The human body needs a range of minerals to stay healthy and function appropriately. One such essential property is potassium. The mineral carries a small electric charge that activates various cell and nerve functions. The mineral also aids the kidneys by removing excess sodium from the body through urine. Furthermore, it helps the blood vessel walls relax, promoting better heart health. Here are 12 potassium-rich foods that one can add to their meal regime. Coconut water Coconut water is one of the most naturally hydrating drinks one can have. It is rich in natural sugars that provide energy during exercise and also replenish lost glycogen stores. A cup of coconut water can introduce a significant amount of potassium to the body. One can enjoy coconut water served at room temperature or chilled with ice after a workout. However, they must avoid varieties that come with added sugars. Avocados Adding avocados to meals may also help boost one’s potassium levels. A single green-fleshed fruit provides about 700 mg of the mineral to the body, deeming it super-healthy for the heart. One could add avocados to any meal during the day. They could mash it for toast and guacamole or add slices of the fruit to tacos, burgers, smoothies, and sandwiches.

A common digestive problem, constipation affects millions of people all across the globe. Sadly, most people struggle silently with it because the subject can be uncomfortable. Thankfully, eating the right foods can be of great help to anyone that is feeling backed up. At the same time, certain foods make it difficult to squeeze one out, resulting in further issues. Thus, it is crucial to pay attention to one’s meal plans when tackling constipation. Fiber-rich foods to eat for constipation Flaxseeds Flaxseeds are a rich source of fiber and play a huge role in helping healthy bowel movements. Flaxseeds carry both soluble as well as insoluble fiber, helping soften stools. Their high fiber content also contributes to the increase in the frequency of bowels. They can be added to smoothies, salads, toast, guacamole, oatmeal, and yogurt. Flaxseeds can even be used in the form of powder. Apples Apples are rich in nutrients and fiber content. High levels of pectin in this fruit help bring up the level of soluble fiber in the gut, resulting in bulking up of stools. Because of this, apples contribute to the easier passing of stools. Eating an apple a day can improve the overall digestion of a person and promote easier and more regular bowel movements.

Psoriasis is a condition in which the skin develops rashes, leading to itchy, scaly patches most commonly witnessed on the knees, elbows, scalp, and even the trunk. This is a chronic condition with no cure; however, there are ways to manage the condition with the help of lifestyle choices, foods, and treatment options. The condition goes through a flaring cycle and then subsides, so it is important to understand its symptoms, triggers, and other details. Causes This condition is understood to be an autoimmune disorder in which the skin cells start to grow faster than the normal cycle of growth. This overgrowth is what turns into the scaly and dry patches that are often witnessed in this condition. While the cause is immune system-related, several environmental and other triggers also lead to flare-ups and other symptoms. Symptoms While the symptoms remain the same in everyone, the way they appear or look may differ from person to person. Patchy rash on the skin that can range from looking like spots on the skin or dandruff-like scaling or even more severe like painful rashes. Rashes of different colors, like shades of purple or gray on black or brown skin. On white skin, the rashes are pink or red with silver scales.

Viruses are generally responsible for colds and flu. Taking the recommended medications as directed by a doctor, and strengthening one’s immune system with the proper nutrition is crucial to treat the flu. Runny nose, congested sinuses, sore throat, coughing, headaches, body pains, fevers, and chills are common flu symptoms. While contracting a virus may be inevitable, there are numerous at-home treatments for colds, the flu, and stuffy noses. Here are some of them: Home remedies Certain home remedies have a monumental impact on a person’s health. Nutritious foods and natural remedies can help boost the immune system to fight off viruses and provide relief against cold and sore throats. Popular choices include: Chicken soup A warm bowl of chicken soup with vegetables can help relieve nasal congestion and slow down the movement of white blood cells called neutrophils in the body. Slowing down their movement allows the neutrophils to focus on areas of the body that need the most infection-fighting. Ginger Ginger is a known anti-inflammatory that can help reduce flu symptoms, such as nausea. For best results, add a few slices of fresh ginger to boiling water to make ginger tea. Consume it while hot. Honey Honey has many antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to help one manage flu symptoms better.

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer that affects men. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent the disease, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of developing it and aid in its management. Moreover, some foods have been found to contain nutrients that may help prevent or slow its progression. Here are common foods to eat and avoid to manage prostate cancer and early signs to watch out for. What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland in the male reproductive system that produces seminal fluid. Here, the cells in the prostate gland develop uncontrollably and form a tumor. It is slow-growing cancer and, in some cases, may not show any visible symptoms. However, if left untreated, it can spread to other body parts, including the bones and lymph nodes of other organs, and become life-threatening. Prostate cancer is typically diagnosed through physical exams, imaging tests, and blood tests; treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Symptoms of prostate cancer Here are some common symptoms of prostate cancer to look out for: Urinary changes Urinary changes are the most common symptom of prostate cancer.

