Many pet owners tend to share their own food with their pets. After all, it can be hard to say no to the puppy eyes watching you while you cook or eat. However, humans and dogs metabolize food differently, and so, what is safe and healthy for you can be dangerous for your four-legged companion. So, here are a few safe and delicious human foods that even dogs can enjoy: Peanut butter Not just us, even dogs can’t get enough of peanut butter. Fortunately, it is safe for dogs and contains nutrients like healthy fats, vitamins B and E, protein, and niacin. However, it is high in fat and calorie content, so overindulgence can lead to health issues. Also, plain peanut butter that does not contain added sugar, salt, or artificial sweeteners, should be offered to dogs. Chicken Cooked chicken, without bones and spices, can be a perfect meal for canines. It is one of the best sources of protein, making it one of the most common ingredients in dog foods. Cooked chicken bones should never be given to your pets as these bones can splinter and lead to choking. Carrots Carrots can be your go-to choice for veggies that can be shared with dogs. Chewing on bite-sized pieces of carrots can help remove plaque from their teeth. As the vegetable is rich in vitamin A, it can boost your dog’s immune system as well as improve the appearance of their skin and coat. You can feed your dog raw or cooked carrots in bite-sized or chopped portions to avoid choking. Salmon As long as it’s cooked and boneless, salmon is safe and even healthy for dogs. As a fatty fish, salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats that can reduce inflammation and help maintain canine skin and fur.

Arthritis is a leading cause of joint problems among adults across the country. Such a collection of conditions usually results in pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation in the vital joints. Many trigger factors of arthritis, including certain foods and beverages, could worsen the symptoms to a level of intolerance. Here are eight common food triggers that should be taken in moderation or eliminated to manage arthritis in the long run. Fatty foods Processed foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket contain omega-6 fatty acids, saturated fats, and trans fats. For example, corn, hydrogenated vegetable, safflower, and sunflower oils contain excess amounts of omega 6. These are some of the most commonly used products in daily cooking, meaning unhealthy fats are indirectly taken. Also, meat and dairy products contain saturated fats that could trigger cholesterol problems. And most of the prepared foods and snacks contain traces of trans fats that add flavor to the food but make it very unhealthy to have regularly. Any form of processed fat can trigger inflammation among those suffering from arthritis. It is best to limit or moderate having these foods. Sugar and sugary products Sugar triggers inflammatory pain in people with arthritis, which does not always mean the sugar added to tea, coffee, or when used as a condiment for popular foods. Processed foods, including breakfast cereals, snacks, baked goods, confectioneries, and flavored beverages, are all laced with sugar. Regularly having these foods can imbalance blood glucose levels, which triggers health complications linked to arthritis. Even natural sugar substitutes like honey, agave nectar, and jaggery contain fructose, a form of sugar to limit or have only in moderation. Foods with additives and preservatives Canned goods and long shelf-life products are often laced with preservatives and additives that can trigger flareups among those already suffering from arthritis.  MSG is the most common  additive in hundreds of products and food preparations.

Cardiovascular diseases are prevalent in our country. Statistics suggest that one in every five fatalities is associated with heart problems. Therefore, it is essential to adopt an active lifestyle and follow a meal plan that improves heart health. The foods listed below taste great by themselves, and you can also mix them with other ingredients to make them more palatable. But seek a nutritionist’s guidance to avoid the aggravation of underlying health conditions. Oatmeal Most people consider oatmeal a breakfast food, but it is more than just that. Oatmeal can be had any time of the day, especially in the form of granola bars, whenever hunger pangs are bothering. It is rich in soluble fiber, which causes the liver to produce more bile. Bile, in turn, helps lower LDL cholesterol. So a bowl of oatmeal mixed with your favorite foods can be a great step toward a healthy heart. Black bean salsa When the cravings are for something delicious yet healthy, have some black bean salsa. It is packed with soluble fiber that brings down bad cholesterol levels to a healthy range. Add some veggies, corn, and mango for a splash of color and to get all the essential nutrients and vitamins. Have this with baked chips made from whole grains to keep hunger at bay. Nuts and seeds trail mix Make a trail mix with nuts and seeds at home for instant snacking. Nuts and seeds are one of the best foods for a healthy heart. They have healthy fats that lower total cholesterol levels. Walnuts, in particular, are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that lower LDL or bad cholesterol levels and simultaneously increase HDL or good cholesterol levels. Seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, and flax contain B vitamins and vitamin E, which improve overall health. They are also a great source of fibers, nutrients, proteins, and antioxidants, making them a healthy snacking option.

