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12 Natural Remedies That Reduce Constipation

Post author By Sidney
Post date May 9, 2022
1 Comment on 12 Natural Remedies That Reduce Constipation

Did you know that 20% of people in the United States suffer from constipation, which results in over 8 million visits to the doctor every year? These numbers are so high, that it makes us wonder what’s up with this symptom.

People might experience this issue when they eat or avoid certain foods, depending on their lifestyle choices, the meds they take, or the medical conditions they suffer from. So for many of them, the cause of chronic constipation is still unknown.

When you’re constipated, you notice that you have fewer than three bowel movements per week, your stools are dry and lumpy, you have difficulty or pain when you pass stools, and overall discomfort when you’re going to the bathroom. If you’re tired of feeling like this and you want to know what can be done, we listed you a couple of natural home remedies you might find helpful:

Best natural remedies against constipation:

Drink more water

You can suffer from constipation if you’re regularly dehydrated. In order to prevent it, it’s highly important to remember to drink enough water throughout the day. When someone suffers from constipation, it might come as a relief to try to drink sparkling water.

Sometimes this can get things to move again. There are a couple of studies that show how sparkling water is way more effective than tap water, especially when it comes to relieving constipation. This also includes indigestion or dyspepsia.

However, don’t confuse carbonated water with sugary soda, as they can make things even worse for you. For example, if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), drinking carbonated drinks will only worsen your symptoms, so you might want to avoid drinking sparkling drinks altogether.

Eat more fiber, especially the non-fermentable one

The first rule against constipation is to increase your dietary fiber intake. That’s because increasing the fiber intake has a great impact on the consistency of your bowel movement, which will make it easier to pass through your digestive system.

There’s a 2016 review that shows how 77% of people with chronic constipation are benefiting from fiber supplements. However, there are also studies that contradict this measure. Apparently, for some people, increasing their fiber intake make things actually worse.

There are also reports that show how dietary fiber is helpful when it comes to stool frequency, but it doesn’t help other symptoms, such as stool consistency, pain, bloating, and even gas.

Exercise more

There are multiple research studies that found how exercising can help improve the symptoms of constipation. According to these studies, sedentary life is directly linked with the risk of being constipated. That’s why some experts recommend increasing exercise to improve your bowel movements.

However, not all studies tend to agree with this. Some show that exercising didn’t have anything to do with the number of times people went to the bathroom, but it reduced some symptoms and improves the overall quality of life.

For example, people who suffer from IBS benefit from moderate exercises, such as brisk walking, because it improves digestive symptoms. BUT, more vigorous exercise, such as jogging, might make things even worse for some.

coffee constipation — Photo by Svitlana Hulko from Shutterstock

Drink more coffee, especially caffeinated

For some people, drinking coffee increases the need to go to the bathroom. That’s mainly because coffee stimulates the muscles in the digestive system. There’s one 1998 study that shows how caffeinated coffee affects the gut in the same way as a meal can.

Its effect is 60% stronger than drinking water, and 23% stronger than drinking decaf coffee. One of the reasons that might explain this is the fact that it contains small amounts of soluble fibers, which help prevent constipation by ameliorating the balance of gut bacteria.

That being said, the bowel-stimulating qualities of coffee might be even stronger in people with IBS. It can also make digestive symptoms worse. If you suffer from IBS, try removing caffeine from your diet, to see if anything improves.

Try using Senna, which is an herbal laxative

Senna is a highly popular and effective herbal laxative, which is known to help you treat constipation. You can find it over the counter and online, in oral and rectal forms. Senna has lots of plant compounds known as glycosides, which stimulate the nerves we have in our gut, speeding up bowel movements.

Doctors recommend using Senna, saying that it is safe for adults as long as it is used for short periods of time. However, people should definitely consult their doctors before deciding to use it. Also, doctors would highly recommend pregnant women, those who are breastfeeding, and people with certain health conditions to stay away from this herbal laxative.

Try eating more probiotics foods or probiotic supplements

Probiotics are known to prevent chronic constipation. Probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria that naturally exist in the gut. Some of these probiotics include Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus. You can increase these levels by eating probiotic foods.

In some cases, chronic constipation comes because of an imbalance of bacteria in their gut. Eating more probiotic foods might improve this balance and prevent constipation. There’s even a 2019 review that shows how taking probiotics for 2 weeks might treat constipation, and increase stool frequency and stool consistency.

You can also alternate with probiotic supplements. There are studies that show how people started to notice the benefits of these supplements after 4 weeks. If you want to try natural probiotics, you can eat yogurt or sauerkraut.

Over-the-counter or prescription laxatives

If you decide on taking laxatives, you should definitely speak to a doctor or pharmacist about choosing the best choice. While there are various methods of action, they are all effective against constipation. You might try:

bulking agents – these are laxatives that are fiber-based, and they increase the water content in your stool.
stool softeners – these stool softeners have oils that soften stools and ease the passage through the gut.
stimulant laxatives – are known to stimulate the nerves in the gut to enhance a proper bowel movement.
osmotic laxatives – osmotic laxatives soften the stool by pulling water from other tissues into the digestive system.

Try a low FODMAP diet

Constipation can be a serious sign of IBS. That’s why a low FODMAP diet is basically eliminating the food that causes your IBS symptoms to flare up. FODMAP comes from fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols.

This diet is based on limiting high FODMAP foods for a brief period of time, before reintroducing them in order to determine which foods are tolerated and well digested. In people who suffer from IBS, the low FODMAP diet alone isn’t enough.

These people will definitely need to pay attention to various aspects of their diet, such as the water and fiber intake. A low FODMAP diet will relieve IBS-related constipation, but you might need to add other measures too.

Eat shirataki noodles or try taking a glucomannan supplement

Glucomannan is a soluble fiber from the roots of the konjac plant. There is research that sustains the effectiveness of this fiber. Glucomannan might act as a probiotic, as it’s known to improve the good bacteria in the gut.

There’s one study that’s been conducted on children that shows how 45% of recipients who took glucomannan noticed relief from severe constipation. People can get this fiber from supplements or by eating shirataki, konjac, and noodles.

Glucomannan supplements are available if you’re interested. They might vary in their benefits depending on the brand, so the best thing to do is to compare brands before purchasing anything.

Eat prebiotic foods

Prebiotics are a type of indigestible carbohydrate fiber. Oligosaccharides and inulin are also prebiotics. Even if dietary fibers are known to reduce constipation by improving the consistency and bulk of stool, they also improve your overall digestive health.

Prebiotic fibers provide beneficial bacteria for the gut, which boosts probiotics and helps balance the gut bacteria. There are some prebiotics that might be super helpful for the frequency of your bowel movements, but also make your stool softer. These are:

chicory
Jerusalem artichokes
garlic
onions
bananas
leeks
chickpeas

Even so, it’s worth mentioning that garlic and onions aren’t included in the low FODMAP diet as these foods can trigger various symptoms in people who suffer from IBS.

