6 reasons to add probiotics to your food regime

6 reasons to add probiotics to your food regime

Probiotics are live microorganisms naturally present in our bodies. However, they can also be taken through certain food items or probiotic supplements. When present in sufficient amounts, probiotics can have several health benefits, such as good digestion, loss of excess body weight, a healthy immune system, and much more! Read on to find out the six most important reasons why you should add this friendly bacteria to your food regime.

  • Maintain Healthy Digestion with Probiotics
    Probiotics include and foster the growth of good bacteria in your digestive system. You should consume food that contains a fair amount of probiotics. It will help keep your gut healthy by restoring the natural balance of bacteria. These friendly live microorganisms come with the benefit of putting a check on the growth of bad bacteria. Probiotics do not let the harmful bacteria overpower the good bacteria. These bacteria help reverse the effects of illnesses and certain medicines. Probiotics benefits also include treating obesity and allergies. Probiotics are not known to have any side effects.
  • Ensure a Balance of Probiotics to Treat Diarrhea
    The friendly bacteria present in your digestive system are widely known for treating diarrhea. One of the primary probiotics benefits is its ability to cure and reduce the severity of diarrhea. Diarrhea is often a side effect of taking antibiotics. Antibiotics may adversely affect the balance of bacteria in the digestive system. Ensuring the right proportion of probiotics in the gut reduces the risk of diarrhea induced by antibiotics. Moreover, probiotics are known for treating other kinds of diarrhea as well. Ensure an adequate intake of probiotics through food and supplements to reduce the risk and duration of diarrhea. Doctors usually recommend strains such as Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus as measures against diarrhea.
  • Probiotic Supplements For Mental Health
    Certain strains of probiotics are known for positively impacting mental health conditions. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus probiotic strains have the proven ability to improve depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and memory in general. You can consume one hundred grams of yogurt containing probiotics every day for good health. Taking a probiotic capsule every day as prescribed by your doctor will considerably relieve you from anxiety and stress.
  • Probiotics Help Lower Cholesterol And Blood Pressure
    Well-known probiotics benefits include a healthy heart. These friendly microorganisms keep your cholesterol levels low. This, in turn, ensures that your heart functions healthily. Probiotics also keep your blood pressure in check. If you suffer from high blood pressure or have such a tendency, you should take probiotic supplements. Probiotics help reduce the levels of cholesterol by breaking down bile in the digestive system. This process fosters healthy digestion. Probiotics break down bile and prevent it from absorbed by the gut again. The bile is thus prevented from entering the bloodstream as cholesterol. Probiotics are also known to slightly increase the levels of “good” cholesterol in the body.
  • Reduce Allergies And Eczema With Probiotics
    Allergies and eczema may be treated with probiotics. Doctors often recommend an adequate probiotic intake, especially for children, to curb the severity of allergies and eczema. Infants may be fed with milk supplemented with probiotics. Probiotic intake reduces eczema symptoms and eases different kinds of allergies. Extensive studies have also shown that women who ensure a balance of bacteria by a healthy intake of probiotics give birth to children less prone to allergies and eczema. Probiotics may also reduce the impact of milk and dairy induced allergies in children.
  • Probiotics Prevent Bowel Diseases
    Probiotics benefits also include curing various inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Strains of probiotics such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus have proven to have beneficial effects on people suffering from mild ulcerative colitis. Irritable bowel syndrome is a common health condition which can be treated with the help of probiotics. Infants should have a sufficient amount of probiotics to prevent the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. This is a bowel condition to which premature infants are the most prone. Besides, probiotics improve your immune system by preventing the excessive growth of harmful bacteria in your digestive system. Probiotics are known to foster the growth of natural antibodies in the body. They boost immune cells in the body and keep you healthy.

Probiotics can be consumed in the form of foods or supplements. Some of the foods and beverages that are popular probiotics are:

yoghurt
miso
kombucha
sauerkraut
kimchi
natto
tempeh

While most foods are safe sources of probiotics, it’s best to consult a doctor when using tablets, capsules, and powders from the drug store.

