Whether one wants to pack food at home or in a commercial setting, a food vacuum sealer can be considered. The machine helps increase the shelf life and freezer storage of food. The process removes oxygen, which is a leading factor in food degradation. However, using food vacuum sealers isn’t straightforward and may require prior knowledge if one is a first-time user. So, here are ten handy tips to help one use this product. Pick the right sealer Before sealing any food item, picking the ideal machine for the job is important. If one wants to vacuum seal liquids or foods in jars, a standard vacuum machine cannot remove the oxygen and seal it. Moreover, some home-use sealers may not accommodate the sizes of items one wants to preserve in the house. One should see if additional features are available and pick the right one. Those who wish to pack several items in less time should look for sealers that are fast enough to handle such loads. Freeze meats before sealing One of the best ways to preserve meat is to freeze them before sealing them. This is because many types of bacteria thrive at room temperature, and doing so could help minimize their growth. Furthermore, freezing food before thawing it first could make it safer and ensure the cuts are more delicious. Placing meat in the freezer before sealing helps preserve all juices during storage, which is helpful if one decides to cook later. Use folded wax paper to cover sharp food edges Sealing meats, beef jerky, and dehydrated foods is tedious, especially if the bag is thin. Even thick bags might get punctured because of the sharp edges these foods may have. One could use wax paper to cover these sharp edges and serve as a layer of protection.

Cancer is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of conditions that are caused due to the rapid multiplication of abnormal or damaged cells in the body. The condition can originate in any part of the body and the cells usually spread or invade nearby organs, tissues, and muscles. While the exact cause of cancer is unknown, following specific food plans, as given below, can help reduce the risk of developing this condition: 5 foods that can help lower the risk of cancer Broccoli If you’re looking for a superfood that can help you lower your chances of cancer, you could try broccoli. An integral part of many healthy recipes, broccoli contains tons of antioxidants and vital nutrients that keep the body healthy. It also contains sulforaphane, which is known to have many strong anti-cancer properties. Studies conducted by the National Institute of Health have shown that sulforaphane can reduce the size as well the number of cancer cells in the breast by almost 75%. They also found that treating mice with sulforaphane reduced the prostate cancer cells and the volume of the tumor by greater than 50%. More research is needed to understand the role of sulforaphane in the fight against cancer. But, including broccoli in your meals could help you stay healthy and decrease your overall risk of developing cancer. Additionally, sulforaphane is also found in many other cruciferous vegetables. So, if you’re not a fan of broccoli, you could always try other vegetables such as collard greens, cabbage, cauliflowers, and even Brussels sprouts. Beans Beans are very rich in essential vitamins, contain tons of antioxidants, and are considered an all-around healthy food. They are also rich in fiber, which studies have found may help with tackling colorectal cancer. One of the studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health concluded that in individuals who have a history of colorectal cancer, those who ate more cooked and dried beans had lower risks of recurrence.

Black Friday brings with it a lot of deals and discounts where you can buy loads of things for yourself and your family and friends. However, did you know that on this day you can get great deals on dog foods too? Some of the most nutritious and delicious dog foods will be offered at cheaper rates. So, you can use these sales to stock up on the best food items for your furry friend. Inception Dry Dog Food Inception’s dry dog food is made with 70% animal protein. It has oats and millets that allow your furry friend to stay happy and active all the time. The taste is amazing, and it is free from many kinds of allergy-causing ingredients like wheat, corn, and soy. If your dog is sensitive to some food items, do not worry; this dry dog food is easy to digest. On Black Friday, it might be available at a discounted rate of around $34. Royal Canin Large Adult dry dog food For every large breed pet above the age of five, the Royal Canin size health nutrition dry dog food is the best choice. It has antioxidants that fight the signs of aging and provides long life and vitality to your furry best friend. It has vitamins and minerals that can boost the strength of bones and joints. On Black Friday, you can expect to save around $6 as it could be priced at about $75. Wag Grain-inclusive Dry Dog Food This dry dog food is a good source of calcium and phosphorus. Your dog’s regular intake of this food will result in strong teeth and bones. It also has antioxidants to support the immune system and nutrients that can boost brain function. This pet food might be available on Black Friday at a price of only around $23, which is approximately 12% lower than the actual rate.

Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones in the body, making them brittle. The condition may lead to injuries or fractures even at the slightest fall. Improving bone health is one of the best ways to prevent osteoporosis. One can achieve this by following a treatment plan prescribed by a healthcare professional. But to give the bones an additional nutrition boost, the individual should include the foods listed below in their meal plan. Milk Maintaining and retaining peak bone mass for a long period is essential, especially in people at risk of osteoporosis. One of the ways to ensure the bones receive sufficient calcium is through the intake of dairy products like milk. Adults require at least 700 mg of calcium daily to improve bone strength and structure. However, one should be mindful of the type of dairy products they consume. Consult a nutritional expert if one is confused about whether o opt for full-fat or nonfat dairy products. Nonfat options are usually low on vitamins A and D, which are also required to build strong bones. Therefore, if an individual picks dairy products without fat, they must look for options fortified with fat-soluble vitamins. Walnuts Eating a handful of nuts regularly could introduce calcium to the body. Furthermore, the food is also rich in phosphorus – a vital component of bones. Walnuts are also high in magnesium, which is known to help absorb and retain calcium in the bones. Moreover, the food contains healthy levels of potassium that may also complement bone health and fight osteoporosis. Other types of nuts that someone with osteoporosis could include in their meal plans are pecans, peanuts, and almonds. Chia seeds Eating a handful of chia seeds with daily meals could significantly improve bone health and tackle osteoporosis symptoms. The food is rich in fibers and also contains other health properties such as magnesium and phosphorus.

Huntington’s disease is a hereditary disease that causes the degeneration of brain cells. One of the main symptoms of this condition is uncontrollable jerky movements in the arms, legs, face, head, and upper body (called chorea). Other symptoms may also include a decline in thinking and reasoning skills, alterations in mood, and behavioral changes. This article explores how the condition impacts one’s eating and food management strategies to improve nutritional intake. How Huntington’s affects the body and food intake Chorea Huntington causes jerky, uncontrollable movements called chorea. This can use more energy, increasing one’s caloric needs. Difficulty in planning Huntington’s may cause short-term memory loss, making it difficult to plan meals in advance. This can also affect one’s food and nutrition. Clumsiness One may also experience stumbling and clumsiness. As a result, one may find it difficult to eat or drink, causing embarrassment among individuals with Huntington’s. Mood changes Cognitive changes with Huntington’s can cause depression and anxiety. This can cause changes in appetite, affecting one’s desire to eat. Muscular changes With Huntington’s, individuals may also have hand-eye coordination, eating, and posture issues. This can limit their ability to put food into their mouths, affecting their daily eating habits. Additionally, it can make it difficult to close the lips together, causing spillage. It may also cause food and drink to transfer too quickly or too slowly, affecting eating. Dysphagia Those with Huntington’s also commonly experience difficulty swallowing as a result of a loss of fine motor skills in the face and neck. This is called dysphagia. It can lead to an increased risk of choking, posing difficulty while eating and drinking. In the advanced stages of Huntington’s disease, one may also find it difficult to chew and swallow. As a result, doctors may recommend tube feeding. A percutaneous endoscopic gastroscopy (PEG) tube is often inserted.

People affected by Crohn’s disease can experience debilitating flare-ups with symptoms such as stomach ache, cramps, and diarrhea. Certain foods can trigger or worsen these symptoms, especially when consumed during a flare-up. Avoiding specific triggers could help people manage Crohn’s disease effectively, decrease digestive problems, and improve intestinal repair. While there is no clinically validated food for inflammatory bowel disease, eliminating a few trigger foods could soothe gastrointestinal problems and make the condition more manageable. Whole grains Crohn’s disease flare-ups may require a food-related adjustment to include low-fiber alternatives as a temporary solution until the symptoms subside. Fiber-rich meals that include whole-grain foods such as bread and bran can generate a lot of activity in the digestive tract. This can aggravate the condition by irritating the intestines and exacerbate the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. So, during a flare-up, it might be best to opt for low-fiber foods. When one is going through remission, changing to a high-fiber diet can help improve digestive well-being. Dairy products People with Crohn’s disease may also have an intolerance to dairy products. Lactose intolerance implies that one’s body cannot adequately process lactose, i.e., the sugar in milk, yogurt, and other dairy products. As a result, people can experience cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and gas if they have dairy. Milk products are high in calcium and protein, so if people avoid them entirely, they must supplement these nutrients from other food sources. To stay healthy while trying to minimize Crohn’s effects, one should try getting these nutrients from green leafy veggies, enriched juices, and cereals. Issues with digesting certain foods may also need to be resolved by taking supplements and vitamins. These supplements may aid in the prevention of malnutrition induced by the small intestine’s failure to absorb minerals from meals. Furthermore, if the meal plans are severely restrictive due to flare-ups, a multivitamin can be useful.

