Category Archives: Diet And Food

Best Foods For Lungs: Here is the list of food items that you should include in your daily diet to improve respiratory health.

Unfortunately, we hardly pay attention to our internal organs such as lungs, kidneys, heart and stomach among others. And what we eat, our levels of physical activity, genetics, and environmental conditions among others are the major factors affecting our internal organs. However, the good news is that with the help of certain foods one can include preventing health disorders related to them. Today we are talking about food items that help to keep our lungs healthy. Include the below-mentioned food items as they decrease inflammation, improve airway function and protect from pulmonary disease.

These food items are chockfull of nutrients such as vitamins, antioxidants and minerals among others. They aid to enhance lung health and keep respiratory conditions at bay. How to know if your lungs are healthy or not? So, if your breathing rate is high than normal, nose flaring, grunting sound while exhaling, leaning forward to take deeper breaths and sweating among others are some of the sighs and red flags of respiratory distress.

1. Apples

You must have heard about the saying, an apple a day keeps doctor away. Well, when it comes to the health of lungs it will help you to keep doctors away as they as the phytochemicals present in apples decrease the oxidative stress and inflammation and the same can enhance pulmonary function. As per a study which was published in The European Respiratory Journal, apples can better the lung functions, especially for former smokers.

2. Green Tea

Green tea is one of the popular food items among health and fitness freaks and why not, its consumption has several health benefits including better lungs. Antioxidants, polyphenols and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) can be found in green tea and these nutrients can prevent lung diseases from including cancer. The presence of a compound called theophylline acts as a bronchodilator which makes airway function better.

3. Garlic and Ginger

Garlic and ginger are two commonly found kitchen ingredients in India. Indians, since time immemorial, have been using them in daily diet. The food items not only have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant but also several medicinal properties that can help to keep certain lung based health issues at bay.

4. Bananas

Bananas are packed with nutrients such as potassium, fiber and vitamin C and all these aids to improve lung health as well. So, if you have been experience lung problems, then bananas may come to your rescue.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric is another commonly used food items in India. It has been used to treat many health issues. Its inclusion in the daily diet can keep lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, acute respiratory distress syndrome, lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis.

Note: Please consult your physician before making any changes in your daily diet by including these foods.

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Best Foods For Lungs: Include THESE food items in your diet to improve respiratory health - PINKVILLA

Each spring, the Environmental Working Group (also known as the EWG) publishes a list of fruits and vegetables that experts at the nonprofit say contain elevated levels of pesticides that may be concerning. Now known as the Dirty Dozen list to health experts and in-the-know shoppers, the list has long called conventional farming methods into question, especially as the EWG also publishes a competing list called the Clean Fifteen that highlights produce containing little to no pesticides when grown conventionally.

The Dirty Dozen list has been published every year since 2004, mostly compiled on internal observations based on analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which routinely tests produce samples for pesticide residues. This year's ranking of pesticide contamination considers 47 different fruits and vegetables based on 43,000 plus data points generated by the USDA as well as the Food and Drug Administration. Here are the 12 grocery store finds that the EWG say had more residue than all others:

If you have been following the Dirty Dozen closely each year, you'll notice that this year's list is largely similar to last year's list strawberries have again earned the top spot of concern for the fifth year in a row. Last year, kale made its way onto the list's top 10 for the first time in over a decade due to new data that suggested pesticide residues on this leafy green included traces of DCPA, a herbicide known under the brand name Dacthal. This year, leafy greens, including spinach, returned to the forefront of the list.

While it didn't officially make the list because it's technically processed, the EWG also included a special report about raisins, since the USDA included raisins in its most recent tests for pesticide residues. EWG experts say that 99% of nearly 700 raisin samples tested positive for traces of at least two pesticides, and one sample had 26 different pesticides. "If we included raisins in our calculations, they would be number one on the Dirty Dozen, said Thomas Galligan, Ph.D, a toxicologist for the EWG, in a press release.

Jose A. Bernat BaceteGetty Images

This doesn't mean that you should automatically cut out all raisins from your diet, or anything on this list, in fact. Stefani Sassos, MS, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian in the Good Housekeeping Institute, says that the EWG's report can feel extra scary without understanding the context in which the research was conducted. Sassos' background in holistic cancer treatment has taught her that organic produce can provide tangible benefits to most anyone, but it's important to stress that the dietary benefits associated with all of the produce items on the EWG's Dirty Dozen list far outweigh any potential blowbacks. Furthermore, previous research published in 2011 suggests that the traces of pesticides found on these vegetables and fruits are well below any federal limit: as much as 1,000 times below the Environmental Protection Agency's limit.

