1. Omega-3-fattyacid foods: Regular intake of fish oils rich in omega-3-fattyacids helps to fight the symptoms of depression such as anxiety, sleep disorders, suicidal thoughts and sadness. Fish oils are also rich in unsaturated fattyacids that help in lowering the blood cholesterol levels. Apart from fish oils Omega-3- fattyacids can also be obtained from walnuts and flaxseeds. Include fatty fish such as tuna, sardines, salmon and mackerel at least twice a week in your diet to meet the body needs of omega-3-fattyacids.Image credits
2. Whole grains: soluble fiber present in whole grains helps to regulate the cholesterol and sugar levels. They prevent sudden rise and fall of the sugar levels, the major cause for mood swings. Thus, whole grains such as oats, spelt, quinoa and kamut that are rich in Vitamins B6, pantothenic acid and help to regulate the blood sugar and cholesterol levels are the preferred foods to elevate symptoms of depression.Image credits
3. Brown rice: Deficiency of vitamin-B often results in poor physical and mental health. Brown rice serves as a rich source for vitamins B1, B3, folic acid and essential minerals required for good health. In addition to providing the required nutrients it also results in slow release of glucose, avoiding abrupt changes in blood sugar levels and hence, mood changes. It is also rich in soluble fiber that prevents digestive disorders and lowers the cholesterol levels. Egg yolk is another rich source for vitamin B and it also helps in balancing the blood sugar levels.Image credits
4. Brewer’s yeast: Yeast is a good source of vitamins B1, B2 and B3. It also rich in essential minerals and amino acids essential to have a healthy nervous system. So, include yeast in your daily diet and you can easily fight the symptoms of depression. But, stay away from yeast if you are allergic to it.Image credits
5. Vegetables and fruits: Cabbage that is rich in folic acid and vitamin C helps to fight infections, stress and certain forms of cancer. You can use it in salads or make delicious dishes with it. But, few people avoid having cabbage with the fear of gas. You can overcome this problem by adding fennel or cumin seeds just before cooking of cabbage. The fiber content of cabbage helps in maintaining the blood sugar levels and its juice is used in the treatment of stomach ulcers. Cottage cheese, blue berries and cantaloupes that are also rich sources of vitamin C help to combat stress efficiently. Blue berries that are low in calories and rich in fiber help in relieving symptoms of depression such as cramps and constipation. Increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables also provides required amounts of magnesium that relieves the symptoms of depression.Image credits
6. Milk: Free radicals that are released into the body due to metabolic process result in depression if they are not eliminated from the body. These free radicals are destroyed by antioxidants. Hence, to combat depression have foods such as milk to obtain required dosage of antioxidants and also vitamin B2 and vitamin B12.Image credits
7. Nuts: Nuts such as almonds are rich in depression fighting nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin E, magnesium and zinc. Vitamin E serves as an antioxidant and eliminates the free radicals responsible for stress and depression. However, limit the amount of consumption of almonds as they are also rich in fats and can make you obese if consumed in large amounts regularly.Image credits
8. Eat sufficient amounts of carbohydrates: having insufficient amounts of carbohydrates prevents the brain from obtaining the required energy which leads to depression. To combat depression it is essential to choose smart carbs such as those present in whole grains, fruits and vegetables and legumes.Image credits
9. Anti-oxidant rich foods: Accumulation of free radicals in the body is one cause for depression. Antioxidants are powerful removers of these free radicals. Hence, consume foods that are rich in antioxidants. Beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E serve as good antioxidants. Foods that are rich in these nutrients include carrots, broccoli, peaches, spinach, pumpkin, oranges, grapefruits, peppers, potato, strawberries, nuts and seeds, margarine and wheat germ. However, limit the consumption of potato as it is rich in carbohydrates and can make you stout in no time.Image credits
10. Protein rich foods: proteins that are made of amino acids are the building blocks of body. Essential amino acids such as tyrosine play role in synthesis of brain chemicals namely dopamine and norepinephrine. Intake of protein rich foods is essential to meet the body needs of these chemicals. Inclusion of protein rich foods such as lean beef, fish, poultry, soy products and yogurt in regular diet helps to meet the protein and amino acid requirements of the body essential to combat depression.Image credits

If you do not have time to have these foods specifically, prefer having fortified cereals containing all the essential vitamins and minerals to combat depression. A simple secret to prevent sudden changes in blood sugar levels is to have smaller meals spread throughout the day. By having smaller meals you are exerting lesser load on the digestive system helping it to function appropriately. Limited intake of food helps in easy maintenance of balanced blood sugar levels. Make sure that you only take nutritious diet. Avoid junk foods, processed instant foods and those that are rich in salt, sugar and fats until the symptoms of depression improve.

To overcome depression it also essential to stay away from depression causing foods such as caffeine, high fat and sugar foods, quit smoking and stop taking drugs such as antibiotics, beta blockers and pain killers. However, consult your physician before discontinuing any of the medications. One last secret to combat depression is to lead active lifestyle by practicing regular exercise, staying happy and getting enough of sunshine.

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1.  Chocolate: Many people suffering with high cholesterol levels stay away from chocolate with the fear of raising their cholesterol levels. But, the fact is that the powerful antioxidants in them help to increase the good cholesterol i.e. HDL levels. But, choose only the dark chocolate as it has three times more antioxidants compared to milk chocolate. The antioxidants not only help in increasing the levels of HDL but also prevent the sticking of blood platelets and thereby blocking of the arteries. If you love to have dark chocolate have it or search over the internet to find wonderful recipes you can try with dark chocolate.