Arthritis is one of the most common health conditions that affects about one out of four adults in the country. It can be both inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Managing rheumatoid arthritis entails slowing the disease’s progress and eliminating the symptoms. Even though not validated through clinical tests, many patients ease their stiffness and pain by eliminating specific foods from their nutritional regime. Here is a list of 7 things one must avoid for managing rheumatoid arthritis: Omega-6 fatty acids and fried foods Notwithstanding the kind of oil used, fried foods are always harmful to a rheumatoid arthritis patient. This is because the presence of trans fats (known to cause inflammation within the body) in fried foods tends to be higher than in broiled or grilled foods. Some typical foods containing trans fats include shortening, margarine, lard, butter, non-dairy creamer, and coconut oil. Besides, specific oils used for frying are especially notable for increasing inflammation due to the presence of Omega-6 fatty acids. Furthermore, the cooking method called frying proves harmful to the patient due to its tendency to release AGEs, a principal contributor to inflammation. Refined sugar and carbohydrates Having a sweet tooth can be agonizing for a Rheumatoid Arthritis patient as their condition will compel them to give up on several sweet-tasting delicacies. Studies show that refined carbohydrates contribute to worsening rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, primarily of two types: refined grains and sugars. Some of the chief sources of refined sugar include processed, baked goods like store-bought cookies, pastries, and donuts. One can avoid having refined sugar by poring over the ingredients list of the concerned food. Glucose, fructose, and dextrose should be avoided at all costs. Besides refined sugars, one needs to monitor the intake of refined grains due to their close link to inflammatory properties. Examples include white rice, white flour, and white bread.

The esophagus or food pipe transfers food to the stomach. However, it can get inflamed due to conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE). In EOE, eosinophils release substances in surrounding tissues that lead to inflammation. This causes the organ to contract and abscesses or ring-like projections to form. EOE can be triggered by acid reflux or food allergies. To manage the condition, here are some signs and symptoms of EOE that one should not ignore: Symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis (EOE) The symptoms of EOE may vary among adults and children, although certain symptoms are common in both. So, here are the signs and symptoms of EOE among children and adults: Symptoms of EOE in adults Studies have shown that EOE in adults usually shows up in the form of strictures, rings, and narrowing of the esophagus. As a result, adults with EOE may have these symptoms: Difficulty swallowing One of the classic symptoms of EOE is difficulty swallowing. The technical term for this symptom is dysphagia. In usual circumstances, one may face dysphagia if they gulp down their food, but the symptom shows up for those with EOE even when they chew their food well. Acid reflux Acid reflux is usually a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a health condition closely related to EOE. But in many cases, those with EOE also experience GERD symptoms like acid reflux, wherein stomach acid flows back to the esophagus and causes irritation. Food impaction As eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) accumulate in the food pipe, food may become stuck in one’s throat when one has EOE. This might lead to choking and severe discomfort. Chest pain Symptoms like dysphagia and food impaction may cause severe chest pain among those with EOE. Although chest pain may also be a symptom of other conditions, it may indicate EOE if one experiences its other signs.

Black Friday is the perfect time for pet parents to stock up on essential supplies for their furry companions, including dog food and treats. During the sale, there are great deals and discounts available on nutritious dog food from top brands. The following article lists some popular dog food deals seen last year, which can give buyers an idea of what one can expect for Black Friday 2023.  It also mentions a few dog food products that, if they receive deals this year, are definitely worth considering. Deals on wet food for dogs Wet dog food is often sold in cans or pouches and is essential for dogs’ nutritional requirements. It has a higher moisture content, which helps keep dogs hydrated, and its soft texture makes it an excellent option for picky eaters or those dogs with dental issues. It is also available in a variety of flavors and formulations. Here are some popular wet dog food options that are expected to go on sale this Black Friday. 1. Wellness’ Lamb and Beef Stew Last Black Friday, a case of 12 cans (12.5 oz) of Wellness’ Lamb and Beef Stew with Brown Rice and Apples was available at $4 to $5 off at Chewy, Amazon, and Petflow. Dog parents can keep an eye out for a similar deal this sale season.  2. Iams ProActive Health Wet Food Iams ProActive Health’s Chunks in Gravy (with Beef, Rice, Carrots, and Green Beans) Adult Wet Dog Food is a popular choice for adult dogs. Currently, it is available for around $29 at Chewy. If it goes on sale this year, it can be worth considering. Deals on dry food for dogs Dry dog food, known as kibble, is convenient and cost-effective for dog parents. It is available in different formulas for dogs from different life stages and nutritional requirements.