Skin care these days has become synonymous with splurging on masks, serums, creams, and massagers. As beneficial as these enriched solutions are, they cannot do it all. One of the main reasons for dull, lifeless skin is improper nourishment. It has long been known that the skin and hair reflect the kind of nourishment our body receives. Read this article to learn more about healthy and nourishing foods for nourished skin: Avocados If we had to pick just one food to maintain healthy glowing skin among the numerous options available, avocado would be it. Its rich and creamy texture provides versatility that helps incorporate the fruit into various recipes. Avocados carry a trusting balance of healthy fats, essential nutrients, and taste. It is truly a superfood that significantly assists in maintaining the skin’s firm and fresh look. Its fatty acid content makes it a natural moisturizer and keeps the skin dewy looking through all seasons. Berries Antioxidants have a bigger picture to paint when it comes to health than we generally give them credit for. The ability of these compounds to help maintain physical, mental, and emotional well-being is unmatched. So is their ability to keep the skin glowing, fresh, and free of blemishes. Including berries, such as blueberries, has been a sure solution to the free radicals damaging your skin. Opting for berries when you have the munchies delivers on a healthy body and mind and gives you unbeatable glowing skin. Papaya Maintaining healthy and glowing skin might seem like a math problem that calls for a lot of head scratching. But, it isn’t, as long as you include healthy fruits and vegetables in your meals. Foods with a high amount of Vitamin C are an absolute must for glowing, age-defying skin. Papaya is one such fruit that carries loads of Vitamin C.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis, or EoE, is a chronic digestive disease of the esophagus caused by an allergic condition. It is characterized by chest pain, heartburn, and solid food dysphagia. If this disorder is left untreated, it can cause esophageal remodeling and stricture formation. This disorder is also marked by eosinophilic inflammation and impacts the quality of life of the affected person. You can check out various reliable health websites to get information on eosinophilic esophagitis. A patient with EoE must be very careful with his health and meal plans, as research suggests that EoE is linked to food allergies. Therefore, the six most common food items that are responsible for such allergies include: Dairy Cow milk is said to be one of the most common reasons for EoE. Milk protein can trigger too many eosinophils. You should avoid food items made up of milk, buttermilk, lactose, and other related dairy products. You can replace dairy products with coconut hemp, dairy-free yogurts, cashew ice cream, etc. Soy Soy-based food items include tofu, soy butter, soymilk, and miso. Soy cheese, soy nuts, soy milk, etc., should be avoided and can be substituted with refined soybean oil or coconut aminos. Wheat You might think wheat is only found in bread, cereal, or baked goods. But some unexpected food items also have wheat, like hot dogs, beer, and ice creams. So it would be best to avoid bran, bulger, gluten, farro, and starch. These can be replaced with corn, oats, rice, and barley. Nuts It would be best if you said goodbye to nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, walnuts, and pistachios. Eggs In EoE-associated thyroid treatment, you should avoid the consumption of eggs and food items that contain eggs. Beware the hidden eggs in products like mayo, marshmallows, hollandaise sauce, or foods brushed with egg wash.

As both a mineral and an electrolyte, potassium facilitates the functioning of all of your muscles, including voluntary and involuntary muscles. Hyperkalemia refers to the condition of having excess potassium in your blood. It is harmful to have elevated potassium levels because a heart attack or even death can result from hyperkalemia. Some of the food items that patients with hyperkalemia can eat to maintain good health while avoiding a surge in potassium levels are: Apples Apples are a low-potassium fruit that can be particularly helpful in managing the health of hyperkalemia patients. They are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. In fact, a medium-sized apple contains only about 148 milligrams of the element, making it an excellent choice for people with hyperkalemia. Apples also contain pectin, a type of fiber that may help lower potassium levels in the blood. Pectin works by binding to the electrolyte in the digestive system, preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. The fruit can be eaten in a variety of ways, making them an easy and versatile addition to any meal plan. They can be eaten raw, baked, or stewed, and can be used in a wide range of recipes, from desserts and salads to smoothies. This makes them relatively easy to incorporate into your daily meal plan. It is important to steer clear of apple juice or processed apple products as these products can be high in artificial sugar. Cottage cheese Cottage cheese can be beneficial for people with high hyperkalemia due to its low potassium content and high protein and calcium levels. One cup of it typically contains around 160 milligrams of the element, which is relatively low compared to other potassium sources like bananas or avocados. This makes cottage cheese a great option for people with hyperkalemia as it can help reduce the overall intake of the electrolyte in the meal.