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2.  Fruits and Vegetables: Lutein rich foods such as Spinach help to lower the cholesterol levels. It clears the cholesterol sticking to the artery walls. You can have raw spinach leaves in salads or make delicious dishes with spinach. Spinach is also good for preventing blindness that results due to aging. Have 1/2 cup of spinach daily and forget about your cholesterol levels. Pectin rich fruits such as apples also give good results by drawing cholesterol out of your system. The flavonoids present in apples and grapes prevent the absorption and accumulation of LDL cholesterol in the blood. To have better results select grapes that are dark in color. Pomegranate juice that enhances the nitric oxide production which reduces the risk of plaque production is also a good cholesterol lowering diet. Other fiber rich vegetables such as beans also play role in reducing the cholesterol levels. Increased intake of beans that is rich in unsaturated fat serves as a substitute for red meat.

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3.  Margarine: Who does not love to eat butter? But most of us stay away due to the unwanted fats that come along with it. Margarine is an excellent alternative for all butter lovers. It is rich in plant sterols that help to lower the cholesterol levels by reducing its absorption. Regular intake of plant sterols is found to lower the cholesterol levels by about 3.5%.

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4.   Avocado: To lower the cholesterol levels it is essential to have unsaturated fats than saturated fats. Avocado is one such plant food that is rich in monounsaturated fats that help to lower the cholesterol levels and increase the HDL cholesterol levels. Apart from increasing the cholesterol levels the beta-sitosterols present in it reduces the absorption of cholesterol contained in other foods. Though this useful plant food is beneficial it has to be used in limited quantities as it is also rich in calories and fat.

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  5.  Garlic: Any food item cooked with garlic will just taste awesome. Apart from its taste it also has wonderful medicinal value. Allicin present in garlic has anti microbial properties which alleviates the digestive disorders.  Garlic also helps to check blood clots, offers protection against infections, keep the blood pressure under control and also lowers the cholesterol levels. So, regular intake of garlic prevents formation of blockage of artery walls as it prevents the cholesterol particles from sticking to the artery walls. Have two to three cloves of fresh garlic early in the morning and it will do miracles.

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6.    Olive oil: Olive oil when added to a salad or any dish enriches its taste. It not only makes the foods delicious but is also healthy for your heart. It is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids that lower the blood cholesterol levels. You can use it to cook fish, in salads or even to roast the vegetables. You can even try including olives in food while cooking. Search over the internet to find wonderful recipes that can be made with olives.

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7.  Whole grains: People who take rice as their staple food are found to show high cholesterol levels. But, brown rice is totally different. It helps to lower the cholesterol levels. Being a whole grain it serves as a good source of fiber, B vitamins and magnesium. Brown rice combined with beans is perfect protein rich diet with loads of unsaturated fat. Oats is another whole grain that lowers the LDL levels. Intake of about 1.5 cups of oat meal a day provides enough of fiber to lower the LDL levels.

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8.  Cinnamon: About half teaspoon of cinnamon a day keeps the blood sugar levels under control and also reduces the triglyceride levels. It also keeps the LDL cholesterol levels as well as the total cholesterol levels under control.

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9.  Salmon: Omega-3-fattyacids and proteins in salmon fish lower the bad cholesterol levels. Majority of doctors recommend cardiac patients to have two servings of fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines and herring per week to keep the cholesterol levels under control and to have a healthy heart.

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10. Soy products: Isoflavones and the soluble fiber content present in soybeans reduce the LDL cholesterol levels and raise the HDL cholesterol. Soybeans are also rich in proteins and you can make a number of delicious dishes with soybeans. A number of soy products such as soy nuts, tofu, soy milk and tempeh are also available in the market.

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Apart from these listed foods, nuts such as walnuts and almonds also have the property to reduce the blood cholesterol levels and maintain healthy blood vessels. Regular intake of these nuts is found to show wonderful results in just four weeks. Given the benefits of having before mentioned foods, make sure to include them in your regular diet and enjoy a healthy life with minimum use of drugs and keep the life threatening diseases under control.

1. MMR VACCINE CONTROVERSYImage credits

It was a medicinal vaccine that was administered to young and small children for treating them for measles, mumps and rubella. But a startling discovery was made in the 1998 publication in the medical journal which made the parents lose a sleep or two of their nights.

The vaccine that apparently seemed innocent enough was a small time bomb in waiting. It was found with enough evidence that this vaccine created the symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. It was a serious scientific malfunction that was covered up by the doctors in question. It was a defective medicine that was covered up by the companies and scientists, and the normal public was fooled, and they continued to sell it until it was made public by the research journal. The companies in question were sued along with the creators for ethical misconduct. It was created during the time when the scare was high related to measles, mumps and rubella.

2. AVANDIA (ROSIGLITAZONE)Image credits

This medicine has been used by doctors to treat the type 2 diabetes. Those who take this drug especially are completely unaware of the side effects that this medicine causes. Yes, a woman taking Avandia for higher diabetes may never know that this medicine is what will result in higher chances of suffering fractures in hand and foot due to this medicine. This medicine weakens the bones, and since women have weaker bones as compared to men thus this puts them at a higher risk. There have been suits against the company to call back this medicine as many fractures have been linked with the Avandia intake.

3. DARVOCETImage credits

It is a common painkiller that has been taken by people now and then whether young or old, but what people do not know is that this medicine puts them at a higher risk for heart diseases. It is a potentially dangerous medicine as it increases the chances of heart problems in the patient. A patient may start hallucinating and may even walk to his own death. This medicine is such a huge hazard that it is being forced to be called back as it is resulting in huge number of deaths. The estimated deaths that have occurred due to this medicine are around 2,110 in the last nine years!!! That’s a huge number considering that this medicine was supposed to relieve people of pain!!!