Try magnesium citrate

Magnesium citrate is a very popular home remedy that works well against constipation. It’s a specific type of osmotic laxative that people can easily purchase over the counter or online. By taking moderate amounts of magnesium supplements, you can relieve constipation. Doctors are using magnesium citrate in bigger dosages to prepare and clean out the bowel before surgery and any other medical procedure.

Eat more prunes

People resume eating prunes or prune juice because it’s a natural remedy for constipation. Prunes are probably the most accessible natural solution available. Prunes are rich in sorbitol, which is sugar alcohol rich in laxative effects. There are studies that show how prunes are more effective than fibers, like psyllium. However, people who suffer from IBS might want to avoid prunes, as sugar alcohols are very high FODMAP foods.

If you enjoyed reading this article, we also recommend reading: Early Stage Cancer: 7 Types That Are Almost Impossible to Detect

Tags food, tips

Top 12 Foods That Are Bad for Your Skin

Post author By Trevor
Post date April 30, 2022
No Comments on Top 12 Foods That Are Bad for Your Skin

No matter how often or well you wash your face with different kinds of products suitable for your type of skin, nothing has the power to impact the way you look quite as much as what you eat on a daily basis. Of course, there are plenty of good foods for your skin, but today we’re going to talk about foods that are not so beneficial!

If you eat too much dairy, for example, you can develop acne even if you have reached a certain age. This risk is also possible when you eat too many sweets, which are not only bad for your skin but also for your teeth and blood sugar levels.

Keep reading to find out which foods you should avoid in order to have beautiful skin and a healthy body.

1. Dairy

Even if most of us think of milk as good food for our health, especially for getting enough calcium, dairy products are actually bad for our skin. Who knew? Dermatologists say that milk elevates insulin levels, and some brands that you can find on the market have growth hormones.

Excessive consumption of milk might lead to acne, especially if you have a genetic predisposition.

If you are lactose intolerant, then you will have an advantage because you won’t be having dairy products since you replaced them with almond milk or another type of vegan milk that suits your taste.

2. Alcohol

We all love a glass of red wine, especially when we have some roast beef on the side, but what if someone tells you that alcohol actually damages your skin? Why? Simply because wine acts as a diuretic and draws out liquid from your body, and we all know that if you are not hydrated enough it will show in your skin as well.

We are not young anymore and we are aware that wrinkles can appear more pronounced if your skin is not moisturized enough. So make a commitment to limit your alcohol consumption to one or fewer glasses per week.

Green tea is good for your health. Try drinking it at least once a day. It’s pretty yummy too. Just be careful when you infuse it: no more than 3 minutes, because otherwise it’s going to be bitter.

3. Potato Chips and French Fries

One of the greatest guilty pleasures of our lives is French fries, of course! Who doesn’t love French fries, especially if they are sided with a hamburger? Yummy! But you do know that this guilty pleasure of yours might cost your skin later, right?

A dermatologist says that fast foods and fried ones cause inflammation throughout your body, plus they will lead to acne as well.

Fries are full of refined carbs, and they can also influence the appearance of wrinkles and the aged-looking skin. We won’t be young forever, that’s for sure, but taking care of your skin better might improve its condition, plus you will look good as well.

4. Baked sweets/ doughnuts

Those pastries you love so much are actually full of trans fats, which can have a negative impact on your body and especially on your skin. Unfortunately, most of the things that taste amazing have too much sugar and processed carbs that can lead to damage to your skin’s collagen, which keeps your skin stretchy and resists wrinkles.

You can always replace them with fruits and other unsweetened foods that may taste a bit bland if you used to eat a lot of sugar in the past, but they will bring you benefits for your health.

5. Spicy foods

Foods that are spicy are delicious, of course, but if you have rosacea, for example, you might want to avoid them because they will heat up the skin and increase the risk of a flare-up. You can always switch to milder spices, sauces, or vinegar in order to give some added flavor to your foods.

What are your favorite foods? Any from our list?

6. Hot beverages

Unfortunately, another habit that is bad if you have rosacea is heat and hot beverages such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. I know it’s tricky if you are trying to eliminate them completely, but you can try to drink them in a cold form, such as iced coffee, cold brew, and iced teas. Especially during the summer, they are amazingly refreshing. Give it a try!

7. Chocolate

Dermatologists say that chocolate is one of those foods that increases the chances of acne. Chocolate is a carb that can damage the collagen in your skin. A diet that is high in carbs and refined sugar is not good for your body either, since you can get fat easily.

Chocolate kicks sebum production into high gear and can trigger inflammatory responses in your body. How often do you eat chocolate?

8. Red meat

It’s medically proven that red meat contains saturated fats and tons of cholesterol. Consumption of an excess red meat leads to inflammation in the body, and because of too much fat in the body, the collagen production decreases, leading to dull and bad-looking skin.

Did you know that there is a thin line between dieting and acne? Your diet actually plays a significant role in acne development!

9. Foods With a High Glycemic Index

High glycemic foods such as white bread, white spaghetti, and potatoes can damage your skin pretty badly and increase acne breakouts. In fact, the skin won’t be the only thing that’s going to be affected by these foods. For those who are diabetic, white bread can spike the blood sugar level pretty badly. They also affect collagen in the skin.

If you want smoother and younger skin, then you should really give up white bread and replace it with whole-grain bread. Pssst! It’s actually even tastier! Trust me.

10. Foods Rich in Omega-6 Fats

We previously discussed in our articles that foods rich in Omega-3 fats are actually good for your heart and also for your eyes. Foods that contain a lot of Omega-6 fats are pretty bad if they are consumed daily. Foods like corn and soy oil are rich in Omega-6, which can cause acne.

11. Fast foods

As much as we like fast foods, we have to admit that they are bad for your health. They are usually made with oil and contain tons of fat. Meats like bacon and pepperoni are high in nitrates, and they can damage your skin and cause wrinkles as soon as you expect.

Processed meats like the ones found in hamburgers also contain high levels of sodium, which can lead to dry skin. Usually, a typical Western diet may increase the excess of sebum and increase the level of acne risk. Be careful!

What is the traditional dish in your region?

12. Soda

Booyah! Last but not least, sodas can cause damage to your health. These are full of sugar, and we already know that they can damage the collagen supply you need. You don’t like wrinkles on your face? Then stop drinking soda.

Switch to natural orange juice or other non-carbonated ones.

Takeaway: Recent studies have shown that people who frequently consume added sugars have a 30% higher risk of developing acne, especially those who cannot give up on pastries or cakes. Don’t forget that if you already have rosacea, sunlight and hairspray are two common things that are bad for it!

If you enjoyed reading this article, we also recommend reading: 18 Foods To Avoid That Will Fatten You Right Away.

Tags food, skin

7 Diseases You Can Get From Eating Sushi

Post author By Sidney
Post date April 29, 2022
No Comments on 7 Diseases You Can Get From Eating Sushi

I think it’s safe to say that sushi has become extremely loved all over the world. This traditional Japanese food, alongside sashimi, can be found either in high-class restaurants or even in some supermarkets in America.

