Think of the human body as a car. Pouring the cheapest gasoline (unhealthy food) in a car can damage the engine (bodily organs). Instead, if you can take care of yourself by committing to fitness via proper nutrition, it can take you a long way. In a recent study, it was found that approximately 55 percent of people derive daily calories from refined and processed foods. This can be counterproductive as these foods are full of unhealthy fats and devoid of essential nutrients. How are fitness and nutrition related to each other? Fitness and nutrition go hand in hand. Consuming foods containing healthy nutrients enables your body to function in a way conducive to physical and mental well-being. You may find yourself becoming more active, and burning calories off in a healthy manner. If you continue to maintain an exercise routine without getting adequate nutrition, it will have an adverse effect. So, here are some useful tips that can help you to be at the top of your health game: Keep a tab on your calories This is one of the smartest tips to stay healthy. Several diet plans focus on the number of calories that need to be eaten each day.

The prostate gland is one of the crucial organs in the reproduction system that produces and provides fluid to protect the sperm. However, advancing age, family history, even certain vitamin or mineral deficiencies can trigger prostate problems, thereby affecting its function. Fortunately, it is possible to maintain a healthy prostate by making lifestyle changes and including some nutrient-dense foods in the meal regimen. Here are the top foods that keep the prostate healthy. Foods to eat Sesame seeds Those with lower levels of zinc in their body are at a high risk of developing prostate problems. Sesame seeds are a rich source of this mineral. It is better to include the seeds in one’s meals, as the body can absorb these nutrients better than zinc supplements. You add sesame seeds to soups, salads, and dips. Leafy greens Green vegetables are loaded with antioxidants, phytochemicals, essential vitamins, and minerals, making them one of the top foods for a healthy prostate. These compounds help lower the inflammation in the prostate. Cruciferous vegetables also reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, Bok choy, and cauliflower are excellent choices to add to one’s meals. Fruits like berries Tomatoes are rich in a compound called lycopene, essential for a healthy prostate.

Our genes play a vital role in shaping our personalities, behaviors, thought processes, and appearance. However, they also act as contributing factors to the development of several health conditions. Genetic testing is an effective means of determining one’s genetic predisposition to a particular disease and preventing future risks of developing the condition. Here are some things to know about genetic testing, from the benefits of the process to the conditions one can test for. The benefits of genetic testing To take preventive measures Genetic testing is not the same as a diagnostic test — positive results do not imply that one has the disease. It only indicates the presence of the gene mutation causing the disease. Thus, testing for genetic vulnerability to a health condition allows one to take measures to prevent it if the result is positive. A sense of relief for families Family members are often worried about having passed on certain diseases to the future generations. Genetic testing can provide a sense of relief to family members in the case of negative results and reassurance in knowing that the disease can be prevented if the results are positive. A pathway to accurate diagnosis In many cases, genetic testing can be the first step to diagnosing a disease and starting the treatment course.

The skin can look tired, aged, and become acne-prone for various reasons, such as air pollutants and seasonal changes. But there may also be times when you experience breakouts out of the blue and for no mistake of your own. However, certain habits you can control might be influencing your skin more than you realize. These can worsen the skin’s overall health and also lead to conditions like eczema if you aren’t careful. 6 habits to avoid for better skin health Going out in the sun without SPF One of the golden rules of having healthy skin is to use sun protection. This includes sunscreens, hats, and sunglasses. Being disciplined about using sun protection ensures that your skin remains free of sun damage and does not show early signs of aging. It is also an effective way of reducing the risk of skin cancer. Using an unclean brush Regularly and repeatedly using unclean makeup brushes can be a definitive way of damaging your skin. You might not be aware of it, but your makeup tools can be a trove of bacterial growth that can harm your skin. For example, they could cause rashes, acne, and infections and might, in rare cases, lead to skin pigmentation.

Studies show that a person’s emotional and mental health are closely related to what they consume. A change in eating habits and lifestyle is frequently the first line of treatment for patients suffering from depression or other mental health conditions. Every individual’s nutritional needs are distinct. But barring allergies, everyone can rely on food to improve their cognitive functions and emotional state. Here are some ways that show how food impacts one’s mental health. Brain chemicals and the gut Science has termed the gastrointestinal tract the body’s “second brain.” Trillions of bacteria in one’s gastrointestinal tract help the brain produce dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals are mood stabilizers responsible for regulating one’s feelings of calmness, happiness, motivation, and rewards. It is believed that gut bacteria produce 95 percent of the body’s supply of serotonin. Nutrition-rich food promotes the growth of good bacteria that support the production of these chemicals. Insulin resistance On the contrary, processed and sugary foods are toxic to brain functioning. The high sugar content in foods strains the pancreas and results in insulin resistance. This, in turn, increases cortisol and glucagon levels. These neurotransmitters make one feel more anxious, fatigued, hungry and irritated. Nutrient deficiency and mood The nervous system and brain depend heavily on nutrition to produce new proteins and repair cells and tissues.

