Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease caused by the immune system attacking the joints in the body resulting in swelling, pain, and inflammation. This illness can affect people of all age groups. The exact cause is still unknown, and there is no permanent cure for the condition. However, early treatment and lifestyle changes can relieve the symptoms and discomfort associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Important changes include adding certain foods that help combat inflammation.  Best foods to manage symptoms Although several treatment options can help relieve the associated symptoms, adding certain foods to one’s daily meals may also ease the discomfort. Some of these foods are:  Beans This food is packed with fiber, which can help lower the level of C-reactive protein (CRP), leading to less inflammation. Beans are also a rich source of magnesium, protein, folic acid, zinc, and potassium. So it is advised to regularly consume kidney, red, and pinto beans to fight inflammation and boost immunity.  Cherries Cherries contain anthocyanins—a chemical that is a potent antioxidant and helps manage inflammation. In addition, the fruit also helps in fighting against cell damage to make the bones and joints get stronger. So, people with the condition should opt for freshly picked cherries every day to help build strength and reduce the inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis.  Carrots Carrots and other orange-colored vegetables are rich sources of beta-carotene and vitamin A, which help the body fight against inflammation. These vegetables can be cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces. Fish Omega 3 fatty acids, often found in fish like tuna and salmon, are extremely beneficial for the health of rheumatoid arthritis patients. They help fight inflammation and decrease the discomfort caused by symptoms like morning stiffness and aching joints. However, one should ensure that the fish is not overcooked. One can bake or grill it twice a week.  In addition to the above-mentioned foods, one should consult a healthcare expert for treatment options that can help slow the disease’s progression.

The immune system is responsible for saving the body from harmful pathogens. A well-developed immune system protects us from most health conditions. However, there are times when the immune system may act strangely and begin to attack the body’s healthy cells, which leads to autoimmune disorders. Multiple sclerosis is a severe and dangerous autoimmune condition that impacts the brain and the spinal cord. It can lead to many early symptoms, such as those listed below. Vision Due to the condition’s connection to the optic nerve, MS patients often experience vision loss or double vision. Mobility The deterioration of myelin sheath causes miscommunication within the nervous system, which is often seen in the form of loss of balance, vertigo, and dizziness. Numbness One of the most common symptoms of MS is numbness caused by the damage to the nerves that carry signals to the brain. Fatigue Persistent fatigue and weakness are among the most common early signs of MS. Most often, what we eat can impact our overall well-being. It is therefore vital to choose our meals and beverages wisely. Here are some of the foods that are better to be avoided, as they can contribute to the progression of MS: Saturated fats High saturated-fat foods can negatively impact MS patients. They can increase LDL levels and lead to stroke, atherosclerosis, and heart attack issues. In addition, foods like cheese, butter, red meat, and processed meat are prominent sources of saturated fats. MS patients are advised to avoid or restrict the intake of these foods. Sugar The harm sugar can cause to the body is common knowledge. It can cause increased inflammation, lethargy, weight gain, and more. Lack of activity and increased inflammation can, in turn, result in frequent flare-ups and worsening of symptoms. Therefore, you should avoid sweets, desserts, and sugary drinks.

At times, it is normal if your child forgets something, daydreams in school acts without thinking, or gets restless at the dinner table. When this behavior is fused with frequent bouts of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, it may be a sign of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders that generally appear in early childhood. Research reveals that one in ten children between the ages of 5 and 17 years is diagnosed with ADHD in the country. ADHD in children is often associated with the problems they face at school—being inattentive most of the time, losing things, and more. It is a common observation that young boys are more likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than young girls, which may be because one of the significant symptoms of ADHD, hyperactivity, is more pronounced in boys’ behavior. A few girls might also display the classic symptoms of hyperactivity, but it’s rare among them. In girls, the disorder mainly manifests in the form of continually daydreaming or over-talkativeness. However, parents must realize that many ADHD symptoms might only be typical childhood behaviors and can vary from child to child, which makes ADHD a challenging disorder to diagnose. But, if left undiagnosed, the symptoms can prolong, causing difficulty at home, school, and in making friends. Some common symptoms of ADHD include the following: Fidgeting Talking too much Forgetting or losing things frequently Making careless mistakes Having difficulty in resisting the temptation Taking unnecessary risks Difficulty in getting along with others Daydreaming. Types of ADHD The American Psychological Association (APA) has essentially grouped the condition of ADHD into three types to make its diagnosis consistent. Predominantly inattentive Children diagnosed with this type of ADHD have a tough time focusing on a particular activity, finishing an on-going task, and following simple instructions explained to them.

