IBS to flare up. With a little bit of planning and patience, one can treat themselves to these healthy well-balanced snacks. However, it’s always good to stick to the best foods for IBS because flare-ups vary from person to person, and there may be some items listed here that may not agree with some people. It is important to know one’s body and plan the diet accordingly: 1. Rainbow veggie chips Bake or air fry colorful, crispy, and crunchy nutritious chips made from carrots, zucchini, beetroot, turnip, and sweet potatoes. They’re tasty and leave one feeling full, and they are also packed with vitamins and minerals. 2. Homemade popcorn Making one’s own popcorn at home means they have a nutritious, low-calorie snack that does not cost a lot. One can also add the desired amount of fat and seasoning and either microwave or pop them in the popcorn maker.

When one has been diagnosed with diabetes, the first question that comes to mind is about the foods to include and avoid in the diet. Following a healthy diet will help one eat better, control weight, manage diabetes better, and improve the quality of life. On receiving a diagnosis for diabetes, doctors will provide a detailed chart about what and what not to eat. One can use this as a guide for making healthy food choices. A healthy diabetic meal plan should have the following, irrespective of the cuisine. Fruits and vegetables Lean protein foods Less added sugar No trans fats Many diabetic-friendly recipes combine the finest local ingredients with different flavors. By being adventurous and trying out new recipes, one can include filling meals and snacks without compromising on the taste. Here are a few foods vital to a diabetes diet: 1. Fiber One’s meal plan should include foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and a lot of fiber to help manage diabetes effectively. 2. Non starchy veggies One’s plate should also include non-starchy vegetables. Non-starchy vegetables satisfy one’s appetite and are a great option for managing diabetes. Vegetables are also full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals. They have very few calories and carbohydrates as well.