Sickle cell disease, also known as sickle cell anemia, is a genetic disorder that modifies regular red blood cells into a sickle or crescent shape. The disease is more common in people with a deficiency in vitamin D and poor appetite. The condition may also lead to reduced growth and development in children. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how nutrition can help support sickle cell patients. Balance and increase nutrients When it comes to sickle cell disease, asymptomatic patients tend to show energy levels below the set threshold. This number falls to about half when illness sets in or when the person is hospitalized. Therefore, one should increase the food they eat if they wish to tackle the condition’s symptoms. Some of these foods include the following: Whole grains, rice, and cereals, which are high in vitamin B, magnesium, folate, and selenium Milk, cheese, and yogurt that are loaded with vitamin D and calcium Certain vegetable oils that are rich in vitamin E and fatty acids Meats, nuts, seeds, and beans are good sources of protein, zinc, and iron Green leafy vegetables and fruits, as these foods carry high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and even fiber Calorie intake A high-calorie intake also supports those with sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease in which the initially flexible, round red blood cells become crescent moon- or sickle-shaped. As a result, blood flow through small vessels slows down or stops, leading to various symptoms. The only cure for sickle cell anemia is a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. However, recent studies have shown that certain herbs and their blend can also provide relief. Read on to learn more about the herbal management of sickle cell anemia. Niprisan herbal extract formula Nigeria has the highest number of sickle cell patients in the world. To help its citizens fight the disease, the Nigerian government’s National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) developed a herbal formula called Niprisan that has shown promising results. It is made with extracts from four different plants: Piper guineense seed: Also called the West African pepper or Guinea pepper Pterocarpus osum stem: An African timber Eugenia caryophyllus: Also called cloves Sorghum bicolor: Also known as sorghum, great millet, durra, jowari/jowar, or milo The main active compounds of these herbs are piperine, chavicine, capsaicin, and cubebin. The medicine is unlikely to cause significant side effects. Fagara zanthoxyloides Herbal management of sickle cell anemia involves a few other herbs as well, which have shown promising results.

An unhealthy lifestyle coupled with the amount of stress we are burdened with to achieve the “perfect life” has left us combating various serious health issues. Some of these ailments are hereditary, whereas, some of them are self-created. And, then there are those ailments that fall under both these categories. Diabetes is one such ailment that is known to have its roots firmly planted in our genes and can be a result of our reckless lifestyle as well. However, if normal blood sugar levels are maintained, people can easily coexist with diabetes and lead a normal life. Whichever treatment a person opts for controlling their diabetes, it involves maintaining normal blood sugar levels. A rise in the blood sugar levels leads to a string of other problems. So, the key to living with diabetes involves taking steps to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Diabetes isn’t an ailment that can be cured completely. So, one must follow these tips to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Lose weight Obesity is the root cause of a wide-range of disease or is known to worsen an already existing condition. Excess weight makes the person resistant to insulin, and this, in turn, disrupts the normal blood sugar levels in the body.

The effects of migraines can be super-sensitive to the food you eat or drink. So it is crucial to eat the right foods. Certain foods contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that reduce symptoms of migraines, strengthening the immune system for your wellbeing. However, it is important to know which foods contain the right amount of nutrition. We also recommended speaking to a doctor before making any changes to your nutrition or trying any medications. Foods for migraines Here are a few foods you should consider adding to your daily meals. Fruits Certain fruits that are rich in potassium and magnesium are known to ward off migraine symptoms. Banana, for example, is rich in B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and other complex carbohydrates. Fruits rich in water are also useful to fight migraines. These include apricots, bananas, figs, melons, honeydew, cantaloupe, and others. Whole grains Whole grains are super effective when it comes to preventing migraine attacks. Some of them are barley, buckwheat, quinoa, bulgur, whole oats, and whole-grain bread. They are rich in carbohydrates and increase glycogen levels in the brain. Such low blood sugar levels can reduce headaches. Ginger Ginger is known to have several medicinal properties that complement your wellbeing.