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine—the part of the body that plays a crucial role in digestion and waste elimination. Cancer is a serious and life-threatening condition, and it is essential to follow the doctor’s instructions when dealing with it. Poor eating habits increase the risk of colon cancer, so in addition to treatment, some superfoods can improve gut health and boost immunity. Here are some foods that can help manage colon cancer: Beans and legumes Beans and legumes are great options when it comes to combating colon cancer. Specifically, black beans contain certain fatty acids that protect against the growth of certain cancer cells. Berries Berries contain high levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients that are good for our gut health. Certain berries, such as black raspberries, contain high levels of anthocyanins, which restricts the growth of cancer cells in the body. Carrots Carrots contain beta-carotene, which can curtail the growth of abnormal cells. They also have other nutrients that can protect one against other types of cancer. Fish Fish like salmon and herring are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining heart health and can fight the growth of new cancer cells. Cruciferous vegetables Vegetables like broccoli, kale, cabbage, and cauliflower contain substantial amounts of sulforaphane, which can minimize cancer risk and improve the body’s immunity. Nuts Nuts have been linked to a reduced rate of cancer recurrence and death in patients with third-stage colorectal cancer. Spinach Spinach is rich in fiber and folate, which help digestion and reduce the risk of colon cancer. The vegetable also contains carotenoids, which have been linked to helping the body fight against cancer cells. While these foods can help fight the risk of colon cancer, other foods can increase the risk of developing the condition or worsening the symptoms.

Colon cancer, which begins in a portion of the large intestine called the colon, affects many in our country. It is life-threatening and can spread to other body parts, such as the liver and lungs, if not detected and treated. Like most health disorders, colon cancer has a few early signs that help individuals identify it in its initial stages. One must visit a doctor for a diagnosis as soon as they experience these symptoms. Anemia Colon cancer often leads to bleeding in the large intestine without the patient’s knowledge. Frequent bleeding, in turn, causes a loss of red blood cells. As red blood cells are the primary oxygen carriers, their absence causes anemia, a condition where the blood cannot efficiently transport oxygen throughout the body. The signs of anemia are irregular heartbeat, cold hands and feet, shortness of breath, pale skin, and weakness or fatigue even after simple activities like skipping or climbing stairs. Tenesmus Tenesmus is a condition where a person experiences the urge to use the restroom multiple times, even after having passed stool. Essentially, one constantly feels their bowel movement is incomplete. Tenesmus is a significant early sign of colon cancer, so individuals must visit a healthcare provider immediately after experiencing this symptom. Changing bowel habits Besides tenesmus, patients may experience several other bowel habit changes in the early phases of colon cancer, such as frequent constipation or diarrhea episodes. Additionally, the color of the stools starts showing visible inconsistencies. Many notice red stools or blood in the stools, which usually occurs when there is bleeding in the rectum or colon. Continuous abdominal pain and cramps The colon is at the bottom of the large intestine. The formation of cancer cells in that part can cause discomfort in the lower abdomen, such as continuous pain or cramps.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a condition in which patients can bleed or bruise easily and excessively. Seeking proper professional guidance and therapy is crucial in such situations, but that alone cannot help improve the quality of life. Healthy lifestyles and food choices can also play a pivotal role in helping these patients combat the disease. Therapy and healthy food choices go hand in hand to provide better patient care and ensure minimum health risks. Fats Avoiding fats from one’s meals is not a recommended approach to healthy meals. Foods rich in healthy unsaturated fats also bring numerous nutrients to the table. This includes options like nuts and seeds, avocados, nut butter, and high-quality cooking oils or ghee. Including healthy fats in meals can also help immune thrombocytopenia patients cope better with their stress. The higher number of calories in these food products proves beneficial to the body.  Avoiding unhealthy or saturated fats in meals is one of the most common pieces of advice people with any health condition get. This is especially important for people who stand a risk of cardiac diseases. Since ITP patients are prescribed prolonged corticosteroid usage, food that can negatively impact the heart should be avoided as much as possible. Therefore, eliminating or avoiding foods containing saturated or trans fats is sound advice. Meat Having healthy portions of protein in each meal helps the body recover and maintain steady energy and sugar levels. It is, therefore, essential to include good quality lean protein sourced from foods like eggs, beans and lentils, poultry, nuts and seeds, and fish. Meat is also a reliable source of iron, a mineral that could be found lacking in people with ITP.  On the other hand, processed meat sources are a definite no on the list of foods ITP patients can enjoy.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition where the body does not generate enough insulin or cannot use it efficiently to control sugar levels. The condition affects about 37 million people in the country and is also a leading cause of kidney failure and adult blindness and a reason for lower-limb amputations. Some remedies help manage this condition; however, one can also curb symptoms by regularly following exercises. Check out some of such helpful activities below. Daily walks Walking is an ideal way of managing diabetes. Try brisk strolls for half an hour three to four times a week, or take your pet dog for a walk. You can also track your walking progress through fitness apps to make exercising fun. Swimming Swimming enhances the muscles in the upper and lower body. Strong muscle movements while swimming helps burn calories, lower cholesterol, and improve heart health. Swimming also does not strain the joints as other exercise routines would. Trying dance routines Dancing helps lower stress levels, burn calories, curb blood sugar, and benefit the heat. Dancing for around half an hour every day for three days a week will help improve symptoms of diabetes. Cycling Those experiencing diabetes symptoms should consider cycling for about 30 minutes daily, three to five times a week. The activity will help burn excess blood sugar and improve heart rate. Cycling is also known to help one get in shape without affecting the knees and other joints. Climbing stairs Climbing stairs helps the heart and lungs work faster, which benefits people with type 2 diabetes. Going up and down stairs for three minutes after an hour or two following a meal will help burn blood sugar. Gardening Gardening works as a strength training exercise and an aerobic activity. An individual may kneel, walk, and bend while digging, lifting, and raking the garden.

