Gout is a painful form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and forms crystals around a joint. The body produces uric acid when it breaks down purine. Though purine occurs naturally in the body, one also acquires them from food. So, it’s important to cut back on foods that are high in purine and raise uric acid levels. Below is a list of five foods that aggravate gout. 1. Red and organ meats Both red meat and organ meats are loaded with purine. A diet rich in these foods can raise uric acid levels in the blood and increase the risk of gout and its flare-ups. Organ meats like liver, kidneys, brains, tripe, tongues, and sweetbreads are high in purine, so they should be eliminated from the diet. Keep consumption of other meats like pork, chicken, lamb, and turkey low. Since protein is crucial for the body, one can replace these foods with low-fat dairy products. 2. Seafood Fish and many other types of seafood are also among foods that can make gout worse, as they are high in purine. These include seafood such as sardines, herring, anchovies, mackerel, oyster, lobster, crab, and shrimp.

Diet plays a crucial role in boosting your immunity, especially when you might already be suffering from the common cold or flu. Certain fibrous nutrient-rich fruits, veggies, and even beverages have been identified as the best immunity-boosting foods against common viral infections. Besides, these ingredients and foods are readily available for consumption. Here are a few natural options you can explore to make changes in your diet and fight the common cold. 1. Healthy veggies Red bell peppers are a rich source of vitamin C, one of the essential immunity-boosting nutrients necessary to fight the common cold and even the flu. Studies say that including them in your cooking cuts down the duration of the symptoms that generally persist. Broccoli is another excellent choice to boost immunity. The green vegetable is rich in antioxidants and enzymes that fight the free radicals in the body. Countering the radicals brings down viral infection risk and prevents any existing symptoms from flaring up. Spinach is also a popular source of vitamin C, beta carotene, and antioxidants that help increase immunity. 2. Juicy fruits Tomatoes (yes, it is a fruit!) are a rich source of vitamin C and help increase the immune system resistance against known pathogens and viruses that trigger the common cold and flu infection.

Several dogs have sensitive stomachs that do not allow them to digest complex food. They end up vomiting, getting diarrhea, or develop other complications if they consume these foods. Food companies have come up with food solutions and recipes that adhere to their sensitive stomachs. These foods solutions include simple foods and fibers that help smoothen the digestion process. Here’s a list of the top five highly digestible foods for dogs. 1. Purina ONE SmartBlend Sensitive Systems Formula This dry dog food consists of neutral ingredients such as salmon, oatmeal, and rice. The ingredients help provide sufficient fiber and protein for a dog to function optimally. It does not contain any kinds of preservatives, fillers, colors, or flavors that could harm a dog. Instead, it is packed with vitamins and nutrients that fuel a dog’s energy and improve its coat and skin health. 2. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Dog Food This is one of the most recommended foods for dogs with gastrointestinal disease and sensitive stomachs. This highly digestible food is usually not sold without a veterinary prescription. Royal Canin’s low-fat gastrointestinal food contains probiotics that help maintain gut health. The low-fat content in the food helps prevent digesting difficulties as well as provides the canine with sufficient calories needed for its daily diet.

Just like us, our furry friends are allergic to certain food ingredients too. When your dog ingests such ingredients, it may exhibit a variety of symptoms, such as itchy skin, vomiting, diarrhea, ear infection, and hair loss. As a pet parent, it’s vital to be aware of the most common triggers of food allergies in dogs. However, remember that not all dogs are allergic to the same ingredients. So, monitor your dog after every meal. 1. Beef Beef is the most common trigger of food allergies in dogs. Some studies show more than 30 percent of dogs are allergic to beef. To be specific, the protein component of beef and many other foods tend to be problematic for dogs. Feeding your dog the same foods or recipes regularly for several years increases their risk of developing allergies to one or more ingredients found in them. Since beef is a very common ingredient in dog foods, they tend to become allergic to it eventually. The key to avoiding this food allergy is to feed varied meals to your dog. 2. Dairy It’s not just humans who are lactose intolerant. Some dogs have problems with the sugar compound too. However, it’s important to keep in mind that dogs may be either intolerant or allergic to lactose.

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects the patient’s ability to feel, think, and behave clearly. The condition is marked by delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized behavior. Patients often lose touch with reality and start seeing or hearing things that don’t really exist. While there’s no cure for the disease, timely treatment, lifestyle changes, including eating habits, can help reduce symptoms. This article attempts to shed light on the different types of foods that control or aggravate schizophrenia. That said, it is recommended that patients talk to their doctor before adding or removing any of these foods from their diet. Foods to eat 1. Fatty fish Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish, like salmon, are helpful against mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Studies have proved how beneficial omega-3 fatty acids are to help alleviate symptoms of the condition. Patients who regularly consume omega-3 fatty acids report milder symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids also counter mood swings and frequent behavioral changes. 2. Shellfish Oysters, lobsters, and crabs are a few types of shellfish that should be part of a schizophrenia patient’s diet. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which, as we already know, reduce symptoms of schizophrenia and other mental disorders.