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A common drug given during pregnancy for anti-fungal treatment has been seen to be the cause of many birth defects that are later found in children of the mothers administered with it. It has been found that many children are born with defects due to the consumption of this medicine. It is a very normal drug that’s used quite often, but since now many issues are being linked with it; the medicine is slowly disappearing from the market.

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It is a very common medicine that’s advised by doctors to the patients who are above the age of 40. It is used as a blood thinning medicine and reduces the chances of stroke in the patients due to thick blood. But recently it has been found that this medicine is responsible for really heavy bleeding in the users. There were around 260 real fatal bleedings worldwide as a reason for which the countries of Japan and Austria have banned the use/ selling of this drug.

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It has been recently declared after the analytical study of 5 years that the drug Actos, which is usually prescribed by the doctors to Diabetes patients carry a very high risk of renal and bladder cancer. It has been considered as very serious and potential risk for those who consume it. Earlier it was just a whim but now it has been confirmed. The major ethical lapse is that the writing panel of this drug does not contain any warning with regards to the potential risk that it carries. The company has been ordered to add it into their warning labels.

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Zocor is a medicine that is given to lower the cholesterol of the patients. The patients consuming Zocor may breathe a sigh of relief that they will have their cholesterol under control. But what they do not know and aren’t aware of is that this medicine causes a serious issue with their muscles. It causes muscle seizures and also in the long run makes the person lose out on the feel of the muscles resulting in freezing of the muscles.

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It is medicine that is generally administered during heart surgeries to speed up the process of clotting. It is a very effective and efficient medicine that really does what it is supposed to do but it has been generally noticed that this medicine usually causes the people it has been administered to die younger. The mortality rate after the use of this medicine was found to be really high. Its use now has been reduced to near zero percent and this is how the company plans to remove it from future use.

9. ANTI DEPRESSANTS SSRIsImage credits
   

These medicines are generally given to to-be-mothers to curb their anxiety and depression, but what they do not know that the medicine that they are taking is not only seriously harmful for them but also for there to-be-born baby. Yes, the use of this medicine causes the mothers to suffer psychologically and causes them to be disturbed and sometimes over doses cause nervous breakdowns. As for the baby, it causes serious birth defects in the baby which are related to heart and bones. The baby formation is also sometime seriously hampered.

10. DIGITEKImage credits
    

A medicine that was recently talked a lot about in the news for the adverse effects that it was causing. The medicine is used to treat irregular heart rhythms. It was recently recalled because the medicine is said to contain double the named chemical which causes bleeding, irregular heartbeats, drowsiness and vomiting. It is a very serious matter as it is a medicine used to treat the heart conditions.

1. Dendritic Cell Therapy: Dendritic cells that are part of the immune system play role in presenting the antigen i.e. the foreign bodies on its surface for removal by the immune system by activating the T cells. They even play role in having the immune memory. The mature dendritic cells are being exploited in the treatment of cancer. Scientists made attempts to study the dendritic cells as adjuvants for vaccines, tumor lysates, peptides derived from tumor antigens and the MHC class I restricted whole proteins and the peptides. The dendritic cells were found to successfully show immune response against the cancer cells and ultimately their deterioration. These satisfactory preclinical studies encouraged scientists at various cancer institutions to undertake human clinical trials. Currently the success rate is only 20% and efforts are being made to identify better antigens that could promote the lysis of cancer cells.

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2. Blocking rogue gene WWP2 to regulate cancer: British scientists while studying the natural cancer cell inhibitors the Smads identified that blocking the WWP2 gene through specific drugs can stop the growth of cancer cells. Attempts are being made to discover that wonder drug and it can be made possible only through thorough study of the biological process of the body and the changes that take place with the advent of the cancer. This novel discovery in the treatment of cancer is considered to have greater potential in treating cancer.

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3. Colloidal silver in cancer treatment: One of the scientists at Independent cancer research foundation claims that treatment of the cancer cells using the DMSO and colloidal silver duo would revert cancer cells to their healthy status within 24 hours of treatment. This therapy is also named as the “overnight cancer cure”. DMSO is dimethyl sulfoxide that is generated as a by-product of wood industry has the wonderful ability to penetrate through anything and dissolve anything. This is totally safe to use and when injected into the body it can reach any part that is hidden deep in the body and also penetrates the cell membrane very easily to enter the cell. Now coming to the colloidal silver it has the wonderful ability to kill the microbes but cannot penetrate the cells. Thus, use of DMSO that easily penetrates the cells and colloidal silver that can kill the microbes is being considered as wonderful cancer treatment to kill the cancer causing microorganisms. DMSO can easily carry the colloidal silver and not only treat the cancer cells but also turns them to normal healthy cells.

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4.  Cigar smoking as a cure for cancer: Yes it sounds very bizarre but  Indonesian clinic claims that smoking cigarettes helps to treat cancer. They say that by altering the mercury in tobacco can treat diseases such as cancer. However, this way of treating cancer has not been undergone clinical trials, and we advise you not to smoke because it’s a fact that it does more harm to your health.

5.  Engineered T-Cells to treat cancer: Scientists at University of California identified stem cells that could be engineered to produce T-Cells that can attack the cancer cells. These altered T-cells are said to offer relief to the patients suffering with melanoma. The altered T-cells remain dormant when there is no triggering agent i.e. cells with melanoma causing antigen. The only drawback is that the engineered T-cells are not functioning for a long term. Studies are being carried out to keep them active for long time. Efforts are being made to modify stem cells so as to produce the engineered T-cells to fight other types of cancer such as the breast cancer.

