One loves pampering their pet dogs with the best of foods and treats. This often means that you may indulge in sharing some of your foods with them. But dogs have a different digestive system compared to humans. This means that some of the foods that you enjoy could actually be harmful to them. This article discusses foods that are safe for your dog and provide them with necessary nutrients. Carrots Carrots are known for their nutritional benefits for humans. They are loaded with vitamins and beta-carotene that help promote heart, eyes, and skin health. Carrots are also super good for dogs. Carrots help remove plaque buildup from your pet’s teeth, helping maintain good dental health. Their nutritional content can also help improve a dog’s immune health, promoting a shiny coat and skin. Chicken Dogs love chicken meals and chicken broth, and these foods are also healthy for them. Plain-boiled chicken is a great option for when your dog has an upset tummy. It is important to remember that you should give them this food with little to no seasonings. Popcorn Popcorn is a great snack for humans and dogs. They contain minerals such as magnesium and zinc that can help both you and your dog stay healthy. The only thing that you need to keep in mind when serving your dog popcorn is that the snack needs to be completely devoid of any butter, salt, or sugar. Ensure that you do not give them any uncooked kernels, as this can cause them to choke. While human foods act as great treats for your dog, you may want to consider dog food for all your pet’s nutritional needs. Some of the most popular brands of dog food include the following. Royal Canin Royal Canin is one of the most popular dog food brands across the globe.

Atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, is a skin condition that triggers itching, inflammation, and rashes on the skin. The symptoms are chronic and quite erratic, meaning they can develop without warning. The rashes also increase the risk of skin infections, mainly due to exposed skin. Eczema can be managed with a few topical treatments, prescriptions, lifestyle changes, and even by including the following foods that boost overall skin health. Healthy fats   Omega-3 fatty acids naturally prevent dry skin by providing moisture from within the body. These good fats also help lower skin inflammation and prevent acne flare-ups. Salmon, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and herring are excellent choices loaded with zinc and omega 3s. Vegetarians can supplement this intake by including more avocados, soybeans, walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds. Fresh veggies Spinach contains the highest concentration of folates and B vitamins that lower the risk of carcinoma and help repair skin DNA. Kale is a superfood when it comes to boosting anti-aging properties of the skin with vitamins A, C, E, and K. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are some other vitamin C-rich veggies to include in daily foods. Popular non-green alternatives like carrots and pumpkin are also rich in vitamin A, beta carotene, and essential skin-repairing compounds. Fresh fruits Tomatoes (yes, it’s a fruit) are rich in lycopene and vitamin C. These compounds mainly protect the skin from UV damage and boost collagen strength to repair skin. Also, fruits like oranges, apples, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and cherries are excellent low glycemic options. They don’t trigger spikes in blood sugar levels. Such spikes lead to increased inflammation and sebum production, which are the main causes of breakouts and acne. Red grapes, rich in resveratrol, can also help slow down the effects of aging and lower the risk of free radicals that cause cell damage.

The foods we eat play a significant role, and that dictates how our organs function. The eyes are vascular, and it is necessary to eat nutritious foods to keep the blood vessels in good health. Eating unhealthy foods may block the veins that provide the eyes with the essential nutrients and oxygen. Such restrictions may affect one’s vision. Keeping this in mind, here are five foods that can worsen eye health. Margarine Margarine is considered a healthy alternative to butter, as it is made from vegetable oils. However, it still contains trans fats. These fats may increase a person’s cholesterol levels and put them at risk of heart diseases and eye problems. Red meat Red meat contains preservatives like salt, cholesterol, and fat, making them tasty and increasing their shelf life. However, these chemicals may harm one’s health and lead to high blood pressure. Such pressure spikes can lead to Choroidopathy, a fluid buildup below the retina. Fish Several fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may offer health benefits. However, fish also contain hints of mercury. People who eat lots of fish may be at risk of eye damage because of the chemical element. Coffee Coffee contains caffeine, an energy-boosting component that helps people stay active. But studies link caffeine to a slew of health problems, including those related to the eyes. Caffeine may increase the pressure inside the eye, especially in people with ocular hypertension (OHT) or glaucoma. The increase in pressure may result in loss of vision and even blindness. Sweetened beverages Sweetened beverages like energy drinks, sodas, and lemonade contain an abundant amount of sugar. Each drink might contain about seven to ten teaspoons of added sugar. Such sugars may increase the risk of type-2 diabetes and heart diseases. These diseases may also lead to conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy.