Sashimi is a thinly sliced raw fish that’s often served with wasabi or soy sauce, and it’s also extremely popular. But unlike sashimi, sushi doesn’t necessarily have raw fish. As a matter of fact, sushi refers to those small balls or rolls of vinegar-flavored cooked rice.

These rice rolls are then wrapped in seaweed, with different veggies, eggs, raw fish, cooked fish, and other wonders. However, if you want to eat sashimi or sushi that contains raw fish, it’s worth knowing what are the health risks, as you can consume disease-causing bacteria or even parasites.

Anisakiasis

Anisakiasis and other nematodes, also known as roundworms, can be caused by eating some types of raw or undercooked fish. When you ingest this tiny worm, you can suffer from severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting within hours of eating.

Not to mention that if you don’t cough up or vomit the worms, they can burrow into the walls of your intestines, and cause a localized immune response, or even inflammation in the intestine. If this happens, the worms will die eventually, being removed by the immune system.

Even so, in some severe cases, your doctor might have to remove them to reduce the pain. This could be solved with surgery or endoscopy, which is a flexible tube and camera that will let the doctor spot and remove them.

Vibrio

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a bacterial species often associated with eating raw or undercooked fish and shellfish, in particular oysters. Infection caused by this bacteria can cause symptoms such as diarrhea (bloody diarrhea included), abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, and even chills.

Plus, in people who suffer from a weakened immune system, the symptoms are even more severe. There’s another Vibrio species, Vibrio vulnificus, which has been found in oysters, clams, and crabs. In healthy people, ingestion of this microbe might be at fault for causing nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and even fever.

In some people that suffer from liver disease or weakened immune system, the microbe might enter the bloodstream, which causes a life-threatening whole-body infection. Even more, the Vibrio species can cause wound infections through open sores that were exposed to water that harbors the bacteria.

Some of the examples are scrapes when opening oysters or even working on boats. As a gastrointestinal illness, these types of wound infections are extremely severe in people with impaired immune systems.

sushi bacteria — Photo by Billion Photos from Shutterstock

Listeriosis

Listeriosis is an infection that occurs when you have Listeria monocytogenes in your body. This bacteria can easily be found in raw seafood (sushi), unpasteurized milk and different dairy products, vegetables (raw sprouts), and other types of foods.

However, the biggest risk for listeriosis is in people who are either pregnant, newborns (as the bacteria can pass through the placenta), over 65 years old, or suffering from a weakened immune system. If listeria is spreading to the nervous system, you might suffer from meningitis, which is a concerning inflammation of the membranes and fluid around the brain and spinal cord.

Also, it can cause meningoencephalitis, which is an inflammation of both the brain tissue and the membranes around the brain. Nervous system infection is more prone to happen to elderly people or those who are immunocompromised.

Also, if you’re not pregnant, listeriosis might cause mild symptoms, such as fever, and diarrhea. It can also cause other symptoms that are more severe, such as stiff neck and confusion. These two usually occur when the infection has already spread to the nervous system.

If you’re pregnant, listeriosis might also lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or even a serious infection in the newborn.

Salmonella

Salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, chills, headache, and in some situations, even blood in the stool. Signs of salmonella infection might last between a few days to even weeks, with diarrhea episodes that might last up to 10 days.

Even more, it might take several months before bowel movements return to their usual habits. In general, people don’t need to go to the doctor if they suffer from a salmonella infection, as it usually clears up on its own in a couple of days.

However, if the affected person is either an infant, young child, or older adult, the illness might last more than just a few days. While salmonella infections aren’t considered to be life-threatening, in certain people, the development of complications can come with a very dangerous outcome, meaning:

dehydration – if you’re unable to drink enough to replace the missing fluids from diarrhea, you might become dehydrated, urinate less than usual, have a dry mouth and tongue, and no tears when you cry;
bacteremia – when salmonella infection gets into your bloodstream, it can infect the tissues from all over your body, including the urinary system, the tissues surrounding your brain and spinal cord, the lining of your heart and valves, and the bones and bone marrow.
reactive arthritis – if you had salmonella, it’s more likely to develop reactive arthritis from it. Also known as Reiter’s syndrome, it can cause eye irritation, painful urination, and painful joints.

Bacillus Cereus

Bacillus cereus is another risky foodborne illness highly associated with eating sushi. But this time, it doesn’t revolve only around raw fish, but also around contained rice, vegetables, and even milk.

There are two types of Bacillus cereus infections: you can either suffer from a diarrheal type or a vomiting type. The vomiting type occurs when you eat contaminated rice. One good example is fried rice that has been sitting at room temperature for way too long.

sushi-5 — Photo by Tero Vesalainen from Shutterstock

Contaminated Food Handlers

If the food handlers you’re eating sushi from aren’t in good hand hygiene, you’re prone to getting other infections too, such as norovirus, hepatitis A, and Staphyloccocus aureus. Those who are handling food should always wash their hands and stay home if they’re feeling slightly ill.

Norovirus

You probably didn’t know this, but norovirus is the number one cause of gastroenteritis, known as the stomach flu, and it can be found in sushi. It’s highly contagious, and it causes inflammation in your stomach and intestines, which can lead to abdominal cramping, vomiting, and watery diarrhea.

Treatment of norovirus includes drinking lots of fluids to prevent getting dehydrated, and in more severe cases, hospitalization. The majority of norovirus outbreaks were reported in restaurants, where the one who makes the food or serves it with their bare hands is already infected.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is oftentimes a star among restaurants, as it can spread via people who are infected with the virus already. Preventing the spread of the virus requires a serious dose of vigilance. As HAV can be transmitted via fecal matter, hand-washing after using the bathroom and wearing gloves when working with food are highly prioritized.

It’s also worth knowing that diners should take safety measures too if they want to protect themselves. Wash your hands thoroughly before eating! Also, it’s worth knowing that Hepatitis A can be prevented by having the vaccine.

If you enjoyed reading this article, we also recommend reading: 11 Things You Should NEVER Share With Anyone

Tags disease, food

Top 10 Foods Suitable For Diabetics

Post author By Trevor
Post date April 28, 2022
1 Comment on Top 10 Foods Suitable For Diabetics

Did you know that eating certain foods can increase the level of blood sugar? Most people who are diabetics have a very strict diet that helps to keep their blood sugar under control. Do you know what foods you must avoid if you have diabetes? Trans fats and processed foods, especially ultra-processed foods, are very bad for people with diabetes. Try to avoid them as much as possible.

Most doctors recommend a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins because it can have plenty of benefits for your health. There are some top 10 foods that are full of nutrients that can help you stay healthy.