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6. Use of Virus in cancer cure: Scientists at Hershey medical center identified a virus that could kill only the virus cells without harming the normal cells. Scientists say that the virus AAV2 when injected into the body sits wherever it is and does no harm and sometimes it may not even replicate. It needs a helper virus and it is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that is considered to cause cervical cancer. When the AAV2 virus comes in contact with the helper HPV virus it alters its properties and prevents it from causing the cancer. This virus is found to show promising results in mice. However, further study of the virus is essential to carryout human trials.

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7. Scorpion venom to treat cancer: Cancer patients in Cuba try the concoction made from the venom of the scorpion Rhopalurus Junceus. Many of them believe that this venom reduces the cancer or at least reduces the pain and prevents the further growth of the tumor. Though this concoction is being used by humans, the active agent in it is yet to be determined. It is believed that certain peptides in this scorpion venom prevent the growth of the tumor. If the active agent is discovered then it can be synthesized in bulk amounts and distributed across the world.

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As mentioned, all these discoveries need further effort and let’s hope that at least one of them would give fruitful results so as to improve the lifespan of cancer patients.

Asthma is a respiratory disease that affects breathing ability. It is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by irritated and swollen lungs and airways. Swelling of airways prevents free flow of air and this causes the child to wheeze while breathing. They even try hard to gasp in more air. Though the symptoms of asthma sound to be dangerous it is very easy to keep the symptoms under control with a right action plan. Here are 10 tips to prevent your child’s asthma attacks.Image credits

1. Identify the triggering agent: To use right medications it is essential to identify the triggering agents. In few children extreme cold initiates asthma attack while in few other children contact with allergens such as pollen initiate an asthma attack. You can protect your child from those worst asthma attacks by identifying the triggering agent.
2. Use asthma controllers: If your child is diagnosed with uncontrollable asthma then it is highly recommended to keep him on asthma controllers to prevent repeated attacks. Generally doctors prescribe steroids that reduce swelling and inflammation of the airways so as to save your child from wheezing. Whenever there is an attack use quick relievers such as albuterol to prevent it from becoming worse.
3. Keep the house and surroundings free of allergens: Allergens such as the dust mites, pet dander and secondhand smoke initiate asthma attack in many children. Hence, keep your child away from them. If you smoke, make sure that you do not smoke when your child is near you. It is better to quit the habit. If you have home pets, keep them out of the house to prevent your child’s exposure to pet dander. Molds which grow in damp areas of the house also trigger asthma attack. Hence, make sure that plenty of sunlight enters in to the house. In winter season consider using a humidifier. If there is any leakage in the house get it repaired immediately as they are the grounds for mold growth. If you observe any mold growth in the house, clean the area with soap water.
4. Do not expose your child to outdoor air pollutants: Air pollutants increase the risk of asthma attacks. Hence, limit your child’s outdoor activity to prevent asthma activity. Allow them to play outdoors early in the morning during summer season. However, if the local weather reports show that the surrounding air quality is good you can allow them to play outdoors. But, have an eye on them and if they develop asthma symptoms limit the outdoor activity.
5. Talk to your doctor: get the child examined regularly so as to assess his levels of symptoms. This will be helpful to use right dosage of medicine. Too large or too small dosage can be harmful to the child. Make sure to follow the action plan suggested by the doctor.
6. Keep them away from fireplace: Fire place and the appliances that burn wood, kerosene or gas emit nitrogen dioxide that irritates the eyes and also causes shortness of breath. Hence, make sure that the emissions from these appliances are expelled outside. Make it a habit to use the exhaust fan whenever you cook. If you use heater to keep the house warm, make sure to use the right fuel. If there is a fireplace at home, do not forget to open the chimney flue before lighting the fire. If none of these work avoid using those appliances and consider of alternative ways for keeping the room warm.
7. Avoid contact with chemical irritants: Chemicals present in perfumes, cleaners, paints, pesticides, air fresheners, cosmetics and adhesives may irritate the child’s airways. Hence, keep the child away from them to prevent asthma attacks. If you wish to use perfumes or air fresheners consider using those prepared from natural extracts to reduce the risk. However, make sure that the child is not sensitive even to those natural products. Sometimes, the child may develop asthma attacks to air fresheners that are used daily. In such cases, open the doors and windows immediately to let the fresh air flow inside the room. Switch on the exhaust fan to let the inside air go out of the room. Before purchasing any of these products make sure to read the label to find out if it has any chemicals that your child is allergic to.
8. Keep their teachers informed: To prevent the risk of asthma attacks inform the teachers at school and the caretakers about their asthma symptoms. Give them the details of the medications to be used immediately whenever they develop the symptoms. Make sure that all the asthma medications your child uses are listed in the school medical record. This would be helpful to give timely medical help. Give contact information of your child’s doctor to the school authorities.
9. Practice physical activity: Even children with asthma can participate in physical activities such as sports or other workouts to which their health co-operates. Many parents fear that physical activity would worsen the breathing trouble. But, it helps to keep the symptoms under control. However, restrict physical activity if the child shows any asthma symptoms. It is safe to involve the child in mild physical activities as long as he is on control medications and the symptoms are under control. Talk to the doctor to know the activities your child can participate without any stress.
10. Give them a supportive hand: To prevent asthma attacks give your child all the required help so that he follows the action plan without fail. Make arrangements for indoor playing if the child is allergic to outdoor pollutants. This would help to keep the child active.

