Tobacco craving has been a problem among thousands of people across the country for several years. Tobacco is one of the most prominent habit-forming elements on the planet. It is also the cause of some of the deadliest diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and chronic bronchitis. As a result, many healthcare volunteers and nonprofit organizations work toward helping people reduce tobacco usage. Some valuable ways to resist tobacco cravings include: Actively avoiding the triggers Generally, tobacco cravings are at their peak during certain times of the day. For instance, one may tend to use tobacco when sipping a glass of coffee in the morning, exiting the bathroom after a shower, or when stressed. Similarly, people may experience severe cravings at places where they often consume tobacco in its various forms, such as parties or quiet parks. Individuals must plan to pre-emptively identify such triggers and devise strategies to either avoid them or get through them unscathed. Certain handy tricks help avoid cravings. For example, if one has a habit of using tobacco products while watching movies or TV series, they can hold a pen and paper and note down the key plot points of the content they are watching.

Arthritis is a painful condition that is characterized by the inflammation of joints. The pain and discomfort caused by arthritis can severely affect an individual’s daily life and disrupt their daily activities. This is why managing this condition and its symptoms is essential. An effective way to do so is by managing the food regimen and avoiding certain foods and beverages that can worsen the arthritis symptoms. Here are a few such foods and beverages: 1. Sugary foods and drinks like pastries Consuming foods or beverages with high amounts of added sugar can be severely detrimental to individuals with arthritis. This is because a high sugar intake has been known to cause inflammation. Hence, indulging in snacks with added sugars, such as pastries, candies, jams, etc., must be avoided, as it can increase inflammation and exacerbate arthritis symptoms. For the same reason, one must also avoid sugary beverages such as sodas, soft drinks, and fruit juices, as they contain high amounts of added sugar. 2. Gluten-rich foods like bread Gluten is a protein mainly found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. Some studies and research have found that gluten intake may also increase inflammation in the body, which can then worsen the symptoms of arthritis.

High blood sugar levels can result from various factors, including excessive consumption of sugary foods, stress, and a lack of physical activity. Besides increasing the risk of type-2 diabetes, elevated blood sugar can lead to complications such as heart disease and kidney damage. Hence, maintaining optimal blood sugar levels is crucial. A practical approach to achieving that involves managing food choices. Certain superfoods, such as the following, can effectively help one lower their elevated blood sugar levels. 1. Broccoli Broccoli contains a compound called sulforaphane, a type of isothiocyanate that can naturally lower blood sugar levels. It exhibits antidiabetic effects and can reduce oxidative stress markers. One can also include broccoli sprouts in their food regimen, as they are rich in a compound called glucosinolates. This compound also contributes to reducing blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. 2. Fatty fish An effective way to lower blood sugar levels is by increasing the consumption of proteins, as they promote satiety, slow digestion, and stabilize blood sugar levels after meals. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids are found to improve insulin sensitivity. These nutrients and various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are found in fatty fish. Hence, including fatty fish in the food regimen can help lower blood sugar levels.

Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly known as IBS, is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects many people in the country. While its symptoms can vary from person to person, they usually include bloating, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping. Since IBS is a chronic condition that can affect one’s quality of life, it is essential to manage it well. A significant factor that can trigger or worsen IBS is the consumption of the following foods. Milk Milk and dairy products contain a sugar called lactose, which can be hard to digest. When people with IBS consume lactose, they may experience symptoms like bloating, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea. For some, dairy products, especially cheese, can also trigger constipation. Hence, it is better for those with the condition to avoid dairy products, especially if they are lactose intolerant. Broccoli Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and kale are known for their high nutritional content. However, they are particularly hard to digest, especially when eaten raw. These vegetables can trigger IBS symptoms like gas and bloating. If someone cannot do without these veggies, they must cook them well before adding them to their meals. Doing so makes them comparatively easier to digest, reducing the risk of a flare-up.

