From childhood, we are taught that eating well can help us look and feel our physical best. What is often glossed over is the fact that what we eat also has a significant impact on how we feel mentally. Healthy, well-balanced meals can help people think more clearly, become alert, and improve concentration and attention span. On the other hand, unhealthy foods lead to fatigue, impaired decision-making, and a slower reaction time. Processed foods can cause brain inflammation Increased reliance on processed foods high in sugar and flour can lead to inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. And brain inflammation is linked to mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Furthermore, many of these processed foods stimulate the dopamine centers in the brain, making us crave more. Healthy gut bacteria help regulate mental processes Researchers have been studying the connection between our gut and brain, which are linked via the vagus nerve. According to the American Psychological Association, gut bacteria produce a range of neurochemicals used by the brain for regulating physiological and mental processes, such as our mood. Around 95% of our mood-stabilizing hormone, serotonin, is produced by gut bacteria, signaling its undisputed role in maintaining our mental health.

Nutritious food can play a significant role in maintaining and improving our overall health. On the contrary, some meals may be unhealthy, especially for individuals with health complications, including prostate cancer. The disease is characterized by symptoms like regular urination, blood in the urine, and weak urine flow. Certain foods may aggravate or trigger the symptoms of prostate cancer, leading to other complications, and should hence be avoided as far as possible. Red meat People who opt for meals with large portions of red meat are at risk of developing prostate cancer or worsening their symptoms. Red meat like hot dogs, beef, and pork contain heterocyclic amines (HCAs)—carcinogens detected in cooked meat. HCAs are said to be linked to the development of multiple cancers. Full-fat cheeses Excess consumption of dairy products like full-fat cheeses should be avoided. Their high-fat content has been associated with c-peptide concentration, which may lead to the aggressive development of prostate cancer. Other dairy products to steer clear of include yogurt, butter, cream cheeses, and ice creams rich in fat. Coffee Coffee and other caffeinated beverages function as diuretics. They may dehydrate an individual faster and increase the urge to urinate. And someone with an enlarged prostate might find it challenging to relieve themselves, which can cause discomfort.

The blood needs essential clotting factor VIII proteins to clog an open wound and prevent a person from bleeding. Hemophilia occurs when the blood is missing these clotting factors triggering excessive bleeding without any underlying health complication. It is an inherited bleeding disorder passed down as a genetic mutation from one or both parents carrying defective genes. Following are the available silent signs of developing hemophilia to take notice of and ensure immediate medical attention. Bleeding inside the joints The blood disorder primarily triggers bleeding into the joints, a sign that goes unnoticed well into the advanced stages of hemophilia. It is noticeable only when the pooled blood triggers pain and swelling of the joints. The resulting tightness of muscles and cartilage ultimately affects movement. Bruising and discoloration on the skin surface are also visible signs of excessive blood pooling under the joints. This is commonly referred to as a hematoma. If left unchecked, the bleeding will severely affect joint flexibility and mobility, thus disrupting daily routine. Bleeding in the mouth and gums At first glance, people often assume that poor oral hygiene or an underlying dental problem triggers bleeding in the gums and around the mouth. However, bleeding disorders like hemophilia also exhibit similar signs of progression.

A deficiency of blood cells, red or white, can be extremely dangerous. Blood is the primary carrier of nutrients and oxygen to all body parts. It keeps the body ticking and all the systems interconnected. Therefore, one always needs to choose foods that can help them maintain a healthy blood count and, as a result, boost circulation and lower blood pressure. Some foods for improving blood count and circulation are: Walnuts All nuts are packed with essential omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids. These acids reduce inflammation in the arteries and the possibility of massive blood loss and circulation problems. Walnuts, in particular, contain significant reserves of iron, too, thus boosting hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin is the primary component of blood, which carries oxygen to all body parts. Individuals can snack on walnuts daily to boost their blood quality and quantity. This aspect makes walnuts quintessential for good health. Red beans Beans are known for their rich reserves of protein. While all beans are helpful, red beans are incredibly healthy and delicious. Boiled red beans possess high levels of iron. As a result, a person’s hemoglobin levels rise when they add red beans to their meal plan, which, in turn, improves blood count.