There are two types of fats found in the bloodstream: good fats (high-density lipoprotein or HDL) and bad fats (low-density lipoprotein or LDL). An imbalance in these levels can trigger problems linked to cholesterol and increase the risk of cardiovascular health complications. It is possible to manage and maintain a good balance between LDL, HDL, and Triglyceride levels with changes in food habits and lifestyle. Medications additionally help manage optimum levels. Fruits and vegetables Eggplant and lentils are rich in dietary fibers that aid digestion. Okra contains a gel that binds to the fat and processes it more efficiently during digestion. Avocados are rich in monosaturated fats that help lower and manage the bloodstream’s low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Raw garlic, when incorporated in meals regularly, can help manage serum cholesterol. Additionally, apples, strawberries, grapes, and a variety of citrus fruits are rich in a compound called pectin that helps lower LDL levels in the body. Whole grains, oatmeal, and nuts Whole grains like barley and oat brans are rich in soluble fibers. Switching to oatmeal in place of processed cereals for breakfast also helps absorb the bad fats in the bloodstream. Barley is rich in beta-glucans that bind with fats and bile salts to promote better digestion.

Nasal polyps are benign growth inside the nose that can vary in size depending on the advancement of the condition. Congestion, runny nose, and a blocked nose are its common symptoms. The symptoms of nasal polyps can make the person uncomfortable and hinder their daily routine. Read on to know about natural remedies for nasal polyps. Steam Steam from a long, warm bath or shower can thin the mucus, alleviating nasal congestion. This helps the person breathe better, enhancing sleep quality. Steam can also be taken through a hot bowl of water while covering the head with a towel. Nasal irrigation Using sterile saline solution to clean the nasal airway can ease the symptoms of nasal polyps like nasal congestion. There are neti pots as well as several sprays for nasal polyps relief available to help flush sinuses. Some of the nasal spray brands include prescribed corticosteroid nasal spray options like fluticasone, budesonide, beclomethasone, and ciclesonide. Ginger This root herb is packed with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help build immunity against  the common cold and its symptoms like a runny nose. The herb can be used to make warm tea or can be liberally used in food. Garlic Just like ginger, garlic is another herb that can be used in food preparations to make the most of its benefits.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It occurs when an abnormal cell starts multiplying rapidly in the body. Cancer can start almost anywhere, including breast, prostate, lungs, liver, or blood. While no particular food can cause or eliminate cancer, consuming and avoiding certain foods can reduce the risk of developing the disease and help fight it. Here are foods to eat and avoid for cancer, along with some medications and treatment options. Eat: Fatty fish Fatty fish are full of omega-3 fatty acids. These are healthy fats that have proven to reduce inflammation. Loading up on fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and herring can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and prostate cancer. Avoid: Alcohol The body releases acetaldehyde when processing alcohol. This chemical contributes to the development of cancerous tumors. Alcohol is linked to several cancers, including breast, liver, esophageal, and liver. It is vital to cut down, if possible eliminate, alcohol significantly. Eat: Green tea Green tea is chock-full of powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have been shown to possess cancer-fighting properties. Sipping green tea every day can prevent liver, lung, esophageal, skin, breast, and pancreatic cancer. Avoid: Processed meat The problem with processed meat is that it is preserved by smoking, salting, curing, or canning.

Cancer, characterized by the abnormal and rapid growth of cells in the body, can rapidly spread and invade other parts of the body. There are more than a hundred different types of cancers, and while some are more easily managed and diagnosed, others are not as easily detected due to a lack of definitive symptoms, especially in the early stages. That said, avoiding certain foods can help prevent and manage cancer better.  Foods to avoid to prevent and manage cancer Some foods that should be avoided to prevent and manage cancer are mentioned below: Red meat The processes involved in curing and preparing red meat produce carcinogenic chemicals such as N-nitroso compounds. These increase one’s risk of developing cancer and interfere with the treatment methods involved in managing and treating cancer.  Fried foods Cooking foods at higher temperatures leads to the formation of a carcinogenic compound called acrylamide. Moreover, fried foods can increase LDL cholesterol, leading to type 2 diabetes, accumulation of visceral fat, and cardiovascular issues, all of which can cause cancer.  Alcohol Alcohol is known to cause a large number of health conditions, including cancer. The liver is responsible for the detoxification of the blood after the intake of alcohol.