Ulcerative colitis is a disorder that causes inflammation, ulcers, and sores in the digestive tract of individuals. This condition adversely affects the inner lining of the colon, large intestine, and rectum. Further, certain foods tend to worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis as they are either hard to digest or are likely to exacerbate the inflammation in the digestive tract. Here are some trigger foods to avoid with ulcerative colitis. Cakes and pastries Sugary foods are known to be inflammatory in nature. Various research studies have found that sugar-laden foods like candies, sodas, juices, cakes, and pastries are more likely to trigger ulcerative colitis flare-ups in individuals. Additionally, such foods raise the blood sugar levels. This can further cause health complications and flare-ups that worsen the various ulcerative colitis symptoms that already exist in vulnerable individuals. Fried chips High-fat foods are next in line after sugary foods when it comes to the eatables that are inflammatory for the digestive tract. High-fat foods such as fried chips increase the possibility of inflammation, even in people who do not have ulcerative colitis. So, these foods can significantly increase the inflammation levels in individuals with the condition, thereby worsening the symptoms. If one regularly eats foods like margarine, cream, butter, coconut oils, French fries, and fried chips, they are at a high risk of developing ulcerative colitis.

In the fast-paced digital age where screens dominate routine lives, maintaining good eye health is more important than ever. While several home remedies and exercises can help improve vision, nutrition plays a key role in maintaining eye health. Balanced meals rich in essential nutrients help in preserving and enhancing vision. So, here are some of the key vitamins and minerals one can get via daily meals that help contribute to good eye health: Key vitamins 1. Vitamin A (beta-carotene) Vitamin A is crucial for eye health, as it helps promote good vision, prevent night blindness, and maintain the health of the cornea. This fat-soluble vitamin is essential for the formation of rhodopsin—a photopigment found in the retina. Rhodopsin is critical for low-light vision and helps the eyes adjust to varying light conditions. A study published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that one of the reasons for night blindness is a severe deficiency of vitamin A. The cornea—the eye’s protective outer layer—acts like a shield for the organ. Lack of vitamin A affects the production of moisture in the eyes, resulting in dryness that can directly impact the health of the cornea. Beta carotene, a plant pigment found in colorful fruits and veggies, is the main source of vitamin A.

Exercising is an excellent way to support one’s health. It helps reduce the risk of chronic disease, strengthens bones and muscles, and improves overall well-being. However, when embarking on a new fitness regime, people often make certain mistakes that can hinder their journey or cause physical harm. This can be incredibly frustrating. To avoid running into these problems, this article enlists nine common fitness mistakes people make and how to avoid them. Skipping warm-ups Personal trainers and fitness experts strongly recommend beginning any workout session with warm-up exercises. This gives the muscles time to prime themselves by getting the blood flowing, increasing body and muscle temperature, and improving muscle elasticity, thereby reducing the risk of injuries. Choose a warm-up routine that aligns well with the workout plan for the day. For instance, if the workout focuses on squats and lunges, try hip-opening dynamic stretches such as forward bends and jumping jacks. Repeating workouts Working out regularly is an excellent way to stay fit. However, repeating the same workout (mode, intensity, and duration) over and over again may not be beneficial to one’s fitness goal. This happens because the body adjusts to any workout load, which may cause one to hit a plateau.

Anemia is among the most common blood disorders, where a person has fewer red blood cells than required or lower levels of a protein called hemoglobin (found in red blood cells). Healthcare providers may suggest several treatments to help people recover if they suffer from this condition. They may also recommend eating healthy foods that gradually improve the body’s red blood cell count and control the other effects of anemia, like blood pressure changes. Eggs Those who eat eggs may benefit significantly from their vitamins. Eggs are rich in vitamin B12, which is essential in maintaining proper blood flow. They are also rich in vitamin A (retinol), which promotes iron absorption. That’s not all. The breakfast favorite contains other healthy nutrients like iron and protein that could help manage the effects of anemia. Eggs are low in saturated fat and make a delicious meal, especially when combined with whole grains and dark leafy vegetables. Watermelon This water-rich fruit is among the top choices for increasing hemoglobin levels. Watermelon is rich in vitamin C, which may help better absorb iron into the body. Health agencies indicate that about 100 grams of watermelon contains 0.2 milligrams of iron. One could cut the fruit into various shapes, blend it into a juice, or make a smoothie to enjoy its health benefits.