Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) occurs when there is a breakdown in the functioning of the atria or the heart’s upper chambers. Instead of beating at an average rate, the pulse begins to fibrillate, beating at a fast or irregular pace. AFib can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure, which can be fatal. To manage this condition, it is recommended to implement some lifestyle changes in addition to medical therapies. Based on available evidence, avoiding certain foods can help manage AFib better, as these have been shown to affect health and increase the risk of heart complications negatively. They may also lead to other health issues such as diabetes, cognitive decline, and certain cancers. Therefore, common foods to avoid with atrial fibrillation include: Energy drinks Energy drinks contain a large amount of caffeine, excessive sugar, and stimulants, which can negatively affect the cardiovascular system. Observational research has linked the consumption of energy drinks with serious cardiovascular events, including arrhythmias and sudden cardiac deaths. It is suggested that people with AFib avoid energy drinks. Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and margarine According to studies, foods high in saturated and trans fats are associated with a high risk of AFib and other cardiovascular conditions. Foods like butter, cheese, and red meat contain high saturated fats. In contrast, margarine, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, certain crackers and cookies, potato chips, doughnuts, and other fried foods contain high amounts of trans fats. To improve overall heart health, reducing the intake of high-calorie processed foods and increasing fiber intake can help. Salt Salt can aggravate blood pressure, which increases the chances of AFib. Reducing sodium can help maintain heart health and lower blood pressure. According to the CDC, consuming less than 2,300 mg of sodium daily is ideal for heart health. Sugar People with diabetes mellitus are 40% more likely to develop AFib.

Nutrition is important for good health. Unhealthy food can cause damage to one’s metabolism and organs. Furthermore, various studies have suggested that food and its nutritional value significantly affect the health and aging of the skin. So, healthcare experts recommend adding healthy foods to one’s nutrition regime. Read further to know which foods help achieve glowing and blemish-free skin. Top 6 foods for glowing skin A meal plan that focuses on high-quality lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, fiber, and healthy oils is the best for supporting healthy skin. Avocados Fresh fruits such as avocados are packed with healthy fats. These fats greatly benefit the skin. Moreover, avocados are a good source of vitamin E, an important antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative damage. Tomatoes Tomato-based foods like juice and sauce may help clear up acne. Moreover, tomatoes contain a phytochemical known as lycopene, which makes them red. Lycopene boosts collagen strength and fights against the damage caused by UV rays. Ginger This superfood is best known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, multiple studies have shown that ginger has a soothing effect on the skin. So, one can also try ginger facials to achieve glowing skin. Walnuts Walnuts are a rich source of essential fatty acids, which are fats that aren’t produced by the body. This makes walnuts one of the best foods for healthy, glowing skin. Further, they contain zinc, which is required by the skin to function as a barrier. Additionally, the mineral is necessary for wound healing and combating inflammation. Carrots Carrots contain beta-carotene, which naturally helps protect the skin against sunburn. Furthermore, they are rich in vitamin A, which helps restore damaged collagen and also acts as an antioxidant to prevent the overproduction of cells in the skin’s outer layer. Including carrots in one’s daily meals can easily help achieve glowing skin.

Sharing food with your cat doesn’t always have to be dangerous! Even though it is advisable to keep your pets away from some human food like onions, garlic, sugar, chocolate, dairy, caffeinated products, raw dough, nuts, salt, xylitol, grapes, and raisins, it is safe to treat your pets to some human food every once in a while. Here are 7 human foods that are safe for your kittens to consume. 7 human foods you can share with your cats Fish Canned or cooked fish like salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, and crab are good for your cats as it helps their eyes stay sharp and helps them with arthritis, kidney disease, and heart disorders. Fatty fish contains nutrients like omega-3 that can help with your cat’s heart health. However, it is best to avoid giving them raw fish as it can be dangerous for your cat’s health. Whole grains Cooked whole grains are easily digestible for cats and are popularly found in most dry cat foods. Grains like oats are a good source of protein, iron, and fiber, and they’re easy to make as well. Many cats like eating corn, and a coarse cornmeal called polenta as well. Other grains that you can give your cats include brown rice, barley, wheat berries, millet, and couscous. All you need to do is make sure that the grains are fully cooked, so your kitten can digest them properly. Meat By nature, cats are meat eaters. Protein from meat is an important part of their meals to ensure a strong heart, good vision, and a healthy reproductive system. It is safe to give them cooked beef, chicken, turkey, and small amounts of deli meat for their dose of protein. Avoid giving them any raw or spoiled meat, as this could make them sick. Veggies Vegetables are a great source of vitamins, fiber, and water to help your cats and kittens with digestion.