Food habits and choices have a direct impact on one’s overall well-being. Overeating certain unhealthy foods can directly impact many organs, including the kidney, heart, and stomach. For example, a person with a chronic kidney condition should keep a close eye on regular meals to avoid worsening the condition and stay active. These poor eating habits may eventually lead to health problems. Here are some of the best foods to treat chronic kidney conditions and other nutritional tips for a healthy lifestyle. Best foods for kidney conditions Cauliflower This cruciferous vegetable is high in vitamin C and is a good source of fiber and folate. It also contains indoles, glucosinolates, and thiocyanates, which help the liver neutralize harmful chemicals that may damage cell membranes and DNA. It can be served steamed, boiled, or raw with a dip. It can also be tossed in a salad with spices such as turmeric, curry powder, pepper, and herb seasonings. Cauliflower can be combined with spaghetti or mashed as a dialysis meal replacement for mashed potatoes. 1/2 cup of cooked cauliflower contains 9 mg of sodium, 88 mg of potassium, and 20 mg of phosphorus. Onions Onion is a common condiment in many prepared dishes, and it contains sulfur compounds that give it its pungent aroma.

Hyperkalemia is a condition wherein patients show the presence of excessive levels of potassium in the blood. It causes an electrolyte imbalance in the body, potentially leading to severe health concerns. The condition is rare since the body can regulate the electrolyte balance. Some common hyperkalemia symptoms include muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea, heart palpitations, and irregular heartbeats. Carefully selecting the right foods can help manage blood potassium levels without resorting to prescriptions and other treatments. Foods that are safe for hyperkalemia patients Apples Apples are a rich source of soluble fiber that helps decrease cholesterol levels in the body and promote overall health. They also have low levels of potassium, which makes them a great choice for people with hyperkalemia. Apples can also be included in the form of applesauce or juice. Blueberries Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and can help the body fight off oxidative damage caused by the presence of free radicals. Their low potassium and high fiber content makes them a hyperkalemia-friendly food that can be had safely. Blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries can also be included in the meal plan. Cabbage Cabbage is a good source of vitamins C and K that help improve bone health and strengthen immunity.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is the umbrella term comprising progressive lung disorders- chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both these conditions involve blockage of airflow from the lungs and have various underlying causes, including air pollution and exposure to dust. Individuals with COPD experience symptoms such as coughing up mucus, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Alongside following the suggested treatment course, incorporating certain foods into one’s meal plan can help fight the disease. Types of COPD COPD occurs in two forms – chronic bronchitis, characterized by long-term cough, and emphysema, involving damage to the air sacs. Chronic bronchitis Chronic bronchitis occurs due to inflammation and swelling of the bronchial tubes, causing the accumulation of mucus along the tube lining and narrowing of its opening. Moreover, the bronchial tubes comprise small, hair-like projections called cilia, which expel mucus from the airways. However, chronic bronchitis damages these cilia, furthering mucus accumulation. Chronic bronchitis is typically diagnosed when an individual experience cough for at least three months a year for two consecutive years and tests negative for tuberculosis and other lung conditions. Emphysema Emphysema involves the eventual rupture and damage of air sacs or alveoli, leading to large air spaces forming in the organ.

Migraine is a condition in which individuals experience headache episodes with varying intensity. The headaches are also often accompanied by symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Experts believe that migraine episodes make it hard to complete daily tasks and suggest proper rest and sleep to fight the symptoms. However, certain food choices might aggravate the symptoms. Some foods to avoid and home remedies to manage the condition are discussed below. Caffeine Too much caffeine or even caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches and migraine symptoms. According to experts, caffeine can stop oncoming migraine, though its quantity must be supervised. Migraine sufferers must drink coffee or even tea with caffeine in moderate amounts.  Chocolate Experts consider chocolate as the second most common trigger factor of migraine symptoms. It has caffeine and beta-phenylethylamine, which are responsible for triggering headaches and migraines in individuals. According to research, chocolates affect around 22% of those dealing with migraine attacks. MSG Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a naturally occurring sodium salt that is a product of glutamic acid. However, this is also an ingredient that is found in a lot of food recipes. Research indicates that MSG intake is linked with migraine attacks, even though eating this product is perfectly safe for the body otherwise.

Usually, hair shedding is seen about two or three months after one develops certain illnesses. Such illnesses tend to force several hairs into simultaneously entering the telogen (shedding) phase of their lifecycle. Additionally, certain diseases are autoimmune, meaning that they can bring about aggressive immune reactions in people that cause the elimination of hair follicles and, subsequently, hair loss. Here are some common medical conditions that can trigger severe hair loss in people: Thyroid disorders Both thyroid issues, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, indicative of an under-active thyroid or an over-active one, can cause hair thinning and subsequent hair fall. The thyroid gland is responsible for hormone secretion in various parts of the body. An under or over-production of such hormones can negatively affect the performance of one’s hair follicles. This results in hair fall on a premature basis. Alopecia areata One of the more common causes of hair loss is alopecia areata. “Alopecia” is a term used to denote baldness in individuals, while “areata” stands for patchy hair loss in this health condition. Hair fall in this condition occurs in small, coin-sized patches of hair. This is why, initially, one may not notice that they are steadily losing hair. This health condition falls in a list of autoimmune disorders that attack hair follicles to cause premature balding in men and women.