It is crucial to keep the lungs healthy in order to prevent the onset and escalation of serious conditions. There is a possibility that harmful toxins in the environment and consumption of inflammatory foods can lead to ailments such as chronic MAC infection, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis. Altering lifestyles and eating a nutrient-rich food regime can boost lung health. Here are five foods that can improve the function of the lungs. Beetroots and beet greens Beetroots are beneficial for the lungs, as they contain nitrates that relax blood vessels, decrease blood pressure, and improve oxygen levels in the body. On the other hand, beet greens are rich in magnesium and potassium, both minerals that boost lung health and help manage chronic MAC disease. Apples Apples, filled with beneficial flavonoids and a phytonutrient called quercetin, have always been known to keep doctors at bay. This fruit also contains phytochemicals that help keep your lungs healthy and your throat passageways clear. Apples contain all the good antioxidants that prevent chronic ailments. Ginger This immunity booster is an age-old remedy that helps keep the respiratory system healthy. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory spice and relaxes muscles of the lung tissue. A cup of ginger tea after your last meal aids digestion too. Bananas Bananas strengthen the heart and prevent oxidative damage of cells caused by free radicals. It is loaded with potassium and fibers that help promote lung function. Bananas are one of the fruits that people of all ages can consume. Tomatoes Lycopene is a carotenoid antioxidant that improves lung health, and tomatoes are full of them. They help in reducing inflammation of the airways in patients with asthma. Tomatoes boost immunity, too, as they are rich in potassium and vitamin C. In patients with severe lung conditions, doctors may recommend a change in lifestyle and antibiotics like Esbriet.

Atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, is a skin condition that triggers itching, inflammation, and rashes on the skin. The symptoms are chronic and quite erratic, meaning they can develop without warning. The rashes also increase the risk of skin infections, mainly due to exposed skin. Eczema can be managed with a few topical treatments, prescriptions, lifestyle changes, and even by including the following foods that boost overall skin health. Healthy fats   Omega-3 fatty acids naturally prevent dry skin by providing moisture from within the body. These good fats also help lower skin inflammation and prevent acne flare-ups. Salmon, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and herring are excellent choices loaded with zinc and omega 3s. Vegetarians can supplement this intake by including more avocados, soybeans, walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds. Fresh veggies Spinach contains the highest concentration of folates and B vitamins that lower the risk of carcinoma and help repair skin DNA. Kale is a superfood when it comes to boosting anti-aging properties of the skin with vitamins A, C, E, and K. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are some other vitamin C-rich veggies to include in daily foods. Popular non-green alternatives like carrots and pumpkin are also rich in vitamin A, beta carotene, and essential skin-repairing compounds. Fresh fruits Tomatoes (yes, it’s a fruit) are rich in lycopene and vitamin C. These compounds mainly protect the skin from UV damage and boost collagen strength to repair skin. Also, fruits like oranges, apples, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, and cherries are excellent low glycemic options. They don’t trigger spikes in blood sugar levels. Such spikes lead to increased inflammation and sebum production, which are the main causes of breakouts and acne. Red grapes, rich in resveratrol, can also help slow down the effects of aging and lower the risk of free radicals that cause cell damage.

For a chronic condition like diabetes, some people advise against the inclusion of fruits in daily meals as they contain fructose. This carbohydrate is known for immediately raising sugar levels in the blood. That being said, fruits are quite integral to our physical well-being since they’re loaded with nutrients that help boost overall immunity. We’ve shared a few tips and suggestions that can help diabetes patients safely have fruits with no consequence. Effects of fruit consumption on blood sugar Diabetes patients need to keep a close eye on carbohydrate intake during the day. This nutrient directly affects blood sugar levels, which is why nutritionists recommend including fruits with a low glycemic index (GI). Low GI fruits gradually increase blood sugar levels, making them safer for consumption. Proper portioning and rationing can help keep track of calories, carbohydrates, and fibers consumed daily. Ideally, one single serving of assorted fruits should contain no more than 15 grams of carbs. Such sizing of portions will prevent spikes in blood sugar levels, help lower the risk of cholesterol, and keep you satisfied during the day. Daily fruit intake tips for diabetes patients Any spike in blood sugar increases the risk of associated health complications. Here are a few points to consider while including fruits: Portioning of fruits depends on whether they are dried or fresh. For example, a small fresh apple will have the same carbohydrate content in comparison to two spoons of dried raisins. Avoid processed and canned fruits; go for fresh or frozen options as they only gradually lead to an increase in blood sugar. Avoid having too much fruit juice if you’re already including sizeable portions of fresh fruits. Fruit juices are low in fiber and can lead to an immediate spike in blood sugar. Spreading fruit intake throughout the day is a better option.