If the child is too young to follow the mentioned tips it is the responsibility of the parents to explain them the benefits of following the action plan with patience and see that they follow the preventive measures effectively. Spend more time with the child so as to identify the triggers and give them the required assistance. Teach them how to take the medications so that they can use them whenever required without waiting for help. 

1. Processed foods: Due to busy lifestyle many people are unable to spend time for cooking and are hence, relying greatly on processed foods. These foods are semi-cooked and can be had by heating them for few minutes in oven. However, processed foods are rich in sodium. As we all know increased consumption of sodium leads to cardiac problems. It is also found that processed meats that are preserved by smoking contain cancer causing agents. Hence, it is recommended to not have processed foods. Make it a habit to cook daily and eat when the food is hot.Image credits
   
2. Donut: This is the most preferred food at work as you can have it on go and continue with work without waste of time. But, remember that if you are having a single donut then you are having nearly 19 grams of fat, 340 calories and 19 grams of sugar which is about one-third of the daily requirement. So, if you are having donuts regularly then you are at increased risk of becoming obese.Image credits
   
3. Carbonated soda: Soda which is nothing but water mixed with sugar and artificial flavor is very bad for health. They are just rich in calories. With 20 oz of a drink you will be having 220 calories at once. The artificial colors and flavors included in them are also not good for health as they increase the risk of having cancer. Recently, few sodas were reported to have forbidden chemicals. Carbonated drinks do not have any nutritional benefits and in turn increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes.Image credits
   
4. Fried foods: Fried foods such as chips and French fries are favorites for everyone irrespective of age. Whenever you order a meal at restaurant you will be given French fries as a complementary food. French fries which are made of potato are rich in calories, and fat. As some salt is also added to them they contain more sodium. Hence, they are rich sources of nutrients that aggravate the risk of health disorders. Apart from the fat and calories, fried foods also contain a chemical named acrylamide which is formed in foods when cooked at high heat. This acrylamide is a potent carcinogenic agent. Hence, it is highly recommended to restrict the consumption of fried foods.Image credits
   
5. Burgers: This is favorite food for meat lovers. Burgers with double meat patties, bacon, excess of cheese and fried onions is the yummy food for many. However, it is rich in calories, fat and sodium. A single burger is found to have about 1,360 calories which is nearly half of the daily requirement. The sodium content is about 1,830 mg which is very high. Special sauces, mayonnaise and ketch-up that are used while having burgers are also loaded with calories.Image credits
   

6. Canned foods: Canned foods such as soups may suffice your cravings but are very rich in sodium. One serving of canned soup is found to have very high sodium content that is equivalent to recommended daily allowance for one single day. Hence, people with high blood pressure and cardiac disorders should stay away from canned foods.Image credits
   
7. Ice-cream: This is the favorite food right from toddlers to old aged people. The sight of ice-cream makes every one of us crave to have it. But, one serving of ice cream contains about 310 calories of energy and about 20 grams of fat. Like ice-creams frozen drinks such as coffee also have high calories. So, keep yourself away from frozen foods. These foods are not only poorly nutritious but may also trigger asthma attack in people who are sensitive to cold. So, these foods have to be strictly avoided.Image credits
   
8. Pizza: Like burgers pizzas are also loaded with tones of calories. It is found that three slices of pizza contain about 2,500 calories of energy which is equivalent to one day requirement as recommended by FDA. Thus, it is highly essential to restrict your pizza consumption to just one piece.Image credits
   
9. Candies: colorful candies such as jelly beans are the favorite for every child. But they are just made of sugar and colors which are not good for health. These candies may satisfy your sons craving for a candy but they increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes and tooth decay. Hence, it is highly recommended to keep your child off those colorful candies.Image credits
   
10. Cakes: Cakes such as cheese cake is a delicious desert for everyone. However, they are rich in calories and fat which are not good for health. As can be seen from above most of these junk foods are rich in calories, fat and sodium, trio which increases the risk of various diseases. It may not be possible for teenagers to keep themselves away from junk foods. It is not essential to completely avoid junk foods just have them in limited amounts. For example, if you had an ice cream in the afternoon, plan the rest of the day’s diet so as to compensate for those extra calories and fat. Similarly, if you love to have French fries, then take care of sodium intake in addition to calories and fat.Image credits
    

Lastly, to stay healthy it is recommended to include copious amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. They are rich in vitamins and minerals and hence, help to keep the diseases such as high blood pressure under control and also strengthen the immune system of your body. Make it a habit to have green tea instead of coffee.

1. Use moisturizer: Immediately after shower do not forget to apply moisturizer to your face along with the body. Many people do not consider using sunscreen lotion during winter season. But, the winter sun can also be hard on your skin. Hence, consider using moisturizer with SPF 30 protection immediately after shower. Moisturizer acts as a barrier and protects the skin from elements of environment. If you are not sure of which moisturizer to choose, consult your dermatologist. He will check the sensitivity of your skin and recommend an appropriate moisturizer. Never, try multiple moisturizers on your skin. Whenever you try a new moisturizer apply it to only on small portion and continue using it only if there is no allergic response. Another simple tip to lock the moisturizer of the skin is to use few drops of almond oil in water while bathing. However, make sure to choose non-clogging oils. To let the moisturizer percolate the skin pores massage your face thoroughly after applying the moisturizer.
   

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2. Have sufficient sleep: Apart from having healthy diet and taking external care it is essential to have sufficient sleep to enjoy a healthy skin. Insufficient sleep leads to development of dark circles and wrinkles underneath the eyes. The body gets rejuvenated when you sleep. It is essential to have at least seven hours of sleep at night to have a healthy looking facial skin free of wrinkles and dark circles.

