Menopause marks the end of the last menstrual period, and on average, starts between the ages of 45 and 55. A woman’s body goes through a lot of changes during this time, both physically and emotionally. The symptoms of menopause can differ, but things like hot flashes, cramps, headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, weakness, and mood swings are common. It is vital to take proper care of oneself during this period. Menopause happens due to the decline of estrogen and progesterone hormone in the body. The fertility of the ovaries decreases due to low levels of reproductive hormones. As a result, women tend to become disinterested in sex. Due to hormonal changes, women go through anxiety and panic disorders along with mood swings. Occasionally, they also tend to suffer from problems like lack of moisture in the vaginal area, allergies, and brittle nails. Weight gain and bloating is a big concern during menopause. To deal with these, doctors usually recommend women to ensure their intake of nutrients is more than adequate, they are getting enough exercise, and are leading a healthy lifestyle. A huge part of how a woman feels during the menopausal period is tied to the food eaten.

Vitamin deficiency is caused due to the long-term lack of vitamins in the body. If the condition is the result of insufficient vitamin intake, it is referred to as a primary deficiency. On the other hand, if it is caused due to any underlying disorder like malabsorption, it is referred to as a secondary deficiency. The underlying disorders of vitamin deficiency can be metabolic as well, like a genetic defect or a lifestyle choice, like smoking and regular consumption of alcohol, which increases the need for vitamins. A nutritious and well-balanced diet can provide several benefits, including keeping the body’s vitamin storehouse intact, preventing vitamin deficiency, and resulting health issues. Including the following foods in the diet or increasing their intake is one of the best dietary tips for the prevention or effective management of vitamin deficiency: 1. Salmon This popular fatty fish is a great source of vitamin D. As per the food composition database of the US Department of Agriculture, a 100-gram serving of salmon usually contains up to 685 IU of vitamin D. This amount increases to 988 IU in wild salmon, whereas farmed salmon contains 240 IU. 2. Herring This small fish is one of the best sources of vitamin D for people around the globe.

Depression is a serious mental health disorder and affects millions worldwide. This issue is poignant because depression is only now being recognized for its seriousness while adequate treatment and facilities continue to remain unsatisfactory at best. There is no definitive connection between food and depression, but it is believed that certain foods can positively impact the body and mind. Similarly, there are foods that must be avoided so as to not worsen depression. Foods to avoid for individuals suffering from depression include the following: 1. Sugary drinks A diet rich in sugary drinks is never good for your health. Consuming sugary drinks regularly is fattening and will put you at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Apart from this, it can impair your memory and put you at risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer’s, as well as Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, it is advisable to avoid drinks containing high fructose corn syrup as they are known to cause brain inflammation. Hence to prevent health issues, high sugar foods for depression should be limited. 2. Refined carbohydrates The problem with foods having refined carbohydrates, like white flour, is that it is easily digested and can cause your blood sugar levels to shoot up.

Schizophrenia is a condition where it seems like one’s mind has lost touch with reality and is a chronic mental disorder that leads to an individual suffering from delusions and hallucinations. The condition tends to develop while patients are young, typically between the ages of 20 to 45. Schizophrenia is a progressive disorder in which the person affected undergoes both mental and emotional changes over a period of time. Due to the effects of this condition, one slowly stops interacting with other people, tends to forget things, has concentration problems, and does not have control over themselves. The level of severity differs from person to person and there is no cure for this disease. Some causes of this disease are believed to be genetics, stress, and trauma. Physiological therapies and medications help in relieving symptoms of schizophrenia. Eating healthy foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the key to staying away from most diseases including this mental disorder. Certain foods for schizophrenia can be beneficial for its patients whereas others such as those rich in fats and foods containing gluten and lactose should be avoided as they can worsen symptoms. One of the most natural ways of treating schizophrenia is by including plant-based foods in one’s diet.

Bipolar disorder is a complex condition that causes unusual and dramatic mood swings. In this condition, the patient can suffer from a severe episode of depression or a manic high. They experience mood swings gradually over a period of a couple of days to multiple weeks. Sometimes, these swings are not gradual and can be felt suddenly, making it very hard for one to form and maintain functional relationships. While there is no treatment to completely cure this disorder, medication, therapy, and proper lifestyle and dietary habits can help them manage this condition well enough to rejoin society as an active member. Food probably plays one of the most important roles in supplementing any treatment, and it is the same case with bipolar disorder. Just as there are foods that must be eaten when suffering from this condition, there are also foods that must be avoided. Unhealthy food habits cause a host of ailments and research has stated that a poor diet can trigger episodes of bipolar disorder. If one is suffering from the symptoms of bipolar disorder, they must consider avoiding the below-listed food options. 1. Caffeine All kinds of stimulants such as caffeine should be avoided as they can trigger mania.