Lung conditions affect a lot of people across the globe. In most cases, people tackle these conditions and diseases with various treatments. But, aside from treatments, individuals can fight these ailments and promote lung health with the help of food. Certain foods can strengthen the lungs and keep symptoms at bay. But, some can aggravate the condition, negatively impacting lung health, increasing the risk of lung diseases. Read to know foods that you should avoid. Bread Bread is one of the foods that can contribute to poor lung health. Bread is made of simple carbohydrates such as refined flour and sugar. These foods are known to affect the overall health of the body. They can even have a negative impact on lung health. This is because these foods are harder to break down and require the body to work harder to metabolize. Foods that are low in carbohydrates are less taxing on the body. They also produce less carbon dioxide in the body, which bodes well for those with existing lung conditions. To promote better lung health, individuals can opt for complex carbohydrates instead. Chips Processed foods, in general, are not good for the overall health of the body. They are packed with saturated fats, preservatives, and other harmful food additives. Processed foods such as potato chips can wreak havoc on your lung health. The salt in these foods contributes to increased blood pressure. It can also increase water retention in the body, which can eventually leak fluids into the lungs and make it difficult to breathe. Processed foods also negatively affect the cardiovascular system and heart. Carbonated beverages Carbonated beverages are also filled with sugar, carbohydrates, and carbonation. All these elements can contribute to an increase in weight and also result in bloating. Not to mention, bloating or the development of gas in the digestive system can lead to an increase in pressure on the lungs.

Many people face eye health issues at some point in their life. While some of these issues are minor and tend to resolve on their own or with basic treatment, others are severe and require a specialist’s care. There are multiple reasons for poor eye health, which might lead to partial or total blindness. In this article, we have listed the three most commonly diagnosed eye conditions, along with their symptoms and risk factors. Glaucoma Glaucoma is the second biggest cause of permanent blindness among people in the country. The aqueous humor is a watery fluid found in the eye’s anterior chamber where the camera, iris, lens, and pupil are located. This fluid is vital to the functioning of the eyes, as it maintains the requisite pressure called the Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and provides nutrients to help maintain the shape of the eye. An increase in this pressure leads to glaucoma. Symptoms In most cases, glaucoma is asymptomatic and progresses gradually, but the symptoms may appear gradually in some cases. Here are the common signs of this eye condition: Nausea Blurry vision Severe eye pain, along with nausea and vomiting Redness of the eye Headache Tenderness in the surrounding area Viewing halos around lights Risk factors Ethnicity African-Americans face a higher risk of this condition that affects eye health. Family history People whose siblings or parents had glaucoma are at a greater risk of developing it. Age The risk elevates with age, especially after 60 years, but African-Americans face a greater risk after 40 years of age. Vision problems People with short-sightedness or myopia are at a higher risk of glaucoma. Medical conditions Diabetes increases the risk of developing glaucoma twofold. Cataract Cataract refers to the appearance of cloudy patches in the lens of the eye. With the progression of the disease, the patch grows and results in blurry or misty vision.

The eye is an organ part of the visual system in the human body that enables individuals to see. But several factors can affect one’s overall vision. Age, diabetes, high blood pressure, and genetics are significant factors impacting one’s vision. Improper nutrition can also be a contributing factor to poor vision. Therefore, one must ensure they eat foods rich in vitamins to improve eye health. Here are four such vitamins to include in each meal. Vitamin A Including foods rich in vitamin A may help maintain a clear cornea (the outer covering of the eye). The vitamin is also a component of a protein in the eyes known as rhodopsin. The protein allows individuals to see in low light conditions. Furthermore, vitamin A reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Foods abundant with A vitamins include pumpkins, bell peppers, squash, and sweet potato. Carrots, black-eyed peas, spinach, broccoli, mangoes, and cantaloupe are other foods rich in this vitamin. The lack of vitamin A can lead to xerophthalmia, a severe condition that may cause permanent blindness. Vitamin C Eating foods rich in vitamin C can have several health benefits, including those for the eyes. The vitamin also protects the eyes from oxidative damage. Such damage is a crucial factor that can trigger the development of nuclear and cortical cataracts, which are common age-related cataracts. Oranges, blackberries, grapefruit juice, and Brussels sprouts are some foods to consume to improve the vitamin levels in the body. Research indicates that people who developed a nuclear cataract had clearer lenses when they ate foods rich in vitamin C. The nutrition from these foods can also protect the eye against UV light damage. While the concentration of vitamin C in the eyes depletes with age, taking supplements based on a healthcare professional’s advice may help replenish the vitamin.

