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Foods That Help Manage Seizures

Foods That Help Manage Seizures

A seizure is a sudden increase in electrical activity between brain cells. The phenomenon leads to temporary abnormalities in muscle tone or movements, sensations, behavior, or states of awareness. Seizures usually occur due to a range of health complications, including infections and tumors. The symptoms are controllable with the right prescriptions. However, maintaining a healthy meal plan alongside ongoing treatments can improve brain health and reduce potential health complications that may lead to seizures.

Spinach
Introducing spinach to daily meals is one of the best ways to improve brain health. The leafy green is abundant in an antioxidant called lutein, which helps cleanse harmful substances from the brain and prevents age-related mental decline. The vegetable is also rich in magnesium, essential for managing muscle and nerve function. Moreover, spinach is rich in B vitamins, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, and L-tyrosine, which are known to improve memory and mental focus.

Blueberries
Each type of berry, such as blueberries, packs antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties essential for the brain. The berry contains polyphenols, a group of compounds that include anthocyanins. While the property gives the berry its blue/black hue, it is also associated with improved brain health. Anthocyanins are said to reduce inflammation, help neurons communicate better, and regulate how the brain utilizes glucose for energy. The antioxidant may also help the body fight against age-related cognitive decline. Keeping a tab on all of these factors may help manage seizures and their symptoms.

Eggs
As far as brain health is concerned, eating egg yolks can significantly help improve its function. The yolk is a rich source of choline, a compound associated with reducing the risk of inflammation. The property may also improve brain function, such as maintaining memory and communication between brain cells. Therefore, the improved activity in brain cells can help lower the risk of seizures.

Walnuts
Walnuts are one of the healthiest sources of nuts that one should include in their meal regime for improved brain health. The food contains high amounts of antioxidants, which may help counter the effects of cognitive decline. Walnuts are also rich in brain-healthy properties like DHA – an omega-3 fatty acid that may help tackle the symptoms of inflammation. Other sources of nuts that one can include in their meal plans are almonds and pistachio nut oils. Eating a handful of nuts throughout the day can help manage the effects of seizure disorders like epilepsy.

Salmon
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to counteract the effects of epilepsy in patients. One of the healthiest sources of this property is salmon, an oily fish. The food may also work well for patients who no longer respond to prescriptions. Studies show that individuals who consumed higher quantities of salmon showed lowered signs of seizures. The omega-3 fatty acids support synaptic plasticity and subsequently improve communication of the cells within the brain. Other sources of fish like salmon that may benefit the brain include trout, tuna, herring, and mackerel.

Coconut oil
Coconut oil has grown in popularity over the years, and people use it to cook their food instead of butter and other oils. The oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) – a type of fat that the body can convert into ketones quicker than other fats. Furthermore, ketones are one of the fuel sources for the brain, which are known to improve memory, cognitive function, and synaptic plasticity. Moreover, an individual who follows a ketogenic meal plan, such as using coconut oil for cooking, may benefit from reduced seizures due to the ketones produced during fat metabolism. The reduction of carbs and increase of healthy fats enhances ketones in the blood. So getting the ideal amount of MCTs from coconut oil may contribute to reducing seizures in people with epilepsy, especially children.

Chicken
Choline, vitamins B6 and B12 are some of the healthy properties one can benefit from eating lean meats like chicken. The compounds are said to play vital roles in promoting healthy cognition and improving neuroprotective benefits. Choline is essential to build acetylcholine – a brain chemical that boosts one’s memory center. And vitamin B12 is tasked with keeping the body’s nerves and blood cells healthy, which contributes to the creation of DNA in the body.

Avocado leaf
The bright green fruit isn’t just tasty but also one of the healthiest food sources to improve overall brain health. Studies show that high blood pressure is often linked to cognitive decline. Since unsaturated fats may help reduce blood pressure, consuming them may eventually help promote better cognition. Furthermore, the liquid extract from avocado leaves has been used as a natural treatment for childhood convulsions and epilepsy. The leaf can help improve the function of calming the neurotransmitter GABA, which may help manage the onset of seizures.

Low-fat milk
Dairy products like low-fat milk are some of the healthiest options for improved brain health. They contain calcium, which supports nerve function. Low-fat milk also contains protein, which is necessary for the growth and maintenance of all tissues in the body, including the brain. The property helps build and repair cells and also nourishes the body with amino acids needed to make neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Moreover, the liquid introduces vitamin D and potassium to the body, which may contribute to improved cognition and memory. And ensuring the brain remains healthy is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of health complications like seizures. Other dairy products like low-fat cheese and yogurt may also improve brain health.

Whole grains
Oats, barley, and quinoa are some whole grains that one must include in their meal plan. These foods are abundant in B vitamins, which reduce inflammation in the brain, and preserve one’s memory. These whole grains also contain complex carbohydrates that provide a uniform flow of energy to the brain without disrupting blood sugar levels. Therefore, intake of such foods can help prevent the onset of seizure disorders such as epilepsy.