Tags food, habits

18 Foods to Avoid That Will Fatten You Right Away

Post author By Sidney
Post date April 23, 2022
No Comments on 18 Foods to Avoid That Will Fatten You Right Away

fat — Photo by Anette Slot Larsen from Shutterstock

Let’s be honest, show me one person you know that doesn’t have at least one guilty pleasure when it comes to food. I can honestly say I have at least 20, but that’s just me. Foods that are our secret guilty pleasure are great when we have a bad day, when we want to celebrate something because we’ve been extremely brave or hard-working, or when we simply want to enjoy life. However, most of the time, if not always, our guilty pleasures aren’t healthy. I mean, that’s why they’re called guilty pleasures, right?

Even if it’s understandable to slip once in a while, we thought you should know which foods are fattening you right away. Not necessarily so you can avoid them completely, but maybe to feel even more guilty. Just kidding. Or am I?

Smoothie King’s Hulk Strawberry Smoothie

I know what you’re thinking: C’mon, fruit and yogurt aren’t that bad, right? I’m sorry to break this to you, but they are. Smoothies are oftentimes made with ice cream and milk, not to mention they can be crammed with sugar.

But there is a positive aspect when it comes to this type of smoothie in particular! This treat is known to give you a heads up…if you want to gain weight! At least that’s how it’s been listened to on the menu. But the calories in it?

Dear, it has more calories than two Big Macs put together. And I’m only talking about the small version of the smoothie. If you want to choose something else instead, go for the low-carb strawberry smoothie: it has 268 calories, 9g fat, and 3g sugar.

Starbucks’ Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino Blended Creme with whipped cream

First of all, wow that’s a long name! Well, from its title, it does sound bad, but in the end, how bad can it be? This is an afternoon pick-me-up that will instantly give you as much as one-third of the MAXIMUM fat you should have in ONE DAY, and over half a day’s saturated fats.

So Frappuccino Blended Creme…you’re bound to break our hearts, aren’t you? If you want something slightly lighter, your best bet would be a regular cup of coffee without all these bells and whistles.

I know, I know, there’s no joy, but it’s much healthier. If you simply don’t want to live without a Frappuccino, you can try a Coffee Frappuccino Light Blended Coffee: it has 130 calories, 0.5 fat, and 16g of sugar.

Coldstone’s PB&C Shake

If you reached that far, I guess you already know that I’m about to explain now why this milkshake isn’t healthy AT ALL. Well, here it is: it’s not healthy at all! Even worse, this particular shake is made with chocolate ice cream, milk, and PEANUT BUTTER, so it shouldn’t even be called a milkshake, but more like a calorie bomb.

It’s a frosty little monster that you probably adore, but it delivers the number of calories you should eat in one day and almost three and a half times the daily limit for the recommended saturated fat. You can try instead a 16-ounce Sinless Oh Fudge! Shake, which has the same chocolaty taste, but only a quarter of the calories and 2 tiny grams of fat.

Auntie Anne’s Jumbo Pretzel Dog

If you slightly forgot, Auntie Anne’s is selling snacks, not proper meals. But I guess this didn’t stop them from having products that contain almost half the daily upper limit of fat and sodium, right? At least that’s what I would conclude from trying Nathan’s hot dog wrapped in a pretzel bun.

If I didn’t convince you already, one Jumbo Pretzel Dog with butter has 610 calories, 29g of fat, 13g saturated, and 1,150mg of sodium. Instead, you can try the original pretzel without any butter and salt, and you’ll easily count down 310 calories, and only 1 gram of fat. Now we can talk about a snack!

fat foods — Photo by Take Photo from Shutterstock

Cinnabon’s Caramel Pecanbon

I know, this dessert looks SO good, you could easily eat the picture. Not to mention that it has an extremely luring scent! But as a matter of fact, these decadent pastries are the ones that bring you the most trouble.

They contain about half the calories and all the fat you should consume throughout the day. In one dessert! One bun of Cinnabon’s Caramel Pecanbon has 1,092 calories, 56g of fat, and 47g of sugar. While there aren’t any other replacements for Cinnabon that could be even slightly healthier, you can try a Minibon, which is designed for smaller appetites. It has only 300 calories, and 11 grams of fat.

Wendy’s Sweet and Spicy Boneless Wings

A couple of years ago, Wendy’s came on the market with a groundbreaking item, claiming that it was supposed to be “as far as it can get from fast food”. But when it comes to calories, this meal won’t be that bad, if you don’t eat anything else at lunch.

However, it has the amount of salt you should have in an entire day, not to mention just one sitting. Only one order has 550 calories, 18g of fat, 27g of sugar, and 2,530mg of sodium. Instead, you can go for the Ultimate Chicken Grill, which is a grilled chicken breast on a sesame seed bun.

It has 320 calories, 7g of fat, and 8g of sugar. Please remember that given the fact it has 950 milligrams of sodium, you shouldn’t make a habit out of eating this.

Dunkin’ Donuts’ Coffee Cake Muffin

Muffins are oftentimes put in the same happy family as donuts. I mean, at least we love them just as much. But just like donuts, muffins can be shockingly high in fat. And the one that I mentioned, the Dunkin’ Donuts’ Coffee Cake Muffin, is especially offensive, as you would eat as well about three glazed donuts just to match the nutrients and calories in ONE muffin.

It has 620 calories, 25g of fat, 7g of saturated fats, 54g of sugar, and 93g of carbohydrates. Instead, you can try another breakfast treat. Go for the old-fashioned glazed donut, that has only 220 calories, 9g of fat, 12g of sugar, and 31g of carbs.

Olive Garden’s Grilled Shrimp Caprese

So, we’re talking about shrimp, who’s a low-fat, low-calorie, and very high in protein and iron food. So, you might be wondering: what’s not to like? The thing is, it has a garlic-butter sauce, which takes the dish to a whole new level.

Only the sauce racks up almost two-thirds of the recommended dose of daily fat, and about one and a half times the sodium limit. Only ONE plate of Olive Garden’s Grilled Shrimp Caprese has 900 calories, 41g of fat, and 3,490mg of sodium.

Instead, you can try a lighter version of the same dish, except you won’t get the melted cheese or the marinara sauce on the side. The Venetian Apricot Chicken is a great option, as it has only one-third the calories and 1/10 the fat.

Chili’s Onion String and Crispy Jalapeno Stack

Some diners and bloggers altogether were extremely outraged by the fried-onion Chili’s appetizer, the Awesome Blossom. Meanwhile, this unhealthy giant was removed from their menu, but it has been replaced by something only a bit better.

It’s an appetizer that’s meant to be shared, but even if you eat only one-quarter of this dish, you’ll reach your entire day’s limit of the fat. One appetizer has 2,130 calories, 213g of fat, 31g of saturated, and 1,320mg of sodium.

Truth to be told, we can’t recommend anything from Chili’s that would be particularly healthier. If you really want to have something from there, you can try the Chips and Hot sauce, as there are only 470 calories.

