Studies show that a person’s emotional and mental health are closely related to what they consume. A change in eating habits and lifestyle is frequently the first line of treatment for patients suffering from depression or other mental health conditions. Every individual’s nutritional needs are distinct. But barring allergies, everyone can rely on food to improve their cognitive functions and emotional state. Here are some ways that show how food impacts one’s mental health. Brain chemicals and the gut Science has termed the gastrointestinal tract the body’s “second brain.” Trillions of bacteria in one’s gastrointestinal tract help the brain produce dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals are mood stabilizers responsible for regulating one’s feelings of calmness, happiness, motivation, and rewards. It is believed that gut bacteria produce 95 percent of the body’s supply of serotonin. Nutrition-rich food promotes the growth of good bacteria that support the production of these chemicals. Insulin resistance On the contrary, processed and sugary foods are toxic to brain functioning. The high sugar content in foods strains the pancreas and results in insulin resistance. This, in turn, increases cortisol and glucagon levels. These neurotransmitters make one feel more anxious, fatigued, hungry and irritated. Nutrient deficiency and mood The nervous system and brain depend heavily on nutrition to produce new proteins and repair cells and tissues.

Cold sores or fever blisters are common skin conditions wherein people develop small, liquid-filled blisters on and around their lips or other areas. These blisters are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Usually, cold sores are contagious and can be controlled through treatment. However, certain foods can worsen symptoms in individuals. Here are some foods that are best avoided while managing cold sores. Peanuts Nuts are among the biggest triggers of cold sores as they contain a large amount of arginine. This chemical causes flare-ups and worsens cold sores in people with the condition. Among nuts, peanuts and hazelnuts contain the largest reserves of this chemical, and, therefore, they must not be eaten when dealing with cold sores. Additionally, peanut butter must be avoided entirely for two to three weeks, the normal lasting period for cold sores. Oranges Citrus fruits are another big no-no when it comes to foods to eat when one is coping with cold sores. Oranges and grapefruits are known for their citrus-filled refreshing flavor; therefore, one must avoid them at all costs. Such fruits contain an acidic element that will cause pain and a burning sensation when they get into contact with a cold sore blister.

People should get tested for food allergies to eliminate foods that could leave them with compromised digestive systems. Those who have recently suffered an infection or have been recommended powerful treatment can also experience changes in their gut microbiota. It is yet another case where digestive problems can arise. Some common signs of poor digestive function include difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, or chest pain while eating. Individuals with digestive trouble must avoid trigger foods. Processed foods Fiber helps regulate the digestive system. Processed foods are not only low in fiber but also high in salts, preservatives, and food coloring. It makes things difficult for people with sensitive stomachs. Fiber deficiency leads to increased constipation, while the additives cause issues like gas, bloating, indigestion, and acid reflux. Artificial sweeteners Foods and beverages prepared with artificial sweeteners cause a change in the body’s natural gut bacteria. This can lead to gastrointestinal tract problems. Sugar-free drinks, candies, and gums are the best examples. They are loaded with refined sugar alternatives like xylitol, maltitol, and sorbitol, which cause gas, bloating, and other digestive and laxative effects. They can also cause the body to produce more acid than it needs, leading to stomach ulcers. Spicy foods Although spices are believed to help with digestion, they can trigger digestive problems in people with sensitive stomachs.

Anemia is a health condition that reduces the red blood corpuscles (RBC) count in the body and makes an individual feel weak or fatigued. Furthermore, anemia may also increase the risk of developing or worsening blood diseases like multiple myeloma, hemophilia, Venous thromboembolism (VTE), and blood cancer. Therefore, a doctor may recommend a certain treatment plan to improve the RBC count. At the same time, one should eat certain foods that may improve blood quality. Pomegranate Pomegranates are sweet, juicy fruits rich in polyphenol antioxidants and nitrates. These are potent vasodilators that help improve blood flow and oxygenate muscle tissue. Therefore, eating pomegranates after meals may be beneficial for one’s overall health. Onion This vegetable is rich in flavonoid antioxidants, which are known to benefit one’s heart health. Onions help improve circulation by widening the veins and arteries to improve blood flow. The vegetable also contains anti-inflammatory properties known to improve cardiac health by curbing inflammation in the arteries and veins. Salmon Fatty fish like salmon contain loads of health benefits, including improving one’s quality of blood. The fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which prevent the clumping of platelets in the blood, which may otherwise lead to blood clot formation.