About 80% of women worldwide suffer from menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea. Women can have period pain right from their teens and continue till menopause. However, in around 5 to 10% of women, menstrual cramps are painful enough to disrupt their daily lives. These cramping pains are intense throbbing sensations in the lower abdomen experienced during the menstrual period. This pain can radiate to the thighs and the lower back as well.  The menstrual pain begins 1 to 3 days before the period starts, peaks on the second day of the menstrual cycle, and usually subsides after the third day. Some women may also have headaches, nausea, loose stools, dizziness, and painful menstruation. How to deal with menstrual cramps? If the cramps are mild or moderately painful, certain home remedies can help relieve the pain. However, if it is debilitating and disrupts your daily life, you may need to see a doctor. For pain that is not too severe,  there are some home remedies that you can try. They include: Hot water bags Hot water bags or compresses applied to the lower back and abdomen can help soothe the period pain Exercise Some studies suggest that light exercises like yoga and mild cardio can reduce period cramps. Massage Massaging the abdomen and back gently can help lessen the ache. In addition to home remedies, some foods can also help alleviate menstrual cramps. Cruciferous and leafy vegetables Cruciferous vegetables are from the plant genus Brassica, and they include kale, watercress, collard greens, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, arugula, etc. They are nutrient-rich and contain calcium, magnesium, fiber, carotenoids, folate, and vitamins E, C, and K. They help relieve period pain and have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, mustard greens, lettuce, micro greens, etc., contain iron and help combat body pain, dizziness, and fatigue.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that affects approximately 2 to 3% of the world’s population. The symptoms of psoriasis include dry, cracked skin, colored patchy rashes, scaling spots, and itching or burning sensation. There is no cure for this condition, and all the treatments for psoriasis aim to improve the symptoms. Patients need to stick to a proper nutritional regime that includes eatables that help manage the symptoms and excludes the foods that can worsen the condition. 6 foods that can help manage psoriasis Fruits and vegetables Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. They protect a person’s body cells from the effects of free radicals. They contain lots of vitamins and minerals that help keep inflammation down. Foods like berries, grapes, tart cherries, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. are beneficial for managing psoriasis flare-up. Fatty fish Since fish like tuna, lake trout, cod, mackerel, and sardines are rich sources of omega-3, they can be consumed to keep psoriasis in check. However, it is seen that the intake of omega-3 is linked to a decrease in inflammatory substances and overall inflammation. Heart-healthy oils Consume olive oil and coconut oil, which are considered heart-healthy oils is considered healthy for managing the condition. Just like fatty fish, these oils also contain anti-inflammatory fatty acids. Therefore, one should focus on the category of oils that have a higher ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis. Green leafy vegetables Green leafy vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber. They are loaded with antioxidants, so they protect one’s cells against inflammation. This way, they may help with psoriasis symptoms. Whole grains Another food item that can be consumed to ease inflammation is whole grains. They are rich in fiber and can help in relieving psoriasis symptoms. Whole-grain cereals, bread, brown rice, and brown pasta are good options for regular consumption.

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have blocked airways, making breathing difficult. They have to use more energy while breathing than a normal person. Chronic inflammation weakens the immune system reducing its ability to fight the disease. People with COPD need to consume enough calories to produce excess energy for breathing. Following a nutrition-rich meal plan can help you maintain overall health, strengthen your immune system, and improve lung function. Here is a list of immunity-boosting foods for COPD patients. Salmon To boost energy, people with COPD should include protein-rich foods in their meal plans. Salmon is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation in the airways. Omega-3s are also critical for respiratory health and the immune system. According to a study, consuming fish frequently is associated with a decreased risk of COPD. Oranges Oranges are rich in Vitamin C, which is vital for a variety of immune system functions and for preventing lung infections. Citrus fruits like oranges help fight against toxins in the body and lower the rate of damage in the lung tissues. COPD patients also benefit from eating high-potassium foods vital to lung function. Oranges also contain potassium and can help with breathing issues. Avocado According to a study, COPD patients have low levels of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Avocado is a delicious fruit and a good source of these vitamins that may benefit the lungs. It also contains high levels of potassium, which is vital for lung function. Sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes contain beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body and is excellent for your immune system. Consuming sweet potatoes can help relieve COPD symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue. This tuber contains complex carbohydrates considered healthy for patients with lung disease as it provides the body with the energy it needs.

