Aging brings its own set of health concerns. For women, menopause is one of them and cannot be avoided. A natural process of the body, menopause commonly occurs in women aged 40 years or older. It also brings along a slew of symptoms like night sweats, hot flashes, headaches, cognitive decline, and depression. Therefore, it is important to be armed with knowledge, resources, and tools for the proper management of this condition. Broccoli Cruciferous vegetables are considered beneficial for women approaching the age of menopause. Broccoli is often top of that list. It has been linked to decreased risk of breast cancer which is a trigger for menopause. Its high antioxidant content protects the body against oxidative damage and a possible cancer scare. Broccoli also reduces the amount of inflammation in the body. Edamame Satiating, healthy, and nutritious, edamame is a great choice for any meal. It is also regarded as a healthier alternative to soy. It packs a lot of phytoestrogens that help the body cope with its depleting levels of estrogen. Oatmeal Oats are rich in fiber and can prevent constipation on regular use. They may also help improve digestion, and lower blood glucose levels, and cholesterol levels in the body.

Dementia is a psychological condition involving the progressive loss of cognitive abilities, including memory, reasoning, concentration, and the ability to carry out daily tasks. Many patients with dementia show behavioral changes and mood swings, hallucinate, and get disorientated and irritable. Besides early diagnosis and timely treatment, constant care, family support, and some lifestyle changes can contribute to healing from dementia. Here are some foods that can help individuals prevent and manage dementia symptoms: Spinach Spinach contains high levels of lutein, an antioxidant that helps prevent loss of cognitive functions. Moreover, several studies have drawn associations between the intake of spinach and other leafy greens and the prevention of cognitive decline. Spinach can be added to stir-fries, gravies, soups, smoothies, etc. Fatty fish Fatty fish varieties like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are packed with Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Studies have demonstrated a decline in DHA levels among individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, a leading cause of dementia. Thus, a meal plan rich in DHA can help reduce one’s susceptibility to these psychological conditions. A daily intake of 200 mg of DHA is recommended for brain health. Broccoli Being a cruciferous vegetable, broccoli is rich in carotenoids and vitamin B. These components can reduce the levels of homocysteine, an amino acid known to contribute to cognitive decline and related psychological conditions in the body.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, lifelong disease that results in irritation and inflammation along the digestive tract. A Crohn’s flare-up could trigger or worsen symptoms including appetite loss, nausea, abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, and diarrhea, among others. When one eats the correct kinds of foods, it can help in managing and relieving such flare-ups. Herein, we discuss the best foods one can have in such instances. Refined grains Refine grains such as pasta are easy to digest. They possess less fermentable fiber as compared to whole grains and, hence, they pass quickly through the digestive tract. They also are less likely to cause inflammation and tend to be easier on the gut. Some examples of refined grains are rice snacks, waffles, pancakes, plain crackers, pasta, white rice and bread, and fortified ready-to-eat cereals that contain added essential minerals and vitamins. Oatmeal Oatmeal made from rolled/quick oats is a kind of refined grain that contains slightly lesser fiber as compared to steel-cut oats. When one experiences a Crohn’s flare-up, it’s best to avoid foods that contain insoluble fiber, which could worsen diarrhea symptoms. Oatmeal has a soluble fiber known as beta-glucan that helps in easing diarrhea by adding bulk to the stool by slowing digestion, and absorbing water in the intestines and forming a gel.

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects vital bone joints. There are no known causes of the condition, but doctors attribute the risk of psoriatic arthritis to several genetic predispositions, immunity, and environmental triggers. There is no cure for the condition yet, but healthy changes in food and lifestyle combined with certain treatment options can improve quality of life. Here are six foods that can help manage psoriatic arthritis in the long term. Fatty fish Fatty fish such as trout, sardines, mackerel, and salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids that possess potent anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown people consuming fatty fish showed decreased levels of specific inflammation-related markers, reduced morning stiffness, and joint pain intensity. Fatty fish are also rich in vitamin D, a nutrient that can help prevent symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. According to the AHA (American Heart Association), including a minimum of around two servings of fatty fish in one’s food helps fight against inflammation effectively. Garlic Garlic is loaded with inflammation fighting phytonutrients has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that go a long way in helping reduce the symptoms of arthritis and help strengthen the immune system. In addition, the potent herb can be helpful in lowering the risks of complications linked to psoriatic arthritis.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) can cause severe discomfort and hamper day-to-day functioning in their more advanced stages. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are two common IBDs affecting several individuals at different severity levels. Ulcerative colitis (UC) involves inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine’s inner lining, whereas Crohn’s disease is characterized by swelling of the large intestine. Here are some foods patients with UC and Crohn’s disease should avoid, together with some treatment options. Whole grains Whole grains can irritate the gastrointestinal tract among individuals suffering from UC and Crohn’s disease. It helps to avoid consuming whole, unprocessed grains like buckwheat, brown rice, rolled oats, and wild rice varieties. In addition, white rice and instant oats may be more easily digestible. Raspberries A cup of raspberries contains 8 grams of fiber, a no-no for individuals with UC and Crohn’s. Replacing such high-fiber fruits with low-fiber alternatives, such as cantaloupes, watermelons, nectarines, peaches, and fresh fruit juices without pulp, will help. Broccoli Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain high levels of insoluble fiber, which is difficult to digest and can aggravate existing digestive problems like UC and Crohn’s disease. It helps to avoid such vegetables and replace them with more easily digestible alternatives like asparagus tips, cucumber, and cooked spinach.