The prostate gland is a part of men’s urinary and reproductive systems. It is responsible for making and releasing fluids that provide nutrients and lubrication for the sperm. When these cells that make these fluids develop cancer, they lose out on the normal control processes that the regular cells in the body have. If caught at an early stage, prostate cancer is curable. In rare cases, prostate cancer may have silent signs and symptoms, such as: Bladder or urinary troubles A prostate tumor that has enlarged significantly may begin to press on the bladder and the urethra, causing trouble in passing urine. This may include urinating more frequently, spotting blood in semen or urine, or incontinence. However, urinary symptoms alone may not signal cancer. They could result from benign diseases such as prostatitis or Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH), which cause similar symptoms. Losing bowel control Prostate cancer may also spread to the bowel, leading to stomach pain, constipation, or passing blood in the stool. Soreness in the groin The spread of cancer in the body impacts the functioning of lymph nodes. With the advancement of prostate cancer in the body, the nodes around the groin are often the first to be affected, causing pain or soreness.

Hemophilia is a rare, inherited condition in which a person lacks certain blood clotting proteins. The absence or low levels of these clotting factors means their blood won’t clot after sustaining any injury. Several symptoms of hemophilia may seem harmless and quite common on the surface; however, these are some underrated indications of this disorder in individuals. Here are a few silent symptoms of hemophilia that one must not ignore. Frequent nose bleeds Nosebleeds are common among many people during the winter months. During this period, people get nosebleeds as they spend time indoors often. The heated indoor air dries out one’s nasal passageways, making blood vessels weak. Eventually, the blood vessels rupture and cause nosebleeds. Sudden nosebleeds are a critical indicator of hemophilia. So, one must consult their local healthcare expert when they experience this symptom. Joint pains Frequent instances of internal bleeding can indicate hemophilia. This bleeding is caused by internal cellular and tissue fragility that causes frequent internal bruising and blood loss. These factors lead to joint pains in a person’s knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, elbows, or other areas. Most people may ignore joint pains as just another injury or sprain; however, one must consult a healthcare expert if one experiences prolonged joint pain.

It is no exaggeration to say that, at least biologically, people are what they eat. Bone health, especially, depends heavily on what one consumes. Certain foods, such as milk, soya beans, walnuts, salmon, broccoli, and spinach, strengthen one’s bones and joints. On the flip side, certain foods are terrible for the bones, making them brittle, porous, and vulnerable to damage. Some of the worst foods for the bones are listed here. Salt As much as salt benefits one’s health as a stabilizer and an antibacterial agent, excessive salt consumption saps the calcium from one’s bones over time. For instance, nutritionists believe that one loses approximately 40 milligrams of calcium for every 2,300 milligrams of sodium consumed. Sodium is one of the worst elements possible in this regard. Hence any foods containing it will be detrimental to one’s bone health. Excessive salt is usually found in canned vegetables, frozen meals, canned soup, store-bought baked goods, and other processed and over-packaged edibles. To counter such an excessive intake of salt, one can avoid processed food entirely, consume home-cooked meals, and control their salt content. Coffee Like sodium, caffeine also takes out calcium from all the bones in the body, making them brittle.

Maintaining healthy blood count levels and circulation is vital for all organs to function optimally. A drop in blood count reduces oxygen supply to the tissues and may lead to anemia, fatigue, concentration issues, and other serious health concerns. Similarly, poor blood circulation causes cognitive dysfunctions, digestive problems, and muscle cramping. Studies show that certain foods help to maintain healthy hemoglobin levels. Women, especially during pregnancy and menstruation, can benefit from consuming them. What improves blood count and circulation? Foods rich in iron and vitamins A, B12, B9, and C, help maintain hemoglobin levels. Vitamin C aids in iron absorption. Additionally, vitamins B, K, C, and E and omega-3 fatty acids have shown to improve blood circulation. Potassium or vitamin K, in particular, keeps the walls of the blood vessels strong and prevents bulging veins. Apart from food, an effective way of instantly improving blood flow and oxygen levels is to indulge in physical activity daily, like running, biking, walking, or stretching. Top foods that improve blood count and circulation Here are some superfoods that support heart health, boost blood count, and improve blood flow: Beetroot Beetroot is a powerhouse of nutrients with iron, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, and several vitamins.