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3.Have nutritious diet and plenty of water: unless the body is internally strong, external care will not give desired results. Hence, it is highly recommended to take nutritious diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The antioxidants help in eliminating the toxic material off the body and enable you to have a healthy skin. Vitamins and minerals present in them help in nourishing the skin. Include foods that are rich in essential fatty acids such as flaxseed and fish oils to prevent skin from becoming dry. To keep the skin moist it is also essential to have plenty of water.

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4. Wash your face regularly: never forget to wash your face whenever you go out of the house as you will be exposed to dust and a number of pollutants. If you do not wash the face, these pollutants block the skin pores and promote bacterial growth which in turn leads to development of pimples. Use lukewarm water to clean the face. Even if you stay at home, consider washing the face at least twice a day. However, use very mild soap to wash the face. It would be best wash the face without using soap.

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5. Do not scrub the facial skin very often: Facial skin is very gentle and hence, you should also be very gentle towards it. Scrubbing definitely helps to remove the dead skin cells but extensive scrubbing can damage the skin.

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6. Take care of lips: Lips get chapped during the winter season if they are not taken care properly. Apply lip balm to keep the lips moist and protect them against the harmful elements. Select lip balms with vitamin E to maintain good elasticity of lips. If you do not prefer to use lip balms, consider apply ghee or butter to lock the moisture of the lips.

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7. Take good care of scalp skin: The problem of dandruff and dry scalp increases during winter season. If you have scalp psoriasis, consult your dermatologist well before the winter season begins and have medicated shampoos handy. Never use over the counter medicated shampoos as they might prove to be harmful and may even aggravate the problem. If you do not take good care of the scalp, the dandruff or the dry skin from the scalp falls on the forehead and the cheeks increasing the risk of pimples. Hence, for a healthy looking facial skin it is essential to take good care of scalp. 

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8. Do not use very hot water: Never wash your face with very hot water. This will cause damage to the superficial lipid barrier of the skin and even causes capillary damage. As a result, the skin gets parched and also gets dehydrated very easily. Currently, there are number of face cleansing gels available in the market. They help to have a smooth and silky looking face. Select facial cleansing gels that are made of natural plant extracts and essential oils that suit your skin. Never, go for cheap products just to save few bucks. Few gels have chemicals that would be harsh on your skin and hence, read the labels carefully before using them. If you are above 40 years of age consider using facial gels with antioxidant facial oil. This will help to maintain your skin moist.

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9. Grow indoor plants: In the winter season, heaters we use at home to keep the air warm cause the inner atmosphere and the skin dry. To prevent this consider using a humidifier or grow indoor plants to maintain the humidity levels in the house.

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10. Use the right foundation: If you have the habit of using foundation then use the right one that best suits your skin in winter. It should not make your skin dry. Consider using water based and water resistant foundation that remains for hours. It is recommended to use foundation that is made of natural products.

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Lastly, for a healthy looking facial skin it is recommended to consult dermatologist without negligence in case of skin allergies or diseases.

1. Nanotechnology to fight against wound infections: Exposed wounds without proper dressing are sites of infection. To prevent wound infections scientists at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol are working hard to design an advanced wound dressing capable of fighting against infections. This wound dressing is designed with nanocapsules of antibiotics. Once the wound is covered with this dressing, the disease causing microorganisms present in the wound trigger the release of antibiotics from these nanocapsules. These antibiotics fight against the bacteria and prevent the infection. The best part of this dressing is it changes its color after the release of the antibiotics which alerts the doctors about the presence of infection. This nanotechnology based wound dressing is expected to help in easy curing of burns without the risk of toxic shock syndrome.

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2. Pharmacogenomics for tailor-made drugs for every individual: Pharmacogenomics that studies the influence of genetic makeup on the action of a particular drug states that apart from the diet, lifestyle and age, genetic makeup of an individual has profound influence on his response to a particular drug. Thus, by understanding the genetic makeup of an individual it would be possible to design tailor-made drugs for every individual as per his genetic makeup. These personalized drugs ensure safety, increased efficiency, appropriate usage of required dosage and reduced medical expenses.

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3. Robot assisted surgeries for lesser pain and scarring: Certain surgeries such as those performed to remove cancer affected region of prostate and cardiac surgeries are hard to perform through traditional surgical procedures and laparoscopy. To easily perform these surgeries the assistance of robots is being taken. These robot assisted surgeries are less invasive, take less time, reduce the period of hospital stay, less pain and result in less scarring. However, these surgeries are very expensive. Doctors are being trained in performing robot assisted surgeries so as to bring these surgeries in the reach of everyone.

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4. Embryonic stem cells for disease identification and drug screening: Stem cells which have the capability to regenerate all other types of body cells can be used to identify the genes that went wrong for a particular disease. These cells can also be used to identify potential drugs for a particular disease. For example, to identify the genes that went wrong in Parkinson’s disease, skin cells from the patient are taken to turn them into stem cells. Now, these cells lines are allowed to turn into neurons that are genetically identical to the brain cells of the patient. So, anything wrong in these cells would help to identify the actual cause of the disease and accordingly design drugs. This type of study is highly helpful to study diseases for which animal models cannot be used.

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5. Gene therapy to treat genetic disorders: Diseases that develop due to alterations in the genetic code are termed as genetic disorders. Changes in genetic code result in synthesis of altered proteins which fail to carry out the normal body processes resulting in a disease. Through gene therapy this defective gene is replaced with the normal gene by using viral vectors or the defective gene is repaired through reverse mutations. Introduction of the normal gene restores the normal body process. Gene therapy is still in the stage of clinical trials.