Acid reflux is an increasingly common digestive disorder affecting many people worldwide. The condition is characterized by a burning sensation in the throat and chest caused by the backflow of stomach acid. People with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) can have a more challenging time managing acid reflux as it causes inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus. To manage this condition, eating certain healthy foods is advised. Keep reading to learn more about them. Ginger A natural anti-inflammatory food, ginger can also help relieve the inflammation in the esophagus and alleviate acid reflux symptoms. Ginger has also long been used to help with digestive disorders and manage an upset stomach. Adding ginger to daily meals can prevent the acid from backing up into the esophagus and triggering EoE symptoms.  Oatmeal Oatmeal is high in fiber and low in fat content. It is a great breakfast choice for people with acid reflux and helps reduce the amount of acid that finds its way into the esophagus. In addition to that, it also provides a better satiety value and absorbs the excessive quantity of acid present in the stomach.  Bananas Bananas are one of the fruits people with acid reflux can eat without concerns.

The nails, hair, and skin perform more vital functions than we can imagine. While the nails contribute to sensations and protect the digits, the hair helps regulate the body’s temperature. The skin forms the body’s outermost layer and protects it against harmful substances and injuries. Thus, healthy hair, skin, and nails are essential for overall physical well-being. Here are some foods one should incorporate into one’s meal plan for hair, skin, and nail health: Fatty fish Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, significantly boosting skin, hair, and nail health. They protect the body from sun damage and ensure good scalp health. Eggs Besides being excellent protein sources, eggs are rich in essential nutrients like vitamins A, E, and B7, zinc, and biotin. Consequently, they are highly recommended for hair, skin, and nail growth and strength. For example, one can have eggs for breakfast in the form of popular breakfast meals like scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, and omelets. Oatmeal Oatmeal is packed with fiber, zinc, copper, and essential vitamins. Zinc is particularly effective in reducing acne and facilitating strong nails. When eaten with milk, oatmeal can act as a complete breakfast meal and replenish the body with the required protein intake.

Lung health is essential for one’s overall well-being. While not much can be done about environmental pollutants that can increase the risk of lung diseases, one can follow a nutrient-rich food regime to promote lung function and reduce the impact of free radicals on them. Let’s explore ten foods that can help reduce the severity of lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis and improve one’s quality of life. Beets Beetroots and beet greens are a great source of nitrates, which can help improve lung function. Nitrates help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and improve oxygen intake. This can improve lung performance among those with chronic lung conditions such as COPD and pulmonary hypertension. They are also a source of magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and carotenoid antioxidants, which can boost immunity. Apples Regular intake of apples may help boost lung function. This is because apples contain high amounts of antioxidants such as flavonoids and vitamin C, which can reduce the risk of asthma, lung cancer, and COPD, and improve lung performance. Turmeric Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory food that is popularly used in several cuisines around the world. According to some studies, the main active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, may help enhance lung function by 9.2%.

Peptic ulcer affects about 4.6 million Americans every year. Peptic ulcer results in open sores forming on the upper portion of the small intestine and the inside lining of the stomach. The first one is known as the duodenal ulcer, and the second type is known as a gastric ulcer. Read on to know more about its symptoms, causes, and risks associated with this condition. Symptoms of peptic ulcer If you feel a burning pain in the stomach, then it can be a sign of peptic ulcers, as it is the most common symptom of the disease. The pain can get worse at night or between meals. The acid in your stomach makes it worse. Other than the pain, some other common symptoms of peptic ulcers include feeling bloated or full, intolerance to fatty food, nausea, and heartburn. Apart from these, the other signs may include: Vomiting with the presence of blood Presence of dark blood in the stool Trouble in breathing Feeling faint Nausea Sudden weight loss Change in appetite Taking acid blockers can relieve the pain temporarily. If it keeps coming back, you need to contact your doctor. Causes of peptic ulcer Stomach conditions may have a variety of causes, which is true for peptic ulcers too.

The kidneys are vital organs that help remove waste and excess fluid from the bloodstream. Kidney failure is a severe disorder where the kidneys lose their ability to function correctly, leading to a buildup of toxins in the body. To prevent this condition, individuals must follow healthy lifestyle practices and avoid anything that can harm these organs. Several bad habits can lead to kidney failure, the most common ones being: Poor food choices Processed foods have a lot of sodium and sugar, which can strain the kidneys. It can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, and other ailments that increase the risk of kidney disease. Processed foods also have phosphorus, another component that can harm the organ. Besides processed foods, individuals should avoid eating too much meat. High amounts of animal protein can cause excess acid production in the blood, leading to a kidney disorder called acidosis. While protein is essential for a healthy body, individuals should speak to a nutritionist to learn about the right kind of protein and the maximum quantity that can be safely consumed in a day. Experts recommend a meal plan rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and good fats to keep the kidneys healthy.