Macaroni Grill’s Kids’ Fettucine Alfredo

Theoretically, dishes that are meant to be for children should have fewer calories, right? I mean, they don’t need as many calories as we do. An average child of 10 to 12 years old(which is the upper age limit for many of the kids’ menus) will only need about 1,600 to 1,800 calories on a daily basis.

But the Macaroni Grill’s Kids’ Fettucine Alfredo has half of those calories, and more fat than any grown adult needs to eat in a day. One order has 890 calories, 67g of fat, and 1,480mg of sodium. You can convince your little ones into ordering the Grilled Chicken and Broccoli, as it has only

Quiznos’ Chicken With Honey Mustard Flatbread Salad

While we hear “salads” and we expect to talk about healthiness, it’s not only the case. There are so many unhealthy salads lurking around, that it’s actually confusing. They might promise us grilled chicken, leafy greens, and even fewer carbs, but what we get is bacon, cheddar cheese, and super high-fat dressings.

Oh, especially the high-fat dressings! The same goes for this Quiznos’ Chicken with Honey Mustard Flatbread Salad, so don’t let yourself be tricked by the “salad” word. As you can see, it’s the last one standing even on the title.

This salad will cost you half a day’s calories, so it’s simply not worth it. Instead, you should try The Cantina Chicken Sammie, which has 205 calories, and it’s ACTUALLY low fat.

Pizza Hut’s Meaty P’Zone

This 1-pound monster is for those of you who don’t want to share. You really want all those calories by yourself, don’t you? But as a matter of fact, these pizza-crust calzones are recommended to be shared with others, preferably with other 10 people.

Because eating the whole thing by yourself is not only disastrous for your daily calorie intake, but it also messes up your daily limit of sodium. One whole P’Zone has 1,480 calories, 66g of fat, and 3,680mg of sodium. Instead, you can try one slice of Natural Veggie Lover’s multigrain crust pizza, which had only 190 calories, which is A LOT less.

Lunchables’ New Wholesome Deep Dish Pepperoni Fun Pack

The ideal lunch box would keep a balance between taste, fun, and nutrition. But Lunchables aren’t ready to deliver that. Or maybe they don’t want to. Instead, they will deliver you 470 calories, 20g of fat, and 880mg of sodium.

The nutrition info for this delicious monster is based on a 2,000-calories-a-day diet, which might be needed by SOME of you. But it’s so processed, and so high in fat and sodium, that you might want to skip it.

Instead, you can try another variety of Wholesome Lunchables, such as the Turkey and Cheddar Club, which has extra water and applesauce instead of cookies and fruit punch, and only 360 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 600 milligrams of sodium.

Ruffles’ Cheddar & Sour Cream Flavored Potato Chips

So you should know that Ruffles’ Cheddar & Sour Cream Flavored Potato Chips aren’t just full of ridges, but it also has 17% of the upper limit of fat you just eat in a day in only one serving. In this case, we’re talking about a low-calorie intake, but there are big chances you won’t resume only one serving, as most of their packages are the larger 1.5-ounce size.

Instead, you could try Baked! Ruffles in the original flavor. You’ll eat only 120 calories, 3 grams of fat, and only 200 milligrams of sodium. It’s a big difference, as you will also get some fiber and protein.

Haagen Dazs’ Dulce de Leche Low-Fat Frozen Yogurt

This frozen yogurt is extremely tasty, but not that healthy. Truth to be told, I think this is the queen of guilty treats. And luckily for us, there are some decadent flavors that might surprise us, as they have less fat than regular ice cream.

But this is not the case. However, it’s worth mentioning that this flavor has 15 grams less fat than other ice cream flavors. But it has 25 grams of sugar. One serving, which is half a cup, will come with 190 calories, 2.5g of fat, and 25g of sugar. Instead, you could try Edy’s, which has a french vanilla flavor with only 100 calories, 3 grams of fat, and 14 grams of carbs.

Kar’s Yogurt Apple

Why wouldn’t this snack be super healthy? I mean it has the words yogurt, apple, and nut in its description, right? However, a serving size is 1 ounce. But the tiny snack, that you might often find in various vending machines, has nearly three times as much, meaning 2.75 ounces.

Also, bags in stores have five times as much. If you eat the 2.75-ounce bag, you’ll have already consumed 412 calories, which is the same amount of calories that you can find in one Snickers bar. By having a Kar’s Yogurt Apple Instead, try choosing something a bit healthier, such as Peeled Snacks. You’ll eat only 150 calories and 6 grams of fat.

Arnold’s Whole Grain Country White Bread

Don’t let yourself be tricked by the “whole grain” trick. At least not before you know all the facts. Even if “whole grain” sounds amazing, this particular product won’t offer you the amount of heart-healthy whole grains you need. At least not as much as other products with “100% whole grain” would.

Two slices of this beauty have 220 calories, 4g of fat, 420mg of sodium, 42g of carbs, and 4g of fiber. There’s no deal here. Instead, you can try Arnold’s Light line of bread, such as the 100% Whole Wheat one(as I said before). It has only 80 calories, 1g of fat, and 160mg of sodium.

Reese’s Puffs Cereal

You should know that having a bowl of these sugary puffs at breakfast can be worst for you than waking up on the wrong side of the bed. One serving of these tasty breakfast cereals contains more sugar than the actual Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

A 3/4 cup serving with half a cup of skim milk has 160 calories, 3g of fat, and 12g of sugar. Instead, you can try something more organic and natural, such as EnviroKidz Peanut Butter Panda Puffs from Nature’s Path. While there might be the same amount of calories, you’ll eat less sugar.

If you enjoyed reading this article, we also recommend reading: 10 Things That Happen if You Go Vegan for One Month

Tags food, weight gain

Everything You Need to Know About Your Gut Microbiome

Post author By Sidney
Post date April 19, 2022
No Comments on Everything You Need to Know About Your Gut Microbiome

You’ve probably heard of gut health before. There are so many newsletters, reports, studies, and articles on this matter, that you’d probably need a lifetime to read them all. But apart from the various studies, famous doctors, and pretentious scientific names, what is there to know about our gut?

Why would we need any of that info? Because dictates a lot of things in your body, it is extremely important to take care of it. As Deanna Minich, Ph.D., vice president of scientific affairs for Clean Program said, the gut is the portal to the rest of our bodies. So without further ado, we will tell you everything you need to know about it.

The gut takes in the foods we eat and process them in order to give us the needed nutrients. These nutrients are changing the function of organs, such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and liver. If we have an inflamed gut, we’re not able to properly digest, and we lose the ability to take all the benefits from a diet rich in nutrients.

Naturally, it’s not all about getting the proper nutrients out of the food, as the matter goes way further than that. Poor gut health may lead to other problems in the body. So you might believe it or not, it all starts down there.

So truth to be told, most of us know that our gut can affect digestion and the proper absorption of nutrients, but it can also manifest in poor hormonal health, skin health, and even mental health.

Yes, you read that right: if your gut isn’t functioning properly, you might feel it in your skin and in your daily moods, as Alli Magier explains, MS, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian at Rooted Wellness. Your gut is basically the second brain in your body – bet you heard that a couple of times, haven’t you? But what does it actually mean? Let’s see!

