Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the blood that helps the body function. But excess, usually over 240 mg/dl, is harmful. High cholesterol affects nearly 40 percent of our country’s adult population. The leading causes include a meal plan high in saturated fat, a sedentary lifestyle, and stress. The ailment has no symptoms, making it hard to detect without a blood test. Here are the treatments, meal plans, and lifestyle tips for managing cholesterol levels: Treatment options There are two types of cholesterol: good cholesterol (also known as high-density lipoprotein or HDL) and bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein or LDL). High levels of bad cholesterol are more harmful, and most treatments aim to reduce its amount in the blood. Two popular treatment options are: LIVALO® LIVALO ®  is an FDA-approved option for adults. It helps lower bad cholesterol by limiting the liver’s ability to produce it. The treatment works best with a healthy nutrition plan and exercise. The recommended dose for LIVALO ®  is 2 mg daily, but it can go up to a maximum of 4 mg. Patients should consult a doctor to determine the correct dosage. It can have side effects like back pain and constipation. Repatha® Repatha® helps lower bad cholesterol by limiting the ability of a particular protein responsible for regulating the amount of cholesterol.

Cancer is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of conditions that are caused due to the rapid multiplication of abnormal or damaged cells in the body. The condition can originate in any part of the body and the cells usually spread or invade nearby organs, tissues, and muscles. While the exact cause of cancer is unknown, following specific food plans, as given below, can help reduce the risk of developing this condition: 5 foods that can help lower the risk of cancer Broccoli If you’re looking for a superfood that can help you lower your chances of cancer, you could try broccoli. An integral part of many healthy recipes, broccoli contains tons of antioxidants and vital nutrients that keep the body healthy. It also contains sulforaphane, which is known to have many strong anti-cancer properties. Studies conducted by the National Institute of Health have shown that sulforaphane can reduce the size as well the number of cancer cells in the breast by almost 75%. They also found that treating mice with sulforaphane reduced the prostate cancer cells and the volume of the tumor by greater than 50%. More research is needed to understand the role of sulforaphane in the fight against cancer.

Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects the macula, a part of the retina at the back of the eye. The disease becomes worse over time and leads to blindness. While foods cannot correct macular degeneration-related vision changes, certain foods can help slow vision loss and maintain eye health. Similarly, certain foods are bad for eye health. Some of the foods to eat and avoid are as follows: Foods to eat Here are some of the best foods one can eat to combat macular degeneration: Salmon This fatty fish is high in two types of omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA. These fats help fight inflammation, which is thought to play a role in the disease. In addition, they can also help reduce bad cholesterol levels, which are associated with the development of this eye condition. Besides salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, and tuna, are also high in omega-3s. Spinach Among other beneficial nutrients, spinach contains plenty of carotenoids, especially lutein and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids are also found in the macula, where they help protect the cells necessary for vision. A great way to boost the number of carotenoids in the eyes is to load up on spinach and other leafy greens like kale, collard greens, and broccoli.

Arthritis is a leading cause of joint problems among adults across the country. Such a collection of conditions usually results in pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation in the vital joints. Many trigger factors of arthritis, including certain foods and beverages, could worsen the symptoms to a level of intolerance. Here are eight common food triggers that should be taken in moderation or eliminated to manage arthritis in the long run. Fatty foods Processed foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket contain omega-6 fatty acids, saturated fats, and trans fats. For example, corn, hydrogenated vegetable, safflower, and sunflower oils contain excess amounts of omega 6. These are some of the most commonly used products in daily cooking, meaning unhealthy fats are indirectly taken. Also, meat and dairy products contain saturated fats that could trigger cholesterol problems. And most of the prepared foods and snacks contain traces of trans fats that add flavor to the food but make it very unhealthy to have regularly. Any form of processed fat can trigger inflammation among those suffering from arthritis. It is best to limit or moderate having these foods. Sugar and sugary products Sugar triggers inflammatory pain in people with arthritis, which does not always mean the sugar added to tea, coffee, or when used as a condiment for popular foods.

Menopause is a naturally occurring bodily process that marks the end of the reproductive capabilities in women. It usually leads to fluctuations of hormones in the body and a wide range of symptoms that can affect day-to-day life. While menopause is a natural process, women can follow some helpful tips to ease the signs and symptoms of this process. Read this article further for some helpful tips to manage menopause: Understanding the stages of menopause Menopause is that time in a woman’s life when her menstrual cycles permanently halt without any physiological or biological causes. The changes can be classified into 4 stages: Pre-menopause The menstrual cycle will occur during this period, but it may be regular or irregular. It varies from woman to woman. The reproductive hormones start declining in a woman’s body. There are no visible signs or symptoms of menopause during this period. A woman can still reproduce successfully, though some women may face difficulties. Perimenopause Also called ‘around menopause,’ is visible signs of transition in a woman’s body like irregular periods and hot flashes. On average, the period leading up to perimenopause may last up to 4 years. However, it varies from woman to woman. It may even last for a few months or up to 8 to 10 years.

