Is your dog or cat is continually itching, developing a skin rash, or suffering from gastro-intestinal problems, he or she may have a food allergy. Many dogs and cats, like humans, suffer from food allergies. However, the source of food allergies is not so easy to ascertain in pets. Of course, a visit to a qualified veterinarian is essential to rule out any actual and serious health issues first and foremost. One of the most common problems for vets and pet owners alike is there is no standard blood test or saliva test to identify allergies in animals. The common symptoms of pet food allergy include: Vomiting and/or diarrhea Excess flatulence Chronic ear problems Appetite loss Constant scratching or hair loss Red, inflamed skin or skin rash Coughing, wheezing and sneezing Here are the best tactics for diagnosing and treating food allergies in cats and dogs: 1. Elimination diet According to Tufts Universities Department of Veterinary affairs, an elimination diet to detect pet food allergies is practically the only way to determine if your dog or cat has a sensitivity to chicken, pork, beef, soy, egg, or grains. The vet’s at Tufts also point out and in the majority of instances, it’s your pet’s allergy to a particular type of protein, rather than a sensitivity to grain, that causes the problem.

There are many ways we can see sheep in our dreams at night. One of the best ways to promote healthy, quality sleep is by making the right dietary choices. Certain foods contain nutrients that help us to improve the quality of sleep, avoid insomnia, wake up more refreshed, and help to prevent sleep disorders such as GERD and sleep apnea. The following foods naturally promote better sleep contain substances that enable the body to produce melatonin, a hormone that regulates our sleep and wake patterns. Melatonin production helps us maintain a healthy sleep cycle so the body naturally knows when to sleep and is alert when awake: 1. Tryptophan This is an amino acid helps to facilitate production of the hormone melatonin, which helps to prevent sleep apnea. We can get this amino acid from dairy products, poultry (i.e, turkey and chicken), seafood, nuts and seeds, legumes, fruits, vegetables and grains. It is advisable we eat foods that are loaded with tryptophan later in the day to avoid insomnia. 2. Magnesium This is a dominant mineral acts as a natural relaxant and deactivates adrenaline. Magnesium helps us to go and stay asleep, also preventing muscle spasms. Magnesium is commonly touted as a sleep mineral.

The heart is the strongest muscle of our body and one that doesn’t stop working. Activities we do and the food we eat are affecting the heart more than what a lot of people think. An unhealthy lifestyle and unhealthy food consumption can increase the risk of heart failure due to heart conditions and diseases such as coronary heart disease, Arrhythmia, and Ischaemic heart disease. What is Hypertension High Blood Pressure or Hypertension is one of the most common types of heart problems in the world. According to the American Heart Association, the number of American adults that have high blood pressure is estimated to be 103 million. This heart condition is not only rampant in the US as it is the second leading cause of death worldwide, next only to Ischaemic Heart Disease. Stroke is one of the most common results of uncontrolled blood pressure. More than half of the deaths caused by stroke occurred in men. The leading causes of Hypertension include lack of exercise, use or abuse of alcohol or smoking, and Chronic Kidney Diseases. What is Cardiovascular Disease? Cardiovascular disease or CVD is also a condition that involves the heart and is known for inducing heart attacks.

With winter working hard to stick with us, it’s no question why people are still getting sick. Cold and flu remedies, runny nose medications, and sinus treatments are common talk these days. Not to mention, one day it’s warm and the next day it’s freezing. That’s not any good for the human body no matter who you are. Unless you’re invincible, you’re bound to catch a cold or flu at some point. Colds and flu are making the rounds this winter season, particularly in urban communities. While we may not be able to fully prevent catching a cold or flu, there are things we can do to minimize risk and overcome symptoms as quickly as possible. Let’s take a look at some of the best remedies if we get a cold or flu, and the best products for flu and cold prevention all year long: 1. Aromatherapy Mint, or menthol leaf, is used to not only soothe and open the nasal passages, but to combat sinus infections as well. For those interested in natural treatments, mint teas and breathing in mint and steam is a great solution to embrace this winter season. 2. Tea with honey If your cold or flu has you struggling with a sore throat, you may find some relief with a warming mug of tea with honey.

Probiotics increase the trillions of friendly bacteria in our intestinal tract. When balanced, live culture helps with proper digestion and the manufacture of B vitamins. Healthy gut bacteria aids prostate health, and reduces inflammation which may trigger acne, rosacea, diseases in the bowel tract, infectious diarrhea, mood disorders, allergies in children, and vaginal infections in women. Gut microbes are contained in the lining of the bowel tract where they produce 3 types of B vitamins: folate, biotin, and vitamin B12. These vitamins are responsible for extracting energy through metabolism. Intestinal friendly bacteria also help process vitamin K for blood and bone health. Probiotics occur naturally in food and can also be added through diet. Some probiotic rich foods and drinks include: 1. Yogurt Yogurt contains live probiotic culture. Homemade yogurt, especially goat milk yogurt, contains a higher culture that cow’s milk. Goat milk has a higher fat content and makes a creamier yogurt. You can make homemade probiotic rich yogurt by infusing it with probiotic supplement to boost gut microbe. 2. Kefir Kefir is fermented milk and kefir mushrooms. It’s one of several probiotic rich foods. This drink has many nutrients and supports gut microbe. It can be used in shakes with fruit or vegetables.