You can think of your gut and the brain as being in constant communication, which plays a key role in preventing possible diseases, immune system functioning, organ health, proper sleep, and overall mental health.

So if we suffer from an unhealthy gut, we’re going to see a physiological, hormonal, and emotional response that’s very likely to appear. So, I’ll say it again, our gut is CRUCIAL. But how can we tell exactly if our gut is in a good shape? Like anything else in our body, there are some signs we can read into. In most cases, GI symptoms are the best indicator.

If you start noticing any changes in your digestive process, and by that I mean your stomach is aching, increased gas, bloating, or even changes in the bowel movements, don’t rush into believing that it’s automatically cancer or a chronic illness.

To be completely honest, I am speaking out of my personal experience. I have had problems with my gut for a while now, and the first three doctors told me that it’s either a chronic illness or cancer. You can only imagine how terrified I was, as I was bouncing between suffering my whole life from chronic pain and cancer diagnosis.

But thank God that I met my last doctor, who told me not to worry about any of these. The minute I entered her office, I was already sweating at the thought of the procedures I’ll have to go through.

But the minute I told her my symptoms and what the other doctors said, she started laughing. “It’s none of that. You just need to fix your gut microbiome.” At first, I thought she was making fun of me, while it would have made more sense to believe that the other doctors did so. For whatever reason, we tend to give credit to those doctors who give us a more fatalistic result.

Some of the symptoms that I have experienced and you might notice are stools that are loose, with pieces of undigested food, dreadful pain after eating some foods, such as onion, oranges, or anything spicy, sometimes even sugar, fatigue, difficulty getting proper sleep, irritated skin, intense sugar cravings (and I thought I was just a sweet-tooth), and unintentional weight changes.

You might also notice a difference in your mental health, and your gut issues can manifest through skin rashes, eczema, psoriasis, or random breakouts. If you think about it, there are lots of symptoms. So the mind-gut connection is very real!

So what does it take to have a healthier gut? It’s not just about the diet, but it’s also a lifestyle choice. Let’s find out what you need to look after:

Your diet

Doctors say that what you eat, how you eat, and when you eat are extremely important. As Minich said, “We might know that what we eat can inform our gut microbiome, which can lead to many changes throughout the body, from our moods to our memory.”

The way we eat can either be extremely rushed or with mindfulness, but either way, it can change the quality of our digestion and might result in changes in your acid, gas, or bloating. When we eat is also very important for our gut health.

You have no idea how many days I had stomach issues just because I skipped breakfast! They don’t recommend eating in the daylight hours for nothing, trust me!

Eating a wider variety of foods

Eating only processed foods can put you at risk of poor gut health. If your diet is mainly composed of foods that are high in sugar, lab-made fats, and processed foods, your gut microbiome might be altered in time, leading to poor gut health and increased chances of inflammation.

Why? Because these foods can lower the “good” bacteria in the gut. Also, the imbalance can lead to more sugar cravings, which will only create a cycle of eating more processed, high-sugar foods. The inflammatory response will be higher and the gut health will worsen. So it’s pretty obvious at this point that we would be talking here about a vicious cycle.

Chronic stress

If you can’t manage your stress, it will affect your gut, too. Doctors are oftentimes citing research that shows how stress can alter the gut-brain axis, inducing inflammation, decreasing immunity, increasing GI permeability, and even altering gut bacteria composition and function.

And not that I want to repeat myself, but you’ll feel these effects because they provoke pain and irritation. And what is the effect of pain and irritation on our overall health? We become even more stressed out, irritated, and even annoyed. Which again, is leading to a vicious cycle. In order to break this cycle, we need to start the change from our gut.

Antibiotics

Yes, antibiotics might be good, as they might kill the bacteria, but they’re also after the good bacteria in your gut. Antibiotics aim for any kind of bacteria, as they aren’t able to make a difference between “good” or “bad” bacteria.

So taking antibiotics too often might result in poor gut health, as many doctors won’t tell you ever. Why is that? We still don’t know. That’s why it would be best to take them only when it is absolutely necessary, at least if you don’t want to damage your gut flora. Also, when you’re taking antibiotics, try taking a probiotic too.

Alcohol

While we probably said it a million times and you already heard it a bazillion times too, alcohol is a toxin and the body sees it as such. So if you regularly consume large amounts of alcohol, your bacterial makeup of the gut will change in time.

Alcohol can wipe out all the progress you have ever made and all the beneficial bacteria that reside in the gut, which leads to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria. Alcohol, as you probably know, it’s very acidic, and it does nothing but harm your gut microbiome. Of course, we’re not talking here about the recommended glass of wine a day.

How can I heal my gut?

As I mentioned before, when the last doctor that I went to illuminated me that I don’t have cancer, but only a strong and filthy gut imbalance, I started looking out for what is there to do. Naturally, your doctor is the best at helping you with personalized recommendations, depending on your health history.

But I personally believe that it’s not only something that your doctor tells you to do and you go home and just do it. No, it has to become a lifestyle. You can google up things about what you need to know and read articles like this one.

It really helps, believe me, because you’ll soon be able to help yourself without needing to frequently visit the doctor. And that’s ultimately the goal, isn’t it?

So after visiting the doctor and running the needed test to diagnose the problem, whether it’s digestive enzymes, inflammation, leaky gut, or even growths such as polyps, we should start discussing how to improve our lives, right?

Apart from the medications and procedures, your doctor might recommend, let’s see what we can do ourselves and what is there to change in our daily routines:

Try following an anti-inflammatory diet

Doctors are recommending sticking to an anti-inflammatory, plant-forward diet. But what does it mean, really? Well, this type of diet should be extremely rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.

Basically, all the things that everyone is always recommending, but you never know how to cook them (at least, that’s what happens to me). But this is what you need to do. Thank God, we have Google to help us out with 10-minutes recipes and fun ways to cook some of these boring foods that make us feel so much better.

I know what you’re thinking: why can’t cheeseburgers be healthier? I know, right?

Eat more fiber-rich foods

Also, you should definitely add more fiber-rich foods to your diet. They’re the best friend our gut might ever have! Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and legumes, the good old story. But wait, there’s one more thing to add here: when I say fruits and veggies, I mean THOSE fruits and veggies that your doctor recommended you. For example, I had to avoid eating apples, bananas, apricots, and so on, and eat more mangos,

Limit the number of processed foods

Another way of improving your gut health is by reducing the amount of highly processed foods you’re eating. They are loaded with sugar and saturated fats and don’t offer you enough nutrients. Fried foods, frozen meals, processed meats, sugary drinks, and even refined carbohydrates…all the good stuff. It is also recommended to avoid food and drinks that have artificial sweeteners.

