Coffee drinking is an integral part of our modern society. Many people drink a cup or two every day, so they can power through the work that they have to do. It is the perfect pick me up in the morning, and it is also a great social drink when with friends. Coffee has become so ingrained in modern society, that we would be hard-pressed to survive without it. However, coffee also offers many other tremendous benefits that most people don’t talk about or no. You never hear about the role of coffee in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease or the connection between coffee and type 2 diabetes. These two diseases are some of the most terrible that can afflict modern society. Here are five more ways that coffee boosts health and wellness: 1. Protection against cirrhosis of the liver There have been studies published in medical journals that suggest that coffee can help in the protection against cirrhosis of the liver. This fact has been a groundbreaking development in the world of medicine and coffee drinking. People who drank 2 cups of coffee per day were more likely to see their risk of getting this disease halved. When it comes to protecting your liver, you can see that coffee has a lot of power in it.

Millions of patients experience heartburn and acid reflux on a daily basis. Acid reflux, also referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid flows backward via the stomach acid into the esophagus, triggering burning and heartburn. While there are OTC medications available for heartburn, many of these cause various side effects (i.e., nausea, etc.). Doctors often recommend simple dietary changes that exclude certain heartburn inducing foods from the diet: 1. Fried foods Greasy, deep fried foods are one of the main culprits of heartburn. This is because when we consume them, it stops the esophageal sphincter from fully tightening, essentially forcing stomach acid to go upwards. In addition to that fried foods are much harder to digest as the stomach empties itself of it more slowly than other kinds of food. This triggers heartburn as well. 2. Salty foods Consuming high sodium foods can make your GERD symptoms worse. The medical community is still in the midst of understanding why this causes acid reflux. However, what is known is that as you consume high sodium foods over time, it can lead to acid reflux. Studies have consistently shown that people who use table salt on their food experience a higher risk of acid reflux compared than those that don’t.

Hyperhidrosis is a medical term for heavy sweating of the entire body or specific body parts, such as the palms of hands, head, armpits, feet, and groin. It affects nearly 8 million Americans including infants, teenagers, and some adults with hormonal issues or certain health conditions. Research suggests the cause may include an underlying medical condition such as obesity, gout, menopause, diabetes, overactive thyroid gland, mercury poisoning, or tumor. While there are medical treatments available, the best treatment for hyperhidrosis is to concentrate the diet on foods for reducing excessive sweating symptoms: 1. Water H20 is essential for people of all ages to keep the body hydrated and in maintaining a moderate temperature. It keeps your body cool during the summer when there is extreme heat and prevents heavy sweating. The recommended daily consumption of water is eight eight-ounce glasses daily for lowering your internal body temperature. With sufficient natural fluids, you will avoid the need to cool the body down with sweat. Other benefits of H2O comprise a healthier digestive system and the release of toxins that cause the skin to sweat profusely. 2. Oats Oats are a natural source of fiber with low fatty content that are easy on the digestive system.

Overactive bladder (OAB) in women is a very common condition that comes with a variety of causes. The condition leads to an intense need to use the bathroom at any moment, and it happens on a severely frequent basis. Those with overactive bladder problems are dealing with excessive muscle contractions in the bladder, which gives individuals the urge to use the bathroom that they experience. Thankfully, a fiber rich diet for OAB that contains the foods below can help you in controlling these urges and contractions: 1. Lentils and beans Plant foods such as lentils and beans have a high percentage of fiber that can help you with your OAB. Try to get organic products that have been unprocessed in order to receive the best effects. Specific beans that may work better than others include black beans, chickpeas, pinto beans, kidney beans and more. You can get up to eight grams of fiber in just one serving of any of these options. 2. Raspberries Raspberries are a delicious fruit that can also provide immense support to your bladder. The fruit is known for protecting your bladder against inflammation and infection that may be causing the contractions that are part of your overactive bladder.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the brain and spinal cord that damages nerve cells. Usually characterized by periods of symptom flare ups followed by periods of symptom remission, MS can cause permanent deterioration in muscle strength, stamina, bowel and bladder control, vision, sexual function, and cognitive ability. MS is an autoimmune disorder with no cure, so physicians recommend progressive multiple sclerosis treatment to slow the progression and severity of symptoms. Consuming a healthy diet and avoiding the following foods is vital to managing MS: 1. Processed meats Processing food involves the addition of preservatives, artificial colors, and flavor enhancers such as salt (sodium) and sugar in various forms. Extra fats, often of the unhealthful kind, are used to help moisturize the meat, add to its weight, and provide an appealing texture. Processed meats such as pepperoni and hot dogs are low in nutrients but high in calories, and full of chemicals triggering inflammation. Inflammation is the result of the body’s immune system in attacking mode. 2. Refined carbohydrates Refined carbs are sugars and grains after the fiber and nutritious plant components have been milled away: white sugar, white bread, white pasta, and white rice, to name a few.