Dementia is a general term used for impaired thinking, memory loss, or inability to make decisions that can impact one’s ability to perform daily activities. One of the most common types of this phenomenon is Alzheimer’s disease. A person affected by dementia may require treatment to cope with the condition. However, since dementia affects the brain, one should eat these six foods to prevent or delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease. Salmon Salmon and other fatty fish like mackerel and tuna are other foods one should eat regularly. These fish varieties are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids with DHA to help prevent dementia. Broccoli Rich in vitamin B and carotenoids, broccoli can reduce homocysteine levels. The compound is an amino acid that may result in brain atrophy, cognitive decline, and dementia. So moderating its levels could benefit one’s overall cognition. Eggs Eggs offer several health benefits, including ones vital for cognitive function. For example, it is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, which can fight and prevent dementia and maintain overall brain health. Spinach The leafy green is rich in essential B vitamins like folate and B9, which help boost cognitive function. So adding spinach to one’s meals may help prevent or fight the effects of mental health conditions.

Atrial fibrillation of AFib is a condition that causes rapid or irregular beating in the upper chambers of the heart. This is a type of arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat that can result in a stroke and other heart-related issues if left untreated. The condition can be managed by making several lifestyle changes, including better nutrition. Food is a key component of health and can help avoid a variety of illnesses.  Foods to avoid with atrial fibrillation Caffeine Excessive intake of caffeine can quicken the heartbeat and induce premature heartbeats. Caffeine intake should be reduced to avoid triggering AFib. To avoid accidentally choosing caffeinated foods and drinks, one should read the labels, especially for beverages like sodas, tea, and herbal supplements, to check for caffeine. One can limit the amount of coffee they have in the day if it cannot be eliminated entirely. Salt Excessive salt intake raises blood pressure and increases the risk of AFib. So, people with hypertension, AFib, or sleep apnea should monitor and limit their sodium intake. Although salt is a common ingredient in foods, switching to less processed foods and using sodium-free seasoning can help reduce the daily salt intake. One should also avoid foods with high salt content, such as pizza, soups, burritos, and tacos.

Skin cancer develops when there is an abnormal growth of cells on the skin which is overexposed to the sun. However, that is not the only area where skin cancer can develop, so always look for symptoms in areas not exposed to the sun. Reducing the risk of skin cancer is possible by limiting sun exposure and opting for healthy food choices. Keep reading to learn about foods that keep skin cancer at bay. Carrots They have an abundance of beta-carotene, which helps by converting to vitamin A. Studies suggest that foods rich in beta-carotene have proven to reduce the risk of some cancers, including skin cancer. Some good sources of this compound include orange-colored vegetables like squash and sweet potatoes and fruits like cantaloupe, apricots, and even mangoes. This compound is also known for keeping the immune system strong, which helps fend off diseases. Guava Guavas are a great source of lycopene, a fantastic example of a preventive measure against skin cancer. This red-pigmented compound is found in other food sources like watermelon, tomatoes, papaya, blood oranges, apricots, and even pink grapefruit. Research suggests that people who ate tomato paste regularly, as opposed to those who didn’t, were less likely to be sunburned.

Skin cancer usually occurs because of abnormal cell growth in the body. While the disease is common in areas exposed to the sun, it can develop across other regions of the body. Unfortunately, it is easy to misdiagnose signs of skin cancer for other skin diseases. But statistically, about 1 in 5 people in the country develop the condition by age 70. So, it is imperative to be mindful of these skin cancer warning signs. Lesions Sometimes people develop slightly raised, flat, large lesions on the legs or face. But in the beginning, these may appear as painless spots on the skin, which may not be any cause for alarm. However, if these lesions turn red, purple, or brown, it might be a sign of Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) and should be diagnosed at the earliest. Mole irregularities Unusual changes in the moles present on one’s skin may indicate the presence of melanoma. A few indicators to watch for include when one half of the mole does not look like the other or the mole has irregular borders. The color of a mole may also differ from one area to the other. One should also check if the mole changes in shape, color, and size.