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Hyperkalemia – 10 foods to avoid

Potassium plays a huge role in the health of our heart muscles and nerve cells. And high levels of this element in the blood cause hyperkalemia. If you consume meals high in potassium, your doctor may advise you to decrease portion sizes and concentrate on fruits and vegetables with a lower potassium content. Here is a list of foods rich in potassium that must be avoided if you have hyperkalemia. Yogurt and dairy products A serving of nonfat yogurt weighing eight ounces has roughly 625 mg of potassium, making it one of the dairy aisle's highest sources of potassium. Even reduced fat milk contains 366 mg of potassium in a glass of cow's whole milk. Ricotta and cottage cheese are also high in potassium. Goat cheese is a low potassium food, proving that not all cheeses are made equal. Likewise, About 131 milligrams of potassium may be found in a half cup of vanilla ice cream. Bananas When people consider foods high in potassium, bananas frequently come to mind. A banana normally contains 422 mg of potassium. Among all the fruit, bananas are athletes' favorite as they provide energy. However, it could be highly dangerous for someone suffering from hyperkalemia. Consult your doctor if you have hyperkalemia and stick to fruits such as apples and berries. Leafy vegetables About 420 milligrams of potassium can be found in only a half cup of cooked spinach. Raw spinach, young or mature, has roughly 167 mg per cup. Fennel, bok choy, beet greens, and Swiss chard are also high in potassium. You can opt for kale instead. Kale has more nutrients than these other dark leafy greens, but it has less potassium. 73 mg is present in one cup of raw kale. Fish Clams, which provide 534 mg of potassium in just 3 ounces, are the finest source of protein from seafood. Around three ounces of skipjack tuna offers 444 mg, another major source of potassium. One of the most popular fish, salmon, frequently has a lower potassium content. Keeping a check on what type of fish you are eating if you have hyperkalemia is a must. Kidney beans Beans are a balanced addition to any meal plan as they're rich sources of protein and fiber. However, according to data from the USDA, one cup of the kidney-shaped type has 713 mg of potassium. A half-cup of black beans has 489 mg of potassium. Avocado This creamy, green-fleshed fruit is packed with 690 mg of potassium and is high in fiber and heart-healthy lipids. Although it might seem good for your heart, you should avoid it if you have hyperkalemia. Potatoes Potassium is heavily concentrated in potatoes; 925 milligrams of potassium may be found in a baked potato. A three-ounce portion of french-fried potatoes has 470 mg of potassium and a lot of fat and calories. The potassium content in an ounce of potato chips is 465 mg. Indulging in fast foods like fries is adverse for those with hyperkalemia. Oranges A single orange has 240 mg of potassium, making it a food with a high potassium content. With 450 mg per 8 oz glass, orange juice is a more potent source of potassium. Fruits vary in their potassium content. Berries are a poor source of potassium and can be a decent substitute for oranges and orange juice. Another good option is apples. Dried fruits The nutrients in fruit, including potassium, that have been dried are concentrated. You get roughly 750 milligrams from half a cup of dried apricots. Also, even though raisins and dried plums make a fantastic snack, they should be avoided by someone with hyperkalemia. Legumes and beans Legumes are a significant source of potassium as well. White beans have the most, with 600 mg of potassium in a half cup. In half a cup serving, other legumes such as lima beans and pinto beans have between 300 and 350 mg.

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7 foods that help reduce the risk of cancer