Nearly 90% of Americans do not eat enough vegetables and fruits in their diet, according to 2017 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and essential nutrients like fiber as well as entire suites of vitamins and minerals are found in these items. Don't let this list deter you from eating kale, strawberries, spinach, or any of the other staples entirely.

The Dirty Dozen list might inspire you to shop smarter even if you already try to buy organic products as much as you possibly can. If you are concerned about potential pesticides in your groceries (produce included!), Sassos says that the USDA has developed strict rules and regulations to govern organic foods. Anything carrying the USDA organic seal can't be genetically engineered and also must be grown in soil that is free from prohibited substances like synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Buying organic versions of the vegetables and fruits on the Dirty Dozen list should eliminate any possible risk associated with potential pesticides. In addition, however, Sassos says that several studies (including this 2014 paper published in the British Journal of Nutrition) have shown that organic produce has significantly more antioxidant polyphenols than produce that has been grown in conventional methods. These antioxidants may help reduce risk of chronic diseases, according to the research, including cardiovascular disease as well as certain cancer. Finally, Sassos says that organic farming methods used to harvest organic produce may also end up being more sustainable than conventional farming methods; soil integrity is key here, as is a biodiverse environment, compared to sheer output.

It's true that raw, fresh organic produce can be more expensive than conventional options and in some regions, it may not be available at all. A smart alternative is to search for frozen varieties instead, especially for the produce items we see consistently each and every year, such as strawberries. "If fresh organic is too expensive, frozen organic foods come at a much better price point and last a long time. Plus, frozen produce is typically picked and flash-frozen at its peak nutritional value. Most frozen produce may be more nutritious than fresh produce that has been sitting on a truck during transport to the supermarket and then sitting in the grocery shelves for days (or even weeks)," Sassos says.

On the flipside, this is one EWG list we can get really excited about! These conventionally raised produce items had the lowest amount of pesticides residues, with nearly all of them only containing four or fewer pesticides. Almost 70% of these samples had no pesticide residues whatsoever:

The Bottom Line: "At the end of the day, my personal opinion is that eating enough produce is the most important thing, regardless of whether it is organic or conventionally grown," Sassos says. "Dont let the dirty dozen list deter you from eating produce if it isnt organic: The nutritional benefits are still there and the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provided from produce are essential."

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What Are the Dirty Dozen Foods? Take a Look at the Full 2020 List - GoodHousekeeping.com

Whether youre consideringswitching to a plant-based diet or youve just recently made the decision to go vegan, its easy to feel a little lost or stuck with all of the information thats available out there. From endless advice articles online to stacks of books on the subject, how can you decide if and why its right for you? One easy way to ease yourself into veganism is to simply watch a movie or two.

Conveniently, Netflix has a nice selection of vegan-related films for you to stream right now from the comfort of your home. Depending on your motivation for pursuing this lifestyle change, you may find yourself more drawn to one movie over another, but theres bound to be at least one that whets your appetite. Grab some popcorn, get cozy, and press play on one of these movies on Netflixor keep them going for a mini-movie marathonso you can get a better idea of what being vegan is all about.

For those who: are curious about how diet affects disease management.

You should set aside: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Taking a close look at the idea of food as medicine, Forks Over Knives (directed by Lee Fulkerson) promotes eating a whole-food, plant-based diet as the solution for reversing certain chronic diseases. Much of the movie centers on the work of two scientists, nutritional biochemist Dr. T. Colin Campbell and physician Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn. Using the fact that health issues like obesity and diabetes affect a significant portion of the countrys population, this documentary wants viewers to see that theres a clear path toward a healthier tomorrow: leaving behind the consumption of animal products and processed foods.

For those who: want to understand how diet relates to health and the healthcare industry.

You should set aside: 1 hour and 37 minutes

Co-directed by Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn, What the Health takes a look at how consuming animal products correlates to various health issues, such as diabetes and cancer. Taking things a step further, the investigative documentary explores how big industries (like food and pharmaceutical companies), as well as the government, might be invested in people eating meat and dairy. This approach is what gives the movie its sensational tagline: The Health Film That Health Organizations Don't Want You To See. Overall, What the Health is an invitation to reassess what you eat in light of alarming chronic diseases sweeping the country and the major players who are involved.

