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.

Routine checkups are an extremely important aspect of healthcare. They help a doctor keep track of an individual’s health history. More importantly, they help doctors detect if an individual is at risk of any condition at a very early stage. During these routine checkups, it is also the responsibility of the individuals to ask some important questions about the report. These help one gain better awareness about one’s health. What do the numbers mean? Firstly, asking the doctor to explain the checkup results thoroughly is very important. The reports may contain certain technical terms that one may not be aware of. Consequently, one may also not understand what the numbers beside those terms mean – do they indicate the results are good or not? Rather than trying to decipher this information by themselves, it is better for individuals to directly ask the doctor to explain it to them. Are there any health risks related to age or family history? Several health issues can arise due to biological factors such as age, gender, and even family history. So, during their next checkup, one must ask their doctor if they are at risk of any such conditions or illnesses due to these factors.

Quality sleep serves as the cornerstone of a healthy life. It rejuvenates the body, sharpens the mind, helps with immunity, enhances emotional stability, and supports cognitive functioning. Unfortunately, various factors can disrupt sleep, leaving one restless and fatigued. Here are some common habits that could be sabotaging sleep and lending to the feeling of being tired despite getting in those recommended 7-9 hours of sleep. Inconsistent Sleep Schedule The body operates on a natural internal clock known as the circadian rhythm. This internal clock regulates the sleep-wake cycle, impacting various physiological processes. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule to regulate this cycle. This natural cycle is disrupted when one varies their timings and amount of sleep. Any inconsistency in the sleep schedule can lead to lethargy and grogginess that can affect the day’s rhythm. Overdoing Caffeine Caffeine is a powerful stimulant that helps one stay awake and concentrate on the task at hand. But drinking more than necessary can keep one up till late and interfere with the ability to fall asleep. Drinking caffeine-containing beverages like tea, coffee, and soft drinks close to bedtime can cause restlessness and make it difficult to achieve deep and restorative sleep. Therefore, avoiding or limiting caffeine intake during the second half of the day is advisable to clock in quality sleep.