Your Health Matters

The diet for diverticulitis should be started with clear, easily digestible liquids such as chicken broth, strained and blended fruit juices, coconut water and gelatin. At the beginning, this type of food should be used because it is necessary to calm the intestine, keep it at rest and prevent or reduce the formation of stool. Diverticulitis crises arise when the diverticula of the colon, which are abnormal pouches that form in the wall of the intestine, become inflamed or infected and cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and constipation. For this reason the foods to be consumed should be easy to digest and low in fiber.  Once the diverticulitis crisis improves, the diet also adapts from a liquid diet to a pureed diet, until solid foods are consumed again. From then on, it is important to increase the consumption of foods rich in fiber and water, thus avoiding the possibility of another crisis.  What to eat during a diverticulitis crisis At the onset of a diverticul...

Cashew, also known as cashew, cashew nut, cashew nut, cashew, cashew, among others, is a type of nut from the tree Anacardium occidentale, which is an excellent ally for health because it contains antioxidants and is rich in good fats for the heart and minerals such as magnesium, iron, selenium and zinc, which prevent anemia and improve the health of the skin, nails and hair. This nut can be included in snacks and salads, can be consumed in the form of spreadable butter or can be added as ingredients in other preparations, and should be consumed in small portions due to its high calorie intake. The benefits of cashew are due to its content of important nutrients for the health of the body, so it could: Prevent premature aging, because it is rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols, carotenoids and vitamin E that prevent damage caused by free radicals to cells; Prevent heart disease, because it contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, fiber and antioxidants that promote an inc...

Sesame, also known as sesame seeds, are seeds that come from a plant whose scientific name is Sesamum indicum, characterized by its high fiber content that helps to improve intestinal function and to take care of heart health. These seeds are rich in antioxidants, lignans, vitamin E and other micronutrients that confer various health properties. There are several varieties of these seeds, which can be white, black, yellow, gray, brown and red, depending on the region where they are grown, being the best known white and black sesame seeds. Benefits of sesame Due to its astringent, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, sesame could provide several health benefits, which include: Promote weight loss, since being rich in fiber, it helps to increase satiety and decrease hunger; Improve gastrointestinal health and regulate blood sugar, as it contains lignans, a type of soluble fiber that help hydrate and increase the volume of stool, facilitating its transit...

Tamarind is a tropical fruit from Africa that is also consumed in Asia, Central and South America, characterized by its sour taste and high caloric intake. Its pulp is rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, antioxidants and minerals, being excellent for eye and heart health. This fruit can be eaten raw or can be used to prepare sweets, juices, and other beverages, such as liquors. In some regions of the world, tamarind is also used to season meat or fish, for example.  The health benefits of tamarind could include: Helping to reduce LDL bad cholesterol, as it contains antioxidants and saponins that favor its decrease, thus preventing the emergence of cardiovascular diseases and taking care of heart health; Help control diabetes, when ingested in small portions, this occurs because it possesses hypoglycemic activity, it is believed that it could be thanks to its fibers that reduce the absorption of sugar in the intestine; Prevent early aging, as it provides antioxidants that prevent the damag...

Bariatric surgery is a set of surgical techniques used to treat excess weight, where the digestive system is altered in order to reduce the amount of food that enters the body and to modify the natural process of digestion, facilitating weight loss and improving or curing diseases associated with obesity.  There are several surgical techniques which can be restrictive or restrictive and malabsorptive at the same time. The restrictive techniques will only allow to reduce the amount of food ingested due to the reduction of the stomach volume. In the case of restrictive and malabsorptive techniques, in addition to reducing the size of the stomach, the intestine is also modified to reduce the absorption of nutrients, thus reducing the calories that enter the body. Because it is an invasive type of surgery, bariatric surgery is only indicated when the person has already tried to lose weight using other methods without obtaining any results, or when the excess weight puts the individual...

Carbohydrates, also known as carbohydrates, glucides or saccharides, are molecules whose structure is composed of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen and whose main function is to provide energy to the organism, since 1 gram of carbohydrates provides 4 kcals, constituting 50 to 60% of the diet. Some foods containing carbohydrates are rice, oatmeal, honey, table sugar, potatoes, among others, and can be classified according to the composition of their molecules in complex and simple carbohydrates.  Functions in the organism Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the organism because during their digestion glucose is generated, being this the preferred fuel for the cells of the organism, since they degrade this molecule and ATP is produced, which is used in the various metabolic processes for the proper functioning of the organism. Glucose is mainly used by the brain, using 120 g per day, which represents the majority of the 160 g of glucose that the body needs daily.  In addition to th...