Opt for single-ingredient foods

You can try eating more single-ingredient foods. For example, a plate that’s filled with salmon, quinoa, and broccoli has only three main ingredients. But if you’re going for a pre-made frozen meal that you just bought from the grocery store, you won’t be able to name all the ingredients just by looking at it.

Research has proven that your gut flora can change rapidly, so by loading up on those veggies, you’ll immediately see the benefits!

Add one prebiotic and one probiotic

By adding at least one prebiotic and one probiotic to your diet, you’ll increase the good bacteria in your gut. Plain yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and sourdough bread are all probiotic-rich foods. While prebiotic-rich foods include barley, oats, potatoes with their skin on, beans, and the good old legumes.

Try to eat slowly

The way you eat can have a great impact on your gut health, and you might benefit from chewing slowly and thoroughly. Also, it’s best if you allow yourself some time after you just ate to digest properly. Lying down after a meal will have a positive impact on your microbiome.

Keep track of your progress and your diet

You should try and keep track of what you’re eating, to spot the foods that are harming you. If you have symptoms after eating a specific food, maybe it doesn’t work for you. This way, you’ll identify food intolerances and triggers, so you can eliminate the culprits from your diet.

If you enjoyed reading this article, we also recommend reading: 11 Foods That Are Good for Your Eyes

Tags food, tips

10 Things That Happen If You Go Vegan For One Month

Post author By Sidney
Post date April 14, 2022
1 Comment on 10 Things That Happen If You Go Vegan For One Month

If you ever thought about trying to become vegan, you’re not the only one! Every other month, there are lots of people who are testing out the meat and dairy-free diet for various ethical and environmental reasons.

Others try this for their own health. According to Shilpa Ravella, MD, gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, “there are many compelling benefits to a whole-food, plant-based diet, which is why it’s worth trying this type of diet”.

Ok, truth to be told, we can safely say most of us have a problem when it comes to including plant-based foods. So I guess that we can say trying to be vegan for a couple of days can’t do any real harm, right? Let’s see what this is all about:

Things that might happen when you go vegan for a month:

You might lose or gain weight

As Jennifer Mimkha, MPH, RD, recalls, many of her patients were very surprised to notice how easily they lost weight just by transitioning to a fully plant-based diet. First of all, the majority of plants have better sources of protein and are lower in calories than meat, according to Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD.

The other reason is that it’s not that easy to eat as a vegan. And it’s something that becomes very frustrating when you want to grab a bite on the go, which if you think about it, eliminates A LOT of snacking opportunities. You can’t give in to tempting foods, because they usually contain either dairy or meat.

Your taste buds will evolve and you’ll have more cravings

They say that when you go vegan you notice a difference in your taste buds. What usually happens is that your whole sense of taste is suddenly heightened, and food suddenly brings you more pleasure.

Even more, while before you might have had a hard-to-tame sweet tooth, you’ll soon notice how it disappears, according to Alexandria Abramian, who’s a Californian-based content director who is a vegan-diet lover.

But luckily, science can back up this taste-bud transformation. And according to Dr. Ravella, there’s evidence that shows how you change directions when you move from junk foods and animal products that are high in salt, fat, and sugar to only plant-based foods.

You’ll learn to cook new things

This doesn’t surprise anybody: your favorite recipes won’t be needed anymore, at least not in the month you try going vegan. But some people (hopefully you too) will find this a joyous opportunity to learn new things, to challenge themselves and the way they were planning a meal.

Imagine how many new ingredients you’ll discover! Let’s be serious, if you’re a food lover, you’ll be excited to try new foods! And even if you’ll go back to eating meat and dairy, I can 100% confirm that you’ll still stick to some vegan recipes. Find a couple of go-to meals where vegetables are the center of your plate, and you’ll skip the stress of looking for recipes!

You’ll attract other people around you to try it

Another thing I can assure you will happen is that your friends and family will see how well this diet fits you, and they’ll want to try it too. Because that’s how the power of example works! If you decide to quit smoking and you succeed, the ones around you will have proof that it’s possible.

While at first, they might be extremely skeptical, you do you and they’ll follow. Plus, when you’ll get a better understanding of how it works, and you’ll start cooking for others, they’ll definitely win them over.

You’ll have more energy

As Mimkha mentioned, you’ll notice an increase in your energy levels right away. While before you might have needed two cups of coffee to survive throughout the day, after switching to a plant-based diet you’ll be more than satisfied with one.

So adopting a plant-based diet will assure you more energy. But how much of it is because of a vegan diet? According to Messina, there isn’t really any scientific reason to back this up. But we can only assume that the increased energy is the result of a healthier diet overall, especially if you avoid sugary treats and processed food because these are the ones that make your blood sugar spike up and down.

Your skin will glow

Many vegans reported that the change on their skin wasn’t just immediate…but it also shined like a LIGHTNING BOLT! Now, jokes aside, they did say that one of the biggest physical changes they noticed in the process had to do with their skin.

So here’s the confirmation: by changing your diet, you can clear all of your skin complexions. If you’re currently suffering from skin issues and if you struggled with it your whole life, you should consider trying a plant-based diet. And let’s be honest, there isn’t one dermatologist on this planet that won’t recommend you to eat healthier if you want better skin.

You’ll experience unstoppable hunger

This one is as real as it gets, and it’s completely normal to happen. In the first days of the diet, you’ll have no idea what to eat, unless you have severely searched day and night for what a vegan diet requires. And if you have, we congratulate you!

It might take you a while until you get a good grip on what a vegan diet means, and until then, you’ll be hungry non-stop! And you’ll also notice that while cutting out meat was easier, cutting eggs and cheese will be the ultimate test, according to Talia Koren says, a recipe developer and founder of Workweek Lunch.

And also vitamin imbalances

As healthy as a vegan diet can be for you, you should expect to have some vitamin deficiencies, especially B12, according to Dr. Eytan. For example, Omega-3 fatty acids might be missing in a vegan diet, though you can still have them by eating flax seeds and walnuts.

You can ask your doctor or even a nutritionist if you should add supplements to replace some missing nutrients, such as iron, zinc, and calcium. And if you try this option and it doesn’t work, you can always go back to eating dairy and meat! For some people, it works better, and for some, it’s exactly the opposite.

You will have a microbiome makeover

The bacteria in your gut can have a huge impact on your health. According to Dr. Ravella, the standard American diet is responsible for fostering the growth of some disease-promoting bacteria. On the other side, a more fiber-rich diet will lead to a diverse microbiome, which is full of friendly bacteria.

So the decision to switch to a fiber-rich vegan diet can result in a couple of rapid changes to your gut bacteria. And as Dr. Ravella points out, you will notice profound changes in your microbiome, just a couple of days after switching from a meat-based to a plant-based diet, or vice-versa.

Cheats and exceptions

In the end, if you come to the conclusion that a full-time vegan lifestyle, and even a 30-day challenge, isn’t the answer, you can always try mixing. You can have one vegan week a month, just to vary and become a flexitarian! Or, if you enjoyed the vegan lifestyle, but you know you’ll never give up on that saucy meat and fresh dairy, you can always have a cheat day!

