If you often feel bloated, suffer from heartburn, and experience belching, chances are that your doctor would have diagnosed it as gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD. According to a study, about 20% of people suffer from this condition. It occurs when acid or bile flows back from the stomach to the esophagus. Since the food we eat produces the acids in the stomach, GERD can be controlled through foods. Best foods for GERD 1. Vegetables It is best to eat as many fresh vegetables as possible. They are known to be nutrient-dense and low in fat and sugar. Moreover, vegetables reduce the amount of acid produced by your stomach, reducing the backflow of stomach acids. Potatoes, leafy greens, cucumbers, asparagus, and green beans are some of the best options for GERD. 2. Non-citrus fruits Fruit lovers can choose non-citrus fruits over citrus fruits. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, tangerines, and lemons, produce more stomach acids and should be avoided. Instead, opt for non-citrus fruits such as apples, bananas, pears, and melons. 3. Whole grains Whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, whole-grain bread, and couscous are great sources of fiber. Research has pointed that whole grains reduce the risk of acid reflux and help with GERD.

We love our pets and want to give them the best. This includes the best brands of pet food, too. However, there are a few harmful ingredients that you should be aware of in foods for dogs and cats. Sometimes, these are added to make the food more visually appealing or to enhance flavor. They end up harming your pet and have little to no nutritional value. Some of these ingredients are: 1. Chemicals and preservatives Foods for dogs and cats should not have chemical preservatives such as Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), and Ethoxyquin. BHA and BHT are carcinogens that can cause kidney and liver damage. Instead, choose foods that have little or no preservatives or natural ones, such as vitamins C and E. Ethoxyquin can result in kidney and liver damage, blindness, and cancers of the liver, spleen, stomach, or skin. Another harmful ingredient to look out for in dog foods and treats is propylene glycol. This is a moistening agent or humectant that is derived from antifreeze, which is toxic. 2. Food dyes Dyes and colors are added to pet foods to make them more appealing. Dyes like Blue 2, Red 40, and Yellow 5 and 6 should not be present in foods for dogs and cats, as they can cause hypersensitivity or allergic reactions and even behavioral issues.

Although it is tempting to feed our pets the same food that we eat, we are most often in doubt as to whether it is safe for them or not. When thinking about healthy cat treats for your furry friend, you can consider the list of human foods that are safe for felines we have compiled for you below. 1. Fish Oily fish such as tuna and mackerel can be fed as part of homemade meals. These are good for your pet as they provide the essential nutrients to keep their joints, brain, and eyes functioning properly. Canned or cooked fish can be safely given to your pet; however, avoid raw fish, or fish cooked with spices (certain spices like garlic and onion are dangerous for cats). 2. Meat Cats are carnivores, and you can feed them poultry, beef, and other meats. However, ensure that the meat is thoroughly cooked, especially chicken. This will help to prevent digestive issues. Avoid raw meats, as well as those with high sodium content, such as ham and other cold cuts, as excessive salt can be toxic for felines. You can make healthy cat treats at home to reward your pet with these protein options.

Influenza or flu is a form of viral infection that is known to affect the nose, throat, and lungs. The condition spreads quickly and can range from being mild to severe. Thankfully, the disease can be prevented by employing an annual vaccine and taking some precautions. Furthermore, there are also certain cold and flu superfoods that aid in treating the disease naturally. Here are a few to try out: 1. Garlic Among the list of cold and flu superfoods, garlic holds significant relevance as an immune-boosting plant, as it reduces the symptom of influenza significantly. The flavoring agent comprises a sulfur-carrying compound called allicin that helps fight bacterial infections. Furthermore, the plant, when consumed in the early stages of the disease, keeps the symptoms under check. 2. Vitamin C The cold and flu superfoods list remains incomplete without the mention of citrus fruits like oranges which are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is known to boost immunity and lower the severity of the disease. Furthermore, fruits like kiwi, strawberries, and blueberries can be consumed as they are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that preserve the integrity of the cells and fight inflammation. 3. Chicken soup Chicken soup is excellent to fight off illness, especially the flu, as the broth is a rich medium of electrolytes that aid in lowering the risk associated with dehydration.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease, which causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. It starts in the rectum and is likely to spread to the colon. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be quite inconsistent. However, some common symptoms include diarrhea, extreme weight loss, abdominal cramping, anemia, and blood or pus in bowel movements. In certain cases, the symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be debilitating and can also lead to life-threatening complications. There is no known cure available for ulcerative colitis. The available treatment options primarily work toward reducing the signs and symptoms of the disease. In addition to medication, certain natural approaches are available too, which help manage the symptoms. 1. Food The symptoms of ulcerative colitis can exacerbate because of certain foods. Eating processed foods is particularly bad for this condition. Here are a few tips to avoid worsening the condition. Avoid too much fiber The digestive system needs to put additional effort into digesting fiber if one consumes too much of it. Cut down on dairy and gluten Excessive consumption of these foods tend to trigger digestive issues such as gas, pain, and diarrhea. Cut down on spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol Consumption of such foods can irritate the lining of the gut and is likely to increase inflammation.