For those who: are interested in sustainability and environmental concerns.

You should set aside: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Cowspiracy also comes from the same director team behind What the Health (Kip Andersen and Keegan Kuhn). With this documentary though, the focus isnt on the health implications of eating animal products, but the impact farming animals has on the environment. Touching on deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and other important environmental concerns, Cowspiracy argues the devastating extent of destruction caused by the animal agriculture industry. It also investigates what environmental organizations, such as Greenpeace and Sierra Club, might be sidestepping or trying to cover up about the issue and how we can create a more sustainable future.

For those who: want to see veganisms relation to human performance and strength.

You should set aside: 1 hour and 48 minutes

The Game Changers is the work of Louie Psihoyos, the director behind the Academy Award-winning documentary The Cove, and it was an official selection at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. Mainly following UFC fighter James Wilks journey of recovery, this film zeroes in on top athletes who have found benefits in plant-based eating. As a whole, it challenges the common misconception that consuming animal protein is needed to have elite physical performance. The film features a number of high-profile individuals, including one youre sure to recognize: Arnold Schwarzenegger.

For those who: want to watch something thats not a documentary.

You should set aside: 2 hours

Documentaries arent the only way to explore veganism through film. A Netflix original film and official selection of the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, Okja tells the story of young Mijas fight to save her best friend Okja, a genetically modified super pig that was created by a powerful corporation to fight world hunger and given to her family to raise. The movie is a star-studded affair with a cast that includes Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal. Its also important to note that its directed by Bong Joon-ho, who recently won multiple Academy Awards for his hit film Parasite. With its heartfelt story and harsh portrayal of the meat industry, Okja effectively incites a conversation on going vegan.

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These 5 Documentaries and Films Will Inspire You to Go Vegan - The Beet

Talk about an unusual diet plan. During a recent Q&A session with her social media followers via her Instagram Stories, Brielle Biermann revealed some interesting tidbits about her eating regimen.

The information came out when one fan noted that she was eager to run into the Dont Be Tardy star, 23, out and about in Atlanta. In response, Biermann noted that the easiest way to track her down would be to catch her when shes chowing down on her first meal of the day.

I go to [Chick-fil-A] there EVERYDAY (except Sunday) around 3 for my breakfast/lunch, she replied. I only eat between 3-8 everyday!

The KAB Cosmetics co-creator has a longstanding love of Chick-fil-A, and in January 2020 she confirmed via her Instagram Stories that she visits the restaurant on a daily basis. When I say I eat this everyday I mean everyday she wrote above a photo of a spicy chicken sandwich and french fries.

The Bravo personality previously opened up about her choice to start intermittent fasting an eating pattern that alternates between periods of fasting and eating in August 2019. I get this all the time and youre not gonna believe me but [I] worked out 3-4x a week for 2 years and the second I stopped going to the gym I lost weight, she wrote via Instagram at the time. Not just muscle. I was actually thinner.

Biermann hypothesized that she shed several pounds because she began eating less once she stopped hitting the gym on a regular basis. I think working out made me eat more because [I] was so hungry, she explained. So now [I] just intermittent fast and eat whatever I want but in moderation!

Believe it or not, this isnt the first time the reality star has used the Atlanta-based chain to help with her diet. I swear by the [Chick-fil-A] diet! she declared on Instagram in June 2019, per Bravo. In high school I would eat it for breakfast and dinner [literally] every day and when I wanna lose weight I only eat [Chick-fil-A]! I get 12 count well done nuggets fries and a Diet Coke.

As it turns out, intermittent fasting with Chick-fil-A is just the start of Biermanns odd eating habits. Scroll down for more!

The rest is here:
Brielle Biermann Practices Intermittent Fasting With Chick-fil-A and More of Her Odd Eating Habits - Us Weekly

The EFF, created by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in Brussels, aims to promote an open dialogue on sustainable food systems among policymakers, food supply chain actors, civil society organisations, research and academia, and other public institutions.

The European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance (ESSNA) has announced that it has joined the European Food Forum (EFF) to step up efforts to ensure the food sector and health of European citizens remain top priorities for European policymakers during challenging times and throughout the Brexit transition period.