In a world where most ready-to-eat meals contain excess fats and calories, finding a balance becomes necessary. The food one consumes helps maintain overall health, reduces the risk of a disease, and hastens the recovery process. This is particularly true in the case of cancer. While no food can cure cancer, intake of certain vegetables, such as the ones given below, may reduce its risk. This article additionally touches upon options for cancer treatment. 7 Foods That Help Reduce the Risk of Cancer Berries Berries like blackberries, mulberries, strawberries, and blueberries are rich sources of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and manganese. They also contain a high amount of antioxidants, including ellagic acid, gallic acid, and chlorogenic acid, and have anti-cancer properties. Garlic Garlic is a vegetable that contains an active compound called allicin. One study concluded that people who ate a large number of allicin-rich vegetables such as garlic, onions, leeks, and shallots had a lower risk of stomach cancer. Tomato According to some experts, this fruit is a cancer-fighting superfood. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is an antioxidant phytochemical that keeps away heart diseases. They are, additionally, a rich source of vitamin A, C, and E, all nutrients that help reduce the risk of cancer. Grapes Grapes and other citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges decrease the risk of cancer, especially of the digestive and upper respiratory tract. They are also known to reduce the risk of pancreatic and stomach cancer. Broccoli Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables are known for having potent anti-cancer properties. They contain glucosinolates, which produce protective enzymes when they pass through the digestive system. These enzymes help the body to detoxify harmful chemicals that could lower cancer risk. Apples Each slice of an apple contains a high amount of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. These are beneficial in cancer and its recovery. Apples also contain potassium, which helps prevent fluid retention, a common side effect of chemotherapy. Carrots Carrots are full of vitamin A, vitamin K, and calcium. They are a good source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that shields cell membranes from toxin damage. Plus, carrots are believed to slow the growth of cancer cells. Treatment Options for Cancer Several studies are ongoing to find the right treatment for every type of cancer. Ibrutinib is one such medicine that is used to treat mantle cell lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and small lymphocytic lymphoma. It works by blocking the growth of abnormal protein that leads to the multiplication of cancer cells. Flax seeds are believed to contain potent cancer-fighting compounds like alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), lignans, and phytoestrogens. Studies indicate these compounds improve survival rates among some patients by stopping certain tumors from spreading and causing cell damage. The ALA also helps counter inflammation linked to the progression of many cancers. Also, cancer screenings are a crucial part of the treatment to manage the progression of the disease. Doctors generally suggest sensitive screening tests like a colonoscopy for colon cancer. A colonoscopy provides a complete view of the rectum allowing proctologists and oncologists to identify the extent of the spread depending on the cancer stage. Alternatively, for breast cancer, doctors suggest BRCA gene testing analysis to identify any harmful changes in mutations linked to the progression of breast cancer. Xofigo® is an injectable treatment option for prostate cancer patients. It is used for patients in advanced stages of the condition and those who fail to respond positively to traditional treatment options like surgery or hormonal treatment. Xofigo® radium 223 cancer treatment works because of the radioactive compound radium 223, which plays the role of a radiotherapeutic agent that destroys cancer cells. It can only be used when cancer has spread to the bones of the patient and nowhere else. A healthcare professional can administer the injection, and it is generally injected once every four weeks in six doses. Another cancer treatment method is the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. It is a method wherein the immune cells are genetically modified in a lab so they can attack the cancer cells. Carfilzomib is another medicine used to reduce or completely stop the growth of cancer cells. It is used for treating patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Carfilzomib can be used alone or in a combination with daratumumab and dexamethasone; lenalidomide and dexamethasone; or only with dexamethasone. It is available in powder form that is to be mixed with liquid and injected intravenously. It is typically administered over a period of 10 to 30 minutes. This medication may be given for two consecutive days every week for a period of three weeks, or it can be administered once a week over a period of three weeks. Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that develops in plasma cells—white blood cells that fight infections by making antibodies. While the condition has no cure, a novel course called B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is receiving attention. BCMA is a protein that promotes B-cell survival, which helps inhibit cancerous growth. Doctors are in the process of developing therapies and treatments to target the BCMA protein for managing multiple myeloma. Fostamatinib, a spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor, manages chronic immune thrombocytopenia. It is being investigated for  Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) as well. It is currently sold under brand name Tavalisse® and works by increasing blood platelets. This inhibitor is given after other treatments have failed. Patients should take Tavalisse® as prescribed by the doctor. Potential side effects include high blood pressure, liver problems, diarrhea, and infections. It is believed that messenger RNA, or mRNA, could be the next frontier as a more effective cancer therapy. mRNA carries specific signals to the cells, specifically dendritic cells, that instruct them into producing proteins and strengthening the immune system to kill the invading host cells, such as cancer cells. Numerous clinical trials have been carried out to treat pancreatic, colorectal, and melanoma cancer through this form of immunotherapy. The human body naturally produces antibodies to fight off disease-causing organisms. Monoclonal antibodies are biological antibodies that are prepared in labs and often used as a targeted therapy for cancer patients. They are marked to target specific cells in the body, minimizing harm to healthy cells. These lab-produced monoclonal antibodies mimic the immune system’s response to unwanted cells and destroy them by blocking their growth, destroying cell membranes, flagging cancer cells, and attacking them. XTANDI (enzalutamide) is a recommended novel hormone therapy for prostate cancer. It is used for treating three types of advanced prostate cancer: metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC), non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC), and metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). XTANDI is an FDA-approved treatment option and is used orally once daily in either four 40 mg or two 80 mg dosages. It can be had with or without food. Genetic testing can be used to ascertain cancer presence if one is genetically predisposed to the condition or has undergone cancer treatment at a younger age. It helps assess the gene mutation in the body. A healthcare expert tests an individual's DNA by collecting cells at a clinic or from the individual's home. The sample helps identify the signs of cancer development and draw an adequate treatment plan.

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Foods to avoid for managing Crohn’s disease

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