The key to managing diabetes is to follow a healthy diet that can keep your blood sugar levels in control. What you eat in your meal has a direct effect on how much sugar your blood contains. So, making the right food choices is going to help you manage blood glucose levels better. At the same time, keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all diet for patients diagnosed with diabetes and you must consult your doctor before making major dietary changes. Your doctor will come up with a meal plan to tell you what you can eat for your main meals and snacks in between meals. The plan also contains details on how much of these foods you should have. A healthy diet for those with diabetes should typically have 40%-60% calories from carbs, 30% or less from fats, and 20% from proteins. How to make a diet plan to manage diabetes? The idea is to follow a diet plan which is low in sodium, cholesterol, and added sugar. You need to identify which foods cause your blood sugar levels to spike. It is not always the type of food that you consume, but the combination of foods that you eat, which can be harmful when you have diabetes. To begin with, you must know how to measure portions and count carbs as they have the most impact on blood glucose levels. Individuals who take insulin at mealtimes need to know the portion of carbs in their meals to make sure they get the right dose. Every meal must be well-balanced, with a good blend of carbs, fruits, veggies, fats, and proteins. Carbs like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are good for people with diabetes because they are fiber-rich and keep blood glucose levels stable. You must also adjust your diet and medicines.

Traveling by train is a privilege not everyone can have on a daily basis. Moreover, traversing long distances by train can be exciting and challenging. Despite its seemingly straightforward nature, people make some mistakes when traveling by train. First-time or infrequent travelers generally make these mistakes, which can reduce the overall experience of long-distance train journeys. Here are four common mistakes to avoid when traveling by train. Relying solely on train food A common mistake people tend to make in the pre-booking phase is assuming that food will be served onboard the train. That detail is usually specified in the itinerary and can be seen when one books a ticket online or offline. One should certainly know whether the train they are boarding for a long journey has food served onboard or not. Once in, another common mistake people make is relying solely on train food. Now, eating train food is convenient; however, it is still processed food to a certain degree, and its health-related credibility can be slightly questionable. Ideally, one should get food from home when on a train journey. Not reading the itinerary carefully The itinerary contains all the details of a given journey, such as the stations at which the train will stop, the ETA at the destination, and the seat information. Not reading all these details carefully and then not making necessary changes can be significant mistakes, especially if they come in as shocks during the journey itself. That can be corrected by avoiding the next mistake on the list. Not booking tickets in advance People often miss reading the tickets or itinerary carefully when in a hurry. That happens when travelers book their tickets and the holiday schedule at the last minute. When one books at such a late stage, the ticket prices are at their highest, the best seats are often taken, and travelers have little choice in anything they wish to include in their reservation.

Lung cancer occurs when cells in the lungs grow uncontrollably. There are two main types of lung cancer. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) makes up about 80% to 85% of all lung cancer cases and is slow-growing with a better prognosis. Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) makes up for around 10% to 15% of lung cancer cases and spread rapidly. Some treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes that can help manage lung cancer are discussed below: Know the treatment options One of the most important aspects of cancer treatment is choosing the right treatment options. When it comes to lung cancer, individuals usually opt for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or targeted therapy. GAVRETO (pralsetinib) is a prescription treatment option for certain cancers including NSCLC. It is mainly prescribed for the treatment of cancers that are caused due to the abnormal rearranged during transfection (RET) gene. These include NSCLC in adults and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) in adults and children over the age of 12 years. GAVRETO is also a treatment option for cancer that has spread to other parts of the body beyond the lungs. However, GAVRETO has a range of side effects that can be mild or severe. Some common side effects include constipation, fatigue, diarrhea, and musculoskeletal pain while more severe side effects include lung disease, hypertension, tumor lysis syndrome, and lowered wound healing abilities. The healthcare practitioner will be able to determine which mode of treatment works best based on the stage and type of lung cancer. Eat the right foods While treatment can help tackle NSCLC and SCLC, certain foods can help improve lung function. Peppers are known to be rich sources of vitamin C, which acts as a powerful antioxidant and improves lung health. Turmeric also has antioxidant properties and contains curcumin, which has been found to be beneficial to lung function.