Air pollutants, seasons, and mood fluctuations are uncontrollable issues that can have a harmful impact on the skin. But one thing you can control is the food you eat. It is no secret that collagen and antioxidant-rich foods are good for the skin, but not many know the kind of foods that can ruin the skin. Here are some foods that you should avoid or limit to have healthy, glowing skin. Fried foods Deep-fried food items like french fries are cooked in refined vegetable oils such as canola, safflower, and peanut oils. While they seem healthy, these oils are loaded with trans-fat. This can cause inflammation, resulting in premature wrinkles and aged-looking skin. Processed meat Processed meats like bacon and brined chicken contain high levels of sodium. Excess consumption of sodium can lead to water retention in the body and cause puffy and swollen skin. Sodium nitrate is added to many processed foods that destroy collagen and cause premature aging. Doughnut Doughnuts are delicious and tempting, but it’s best to restrict their consumption. Such deep-fried and baked goods contain a high amount of sugar, which is probably linked to the development of wrinkles. Doughnuts also contain processed carbs that can damage the skin’s collagen and make it springy. Mayonnaise Mayonnaise contains omega-6 fatty acids, which are crucial for growth and development. But excess consumption of mayonnaise can aggravate the inflammatory process. It is best to eat omega-6 fats in combination with inflammation-fighting foods like tuna or salmon. Energy drinks Energy drinks contain an unhealthy amount of sugar and caffeine that can lead to sagging skin. Regular consumption of caffeine can increase cortisol levels, which may lead to inflammation. Energy drinks and sugary beverages can also cause zits. White bread According to studies, foods like white bread that have a high glycemic index (GI) can have an adverse effect on your skin.

Dealing with eczema can be extremely frustrating due to its erratic flare-ups and symptoms. The skin inflammation is painful and irritating. Using harsh soaps is one of the biggest triggers of eczema flare-ups. Therefore, make sure you read the label carefully to avoid all the trigger ingredients mentioned below. These ingredients can cause an allergic reaction and should be avoided at all costs. Read to know more about them. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate SLS is commonly used in soaps and even shampoos for its quality of breaking up oil and grease, which makes it a great cleaning agent. While cleaning excess oil and dirt is important to stay hygienic, SLS is known to break down the natural oil barrier on the skin. Although it doesn’t directly cause any irritation on the skin, due to no oil, the skin becomes dry and flaky and allows for other allergens to cause a reaction. Fragrance ingredients Any soap with fragrance should be avoided to prevent eczema flare-ups. Fragrances are a mix of esters, aldehydes, amines and ketones, and other ingredients. Unfortunately, due to the secrecy followed by most cosmetic companies, we never really know the ingredients that bring out the fragrance in soaps. Coconut Diethanolamide Another ingredient that helps break down oil and grease from the skin is coconut diethanolamide. However, coconut diethanolamide can develop an allergic reaction after some continuous use. Check the label for this ingredient and its aliases like coconut oil acid, ninol, witcamide, calamide, and cocamide DEA. You may not be allergic to eating coconut, but this compound made out of coconut extract can cause irritation on the skin for those dealing with eczema. Paraben Paraben is a naturally occurring and industrially produced ester, often used as a preservative in soaps, shampoos, deodorants, and toothpastes. Several studies have researched the ill effects of this ingredient, and while every study is not conclusive, the use of paraben has been decreased and banned in some products.

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the patient’s bones become brittle and porous. This increases the chances of getting bone fractures and experiencing joint pain. Sometimes bones become so brittle that coughing or bending over causes a fracture. Although osteoporosis does not have a permanent cure, there are ways to manage its symptoms and strengthen weakened bones. Listed in this article are some of the steps that can be taken to promote bone health naturally. Opt for calcium-rich foods Calcium plays an integral part in the maintenance of bone density for osteoporosis patients, which is why it needs to be incorporated in every meal. Dairy products are an ideal source of calcium. However, calcium-fortified food options like cereals, yogurt, juices, and more can be equally resourceful. Include physical activity In our fast-paced lives, physical activity often takes a backseat. This lack of daily physical activity can prove to be a concern, especially for patients with osteoporosis. Strength training or weight-bearing exercises like swimming, walking, running, hiking, and more are recommended by health care professionals. Eat vitamin-rich foods While vitamin D helps the body improve calcium absorption, vitamin K2 ensures that the absorbed calcium is not lost. Both these crucial components can be obtained from food. However, in some cases, osteoporosis patients might need to be prescribed supplements to overcome vitamin D deficiency. Avoid carbonated drinks One of the negative outcomes of sodas and other fizzy beverages is the loss of bone strength. It is believed that the phosphoric acid present in these drinks hinders the body’s absorption of calcium and results in weaker bones and decreased bone density. Limit sugar intake Unchecked sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, decreased bone density, and increased risk of osteoporosis, all of which needs to be avoided in order to promote good bone health.