Atrial fibrillation, or aFib, is a condition that affects the heart’s rhythm and can cause a number of problems, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. While aFib is most commonly caused by problems with the heart’s structure, a person’s diet — and the conditions that may arise as a result, such as high blood pressure — can increase their risk of developing the condition.  This article will discuss the most common foods that can trigger aFib.  1. Grapefruit This is one of the most common foods that can trigger atrial fibrillation, so you should be careful when eating it. In particular, atrial fibrillation can be a side effect of Ibrutinib, a drug used to treat patients with lymphoma, if the drug is ingested alongside grapefruit. Most physicians believe that grapefruits contain a certain chemical compound that can interfere with the absorption of medications. 2. Alcohol Frequent binge-drinking, or even daily consumption of alcohol, can trigger atrial fibrillation. Alcohol is believed to trigger atrial fibrillation by blocking potassium from entering cells, causing emotional or mental stress. Prolonged intake of alcoholic drinks also raises blood pressure and heart rate and can cause a spike in activity in the vagal nerve, both of which can trigger aFib.  3.

Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life. It is typically marked by the cessation of the menstrual cycle for a minimum of 12 months. Perimenopause marks the stage leading up to full menopause, with common symptoms including hot flashes, low libido, weight gain, and fatigue. While doctors may recommend hormone replacement therapy (e.g., Mirena) or herbal remedies (e.g., MenoEase) to help reduce the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, certain foods can also help ease menopausal symptoms:   1. Blueberries Blueberries are a commonly underestimated superfood, offering unique antioxidants that can fight free radicals and reduce inflammation. The fiber and essential vitamins present in these berries can improve gut health, as well as ease hot flashes and regulate mood. Due to their high antioxidant content, blueberries can also help lower high blood pressure, calming the anxiety often experienced by women in perimenopause and menopause. Try blending some blueberries into a smoothie or adding them to a salad. 2. Flax and chia seeds These seeds are very high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to regulate hormones during perimenopause and menopause. Omega-3s can also help improve memory, regulate metabolism, and balance estrogen levels. Chia seeds are particularly good for the digestive tract, helping to reduce bloat and regulate blood flow.

Muscles and bones tend to degenerate as you get older, exposing you to various diseases, including osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes your bones to become weak and fragile. People with this disease tend to get fractures easily. However, you can reduce the risks that come with osteoporosis through exercise, prescribed medication for treating osteoporosis—such as Evinity, Voltaren, and Prolia—or supplements, including calcium supplements, collagen and other vitamins for bones, and, importantly, packing your diet with the following joint supportive foods: 1. Plain yogurt Dairy products, such as yogurt, are healthy sources of calcium and fat that you need to keep your bones healthy and strong. In fact, just a few servings of yogurt every day can supply you with enough calcium to help build and repair your bones. Experts say that yogurt also helps improve bone mineral density, making your bones stronger. 2. Flaxseed Flaxseed is known to contain high amounts of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which helps maintain and increase bone mass. 100g of flaxseed also provides the body with 256 mg of calcium, as well as anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds can be consumed ground or whole and can supplement almost any meal. Try sprinkling some flaxseed on soup, salad, or a sandwich.   3.

Prostate cancer occurs in a man’s prostate gland cells, and it generally causes a variety of different symptoms including burning when urinating, blood in the semen or urine, erectile dysfunction, or pain in the lower back or ribs. These issues tend to get worse as the cancer continues to grow, and advanced prostate cancer drugs like XTANDI (Enzalutamide), ERLEADA (Apalutamide), Rubraca (Rucaparib), and ORGOVYX (Relugolix) may be prescribed. Fortunately, men with a family history of prostate cancer may be able to lower their risk by eating foods that minimize risk of prostate cancer (e.g., cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, kale, and cauliflower, berries, and fish) and avoiding the following foods: 1. Cured and processed meats It’s not uncommon for cured or processed meat products to contain a lot of chemical preservatives to increase the shelf life of the product. Unfortunately, such preservatives can also cause prostate cancer. Foods like canned tuna and hard-boiled eggs are a much better option for those that want to eat something healthy and high-protein while on the go. 2. Fast foods high in saturated fats High levels of saturated fats, sodium, and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are often found in fast foods like burgers, pizza, and french fries.

Clinical depression is a common, but serious mood disorder. It causes severe symptoms that can affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. Symptoms of clinical depression can include changes in appetite, weight, sleep, energy levels, concentration, and interest in activities. Treatments for clinical depression include counseling, medication, and lifestyle changes. Depression treatment facilities typically offer a combination of the two. Online therapy is also common and can be very effective. Doctors often recommend diet and lifestyle changes as part of a treatment plan for clinical depression. Certain foods can help ease depressive symptoms, including: 1. Dark chocolate Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and can help ease depression symptoms by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation. Cocoa rich chocolate can also help improve mood and cognitive function by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels. Serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters known to regulate mood and emotional response. 2. Spinach and swiss chard Spinach and swiss chard are high in vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, and magnesium. They are also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. All of these nutrients are essential for maintaining mental health and well-being. Folate, in particular, has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms. 3. Oysters Oysters are a good source of zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.