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6. Treating tooth decay without drilling and filling: Repair of decayed teeth involves drilling and filling of the microscopic pores to prevent further damage. However, this act of drilling and filling threatens many people and they even avoid visiting the dentist. Now, this painful process of drilling and filling can be avoided with the help of peptide based fluid designed by scientists at the University of Leeds. This fluid has a peptide p11-4 which has the capability to regenerate the degenerated tooth tissue. The peptide assembles to form a gel like framework that attracts calcium so as to regenerate the damaged tooth tissue. The procedure is yet to be tested on a large group of patients so as to allow it to use on all patients.

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7. Cancer treatment using Rotational Field Quantum Magnetic Resonance therapy: Use of chemotherapy in cancer treatments results in death of normal cells along with the tumor cells resulting in several complications. Now, Cytotron therapy that is based on the RFQMR therapy activates the internal mechanism of tumor suppression. This will regulate the growth of tumor cells without any side effects by activating the tumor suppressor genes and proteins responsible for apoptosis.

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8. NeoGraft device for automated hair transplantation: In traditional method of hair transplantation a large amount of skin and hair is removed from the back of the head and is used in the areas of implantation. But, with NeoGraft individual follicles are removed and are placed at the desired location eliminating the need for removal of larger section of skin from the back of scalp.

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9. The science of SENS to fight aging: Every one of us desire to live long. But, the natural aging process comes in the way of fulfilling this desire. Now, the science of SENS (Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence) is helping to clear the roadblocks in the fight against aging. For example, the stem cell therapy is helping in identification of genes responsible for various diseases, use of gene therapy to modify the ends of telomeres and to repair the damaged mitochondrial DNA. All these efforts are still under study and if all these trials turn out successful then you continue to remain young for a long time.

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10. Stem cell therapy to treat cardiovascular diseases: Stem cells which have the ability to generate any type of cells can be used to generate heart tissue so as to treat cardiac diseases such as coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy. This therapy is expected to improve the functioning of heart by about 70%. In this therapy, the heart cells developed from the stem cells of the patient are inserted into the heart through a catheter.

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Lastly, let us hope that these efforts of scientists would give fruitful results so as to enable our future generations enjoy a happy life free of deadly diseases.

Low level or malfunctioning of serotonin is known to be associated with several disorders, namely, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, fibromyalgia, tinnitus, irritable bowel syndrome, migraine, and most importantly, clinical depression and aggressive behavior. Such conditions are usually treated with drugs and medications that block the re-absorption of serotonin by the neurons and thus, increasing the availability in the body. However, as medicines and drugs are toxic in nature, they tend to give way to serious side effects, compelling the individual to compare the benefits associated vs the risks involved. Thankfully, there are several ways to increase serotonin without the use of drugs. Applying the natural methods to increase serotonin shall reduce the dependence on drug medications and also assist in achieving long term results. Some of the methods are mentioned below –

• Exposure to bright light – According to the Journal of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, exposure to bright light is known to be an effective treatment for increasing a person’s serotonin level. The ideal way is to get at least thirty minutes of exposure to sunlight. Alternatively, if exposure to sunlight isn’t possible, bright light boxes specifically meant for this purpose may also be brought from a pharmacy store.

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• Physical Activity or Exercise – Indulging in physical activities and exercise is known to be a natural stimulator for the mood hormone – “serotonin”. Engaging in at least 30 minutes of exercise every day shall do the needful. It is not necessary to perform hard core exercises. Simple exercise activities such as swimming, cycling, jogging, stretching, yoga and brisk walking all possess the capability to enhance the level of serotonin. Aerobic exercises are also known to be extremely beneficial.
  

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• Positive attitude – it may sound corny, but studies have indicated that distress and unhappiness are closely related with low levels of serotonin. Therefore, choose to maintain a positive attitude and think optimistically. Learn to swap the negative thoughts with positive ones. It may take practice, but gives way to effective results. It also must be mentioned that positive attitude is also known to have a protective effect on the overall well being, and also promotes decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
  

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• Right source of carbohydrates – Consuming carbohydrates is considered to be an effective way to increase the level of serotonin.  However, it should not be in the form of junk food items. You should consider eating items rich in complex carbohydrates such as found in brown rice, whole grains, whole meal pasta, fruits and vegetables to encourage the production of serotonin in the brain.

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• Quality sleep – According to the Integrative psychiatry studies, getting insufficient sleep may also be a probable cause behind low levels of serotonin. Therefore, you should ensure to get enough sleep. However, quality sleep is much important than quantity sleep. Compel yourself to wake up on time, and you may take a short nap in the afternoon, if required. Make sure that your body gets at least quality night sleep of five to six hours every day. Simple breathing exercises may also be performed to assist the body relax and get a proper rest.
  

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• No stimulants – many of us tend to depend on various stimulants and compulsorily include it in the diet. Few examples are coffee, tea, alcohol, sugar, caffeine, soda based drinks, etc. These stimulants are definitely known to escalate the level of serotonin, but then they also deplete the necessary and valuable hormones in the body in the long run. And this may lead to sleeping issues and depression problems in the future. It is recommended to limit the above stimulants to one or two cups a day.

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• Protein rich diet – Add protein rich food items to your ever day diet, as they are known to be a rich source of an amino acid named tryptophan, which converts the chemicals in the brain to serotonin. It must be mentioned that tryptophan can only be obtained by way of consumption. Cheese, eggs, chicken and turkey are probably the highest tryptophan containing protein rich food items. Other protein rich food items which may lead to increased serotonin levels and must be included in the daily diet are bananas, seafood, fatty fish, walnuts, avocados, soy protein, meat, brown rice and tomatoes.
  