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4 useful tips for managing migraines

4 useful tips for managing migraines

Migraine is a prevalent health condition in which a person experiences severe headaches, usually on one side of the head. There may also be other symptoms like sensitivity to light, tiredness, and nausea, which can last a few hours to two days. The ailment is triggered due to stress, certain foods, and other factors. While there is no cure for migraines, the following tips can help manage the symptoms effectively: Use the correct treatment options There are several treatments for migraines, but it is essential to choose the correct one after consulting a doctor. The popular options include: Nurtec ODT Nurtec ODT is an oral treatment that can help alleviate symptoms like headaches, pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light in adults. One can use Nurtec ODT on alternate days or as the doctor recommends. Its side effects include allergic reactions, trouble breathing, and rash. UBRELVY It is a fast-acting treatment option that blocks a specific protein in the body known to induce migraine attacks. One can consult a doctor to determine the dosage according to their condition. The most common side effects of UBRELVY are nausea and sleepiness. Excedrin Excedrin is suitable for temporary relief from migraine headaches. It can also treat aches caused by other factors, such as arthritis and toothaches.
Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Food gets broken down into glucose by the body to release energy for its functioning. Most meal plans combine fats, proteins, sugars, and other essential carbohydrates vital for healthy growth and organ function. However, people with diabetes should be careful about seemingly healthy foods as it can trigger a spike in their blood glucose levels. Here are different foods that are bad for diabetes and should not be eaten regularly: Various foods that are bad for diabetes patients Fruit juices and other drinks Sugar consumption via beverages can spike insulin levels drastically. Did you know that lots of seemingly healthy store-bought fruit smoothies, sports drinks, bottled juices, and sodas can spike blood sugar levels too? Also, natural fruit juices are not necessarily a healthy option as they are high in fructose. Aside from this, cola, iced tea, lemonade, and other flavored beverages are excessively high in carbs, sugar, and fructose. Their regular consumption can trigger insulin resistance, forcing healthy cells to reject insulin and extract glucose for energy. Another crucial thing to remember is to avoid any type of spirit if you have diabetes. These contain empty calories and can worsen the condition significantly. Cereals, yogurt, and dried fruits Daily breakfast cereals are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients that make up for a wholesome meal.
6 human foods that cats can enjoy

6 human foods that cats can enjoy

Certain foods that are healthy for us may be beneficial for your cat. As a responsible cat parent, it is essential to be aware of the foods and their sources before slipping a morsel from your plate into your pet’s bowl. Ingestion of toxic foods can adversely affect the cat’s digestive system. Hence, it is advised to consult a vet for recommendations. Here is a list of human foods that are perfectly safe for cats: Meat Cats are carnivores by nature. Most of the commercial cat food in the market contains different meats, an excellent protein source. So, feeding them bits of cooked meats like beef, turkey, or chicken from your lunch plate is entirely alright. Make sure you limit the quantity of the meats. Overeating may cause digestive issues in cats. Salmon Cats love fish, and most vets recommend feeding them fish-based foods. They are a good source of omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish like tuna, salmon, or mackerel prove beneficial for their eyesight and joints. However, do not feed your feline straight from the can as they might lick it too aggressively, leading to cuts and bruises on their tongues. It’s best to feed them cooked fish without bones.
Top 9 foods for healthy lungs

Top 9 foods for healthy lungs

Life isn’t fun when one can’t breathe properly. Years of unhealthy lifestyle habits and other factors can seriously affect the functions of the lungs, resulting in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and other respiratory diseases that decrease quality of life. Fortunately, one can manage these diseases and even prevent them altogether by incorporating certain foods into their meal plans. Here are some foods that can boost lung health: Beetroots When it comes to the health of the vital organ, beetroot and even its leaves are among the best foods anyone can have. That’s mainly because both beetroot and beet greens are rich in nitrates, which help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and optimize oxygen uptake. Beet greens are full of nutrients essential to lung functions, such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and carotenoid antioxidants. To benefit from beets, add them to salads or make beet juice. Turmeric This yellow spice has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Curcumin, the main component in turmeric, is behind all the health benefits. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics can make turmeric extremely useful for improving lung function and aiding in conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis.
3 foods to avoid for better lung health

3 foods to avoid for better lung health

Strengthening the lungs can help one avoid respiratory issues and diseases. Even when diagnosed with a lung-related illness, making significant changes to the lifestyle and food regimen can help people manage the symptoms and restore lung function. However, it is equally important to avoid the food items that damage these organs and cause issues like inflammation, sneezing, and wheezing. Here are a few foods to avoid to improve lung health: Salty food Foods with excessive salt should be avoided as their long-term consumption can have severe consequences on the overall health. Excess sodium in such food items can enlarge the muscles of the heart, cause headaches, increase blood pressure, and lead to a wide range of kidney-related issues like stones. Such foods can also have a negative effect on the health of the lungs and have been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis. Additionally, too much salt in meals can also worsen the symptoms of respiratory issues like asthma. This is because sodium can cause fluid retention, leading to shortness of breath in those with lung diseases. To reduce its intake, one should start by limiting salt in their meals and instead add more herbs and spices as seasoning.

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