If you have experienced debilitating headaches that have disrupted your plans for the day, you are not alone. Studies suggest that approximately 45 million people in the country deal with headaches every year. Usually, headaches are symptoms of some underlying health conditions; as a result, treating these conditions can help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. Keep reading to learn more about the underlying conditions causing or worsening headaches. Meningitis Meningitis is a health condition resulting from inflammation of the fluids and membranes around the brain and spinal cord, known as meninges. Such inflammation triggers headaches and symptoms like fever, muscle and joint pain, and neck stiffness. Headaches associated with meningitis spread rapidly across the head. Hypertensive crisis Headaches are relatively prominent among cases of hypertensive crisis, a condition characterized by a sudden, considerable elevation of blood pressure levels. Here, the BP reading is 180/120 mm Hg or higher. A hypertensive crisis is classified as a health emergency and requires immediate hospitalization. During a hypertensive crisis, patients often suffer from pulsing headaches felt throughout the head. Brain tumor A brain tumor is the growth and accumulation of abnormal cells in or around the brain. Among the common symptoms of brain tumors is brain swelling, which increases pressure in the head and culminates in severe headaches.

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.

Approximately 60% to 75% of the body is water. It is essential to every bodily function, from blood circulation to digestion. This is why drinking the optimal amount of water is vital for overall health. Most experts recommend drinking about eight glasses of water daily; drinking too little increases the risk of dehydration. On the flip side, drinking too much water is also unhealthy. Here are a few health issues caused by drinking excessive water. Hyponatremia This condition is caused by a drop in the sodium levels in the body. Sodium is one of the essential electrolytes in the body that balances the fluid levels inside and outside the body’s cells—overhydration or drinking too much water cause sodium levels to go down. Headache Drinking too much water may disrupt brain function. The excess water enters the cells, including the brain cells, resulting in their swelling. This exerts pressure on the brain, leading to headaches and dizziness. Some people also experience confusion because of this. Nausea Sometimes the health issues because of drinking excessive water are similar to that of dehydration. While a lack of water puts a strain on the kidneys, so does excess water content in the body. This strain occurs because the kidneys cannot expel the additional water.

Sugar has become a pervasive part of the modern diet. From sugary beverages to processed snacks and desserts, even seemingly healthy breakfast cereals and yogurt contain large amounts of added sugar. The average person’s sugar intake has surged because of this. There are a plethora of health issues that result from high sugar consumption and there are identifiable telltale signs of this. Here are a few important ones. Health issues caused by excessive sugar intake Type 2 Diabetes Elevated sugar consumption may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes. The body responds to this sugar intake by releasing insulin to help transport sugar into cells for energy. Fatty liver disease Excessive sugar intake could lead to fatty liver disease, where the liver accumulates fat, potentially progressing to more severe liver conditions if left unaddressed. Erectile dysfunction Excessive sugar intake may contribute to impotence (erectile dysfunction) by damaging blood vessels and reducing blood flow. Weakened immune system High sugar consumption can suppress the immune system’s function, making one more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Heart Disease High sugar intake is associated with increased levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, both known risk factors for heart disease. This could lead to atherosclerosis, a condition in which arteries narrow and harden, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Sugar has become an integral part of our food choices – from sweet treats to hidden sugars in processed foods, its consumption has skyrocketed. While a moderate amount of sugar is generally safe, high sugar intake can lead to various health problems, particularly when it becomes a chronic habit. Its overconsumption can lead to health problems like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular issues, fatty liver disease, blindness, dental issues, and impotence.  There are some ways that the effect of high sugar intake can be curbed. Choose wisely Reducing sugar intake is a fundamental step in managing sugar-related health problems. Adopting a balanced meal pattern that limits added sugars, focuses on whole foods, and includes plenty of natural foods like fruits and vegetables can significantly improve health outcomes. Read Food Labels Start by reading food labels when shopping for groceries. Look for the total sugar content in packaged foods and beverages. Be aware that sugar can hide under different names, such as sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, agave nectar, and more. Choose products with lower sugar content or opt for sugar-free alternatives when possible. Reduce Sugary Drinks Sugary beverages like soda, fruit juices, and energy drinks could contribute to a lot of sugar consumed in a day.