Skincare products are formulated to help cleanse, exfoliate, and counter surface odors. But most of these daily-use sunscreens, moisturizers, and creams are made using synthetic compounds. Regularly using such products intensifies chemical concentration on the skin and triggers irritation and allergies. People with sensitive skin or a disorder like eczema usually switch to organic products to protect the skin. This article elaborates five skincare ingredients that can be quite aggravating for those with eczema. Parabens A lot of beauty products come with a “paraben-free” disclaimer. This ingredient is one of the most used preservatives in almost all cosmetic products in the market, especially fragrances. Compounds like propylparaben and Iosbutylparaben will increase the shelf life of the product but are quite harmful to sensitive skin and people with eczema. Moisturizing agents Lanolin, propylene glycol, and petroleum jelly are largely used in moisturizing products and protective lotions. Any skin care product with these ingredients worsens the symptoms of atopic dermatitis or eczema. Improper refining processes trigger a release of irritants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Synthetic fragrances Fragrances are formulated to mask body odor and have a long-lasting effect even on hot days. But a lot of these fragrances are made with chemicals and added scents that may smell good but trigger irritation in eczema patients. Many everyday skincare products are also laced with such fragrances to mask the smell of the base formula. Even unscented products contain some strong ingredient that was added to mask the original smell of the product. Essential oils Daily use of essential oils made with tea tree, mint, citrus, and lavender oils can trigger irritation and dryness. Many products feature these natural oils in their formula. The risk is high when mixed with other synthetic fragrances and odor dampeners used in daily skincare products. Preservatives Shampoos, shower gels, and soaps are mostly filled with preservatives and skin bleaching ingredients.

Lungs, an integral part of the respiratory system, hold oxygen which is then supplied to the rest of the body through the bloodstream. It is essential to keep the lungs healthy to maintain optimum oxygen intake. However, there can be things in the environment that can trigger lung damage. This article lists five such household factors that can trigger lung damage, which can, in turn, cause diseases. Let’s check them out. Mold Mold is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces and corners. It is common in houses with issues of leaking pipes. The fungus releases spores in the air and can trigger a severe reaction in those allergic to mold. The response is relatively severe in people with lung damage and diseases like asthma and COPD. Carpet Carpets add to the allure and warmth of our homes. But there are some other harmful things that they add. Carpets can act as a storage space for dust mites, cockroach droppings, mold, dander, pet hair, and other allergens. These are released back into the air often. As a result, it is advisable to clean and vacuum carpets multiple times a week to ensure they do not work as carriers for lung-damaging components. Flour Baker’s asthma is a common condition among bakery workers. It is caused by the dust and flour particles that saturate the air and are transported with humans as vectors. Those who suffer from this have a difficult time breathing. Baker’s asthma can also be detected in people who live close to bakers, including their family and friends.   Candles Candles are made from paraffin, a petroleum-based product. When lit, candles release chemical-fueled fumes into the environment that can trigger allergic reactions in people. This reaction is enhanced in people with pre-existing conditions like COPD, asthma, allergies, and low immunity.

Asthma is a respiratory condition where the airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus. These factors make it difficult for the person to breathe and trigger wheezing and coughing. Apart from treatment and home remedies, people with asthma tend to eat foods that can boost their recovery. But not all foods are suitable, and some may even worsen the condition. Here are seven such foods that may trigger severe respiratory symptoms. Eggs Eggs contain healthy nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals. However, asthma patients prone to egg allergies should avoid them. Egg allergies generally lead to reactions on the skin, such as hives. Eating eggs can also cause inflammation in the respiratory tract and lead to an asthma attack. Soda Soda produces gas, which may apply pressure on the diaphragm. The excessive pressure may make it difficult to breathe, worsening the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory disorders. Bread Bread is a wheat-based product that may also cause allergic reactions because of its gluten content. Those allergic to gluten are likely sensitive to albumin and globulin. These are amino acids that lead to inflammation in the respiratory tract and subsequently cause an asthma attack. Dried fruits Despite their healthy nature, people with asthma must avoid dried fruits. They contain sulfites that keep the food fresh. However, such preservatives may worsen respiratory symptoms in people with asthma. Milk People with asthma should avoid milk or milk-based products. Studies show that milk increases mucus production in the body. Since people with asthma already produce excess mucus in the lungs, milk will only increase their chances of severe respiratory symptoms. Shrimp Shellfish are likely to increase the risk of asthma attacks in people allergic to seafood. Shrimp contains sulfites, a property to which many asthma patients are sensitive. Other seafood options people with asthma should stay away from include clams and oysters.