Within this forum, ESSNA will work to raise awareness on the importance of supporting European citizens in improving their health by providing them with the right products to complement balanced diets and support active lifestyles. ESSNA will also use the forum to work with policymakers and stakeholders towards achieving its key objectives, as outlined in the recently launchedESSNA manifesto: Towards a Healthier and Fitter Future, including:

Food safety, healthy nutrition and sustainability are of said to be of primary importance for EU citizens. The EFFs purpose is to provide a platform for policymakers and the industry to work together to ensure that policies regulating the food supply chain do not hamper the constant evolution of the sector and the ever-changing societal needs.

Joining the European Food Forum represents a tremendous opportunity for ESSNA to engage even more in the narrative around the topic of food. The food supply chain is constantly changing, and it is of utmost importance for the sports nutrition industry to be involved in such a high-level dialogue to ensure that healthy and safe products, combined with balanced diets, can continue to contribute to the health and wellbeing of European citizens. We look forward to stepping up the efforts to achieve this objective, alongside the EFF, said Dr Adam Carey, Chair of ESSNA.

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ESSNA joins the European Food Forum to promote healthy and safe foods - New Food

Science even says that the caffeine in your first cup of coffeeattaches to the part of your neurons thatnormally attract adenosine, the hormone that makes yousleepy,and causes yourendocrine system to release glutamate, a neurotransmitter that increases your ability to learn and remember... so yeah: Coffeekick-starts your day.

All of which might makecoffee sound like asuperfood.

Especially when you factor in the effect caffeine can have on weight gain and cholesterol production.

Recent research from the University of Illinoisindicates that caffeine seems to slow weight gainfrom anobesogenic(likely to make you gain weight)diet by reducing the storage of lipids in fat cells and the production of triglycerides.

For four weeks, researchers fed different groups of rats the same diet, one that contained40 percentfat, 45carbohydrates, and 15 percentprotein; think an anti-Mediterranean diet.

Some rats also ingested the equivalent of four cups of coffee per day from a variety of sources.

After four weeks, caffeine-consuming ratsgained 16 percentless weight and added 22 percentless body fat thancaffeine-abstinent rats.

To determine whythat happened, the researchers did what researchers tend to do and dug deeper, exposing adipose (fat)cells from mice to various forms of caffeine.

The result? Caffeinedecreased the accumulation of lipids in adipose cells by 20 to 40 percent.

They then tracked the expression of several genes associated with lipid metabolism and obesity. The result waslower production of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well astriglycerides in the liver.

The consumption of caffeine from mate or from other sources alleviated the negative impact of a high-fat, high-sucrose diet on body composition due to the modulation of certain lipogenic enzymes in both adipose tissue and the liver...

... (and) brought about lower synthesis and accumulation of triglycerides in the adipose tissue.

I know what you're thinking: Conventional wisdom saysdrinking fourcups of coffee per day is three cups too many.

But while caffeine tolerance differs from person to person,multiple studies show that drinking three to five cups of coffee a day poses no health risksfor the average person, and six to eight cups provides the greatest benefits.

Considering the findings...caffeine can be considered anti-obesity agents. The results of this research could be scaled to humans to understand the roleofcaffeine as potential strategies to prevent overweight and obesity, as well as the subsequent metabolic disorders associated with these conditions.

And you can lose a little fat as well.

Sounds like a series of win-wins to me.

Published on: Mar 24, 2020

The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.

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Science Proved Drinking Coffee Helps Improve Brain Functioning and Slow Aging. Now Research Shows Coffee Can Also Help You Lose Weight and Body Fat -...

The Pima Indians, an American Indian tribe in southern Arizona, may hold a key to understanding the relationship between diabetes and Alzheimers disease, two diseases rapidly increasing in the United States.

Diabetes affects 30 million Americans, with an additional 84 million Americans having prediabetes. The disease is known to cause nerve damage in limbs and damage to kidneys, the eyes and other organs.

Eva L. Feldman, M.D., Ph.D., the director of the NeuroNetwork for Emerging Therapies and ALS Center of Excellence at Michigan Medicine, is working with Robert Nelson, M.D., at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, located in Phoenix, to study these conditions. Dr. Nelson has spent his academic career understanding diabetes and its complications in the Pima Indians.

Recent studies are beginning to uncover how diabetes may structurally alter the brain, and increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimers disease. Over 5.8 million Americans suffer from Alzheimers disease, which robs people of their mental capabilities. As the U.S. population ages, the number of people with Alzheimers disease is predicted to reach 14 million by 2050.