Lemongrass is a herb that was once found in countries such as South India and Sri Lanka. However, it is grown all over the world today. Lemongrass is a popular ingredient in Asian cooking, and it’s often brewed as a tea. The stalky herb has many health benefits, including the natural ability to fight inflammation as well as promoting digestion. Below are some of the many benefits of lemongrass: 1. Fights infection Lemongrass fights infections in the body according to a study at the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The herb reduces the amount of fungal infections that people with weakened immune systems develop. According to the National Institute of Health, lemongrass essential oil has antibacterial properties that helps prevent tooth decay. 2. Reduces gout Due to its infection fighting properties, for fighting lemongrass has been shown to fight gout. Drinking the tea improves circulation and flushes out the uric acid that causes pain. You can add lemongrass essential oil to a glass of water to drink daily. It flushes out the crystals that cause this disease. Check with your doctor before using. 3. Lowers cholesterol In some studies lemongrass lowered cholesterol in animals. The was dependent on the size of the dose given to the animal.

It is well known that eating well is good for your physical health, but did you know that eating well is equally important for your mental health too? The brain is a vital part of your body. It enables you to think, keeps your heart beating, and your lungs breathing. It is prudent to take care of your brain health to prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. The type of foods you consume play an important role in promoting your brain and mental health. Among the top brain-boosting foods are: 1. Fish Fish is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon and sardines are the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s promote the development of brain and nerve cells and are vital for learning and memory. They also protect the brain against cognitive decline and help avert Alzheimer’s disease. 2. Blueberries Blueberries offer many benefits to the health of the brain. They contain anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce brain-aging and prevent degenerative diseases. Blueberries are also known to help improve memory. 3. Turmeric Turmeric is a spice found in curry powder. It helps to improve the memory of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, it eases depression just like an antidepressant and helps delay age-related cognitive decline.

Gout plagues over millions of people across the globe. Some people know the pain of waking up in the middle of the night or having to sit through the workday with the burning pain that stems from gouty arthritis. Knowing the importance of a gout diet is key for prevention. This disease is the buildup of uric acid in the body and causes burning joint pain, throbbing inflammation, and can even lead to immobility in severe cases. The goal within a gout diet is to help the kidneys properly filter the uric acid and lower inflammation levels. While there isn’t a quick fix for this disease, these superfoods can prevent and speed up the healing process of a gout attack: 1. Dark chocolate to the rescue This seems to good to be true, but it is and here’s why! Dark chocolate contains an incredibly high amount of magnesium. Magnesium is excellent for gout being an alkaline mineral. Studies have shown that low levels of magnesium are directly linked to high-inflammation levels and excess uric acid in the blood. By incorporating more magnesium into the diet it is giving the body the proper nutrition to regulate the levels of uric acid and inflammation.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, an estimated 1.3 million individuals are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the United States. RA is characterized as an autoimmune disease that’s progressive in nature. This form of arthritis triggers an immune system attack on small joints (i.e., fingers, wrists, hands, ankles, and feet). While traditional treatments for RA, including exercise and medications, aim to reduce painful symptoms and severity of arthritic flare ups, research claims that several foods when incorporated into a regular diet may help decrease inflammation and chronic pain. The following so called superfoods are linked to soothing arthritis symptoms due to their valuable antioxidant, natural pain relieving, and anti-inflammatory prowess: 1. Turmeric The pungent bright orange spice is a popular additive to Indian and Middle Eastern dishes, however, this tangy spice is also known for it’s natural anti-inflammatory benefits. Turmeric is chocked full of curcumin, a compound with benefits that reputedly naturally relieve pain while acting as an anti-inflammatory. It’s so effective that the National Arthritis Foundation considers it a natural remedy for individuals with RA. 2. Sweet potatoes Forget boring old white and yellow potatoes. Get the added flavor and benefits of sweet potatoes, which are recommended for their natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers.

Even though many of us won’t admit it, as pet owners I know I’m guilty of feeding my cat too many treats. I treat him when I leave the house. I treat him when I come home and he greets me at the front door. I treat him after a successful car ride to the vet. I treat him for just being cute. Most of us probably feed our felines more cat treats than they can chew (but they still do, with eagerness). However, excessive treating or feeding is not the best for our cat’s health. It can lead to obesity, and diabetes mellitus, arthritis, and even heart disease. So before you choose any old bag of treats, talk to your vet about how to treat your cat without spoiling him or her: 1. People food is a no-no I know that Fluffy gives you sad eyes and rubs up against your leg when you eat. So much so that’s it’s tough to resist giving her just a nibble of your meal. However, vets warn that people food is not meant for cats. Fatty, salty, and spicy foods in particular can lead to digestive upset, vomiting, and even pet toxicity if you feed a cat a dangerous food they can’t digest unknowingly (i.e., onions, garlic, grapes, or fruit with pits).