Food prices are on the rise, and eating healthy may seem like a task given the hefty bills after a run to the grocery store or a dinner out with friends. That said, there are definitely ways to eat wholesome and satiating meals without dipping into one’s savings. For this, one needs to plan ahead and shop strategically. Here are a few other tips that can help one eat healthy food on a budget: 1. Buy whole foods Whole foods, or foods that aren’t processed to change their structure, can be surprisingly affordable. For instance, a pack of canned beans costs less than a pack of refried ones. Similarly, a block of cheese is much cheaper than shredded cheese. Consider buying whole fruits and vegetables instead of pre-chopped and packed salads. When considering per-serving costs, whole grains, oats, and brown rice are cheaper than most processed cereals. Additionally, buying fruits and vegetables that are in season is also a great way to incorporate soluble and insoluble fiber into one’s meals. Fruits and vegetables that are available all year tend to be a tad expensive.  Also, picking seasonal produce means that it is packed with nutrients and flavors. Moreover, buying produce by bag is a budget option rather than buying per piece. If one buys more than needed, they can always store it in the refrigerator and use it later. 2. Buy cheaper cuts of meat Most people buy fresh meat, fish, and poultry to add some much-needed fat and protein to their meals. However, fresh meat and fish are incredibly expensive. Fortunately, there are ways to incorporate protein into meals without having to spend too much money. Buyers can opt for specific cuts of meat that are not as pricey as certain others. Chuck steak, pork top sirloin steak, ground meat, poultry, and whole chicken are a few options to choose from.

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term inflammatory disease that triggers inflammation and ulcers in the digestive system. It impacts the colon and rectum’s innermost lining. The symptoms are typically produced over a period rather than unexpectedly. According to the latest studies, about 1 million people have ulcerative colitis, and if left untreated, it can be crippling and cause life-threatening conditions. So, here are 5 tips to prevent and manage ulcerative colitis: Get on with the treatment plan immediately Even though there is no concrete cure for ulcerative colitis, proper treatment can help ease the symptoms and signs of the condition and eventually provide long-term remission. If a patient feels that their bowel habits are consistently changing or if they experience any of the following symptoms and signs, they should immediately consult a doctor: Blood in stool Ongoing diarrhea that is not getting cured by any other types of treatments An unknown fever going on for more than a day or two Abdominal pain Diarrhea that wakes up the patient from sleep The treatments prescribed by the doctor will typically include a combination of oral therapy or surgery. As far as oral treatments are concerned, the doctor may prescribe any of the following types of therapies, depending on the patient’s existing condition: Anti-inflammatory remedies: These are given as the first step in the direction of ulcerative colitis treatment and are suitable for most patients suffering from this condition. They primarily include: 5-aminosalicylates: Can be given orally or as a suppository or enema, depending on which portion has been affected. Immune system suppressors: They, too, ease inflammation. However, they do so by suppressing the very cause of the inflammation, that is, the immune system. Biologics: They attack the proteins generated by the immune system to ease inflammation. The therapies mentioned above are administered and combined with some supportive oral treatments to ease symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a relatively rare, chronic condition that can affect children. It’s characterized by inflammation of the esophagus, often in response to allergens or other triggers. While EoE can be challenging to diagnose, recognizing early signs is essential for timely intervention and effective management. Here is a comprehensive guide to better understanding the common signs of eosinophilic esophagitis in children, providing an understanding of this condition for parents and caregivers. What it is Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the esophagus, the tube carrying food from the mouth to the stomach. In individuals with EoE, the esophageal tissue becomes infiltrated with eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that plays a role in allergic reactions and immune responses. Eosinophils in the esophagus cause inflammation, leading to uncomfortable and potentially severe symptoms. While the exact cause of EoE remains unclear, it is believed to be related to genetic factors, environmental triggers, and allergies. Allergens such as pollen, certain foods, or airborne allergens may contribute to the development or exacerbation of EoE. Following are the common signs of eosinophilic esophagitis in children: Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) One of the hallmark signs of EoE in children is difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia. Children with EoE may find moving food or even liquids down their esophagus challenging, leading to choking or gagging during meals. This can be a distressing experience for both the child and their parents. Parents and guardians must pay close attention if their child consistently struggles while eating, as dysphagia can significantly impact their nutritional intake and overall quality of life. Refusing certain foods Children may develop aversions to specific foods as a coping mechanism for the discomfort associated with EoE. They might refuse to eat certain textures or avoid foods they previously enjoyed. This food avoidance can be a sign that something is wrong and often serves as an early indicator of EoE.