The main low carbohydrate foods are proteins such as chicken and eggs, and fats such as butter and olive oil. In addition to these foods, there are also fruits and vegetables that are low in carbohydrates, and are normally used in weight loss diets, some of them are: strawberries, blueberries, pumpkin and eggplant. Carbohydrates are a macronutrient that is naturally present in various foods, however, they are also added in many industrialized and refined foods, and when consumed in excess can promote weight gain.  However, it is important to know what type of carbohydrate to choose and in what quantity to do so, as these are important to provide energy to the body, since their absence in the diet can cause headache, bad mood, difficulty concentrating and even bad breath. See how to perform the low-carbohydrate diet.  Low carb fruits and vegetables Low carb fruits and vegetables are: Zucchini, chard, watercress, lettuce, asparagus, eggplant, broccoli, carrot, chicory, chayota, collard g...

An excellent home remedy to remove common warts that arise on the skin of the face, arms, hands, legs or feet, is to apply an adhesive tape directly on the wart; there is also another form of treatment that consists of applying a little melaleuca essential oil, apple cider vinegar or enamel. Normally, warts are benign and do not generate significant health problems, especially if they are located in other parts of the body other than the intimate regions, this because, if they were present there, they receive the name of genital warts, which can only be treated by the doctor. See how to treat genital warts. 1. Adhesive tape Adhesive tape is a simple and easy option to remove warts quickly, since, besides helping to remove excess skin, they stimulate the immune system, which favors the elimination of the wart. To perform this type of treatment, you must cover the wart with an adhesive tape for 6 days, remove it and then immerse the wart in water for a few minutes. Then, a pumice stone o...

A good homemade and completely natural way to treat sinusitis is to use a saline solution with baking soda, as it helps to leave the secretions more liquid, favoring their elimination, which fights the nasal obstruction common in sinusitis. However, to ensure a faster recovery, it is also recommended to rest, eat warm meals and give preference to foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as pineapple, avocado or salmon, for example. See a list of anti-inflammatory foods you can add to your diet. Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses, which produces the sensation of weight in the head stuffy nose and headache, and can be caused by allergy or infection by virus or bacteria. Learn more about the symptoms and types of sinusitis. Saline solution to unclog the nose This saline solution with baking soda is a homemade recipe for washing and unclogging the nose during sinusitis, helping to relieve the symptoms and discomfort of nasal and facial congestion. Ingredients 1 teaspoon baki...

Fluid retention, scientifically called edema, is when the body or some part of it swells because there is excess fluid that is trapped between the cells, and can occur by staying long in the same position, sedentary lifestyle, hormonal changes, due to a diet rich in salt and sodium, or as a result of some diseases. Usually fluid retention is not serious, so drinking water, diuretic teas, lymphatic drainage and / or physical activity may be sufficient to eliminate it. However, some kidney, heart or liver diseases can cause edema, and in these situations the doctor may indicate the use of diuretic drugs to help eliminate excess fluid from the body.  Fluid accumulation causes swelling, which can be easily noticed by an increase in abdominal and facial volume, however, it usually occurs mainly in the legs, ankles and feet. A technique to know if you have fluid retention is to press with your thumb for 30 seconds the region near the ankles and then observe if the region is marked. In additi...

Drinking a laxative tea such as senna, rhubarb or dried plum is a natural way to combat constipation and improve bowel transit. These teas can eventually be taken for constipation when a bowel movement is not achieved for more than 3 days or when the stool is very dry and fragmented. These teas have substances such as sennosides or mucilages that help relieve the symptoms of constipation, facilitate the elimination of stool and are easy to prepare at home. However, they should not be used for more than 1 to 2 weeks, mainly rhubarb tea, cascara sagrada and senna, because they can irritate the intestine, and should be used for a maximum of 3 days.  In case constipation does not improve after 1 week, it is important to consult a general practitioner or gastroenterologist to indicate the most appropriate treatment.  1. Cascara sagrada tea Cascara sagrada, scientifically known as Rhamnus purshiana, is a medicinal plant that possesses cascarosides, substances that irritate the intestine and ...

St. John’s wort tea, banana nut smoothie and grape juice concentrate are excellent home remedies to help combat stress, anxiety and depression, as they contain properties that contribute to the proper functioning of the nervous system. Anxiety and depression are characterized by times when the person feels anxious and unwilling to perform daily tasks, without the strength to work or study, for example. Deep sadness and inability to feel good and motivated may also indicate that the subject is depressed, so these home remedies could be indicated to make the person feel better, being useful against mild or moderate depression.  1. St. John’s wort tea Hypericum, Hypericum perforatum L., also known as St. John’s wort or hypericum, possesses properties that act as a natural antidepressant in psychological disorders, relieving common symptoms such as depressive moodiness, anxiety and nervous agitation, for example.  Ingredients: 2 g of dried hypericum leaves and branches; 1 ...