SEE ALSO: 4 Takeaways from The Lancet Report on Alzheimers Disease Burden

Were looking into the phenomenon of cognitive decline in the Pima population, says Feldman, who is also the Russell N. DeJong Professor of Neurology at U-M.

In their most recent visits, members of the tribe are volunteering to undergo magnetic resonance imaging of their brain. We are also assessing functional cognition. Once all these data are collected on the brain, we will determine whether any correlations exist between brain abnormalities and diabetes and obesity. We suspect that we will find associations between worsening cognitive decline and abnormal brain structural changes and diabetes and greater obesity.

LISTEN UP: Add the Michigan Medicine News Breakto your Alexa-enabled device, orsubscribe to our daily updates oniTunes,Google PlayandStitcher.

The Pima Indians participated in one of the longest running diabetes studies, dating back 50 years. The Lancet reported in 1971 that diabetes is almost a way of life for the Pima, where type 2 diabetes and obesity are highly prevalent and occur at a younger age than in the general population. Although the main study ended in 2007, today, Pima Indians continue to participate in several studies of diabetes and its complications.

Thanks to their continued participation, the scientific community has gained insights into the relationship between metabolic dysfunction and brain structure and function, Feldman says.

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For instance, we found that neuropathy was more prevalent in diabetic patients who were also obese, says Feldman. Moreover, Pima patients with cardiac autonomic neuropathy are also more likely to have kidney disease. Most recently, we found a correlation between the presence of specific types of fats in the blood and the risk of kidney disease. These studies help us identify at-risk patients.

Feldman and Nelson also counsel study participants on dietary habits that could help them prevent some of these complications.

SEE ALSO: Does Exercise Affect the Brains Aging Process? U-M Research Aims to Find Out

These studies are truly underscoring the importance of a healthy, balanced diet, says Feldman. Its not enough to control glucose levels as previously thought. Patients need a more thorough approach and they need to do it early on, or they could be facing issues further on in life.

Currently, Feldman and Nelson are investigating how diabetes and obesity can affect brain health. We have discovered that obesity correlates with a decreased size in selected brain areas, as measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They are presenting these new findings at the American Diabetes Association in Chicago this June. These new discoveries continue to emphasize how important diet and exercise are to nervous system health, states Feldman.

Link:
Disease Connection Answers May Exist within this Arizona Tribe - Michigan Medicine

Gavin Newsom, governor of California, announced he would deploy the National Guard to help protect the food security of California residents most in need.

The guard will help stabilize food banks and other crucial services to the most vulnerable during the coronavirus crisis. The National Guard will help set up systems to get food banks operating and stabilized, setting up the next wave of volunteers and non-profits to continue the food bank work during the crisis.

Its in these times of crisis that Californians are at their best, coming to the aid of those in their community who are most in need. Food banks provide a critical lifeline for families and are needed now more than ever. Families across our state are suddenly losing work, and millions of Californians most vulnerable to COVID-19 are staying home to protect their health and the health of others. I ask all Californians who are able to join our Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign to safely assist those in need in your community, said Governor Newsom.

Food banks are facing a reduction in volunteers due to the coronavirus crisis, a resource that will be replaced by the California National Guard.Newsom urges California residents to lookat serve.ca.gov for ways they can assist their neighbors and communities during this time. This is part of the Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign, where neighbors act to help those most vulnerable that have been asked to stay home.

Read more about protecting yourself from coronavirus. Check the CDC website for more information on how to protect yourself and check our latest article to learn how COVID-19 differs from the flu.

Scientists believe that the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus, started at an exotic animal market in Wuhan, China. You can help stop the incidence of viruses like these by signing this petition to ban the wildlife trade.

Eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer and has many side effects.

Interested in joining the dairy-free and meatless train? We highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Catch up on our coronavirus coverage in One Green Planet, check out these articles:

For more Animal, Earth, Life, Vegan Food, Health, and Recipe content published daily, subscribe to the One Green Planet Newsletter! Lastly, being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!

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Governor Newsom Deploys National Guard to Protect Food Security in California - One Green Planet

Preparing for a period of home quarantine means making a household plan of action as well as stocking supplies for the duration of the isolation period, Dr. Lisa Ide, chief medical officer of the national virtual health platform Zipnosis, told Healthline.

Make sure that you have a list of emergency contacts, a plan to communicate with family, friends, and co-workers, and know-how to get food delivered if possible, she said.