The studies show that around 14% of people face chronic constipation at some point. The symptoms of constipation include passing stools less than three times a week, feeling bloated all the time, having hard stools, and needing too much force to pass the stool. Constipation can be due to poor eating habits, slow digestion process, dehydration, illness, pregnancy, certain treatments, etc. A person should keep their food habits in check to manage constipation. 6 foods that can help treat constipation Given below are some fiber-rich foods that can help relieve constipation and regularize bowel movements: Fruits Fruits are rich in insoluble fiber and have high water content, making them a good pick, especially if one suffers from constipation. Here are some high-fiber fruits that can help ease the condition: Kiwi : Kiwi contains the enzyme actinide, which helps with indigestion, pain, acid reflux, and abdominal discomfort. Apples and pears : These fruits have high water content and can aid digestion. Blackberries : They are a rich source of fiber and water. A bowl of blackberries and raspberries can help with constipation. Grapes : They contain a lot of water and can hence add moisture to hard stools. Whole wheat pasta, bread, and cereals Whole wheat products like pasta, bread, and cereals are a great source of insoluble fiber. Wheat bran is the hard outer layer of the wheat kernel. It is rich in insoluble fiber and is an effective treatment for constipation in older children and infants. Vegetables Vegetables, mainly green leafy vegetables, are among the best foods for easing constipation. They deliver a healthy dose of insoluble fiber and other vital nutrients. If a person has constipation, it is best to have vegetables like carrots, cabbage, broccoli, asparagus, kale, lettuce, green beans, and more. Nuts and seeds Another great source of fiber is nuts and seeds.

Heartburn is a condition in which your esophagus is irritated and causes discomfort to the body. This discomfort is caused due to stomach acid that is pushed up through the esophagus. Causes can include spicy food, alcohol, overeating, or even tight clothing that presses down your stomach and chest. There could be other underlying causes, and a doctor can confirm those. Here are some foods that are safe to consume if you experience heartburn frequently. Ginger This medicinal herb is known for its tremendous home remedy qualities. It is known to absorb stomach acid and improve digestive health. Ginger helps regulate the uninterrupted flow of juices in the gastrointestinal tract, making the digestive process smooth and easy. This also helps in keeping digestion fast. Oatmeal Rich in fiber, oatmeal is a great choice for those dealing with heartburn. Due to its rich fiber content, it prevents you from overeating and has the ability to absorb stomach acid, which can prevent any episodes of burning ache. Oatmeal also helps in healthy bacterial growth in the stomach and is known to reduce inflammation which can help manage symptoms of heartburn. Aloe vera Aloe vera juice is easily available in the market and stores now. However, be sure to see that the juice is not laced with unhealthy ingredients like artificial preservations, aloin, or aloe latex. They all can be harmful to the body if consumed in larger quantities. This plant has anti-inflammatory and healing properties, making it a super ingredient to manage heartburn symptoms. Banana With very little acid content, this fruit makes for a great choice for those suffering from heartburn issues. Since bananas contain soluble fiber, they can help improve digestion, which can help manage heartburn symptoms. Pectin, one of the most important compounds in bananas, helps pass food through the digestive tract easily without risking acid generation.

Dealing with an upset stomach is one of the common concerns most travelers have while boarding a long-haul flight. Whether a person is traveling domestically or internationally, it is common to have an upset stomach, and sometimes, the symptoms may flare up, making it embarrassing for travelers to explain. To avoid such challenging scenarios and prevent health complications, here are some common foods and beverages to avoid having before boarding flights. Dairy products Long-haul flights, lasting more than 6 hours, can negatively affect one’s digestive system. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are some common issues people experience with an upset stomach. It happens because the stomach contents get churned up with changes in altitude and cabin pressure. Furthermore, people who are lactose intolerant won’t be able to digest the sugars found in dairy entirely. This indigestion will lead to gas and bloating. Therefore, avoiding consuming dairy products on or before boarding a long-haul flight is best. Travelers must avoid fatty milk, cheese, milk curds, baked goods, and processed snacks made with milk or yogurt as the main ingredients before taking a flight. Cruciferous vegetables Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage may be nutrient-dense. However, avoiding these items before boarding a flight is advised, mainly because these vegetables can cause gas. Even at cruising altitude, the plane will adjust course and height. These adjustments trigger changes in the cabin air pressure, and the body will find it hard to process these foods. As a result, one might develop bloating and nausea. During long-haul flights, it might be hard to hold in the gas for hours, which could very well turn into an embarrassing situation. Beans Beans are notoriously known for causing bloating in mid-air. Like cruciferous vegetables, beans, when digested beans release gases that expand in the stomach. Also, altitude adjustments can churn up the stomach’s contents, which further causes abdominal discomfort.