Nutrition plays an essential role in overall health and helps in reducing symptoms associated with overactive bladder. Statistics suggest that more than 30% of women in the country have bladder control issues. While there are medications that can help manage the condition, changes in your food regime can help prevent the condition as well. Read on to know more about the foods to avoid and the medication options to manage bladder control issues. Foods to avoid Caffeine Caffeine products such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, and carbonated drinks are some of the primary triggers that can be counterproductive for bladder control. This is because they have a diuretic effect, which means they worsen bladder control by promoting frequent urination. Alcohol Like caffeine, alcohol is also believed to have a diuretic effect as well, aggravating bladder control issues. It increases the pressure in the detrusor muscles, reducing the control over natural signals indicating the brain to empty the bladder. So, an occasional indulgence in wine or beer may not harm, but binging on hard liquor can affect bladder control. Spicy foods Bladder-related issues such as bladder leakage are typically seen more in women. Bladder leakage can also be greatly affected by spicy foods that contain chili powder, peppers, horseradish, and other pungent spices. They worsen bladder control by irritating the inner lining of the bladder and increasing the urge to urinate. Moreover, consuming spicy foods also increase the tendency to drink more water, further worsening urinary incontinence. Artificial sweeteners Artificial sweeteners can also worsen bladder control as they contain compounds that can make the bladder muscles hyperactive. This increases the risk of suffering from urinary tract infections, especially in women due to frequent urination. This can make urinary incontinence difficult to control. Medications These food regime changes can help manage bladder control.

Prurigo nodularis is a skin disease characterized by itchiness, bumps, and rashes. People with this condition experience burning, temperature variations, and stinging on these skin bumps. While individuals may feel itchy on the bumps, they should refrain from scratching them and opt for available treatment for this condition. Similarly, eating certain foods can aggravate prurigo nodularis symptoms in individuals. Here are some avoidable foods and effective treatment avenues for prurigo nodularis: Avoidable foods Eating right has been scientifically proven to reduce the severity of prurigo nodularis symptoms. On the flip side, here are some foods that can worsen this condition in individuals: Pork and beef Red meat contains large amounts of arachidonic acid, which exacerbates inflammation in its consumers. Additionally, this chemical compound increases skin pain by exciting an individual’s peripheral somatosensory system. Pork and beef are some of the well-known and widely consumed varieties of red meat in the market. Hence, one must avoid consuming these to keep prurigo nodularis flare-ups at bay. White rice Refined carbohydrates, like red meat, increase inflammation in the body. As a result, foods containing such carbohydrates, including white rice and pasta, are among the foods to avoid for people with prurigo nodularis. Similarly, sweet baked foods such as cakes and beverages with artificial sweeteners, such as soft drinks and aerated sodas, must be avoided altogether. Effective treatment alternatives While prurigo nodularis does not have a cure per se, the following therapies can treat its symptoms pretty effectively: Salt bath Saltwater has several antibacterial effects that are beneficial for one’s skin. Additionally, salt water helps eliminate accumulated lactic acid when it seeps under the skin. This dries out sores and reduces infection in individuals. Therefore, a bath in sea salt is recommended for people with prurigo nodularis. Phototherapy Phototherapy, or exposure to UV radiation, helps reduce the itchiness in a person’s skin.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in a person’s general health. The food one eats regularly helps keep the skin and hair healthy. Further, foods also impact the hair’s volume, growth, and strength. However, the speed of growth and hair strength may also depend on various factors such as genetics, age, overall health, and environmental exposure. Although one cannot change these factors, one can adjust the daily meal plan to ensure proper nutrition. Foods for healthy hair Vitamins and minerals in food play a pivotal role in the growth cycles of hair follicles. Hence, healthcare professionals suggest a meal plan encompassing all the vital nutrients for healthy hair. Some of such healthy food choices are listed below. Salmon Fishes like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. As the body cannot produce these fats, one can add these fish to their meal plan to ensure nutrition. Further, the fatty acids also protect the body from diseases and ensure the growth and shine of the hair. Eggs A good source of protein and biotin, eggs are essential for hair growth. As hair follicles are made up of protein, one must ensure regular protein intake to ensure minimum hair loss. Furthermore, research has shown that the intake of increased amounts of biotin may help improve hair growth. Also, eggs are rich in zinc, selenium, and other nutrients the hair needs. Chia seeds A nutritional powerhouse, chia seeds are an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Moreover, they are filled with fiber and antioxidant properties that promote healthy and beautiful hair. Further, the seeds also contain copper and zinc, the key minerals for hair health. While zinc stimulates protein transformation, copper aids in the regeneration of new hair. Spinach Spinach is a leafy green packed with nutrients and contains iron, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