Finding it hard to sleep at night? Staying away from your phone and reducing psychological stress can help, but these are not enough. You also need to be wise when choosing foods late in the evening and before bedtime. Some foods have ingredients that can induce insomnia and cause tummy troubles, making it hard to sleep well at night. Below, we’ve listed seven such foods you should avoid eating before hitting the sack. Chocolate Post-dinner chocolate cravings are pretty common, but it’s not good when struggling to get proper sleep. Chocolates, especially dark chocolate, contain lots of caffeine, which can prevent you from getting deep, restful sleep. Coffee Talking about caffeine, it’s hard not to mention coffee. A shot of espresso is a go-to late-night drink for many, but it can hurt your objective of sound sleep. Coffee contains very high levels of caffeine, more than dark chocolate. So, it’s best to avoid any type of coffee at least six hours before bedtime. Potato chips Potato chips are fried foods loaded with unhealthy fats. Such foods take long to digest, cause indigestion, and can keep you up at night. Some studies even show that eating lots of fried, greasy foods can cause disturbing dreams. Donuts Donuts are one of the worst foods to eat before sleeping. They’re high in both fat and sugar. Too much sugar can cause a spike in blood glucose and then a sudden crash, disrupting sleep patterns. Digestive issues from excess fats can further make matters worse. Wine A glass or two of wine can indeed make you feel relaxed and even drowsy. But, it can also lower sleep quality. Drinking wine just before going to bed can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night or early in the morning to use the bathroom.

The foods we eat play a significant role, and that dictates how our organs function. The eyes are vascular, and it is necessary to eat nutritious foods to keep the blood vessels in good health. Eating unhealthy foods may block the veins that provide the eyes with the essential nutrients and oxygen. Such restrictions may affect one’s vision. Keeping this in mind, here are five foods that can worsen eye health. Margarine Margarine is considered a healthy alternative to butter, as it is made from vegetable oils. However, it still contains trans fats. These fats may increase a person’s cholesterol levels and put them at risk of heart diseases and eye problems. Red meat Red meat contains preservatives like salt, cholesterol, and fat, making them tasty and increasing their shelf life. However, these chemicals may harm one’s health and lead to high blood pressure. Such pressure spikes can lead to Choroidopathy, a fluid buildup below the retina. Fish Several fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may offer health benefits. However, fish also contain hints of mercury. People who eat lots of fish may be at risk of eye damage because of the chemical element. Coffee Coffee contains caffeine, an energy-boosting component that helps people stay active. But studies link caffeine to a slew of health problems, including those related to the eyes. Caffeine may increase the pressure inside the eye, especially in people with ocular hypertension (OHT) or glaucoma. The increase in pressure may result in loss of vision and even blindness. Sweetened beverages Sweetened beverages like energy drinks, sodas, and lemonade contain an abundant amount of sugar. Each drink might contain about seven to ten teaspoons of added sugar. Such sugars may increase the risk of type-2 diabetes and heart diseases. These diseases may also lead to conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy.

Quite a few things can cause bad eyesight, and one of these major factors is aging. However, there are some day-to-day choices we make and activities we partake in that slowly but surely impact our eyesight. This article discusses some obvious and not-so-obvious things that weaken our vision and force us to visit an ophthalmologist. Most of these causes are rooted in lifestyle habits and linked to preexisting health conditions. Too much screen time Sitting on the computer for extended hours is quite detrimental to eye health. The majority of the population spends time staring at their laptops, phones, or television. Screen pixels on the screen emit blue rays. While these rays are not as harsh on the eyes as UV rays, they have a better penetrative range and can end up causing deeper damage. Other side-effects of extended screen time include dry eyes, pricking of the eyes, strained eyesight, and headaches that can result in progressive worsening of the condition. Rubbing the eyes Rubbing the eyes can be an unconscious reaction for those dealing with dry eyes. It’s difficult to control the urge when allergies trigger itchy eyes. This can damage the cornea and increase pressure on the eyes. A better option is to cover the eyes with a damp towel to relieve itchy and dry eyes. Not wearing sunglasses We often end up treating sunglasses as a fashion accessory more than a necessity. While there is nothing wrong with that, it is equally essential to choose the right pair of sunglasses based on the protection they provide. For example, smaller framed sunglasses fail to provide optimal protection. Their UV protective ability determines the sunglasses’ effectiveness instead of the darkness of the shades. Poor eating habits Empty calories and food filled with additives and preservatives contribute to poor vision.