Throughout the nation, millions of people suffer from symptoms of depression. No specific age group is more susceptible for this disorder that is generally caused by many different factors. One factor that causes depression is the lack of essential nutrients in the body. Eating certain foods will help reduce depression, and enhance the overall quality of life in most people. An appropriate balance of nutrients in the body will help fight against those negative emotions. Whether you are dealing with clinical depression, anxiety disorder, or if you have been diagnosed as being bi-polar, changing your diet can be an effective way to manage your depression. Dietary changes have multiple benefits for the body, and it is recommended to help manage several health issues. Some of the foods to consider to help manage depression include but are not limited to the following: 1. Asparagus Asparagus contains the vitamin B12 and folate that are usually at low levels in people with depression. The lack of these nutrients can inhibit the effectiveness of many antidepressant medications. Vitamin B12 and folic acid are necessary for neurological function. About 10 spears of asparagus has 50% of the daily recommended allowance. 2. Poultry Chicken is a great tasting food, and it contains tryptophan which is known as a sleep inducing agent.

Lowering your cholesterol could save your life. It’s easier said than done. One can live a better lifestyle by making better food choices and exercising. We have a list of foods that naturally lower cholesterol. First off, the difference between the different types of cholesterol. The two different cholesterol types in our bodies are high and low density lipoprotein. The “good” type is HDL cholesterol. This type moves cholesterol to your liver so it can leave the body. LDL cholesterol is considered “bad” because it takes cholesterol to the arteries where it begins to make plaque leading to medical issues in many patients. This can cause heart disease, heart attacks, strokes or high blood pressure. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when eating to reduce cholesterol: 1. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce triglycerides in your body helping with blood pressure. These types of fatty acids are mostly found in different types of fish. The fish with the highest amount include trout, tuna, salmon and mackerel. Small amounts can be found in walnuts, canola oil and flaxseed. 2. Whey protein Whey protein is a great addition to any diet. It will lower your overall cholesterol levels and even help with high blood pressure.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects people of all ages. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder that impacts the joints, especially the hands and the feet. The body’s immune system actually attacks its own tissue. This causes painful joint swelling, which may eventually lead to erosion or deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis can be seen on both sides of the body, in symmetry such as both hands, both wrists or both knees. Other body parts it can effect include the skin, eyes, heart, lungs, nerves, or blood. Those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis look for relief from many sources. Dietary supplements and changes are common ways that those who have the disease seek to control it themselves. Anti-inflammatory foods provide relief for the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. A good rule of thumb is to choose foods that have an abundance of good fats, or omega-3s. These lubricate the joints and help to alleviate many of the symptoms that are connected with the disease. The overall anti inflammatory effect of these foods helps to promote well being in a person who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis: 1. Garlic Garlic is a common supplement or food that many people who have rheumatoid arthritis take. They will either buy garlic pills or use garlic in their cooking to add flavor and experience relief from rheumatoid arthritis.

Eczema is an annoying itchy inflammation of the skin that can cause swelling and rashes. Also referred to as atopic dermatitis eczema affects more than 3 million people every year. The main complaint is a rash or itchy skin. While diet is not the only thing that affects and helps eczema eating the right things can help to ease or repair it. Below are some natural foods that should be part of any eczema diet: 1. Oats Oats are not only one of the best things you can eat for eczema but also one of the best things you can put on your body. Oats have soothing effects and are high in vitamin E and zinc which make for stronger and smoother skin. Oats are also filled with fiber which are great for digestion. 2. Honey Honey has many natural healing benefits. It is antibacterial as well as an anti-inflammatory. This can help ease itching and rough skin. There are many different types of honey and honey supplements on the market that can help. 3. Fish Fish is not only great for the mind and body but it also is great for helping to treat and reduce eczema. Fatty fish such as salmon is very high in omega-3 which helps to reduce inflammation in the body.

What do you reach for when you get hunger pains? If you have type 2 diabetes you have to think smart. Picking healthy snacks is a must. You don’t have to eat junk food when you snack, but what are your best options? What criteria should I use when it comes to snacking? Some people will look at the glycemic index while others focus on the glycemic load. The glycemic index (GI) is a food assessment tool utilized to predict how foods will impact your blood sugar levels. This index is based on a sugar called glucose which is given a score of 100. If the food selected falls below 100, its affect will be under glucose, but if its value is over 100, it will affect your blood sugar to be higher. While glycemic load (GL) is a calculation involved in a food’s portion size and its glycemic index. You discover glycemic load (GI/100) by multiplying the total grams of carbohydrate (excluding fiber) in the food. Your sugar in your blood can be raised by a high amount of low glycemic index food as well as a low amount of high glycemic index food. Whether sitting in front of the t.v.