Our body is home to tons of different microorganisms and bacteria. Most of these bacteria reside in our gut and are known as the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is essential for absorbing nutrients, supporting the immune system, and maintaining the body’s overall health. This is why it is crucial to know which foods to foods could harm your gut health. And one must avoid such foods at all costs to improve overall well-being. Artificial sweeteners Artificial sweeteners and flavors are found in various processed foods. But, when we consume the latter, the former does not break down in the body. Instead, they leave the body undigested and affect the microorganisms in the gut, leading to gas, bloating, and diarrhea, which may be severe based on how much sweetener you have consumed. Studies have also found that consuming artificial sweeteners increases the risk of developing harmful gut bacteria such as E. coli and E. faecalis. When purchasing foods off the shelf, ensure that the foods do not contain artificial sweeteners such as Stevia, sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin. Fried foods Fried foods are unsuitable for the body’s overall health and can affect gut health negatively. Fried and oily foods are more difficult to digest than organic foods. Not to mention fried foods also typically contain excessive oil, which contains saturated and trans fats that are difficult to break down, eventually leading to gas, stomach ache, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Excessive saturated and trans fats can also harm the body’s cardiovascular health and put you at risk of heart failure, heart attacks, stroke, and other secondary conditions. Meat Red meats such as steaks, bacon, and pork are rich in a compound known as L-carnitine. This compound can alter the bacteria in the gut leading to poor gut health. This alteration can also lead to the development of a substance called trimethylamine N-oxide, more commonly referred to as TMAO.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune health condition with symptoms that are easily visible such as dryness, redness, and peeling of the skin. It is generally known that these symptoms are the result of chronic inflammation. However, not many people are aware that psoriasis causes systemic inflammation, which means the inflammation affects not only the skin but also the internal organs of the body. This can eventually lead to other health complications. Psoriatic arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is one of the most common conditions linked to psoriasis. The symptoms include swollen and stiff joints with severe pain. Early onset of psoriatic arthritis is usually indicated by symptoms such as red or swollen joints along the spine, fingers, and elbows. Metabolic syndrome The metabolic syndrome results from elevated blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, and high levels of body fat and cholesterol. This syndrome further increases the risk of health conditions related to the heart and type 2 diabetes. Cardiovascular disease Cardiovascular disease or heart-related conditions include heart stroke, arrhythmia, heart failure, and problems related to the valves of the heart. It is estimated that those with psoriasis have twice the risk of developing cardiovascular complications. However, the risk increases for those who have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome in the past as a result of psoriasis. Anxiety and depression Psoriasis affects the most visible organ of the body, which is the skin. The severe skin lesions, skin dryness, itchiness, and recurrent periods of inflammatory flare-ups can often prevent those with psoriasis from living a full life and lead to isolation. The inability to participate completely in social, personal, or professional activities can increase the risk of anxiety and depression. Inflammatory bowel disease Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are caused due to inflammation. In some cases, the same type of inflammation may result in psoriasis and IBD, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

The human heart supplies oxygen to different parts of the body, maintains blood pressure, and expels carbon dioxide through exhalation. But with an increasing frequency of heart conditions, as per 2021 reports, heart disease costs the country a whopping $239.9 billion each year. Heart problems may have various underlying causes; however, diabetes is often responsible for triggering or worsening them. Some heart problems caused by excessive sugar intake and diabetes are as follows: Arrhythmia Arrhythmia refers to irregular heartbeats. Since diabetes disrupts the heart’s structure, the condition may be caused or worsened by diabetes. Individuals with this condition experience shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, fainting, etc. Stroke Diabetes pathologically alters the body’s blood vessels, which can trigger the onset of stroke. Studies have also shown that survival rates of individuals with stroke are lower among patients with diabetes. Heart attack Patients with type-2 diabetes are twice as susceptible to heart disease as those with regular blood-sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes may also develop silent heart attacks, which do not have any initial symptoms. Patients having suffered a heart attack may experience swelling in their legs or ankles, sweating, shortness of breath, chest pain, and nausea, among other symptoms. Atrial fibrillation According to research reports, diabetes significantly increases one’s risk of developing atrial fibrillation. This is because diabetes causes electric, structural, and autonomic alterations to the heart, which can increase one’s vulnerability to atrial fibrillation. Lightheadedness, chest pain, and fatigue are some atrial fibrillation symptoms. Heart valve disease Heart valve disease occurs when one or more of the valves in one’s heart do not function optimally. This condition affects blood flow to the heart and is more common among individuals with diabetes. Moreover, its progression is faster among patients with high blood sugar levels. Diabetes adversely affects one’s heart functioning in several ways, from causing damage to the heart’s blood vessels to increasing LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are major risk factors for cardiovascular conditions.

Probiotics or “friendly bacteria” are known to have health benefits if taken in the right proportion. These live microorganisms or probiotics are naturally present in the body. However, they can also be taken in the form of food or probiotic supplements. Fermented food is usually rich in probiotics. For good digestive health, it is important to maintain a balance of bacteria. One of the primary probiotics benefits of a balanced presence of probiotics is good digestion. This also positively impacts your overall health and well being. Probiotics balance the bacteria present in your gut and have a positive impact on your health. Probiotics benefits include good digestive health, loss of excess weight, a healthy immune system, and much more! 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.

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. Having excess sugar Acne is a condition leading to pimples, blackheads, and bumps on the skin. If you’ve been dealing with sudden acne outbreaks, it may be because of the rapid rise and fall in your blood sugar levels. Consistently including sugary beverages, bakery products, and desserts on the menu can cause an increase in insulin levels, which has been directly linked with heightened acne issues in people. Eating lots of fried foods Regularly eating deep-fried foods is a recipe for disastrous skin. It can lead to oily skin, clogged pores, and acne breakouts. The high amount of hydrogenated fats in these foods can cause the skin to appear aged and dull.

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. Studies show that vitamin deficiencies, particularly cobalamin, folate, and zinc, are directly linked to depressive symptoms like irritability, cognitive impairment, and dementia. So, any nutrient deficiency directly impacts one’s emotional and mental state. On the other hand, Omega-3 fatty acids help maintain cognitive processes, including memory and mood. The nutrient also plays a role in regulating neurotransmission, gene expression, and neurogenesis. Similarly, magnesium is considered to be a stress antidote. Refined foods and brain functioning Sugar and processed foods inflame one’s gut and body.