The homemade serum is a solution obtained by mixing water, salt and sugar, being used to prevent or combat dehydration caused by the occurrence of vomiting and / or diarrhea, and can be used in children, adults and even pets. Although it can be used in infants, it should not be administered to those who are exclusively breastfed. The most appropriate in these cases is to administer only breast milk to keep the baby hydrated. In addition to preparing homemade whey, see what to eat when you have diarrhea. There are two ways to prepare homemade whey, however, in both cases, care must be taken to strictly follow the amounts indicated, since an error in the preparation can cause complications, especially in children who are with dehydration: 1. Recipe using a tablespoon 1 liter of filtered, boiled or bottled mineral water; 1 tablespoon well filled with sugar or 2 tablespoonfuls of sugar (20g); 1 teaspoonful of salt (3.5 g) 2. Recipe using a standard spoon 2 level measures of sugar, from the...

Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp is an uncomfortable situation that causes the appearance of excessive oil or fungus on the scalp, causing the appearance of small white patches of dry skin all over the hair, itching and burning sensation. However, there are some home remedies that can be done at home with vinegar or lemon, for example, which help control excess oil and fungus, fighting dandruff.  In addition to this, to control dandruff, it is also important to avoid washing the hair with very hot water, have a low-fat diet and do not use caps or hats, as these are habits that can worsen the appearance of dandruff. Here are some home remedies that can be used against dandruff: 1. Apple cider vinegar Although there are no scientific studies done with apple cider vinegar to eliminate dandruff, the fact is that vinegar has excellent properties that help eliminate excess fungus and bacteria, which may be the source of the problem. In addition, the acidity of vinegar also help...

The teas indicated to help treat hemorrhoids, which arise mainly when suffering from constipation, can be horse chestnut, rosemary, chamomile, elderberry and witch hazel teas, which can be used both for drinking and for sitz baths.  These teas work by decreasing inflammation, preventing bleeding and reducing the size of hemorrhoids. Likewise, medicinal herbs also decrease the symptoms of pain, burning and itching in the region, which reduces the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. Here are 5 recipes for teas that help fight hemorrhoids: 1. Horse chestnut tea (for drinking) Horse chestnut has anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive properties, and may be indicated for the treatment of poor circulation, varicose veins, menstrual cramps, general skin inflammation, swelling and pain in the legs, as well as hemorrhoids.  Ingredients 1 handful of horse chestnuts; 2 glasses of water. Mode of preparation Place all ingredients in a pot and boil for 15 minutes. Allow to cool, strain and drink 1 cup...

Home remedies for anxiety and nerves are a good option for those who suffer from excessive stress, they can also be used by people who have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, as they are a completely natural way to alleviate the symptoms. However, the use of these remedies should never replace the treatment indicated by the doctor or psychotherapy sessions, especially in the case of anxiety, being just a complementary treatment to help control it for a longer time. See in the following video tips to reduce anxiety and nerves: 1. Kava kava Kava kava is a medicinal plant known scientifically as Piper methysticum, which has in its composition kavalactones, natural substances that have demonstrated an action similar to benzodiazepines, which are one of the main drugs used in the pharmacological treatment of anxiety. According to some studies, kavalactones seem to facilitate the action of GABA, a neurotransmitter that decreases the action of the central nervous system, helpin...

There are some home remedies that can be used to relieve the symptoms and cure external hemorrhoids faster, complementing the treatment by the doctor. Some good examples are horse chestnut sitz baths or the use of a witch hazel ointment, but there are other solutions such as increasing the consumption of foods rich in fiber and taking garlic capsules, echinacea or Psyllium. Garlic and echinacea capsules are also excellent options to combat internal hemorrhoids, but these home treatments should not replace the treatment indicated by the doctor, which may include the use of painkillers, ointments or balms. See some ointments more indicated to treat hemorrhoids. For internal hemorrhoids 1. Garlic capsules Taking garlic capsules daily helps to strengthen intestinal vascularization, relieving pain, improving discomfort and decreasing the incidence of hemorrhoids. The recommended dose of garlic capsules per day is 600 to 1200 mg per day divided into 2 to 3 doses. However, the dosage should a...