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• Meditation – researches have proven that meditation is also known to replenish the level of serotonin. Spending few hours with the kids, listening to music, relaxing and praying with closed eyes for few minutes every day may assist significantly to increase the level of serotonin. Getting a regular soothing body massage is also known to offer effective results.
  

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• Eat fat – many people tend to completely eliminate the intake of fat. However, it must be mentioned that essential fatty acids are extremely essential for the basic hormonal processes. You should include plenty of dairy items and eggs in your diet. Other good sources of fat are tuna, mackerel and salmon. The vegetarian heads can choose flaxseeds, nuts, avocados, almonds, olives, walnuts and seeds.

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• Get a life – Needless to be mentioned, but a dull and boring life is assured to open up the box of problems. Make your life exciting, fun and stimulating. If things are like “valley of tears”, initiate steps to improve things. Spend quality time with family members and friends, take on a study, learn a new skill, develop interest in new activities and insights, and more. It must be mentioned that if you stay happy, good hormones are boosted and the level of serotonin is increased.

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The human brain makes up only about two percent of the body’s overall weight; but it uses about 20 percent of the total calories that we consume each day. It seems like it is actually the hungriest member of our bodies. And what is it hungry for? It runs on glucose. That is what it is demanding to work optimally and this is obtained from carbohydrates like grains, vegetables and fruits. The only time it will consider using some other substance for its fuel is if it is extremely deprived. So what are the best foods to consume for the sake of the brain? Here are the top 10 foods for the brain.

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Yes, they are known for their fat content, however, it is precisely the type of healthy fats that are beneficial for our bodies. This fat actually helps to keep the circulatory system flowing and that helps the function of the brain. Avocados have also been cited as one of the foods which helps to lower blood pressure.

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This delicious fruit plays a major role in brain function. When consumed regularly, they improve the memory; help with motor function, coordination and balance. They are also loaded with antioxidants which help protect against free radical damages.

3. Broccoli

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This green vegetable improves memory function and also works to slow down the aging processes. It will not only keep you sharp, but young as well.

4. Chocolate

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I know you did not expect to see this on a list of acceptable and even beneficial foods!  But dark chocolate is rich with antioxidants which help to improve a person’s focus and their concentration. Milk chocolate which gets such a bad rap helps to improve both memory and a person’s reaction time.

5. CoffeeImage credits

Yes, another forbidden fruit made a good-for-you list! In moderation, caffeine can be very beneficial for the brain. It contains antioxidants and studies have shown that it helps reduce the risks of Dementia, Alzheimer’s as well as several other mental disorders.

6. Eggs

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Not only are eggs rich in protein, the yolk contains at least minute traces of every single mineral needed by the body to function at optimal levels. One of these is choline. This nutrient improves memory functions.

7. Flax Seeds

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These are crammed full of ALA. This is another one of the healthy fats that helps the cerebral cortex function better. This is the section in the brain that processes all our sensory information.

8. Mixed Nuts

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All sorts of nuts have properties that help with brain function. They can be beneficial for maintaining clarity and a good memory. They can also help fight insomnia. Walnuts specifically are full of Omega-3 Fatty acids and almonds have certain natural mood enhancers.

9. Salmon

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This specie of fresh water fish help the brain build tissue that increases brain power. It is imperative in the fight against Alzheimer’s.

10. Whole Grains

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Whole grains like oatmeal and whole grain breads are great for the brain. They help to improve the body’s circulation and have very important fibers and vitamins.

Glycemic Index

Certain foods rank high or low on the glycemic index. Almost all of our top ten brain foods list are situated on the lower end of the index. This means that they digest slowly and are absorbed at a slower rate than other foods. For instance, if you make a sandwich using white bread it will be digested very quickly. This will cause a brief, but stressful spike in your glucose level. If you consume a whole grain option it is loaded with fiber and will not spike as quickly. But if you combine it with a protein like a slice of lean turkey the absorption of glucose is much steadier. This will help to fuel the brain and sustain it for a longer period of time. The main thing to remember is to eat a well balanced diet with a little bit of everything from carbohydrates to fats (the good ones) and proteins.

Try Grazing

Not literally of course. To help the brain reach its potential it is better to eat smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large ones. Actually, if you divide your calories up into 6 small meals about 2 to 3 hours apart over the course of the day it will sustain the glucose in the blood stream without letting it go too low, or too high.

At first this may seem to be a difficult task but it really is relatively easy once you get used to it. Eat 6 small meals a day – not 6 snacks; and certainly not 6 full meals. Each meal should contain a fruit or vegetable, at least one carb and one protein. Whole grain crackers with cheese and an apple on the side can be one of the meals. A turkey sandwich on whole grain bread and loaded with fresh vegetables (skip the chips) can be another.

Try to eat foods in the most natural state as is reasonable. When it is possible and feasible eat foods raw. They can deliver their best punch in their most natural state.

Conclusion

Many studies have concluded that counting calories, fat grams or carbs can have adverse effects. It can be so distracting in fact, that it works against the short term memory. Many of us are all too familiar with the brain-drain we get when we try to go on a diet just to lose weight. How we eat and the way we think about eating actually effects our minds – and our brains.

It is important to establish good dietary habits that include the 10 aforementioned foods. That does not mean that only these 10 items should be allowed on an eating plan; but rather that these 10 essential brain foods should be incorporated into our daily dietary habits. This is the most effective way to keep our minds functioning at peak levels.