Organize a 2- to 4-week supply of food, cleaning materials such as sanitizing wipes and soap, and basic household staples such as toilet paper and facial tissue, suggested Ide.

When you are planning your food supplies, think of food that will store well and be nutritious such as rice, pasta, canned or dried beans, dried fruit, soups, and frozen vegetables as well as pet food, she said.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are also important for health and healing.

Fruit and vegetables provide loads of essential nutrients and there are ways to extend their shelf-life and make them more convenient, notes the website Huel, which markets nutritionally complete food with a 12-month shelf life. For example, soups and sauces can be made straight away and then frozen. You can make a concentrated stock which you can then freeze in ice cube trays and, voila, homemade, low-salt stock cubes.

Other critical supplies to have on hand as you recover from COVID-19 include the following:

Water should be at the top of the list of supplies youll need in the event you contract COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a viral infection and like most viral infections, treatment is all about comfort and keeping well enough while your body heals, Dr. Roy Benaroch, a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at Emory University and a pediatrician with a private practice in Roswell, Georgia, told Healthline.

Its crucial to stay hydrated, so plenty of fluids, especially if the fever is high, Benaroch said.

Williams said that COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, coughing, diarrhea, and vomiting can easily impact individuals fluid intake and contribute to dehydration, and rob the body of key nutrients if healthy foods and fluids are not consumed while recovering.

Healthy hydration levels can help your nose by maintaining that the mucous membrane is intact, she added. This could help decrease nasal irritation when coughing, sneezing, and even just breathing. Moisture also helps heal broken membranes so additional bacteria dont get into the body.

In most instances, tap or bottled water is fine. If youre relying on bottled water, experts recommend keeping at least a 15-day supply on hand.

If you cannot drink your tap water at home safely or if you have a sink that is shared communally by any other people in your home, its best to have bottled water that you could keep by your bedside and drink when needed, Dr. Shirin Peters, medical director of the Bethany Medical Clinic in New York, told Healthline.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine defines adequate daily fluid intake as 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids for men and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women, although sick people likely should drink more. (About 20 percent of this fluid intake comes from foods).

In the minority of cases where COVID-19 symptoms include acute gastroenteritis, solutions such as Pedialyte can help prevent dehydration. Sports drinks like Gatorade are another option.

The most useful medicine is something to decrease headaches, body aches, and fever, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), said Benaroch.

Many people also use ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), but there has been some concern especially from Europe that ibuprofen is less safe, though theres no direct evidence that this is true. Still, if you want to be extra careful, use acetaminophen instead, he said.

Dr. Larry Burchett, a California emergency physician, recommends 650 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours as a safe dosage for most adults.

Some of the methods of treatment in the case of a high or low fever that is causing discomfort include cooling blankets, ice packs, and over-the-counter medications [taken according to package directions], Dr. Joshua Mansour, a clinical oncologist with the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, told Healthline.

Rest and recovery, as well as staying cool, are very important, he added.

Viral droplets spread by coughing, sneezing, or spitting is one of the primary ways that COVID-19 spreads from person to person.

Have plenty of tissues on hand to help prevent transmitting it to other people in your family.

Many people with COVID-19 have a strong cough, said Benaroch. If you have asthma or any other respiratory condition, its essential that you continue to take your routine respiratory medicines, and follow your asthma action plan or any similar instructions from your doctor for the use of rescue medications.

Over-the-counter cough medicines arent effective, said Benaroch, but can be tried. Honey or cough drops containing honey may also help to soothe coughs.

If you have asthma or another respiratory illness, be sure to have extra inhalers and other medications on hand.

The same is true of any other chronic illnesses you may have, since having conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and immune system disorders place you at higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19.

Ensure that you have a four-week supply of prescription and over-the-counter medicine, said Peters. And while you are stocking up and preparing, please check in with neighbors who are elderly or need extra help.

Zinc has become one of the most popular suggestions for reducing symptoms of coronavirus, Dr. Morton Tavel, clinical professor emeritus of medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine, told Healthline.

Although there is no direct evidence at this time to suggest that using zinc lozenges can prevent or treat COVID-19 in people, zinc does have antiviral properties and was shown in a laboratory study to inhibit the replication of coronaviruses in cells, he said.

Tavel recommends taking Cold-Eeze lozenges, an over-the-counter drug containing zinc gluconate, several times a day for upper-respiratory symptoms.