If you enjoyed reading this article, we also recommend reading: 8 Smoothies Targeted for Specific Health Issues

Tags food, habits

11 Foods That Are Good for Your Eyes

Post author By Trevor
Post date April 14, 2022
No Comments on 11 Foods That Are Good for Your Eyes

Do you know that in order to have a healthy body, you have to maintain a well-balanced diet as well? Keeping your eyes safe is one of the most important jobs you have because no one likes blurry vision. Try to eat a variety of foods, especially unprocessed ones, on a daily basis.

If you are not sure how to get on the right path, talk to your doctor, especially if you experience issues with your eyes! An early check-up might prevent a serious disease before it develops! Take care of yourself as much as possible!

Have you ever considered that there are so many foods out there good for your eyes? We made you a list of tasty foods that you should include in your diet as soon as possible.

Foods Good for Your Eyes

1. Bell peppers

Bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C, and they are also low in calories. This particular food is great for your eyes and for all your blood vessels. It is also scientifically proven that bell peppers lower the chances of developing cataracts.
Many studies have shown that the heat actually cuts down on vitamin C, so if you can, try to eat your vegetables as raw as possible.

2. Lean meat and poultry

Did you know that there is an entire coordinated process regarding how our bodies work? Well, in case you didn’t know, zinc brings vitamin A from the liver to your retina. For example, fish, especially oysters, are full of zinc per serving, so you must consume them at least two or three times a week.

You are not a fish lover? No problem, because you can still get the vitamins from other types of meat like beef, poultry, and pork. If you eat beef, make sure to do so in moderation.

3. Carrots

It is not a surprise that carrots are one of the most famous foods for eye health. We developed the habit of eating at least one carrot per day because our grandmother always advised us to do so. Can you blame us? Carrots are easy to eat on the go, and they are the best source of beta-carotene, so why don’t you buy a pack of baby carrots next time you go shopping? Looking like a rabbit is cute, and this might turn into a healthy habit.

Don’t forget that Vitamin A and beta carotene help prevent eye infections and cataracts.

4. Eggs

Another amazing food that will help you with your eyesight is definitely eggs. Their yolks contain a lot of vitamin A, which, as we previously mentioned, is one of the best vitamins for your eyes. In addition to this, you must know that Vitamin A protects the cornea.

Because eggs are tasty enough to add to your salads and sandwiches, you may consume them almost daily! Are you salivating for some scrambled eggs right now? We bet you are! Add some vegetables to it and you are good to go. You can have eggs for breakfast or as a snack. Make a habit of including them in your healthy diet.

5. Brussels sprouts and broccoli

Brussels sprouts and broccoli are both amazing sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. They are great in salads or as a side dish.

Don’t forget that they contain a lot of antioxidants that protect the cells in your eyes. Make sure you include at least one of these foods in your daily routine. Are you a broccoli fan or a Brussels sprouts enthusiast? Tell us in the comments how you like to combine them in your dishes.

6. Dairy

Dairy products such as milk and yogurt are very good for your eyes. They are also full of vitamin A! Dairy is good to be consumed throughout the day, even if you prefer it simple, in coffee, black tea, or with those delicious oats.

Yogurt is also a very healthy food that can be consumed simply as a snack with some almonds or nuts in it, or you can add some strawberries. Either option is good. How often do you drink milk?

7. Sweet potatoes

Yummy, orange-colored vegetables and fruits like sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, and mango are high in beta-carotene! Cool, right? In addition to what we previously mentioned about vitamin A, it also helps with night vision (especially if you are a driver).

There are plenty of amazing low-calorie recipes with sweet potatoes that you might want to try next time you cook your dinner.

The more colorful your plate is, the better it will be for your eye health.

8. Squash

There are numerous amazing ways to eat squash, and it’s easily found year-round in most grocery stores and farmer’s markets.

There are two types of squash: winter squash, known as butternut, pumpkin, and acorn, which can be found from early fall until late spring, and summer squash, which includes zucchini and is usually found from June to September. Every type of squash contains a lot of vitamins, is high in fiber, and is delicious!

Who doesn’t want a delicious meal that can also help prevent a variety of eye conditions? What are your favorite foods that are good for the eyes?

9. Almonds

Almonds… yummy almonds! They contain vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that protects cells in your body, including the ones that are found in your eyes.

You should consume at least one ounce of dry almonds per day, and you can add them to your smoothies, or if you’re a dairy fan, almonds can be a great combo with Greek yogurt. Delicious right?

10. Sunflower seeds

Who would know? Sunflower seeds are actually a great snack and are very good for your eyes too. They are a great source of vitamin E and will be a great addition to your salads. What types of seeds do you include in your meals? Do you have a favorite?

11. Strawberries

These amazing fruits are definitely full of vitamin C, which is good for your eyes. Pssst… they are also low in calories!

No matter how you like them, raw or in smoothies, mixed together with a banana or blueberries, strawberries are one of the best additions to your diet. It’s proven that vitamin C reduces the risk of developing cataracts.

Takeaway: Don’t rush into getting pills as supplements because the best sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants come from whole foods, especially if you cook them in your own kitchen. The internet is filled with plenty of healthy meals you can easily prepare at home because it’s always less expensive!

Don’t forget to drink enough water in order to stay hydrated. Make sure your daily goal of water is at least 0.53 gallons!

This is why you should include vegetables and whole grains in your daily eating routine. Not only because they are amazingly healthy, but also because they taste so good!

No matter how old you are, it’s not too late to start having healthy habits. Because if you start to eat healthier now, it might improve your future well-being.

…If you want to read more about health and wellness, we recommend this article:

7 Uncommon Reasons You Can’t Shed Off The Pounds.

Tags food, tips

7 Cancer-Fighting Foods You’ve Been Missing Out On

Post author By Emma
Post date April 14, 2022
2 Comments on 7 Cancer-Fighting Foods You’ve Been Missing Out On

healthy — Photo by fizkes at shutterstock.com

Cancer is widely acknowledged as a serious public health issue that affects millions of individuals each year and it’s especially a problem in the U.S. Fortunately, there are some foods that can help you fight with cancer.

Cancer is a widespread illness with a variety of causes, including poor nutrition, toxin exposure, dietary deficiencies, and heredity to some extent. Nutritionally, eating a nutrient-dense diet rich of cancer-fighting foods while avoiding items that are known to raise cancer risk is one of the most significant ways to avoid or treat this disease.

A lot of cancer survivors have been lucky enough to be able to employ a mix of natural cancer remedies in addition to traditional medical therapy to defeat their sickness. Thousands of cancer patients are now being saved thanks to an early mixture of chemotherapy and dietary treatment. This two-pronged strategy can help both the body and mind in the healing process, which can be long and challenging at times.

Here is a list of 7 cancer-fighting foods you should definitely be aware of, not only to help cure cancer, but prevent it as well.

Tags cancer, food

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