Lymphoma is a cancer whose origin is in the lymph system. There are primarily two types: Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). As of 2022, NHL accounts for 4% of all cancers in the country. In contrast, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is expected to affect 8,540 people this year. A variety of treatment options are available. However, the side effects are many, for which supportive care is required. Here are 3 easy tips for coping with lymphoma: Approach a health professional immediately The nature of the treatment plan will depend on the type of lymphoma the patient suffers from, something only an appropriately qualified health professional can identify. Regarding the symptoms, there are 60 of them, broadly classified under two categories: Non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin Lymphoma. The latter requires only chemotherapy or chemotherapy accompanied by radiotherapy for successful cancer treatment. In contrast, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma entails a variety of treatments, the choice of which depends on the type of Lymphoma-aggressive or indolent. For aggressive NHL, the following treatment options are prescribed: Chemotherapy : It is one of the most common treatments for cancer, involving the use of anti-cancer elements to destroy cancer cells. It can be administered orally or via injections and is mainly used in initial treatment or stem cell transplants.

While everyone would love to have flawless skin, it’s inevitable that skin deterioration will be the next phase with advancing age. The body can only keep producing so many healthy cells to replenish dead skin, even with the best of lifestyle choices and habits. However, studies are conclusive of the fact that paying attention to daily nutrition and making healthy changes in nutritional regime can help maintain skin health, prevent diseases, and even improve their long-term outlook. Foods rich in omega-3s  For several reasons, omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most potent nutrients the body can absorb, playing a crucial role in skincare. In fact, studies have shown that a deficiency can result in common problems like dry skin and acne. Including more naturally sourced omega-3s can lower skin inflammation and prevent acne and redness of the skin. Seafood is an excellent source of natural omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty fish like salmon, herring, and mackerel, among others, also contain vitamin E, zinc, and proteins for skin tissue repair. Vitamin E is known to work as an antioxidant and prevents oxidative damage to the skin cells. Protein helps maintain skin texture and quality, while zinc also lowers inflammation and regulates the production of skin cells.

Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens the bones, causing them to turn brittle and fracture. About 10 million individuals in the country suffer from osteoporosis. The deterioration of bones occurs in one of five men. In women, the probability is higher with osteoporosis affecting one in three individuals. Doctors prefer various prescription methods to cope with the condition and may also recommend some food tips. Here we have a few tips for managing osteoporosis: Eat foods to improve bone health One way to avoid osteoporosis is by eating foods to improve bone health. Introducing foods rich in calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, and milk, can nourish the body with calcium. The element is a vital nutrient for the formation and maintenance of the skeleton. Foods rich in vitamin C, E, K, and B also help in improving bone health. A few foods rich in these vitamins are collards, kale, spinach, arugula, swiss chard, and beet greens. Adding these edibles to meals can also introduce minerals like magnesium, selenium, and manganese to improve the quality of bones. Furthermore, eating foods abundant in omega-3, such as salmon and eggs, nourish the bones and promote rigidity. The fatty acid can also curb inflammation that may relieve any pain a person feels in their joints.

Breastfeeding is a universal way to nourish a newborn. Many mothers exclusively breastfeed their baby for six months, which is the minimum duration doctors recommend around the world. During this phase, nursing mothers need to have healthy, nutritious foods as this is how infants get the nutrients they need. Additionally, certain foods can help increase the milk supply. So here are a few superfoods that are ideal for nursing mothers:  Avocados This superfood is loaded with nutrients like heart-healthy fats that can help new mothers feel full for long periods. Breastfeeding mothers usually feel frequent hunger pangs due to having to nurse often. Further, women need more calories during their nursing period. This is why avocados are a great and versatile option for filling recipes. The fruit contains essential vitamins and is a versatile option to add to meals.  Nuts Nuts like almonds, Brazil nuts, pistachios, and macadamia nuts are great snacking options for new mothers. These nuts are usually high in essential minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamins K and B. They are known to be lactogenic and also excellent sources of healthy fats and protein, essential for babies and mothers alike.  One can have these nuts by the bedside to make them easily accessible.

Cardiovascular diseases are prevalent in our country. Statistics suggest that one in every five fatalities is associated with heart problems. Therefore, it is essential to adopt an active lifestyle and follow a meal plan that improves heart health. The foods listed below taste great by themselves, and you can also mix them with other ingredients to make them more palatable. But seek a nutritionist’s guidance to avoid the aggravation of underlying health conditions. Oatmeal Most people consider oatmeal a breakfast food, but it is more than just that. Oatmeal can be had any time of the day, especially in the form of granola bars, whenever hunger pangs are bothering. It is rich in soluble fiber, which causes the liver to produce more bile. Bile, in turn, helps lower LDL cholesterol. So a bowl of oatmeal mixed with your favorite foods can be a great step toward a healthy heart. Black bean salsa When the cravings are for something delicious yet healthy, have some black bean salsa. It is packed with soluble fiber that brings down bad cholesterol levels to a healthy range. Add some veggies, corn, and mango for a splash of color and to get all the essential nutrients and vitamins.