Since there is little harm in such a strategy, it may be worth a try, he said.

It supports the activity of our immune cells, especially when they work more than they should during outbreaks, said Asli Elif Tanugur Samanci, a food scientist and chief executive officer of Bee & You. I would recommend 1 to 3 grams a day, on top of a healthy diet thats rich in fresh vegetables and fruit.

They both have incredible anti-inflammatory properties and also very high in antioxidants, said Samanci.

Further, ginger is full of chemicals that fight off cold and relieves stomach-related problems. Turmeric also has hundreds of active chemicals and is a great pain reliever, Samanci said. You can either add them fresh or juice them to get the full spectrum of benefits.

If you suspect you have a mild case of COVID-19, youll need a thermometer to check your temperature twice a day.

The New York Department of Health recommends that you isolate yourself at home for at least 7 days from the onset of symptoms until symptom-free and fever-free for 72 hours without the use of fever lowering medications.

If your symptoms get worse, call your healthcare provider.

Gloves, soap, hand sanitizer, surface-cleaning products, mops, and sponges will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your household.

When you are sick, you can contaminate all the surfaces you come into contact with, said Peters. Hard surfaces can be disinfected, but clothing, sheets, and towels will need to be stored safely and laundered on a hot wash cycle before using them again.

If youre sick, you need to stay in a single, separate room away from other people as much as possible. Ideally, choose a room with a separate bathroom.

With COVID-19 straining healthcare resources, its important to have supplies on hand to treat minor injuries at home.

Its important that you also take care of your mental health during self-isolation, said Dr. Jonas Nilsen, co-founder of Practio, a travel vaccination and infectious disease consulting company.

It is important to remember that if a fever remains very high, or if a patients symptoms are causing discomfort, that they should contact a healthcare professional for further advice on the next step, said Mansour.

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How to Treat Yourself at Home if You Have Mild COVID-19 Symptoms - Healthline

We have all heard the expression, "You are what you eat," but we could also take this one step further and say, "You are what you feed the bacteria that live in your gut." The lining of your gut is mostly covered with bacteria, otherwise known as tiny organisms that create a micro-ecosystem called a microbiome. In fact, the healthier your microbiome is, the healthier you are. Balance in the microbiome depends on two things: stimulating the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut by giving them the foods they like (prebiotic) and adding living microbes directly to your system with foods rich in probiotics. Here are five gut healing and probiotic-rich foods that you can start to include in your diet.

Related: Everything You Need to Know about Artificial Sweeteners

Yogurt is one of the most well-known food sources for gut healthand for good reason. Yogurt is formed when bacterial cultures are added to milk, resulting in a fermented or cultured milk product. Not all yogurts contain probiotics, however, as they can be destroyed during the pasteurization process; look for "live and active cultures" on the ingredient label. Look for the strains Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcusthey have been widely researched and linked to better health outcomes, including improved immune system function and better digestive health.

Kimch is a spicy, fermented Korean side dish made of cabbage, other vegetables, and ingredients like ginger, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Kimchi can contain many different strains of probiotics, with lactic acid bacteria being the dominant strain. Research has shown that kimchi can boost cognitive and immune health and aid in weight loss, among other benefits. Enjoy kimchi alongside typical Korean dishes like spicy tofu soup or bibimbap, a rice dish with plenty of vegetables, meat, and a fried egg; you could also add it to your own soups or stir-fries.

When you hear "miso," do you think first of miso soup? If you do, you're not alone, but it's far more than just a type of broth. Miso, a Japanese seasoning, is actually a paste made from fermented soybeans, salt, and koji (a type of fungus). The main strain in miso is called Aspergillus oryzae and has been shown to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms. Miso soup is the go-to option for including miso in your diet, but you can also use it to flavor other broths, marinades, sauces, or spreads.

Your favorite burger topping also has probiotics! Just make sure to choose pickles whose brine is made from a salt and water solution that naturally ferments and forms probiotics, as opposed to vinegar, which does not contain probiotics. Look for "live and active cultures" on the label.

Kefir is made by adding kefir grainscultures of lactic acid bacteria and yeastto milk. While yogurt might be the better known probiotic-rich dairy food, kefir actually contains many more strains of probiotics and has been linked to improved digestive health.

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Five Gut-Healing Foods to Add to Your Diet - Yahoo Lifestyle