Diet Plan

There are many diet plans around catering to various requirements. Food plays an important role in our lives. Understanding our body requirements and adapting our lifestyles with healthy food options that provide vital nutrition and energy can go a long way in maintaining good health. This has assumed more importance today on account of the deteriorating diet patterns, especially that of growing kids. Keep obesity, high cholesterol and other diseases such as anemia and osteoporosis at bay by choosing healthy food substitutes.

For example to keep Osteoporosis at bay, eating a calcium-rich diet can help. Including milk, particularly skimmed milk and low fat yogurt can help you build your calcium deposits. Spinach is a source of non-dairy calcium. Anemia is of particular concern to women, especially those who resort to dieting. Consuming meat, fish and poultry or leafy green vegetables, nuts and breakfast cereals can provide you with adequate iron.

Similarly Lutein is a pigment found in dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, and turnip greens, corn and egg yolks. Lutein as an antioxidant reduces the effects of free radicals. Lutein in adequate quantities in the diet can help ward off Macular Degeneration or MD , a condition in which the center of retina suffers permanent damage due to a number of causes - natural degradation triggered by aging or by undue exposure to strong light. Another carotenoid, zeaxanthin again has similar beneficial effects on the eyes. In addition some studies have indicated that these carotenoids can also help prevent cataracts.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a condition where there is infection in the tiny areas of weakness in the large intestine. Feces can get stuck in these weak pouches (diverticulum) and lead to inflammation and infection. This condition usually affects people over the age of 60 years. There is inflammation or infection in the diverticulum. Diverticula can form in different parts of the digestive tract, be it the esophagus, small intestine or stomach. It is associated with diets low in fiber. Diverticulitis is noticed in persons from developed nations who partake refined, high fat food. Fiber in the diet prevents constipation and allows for easier passage of stools. This prevents formation of bulging diverticulum. If left untreated, Diverticulitis can lead to bleeding and blockage thereby causing serious illness.

Abdominal pain is a primary symptom of diverticulitis. There is tenderness around the left side of the abdomen and may be accompanied by fever, vomiting, chills and cramps. Often a person suffering from diverticulitis may not exhibit any symptoms. There may be difficulty in passing urine and frequent need to pass urine. Diverticulitis is usually diagnosed during routine checks for intestinal problems and colorectal cancer. CT scan and blood tests can aid in the diagnosis.

When a patient is suffering from diverticulitis, a low-fiber and clear liquid diet is usually recommended. A high fiber diet helps in keeping diverticulitis at bay. Fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains make for high fiber content. Drinking plenty of water will help prevent constipation. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat any inflammation and infection. Surgery is resorted to in cases where the diverticulum forms an obstruction. Changes in diet can go a long way in treating diverticulitis. Read more on diverticulitis diet to make modifications and add fiber to your meals.

Porotic Hyperostosis

Interestingly, in anthropology, a child's parietal fragments, excavated from some 1.5 million year old sediments in Tanzania reveal Porotic Hyperostosis, a pathology associated with anemia. The presence of this condition is evidence that past population suffered from chronic or episodic malnutrition, and subsequently a sub-discipline pale-nutrition has focused on the presence of Porotic Hyperostosis among other nutritional disorders.

Otherwise known as Osteoporosis Symmetrica, Cribra Crani, Hyperostosis spongiosa, and symmetrical osteoporosis, Porotic Hyperostosis is a medical disorder that affects the bones of the cranial vault. It is characterized by spongy or porous bone tissue. As the spongy tissue swells due to overgrowth, the tissue on the outer surface becomes thinner and more porous and begins to move. The spongy marrow could be seen in the skull's bones that become overgrown or in other bones as well.

Causes

Several studies vouch that Porotic Hyperostosis is caused by iron deficiency anemia and malnutrition. While anemia is accepted as the leading cause of this phenomenon, this is typically due to iron deficient diet. A study conducted in certain parts of the world indicated that the incidence was higher in people who had a low iron diet as compared to those who had an iron rich diet. There is also evidence that increased loss along with over-production of red blood cells (RBCs) as is seen in Hemolytic Anemia and Megaloblastic Anemia is the cause of Porotic Hyperostosis.

Symptoms

Weakness or lethargy either with rest or exercise, frequent headaches, problems with concentration or thinking, and a general feeling of grumpiness are some of the pertinent signs of Porotic Hyperostosis.

Diagnosis

An imaging study of the cranial area can reveal the presence of soft bones in the cranial vault. Blood tests, which can reveal the presence of iron deficiency anemia along with other factors suggestive of malnutrition can aid diagnosis.

Treatment

Due to excessive acidic content in the diet, there is accumulation of acidic waste in the body and this causes weak bones. Hence it is imperative a healthy and balanced diet with acidic and alkaline mix is maintained. Avoid foods containing synthetic chemicals like processed foods which cause damage to bones. Carbonated beverages should be avoided as much as possible. It is important to be careful with Osteoporotic medications as they can have significant side effects in the long run.

• This is an extremely rare disease and the consequence of progression is quite unknown.
  
• This is similar to those suffering from osteoporosis and thus a person with Porotic Hyperostosis is prone to fractures.
  
• As bones in the body weaken due to accumulation of acid water, it is essential that you maintain the required pH in the body. Ensure that the diet includes some foods from the alkalizing list instead of the acidifying list.
  
• Since synthetically processed foods can damage your bones, buy food products after reading their nutrition labels.
  
• Drink natural fruit juices and avoid carbonated drinks.
  
• It is good to go in for some weight bearing exercises such as jogging or walking.