A person’s daily meals are vital for their overall cardiovascular health. Regularly consuming healthy and nutrient-rich foods can help one’s heart and circulatory system function efficiently, providing oxygen and nutrients to all body parts. However, certain foods can worsen symptoms of conditions like atrial fibrillation, where the heart beats too quickly. This article discusses 4 foods to avoid to prevent the development or worsening of such conditions. Read on to learn more. Salted chips Salt is a major cause of heart issues in individuals, so healthcare experts advise people with existing heart conditions to consume it in moderation (only 1,200 milligrams of sodium daily). Salt contains sodium, which increases the blood volume and makes it harder for the heart to pump it. This leads to atrial fibrillation or a worsening of the condition’s symptoms. Salted potato chips contain massive amounts of salt, making them one of the worst foods for those with atrial fibrillation. High sodium levels in the blood can also cause potassium levels to decrease. Potassium is essential for the heart to work properly and efficiently. Therefore, a potassium deficiency can lessen the effectiveness of one’s cardiovascular system. White bread Gluten is just as bad as salt for people with heart conditions. Gluten has been medically known to trigger heart conditions like atrial fibrillation. It raises the inflammation levels in the body, which negatively affects the pacemaker nerves of a person’s heart. This brings about wild fluctuations in heart rates and worsens atrial fibrillation. White bread (and most other kinds of bread, except those distinctively marked “gluten-free”) is loaded to the brim with gluten. Therefore, people with cardiovascular problems are discouraged from consuming white bread, pasta, cereal, and other gluten-filled foods. Coffee Although caffeine-rich foods stimulate one’s body, they are also known to drastically increase heart rate and worsen blood pressure issues.

Thanks to the growing urge of looking good and staying fit. We all crave to live a healthy life. However, with the advent of various diet programs listed by the health experts, the calorie consciousness and the doubts revolving what to eat and what to omit, we have somehow lost our perspective of a good diet plan. Amidst thousands of changes in the traditional meal plans and food, the basic question arises as to what exactly should we consume to stay fit and what diet plans should we actually stick to? We have brought to you world’s best free diet meal plans here, which shall help you with the dream body you dreamt besides keeping you fit and fine. Free diet meal plans to shell out those extra fat and look your absolute best We know that weight loss has been your concern. You have flipped open various health magazines, subscribed to health forums, ate all things healthy and have also gone to the extent of popping in weight loss pills, but sadly none gave any results, except for the fact that they kept eating half your salary. We have gathered up few awesome guidelines for your free diet meals: Start by taking some 5-6 meals a day, followed by snacks. To have successful results, you should always commit to food packing the prior night. This way, you would always have low-fat and fresh food around. Keep it trouble-free and less complicated, by avoiding to get too much caught up in the diet meal specifics. Begin by counting the calories. Slower your eating process. Choose from healthy foods such as whole grain cereals, vegetables, fruits, nonfat dairy products, beans, skinless poultry, fish, and meats. Avoid food that is high in calorie and fat. Avoid food that has too much sugar content such as candy bars, candy, pastries, and pies.

It has been observed that those who have schizophrenia, a chronic psychological illness, usually have diets that are unhealthy, low in fiber and fruit, and high in saturated fats. Unhealthy eating habits typically lead to other health problems which can also put people with schizophrenia at high risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more. According to research, dietary changes do really help manage schizophrenia. Here are some best and worst foods for schizophrenia. Foods to eat Fruits Many studies show that people with schizophrenia usually do not get enough fiber, and thus, need to eat fruits. Some of the best sources of fiber are apples, pears, and raspberries. Fiber not only helps reduce bad cholesterol but also helps in digestion, thereby reducing the chances of certain health problems associated with schizophrenia such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Vegetables Vegetables don’t have heart-heavy cholesterol, are packed with essential vitamins and fiber, and are low in calories and fat. Veggies like sweet potatoes, kidney beans, and lima beans contain potassium that could help in keeping blood sugar in check. The best food for schizophrenia is spinach as it is high in folate, which could help in easing symptoms of schizophrenia. Apart from spinach, folate can also be found in asparagus and black-eyed peas. Fatty fish Since omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced by the body, one needs to get them through food such as fatty fish like salmon and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids not only ease but also prevent the symptoms of schizophrenia and even slow down the progress of the disease. Vegetarians can intake walnuts and ask their doctor to prescribe omega-3 supplements. Crab and oysters According to research, there could exist a relationship between schizophrenia and low levels of zinc, which can be found in lobsters, crab, and oysters, as well as fortified cereals and beef.