When it comes to health, what you introduce into your body and environment holds great importance. This holds for lung health as well. With increased levels of air and water pollution surrounding us, impaired lung capacity is a growing concern. In such a scenario, avoiding foods that could further contribute to the deterioration of your lungs is necessary. Avoiding foods that can compromise lung health can also help maintain heart health. Processed meat Increased intake of highly processed meats like bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and other deli meats has long been linked to compromised lung health. According to numerous research results, daily intake of processed forms of meat can impair lung function, increasing the risk of developing and triggering conditions like COPD. A set of research also found the rehospitalization rate to be higher in COPD patients that continued using processed meat. The problem is the high salt content and the subsequent water retention these foods can cause. Added sugar Sugars that are not naturally present in food and have been added as a measure of taste enhancement or preservation are added sugars. Most often, it is in the form of refined sugar or other syrups. Commonly occurring foods with added sugars include cereals, granola, cakes, flavored yogurts, and more. It is important to read the nutrition label on all packaged foods to avoid lung-harming ingredients like excess salts and sugars. Carbonated beverages Carbonated beverages are loaded with carbon dioxide. Constant addition of these drinks to a patient’s meals and refreshments can cause bloating, gas, and even stomach ache. This discomfort can often be linked to increased difficulty in breathing and overall discomfort for people with pre-existing lung conditions. The added space that the patient’s hyperinflated condition takes up in the case of COPD and asthma patients can cause physical discomfort and make breathing a chore.

Your body mandates minerals and nutrients to function correctly, but higher concentrations of potassium, can prove harmful. Potassium is one such essential mineral your body needs to function, but at times, it excessively gets built up in your blood which can be fatal. Normal potassium levels in your blood should remain within 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L. But when the potassium level goes above this range, it will trigger a condition called hyperkalemia.  This becomes dangerous and even deadly. I n such cases, the muscles responsible for controlling your heartbeat and breathing will not function properly. This will result in several complications like irregular heartbeat and sometimes cardiac arrest. High levels of potassium also lead to Digestive issues Prickling Numbness One of the most advocated ways to manage the potassium level in your body is to follow a low potassium food plan. A healthy adult requires 2,600 to 3,400 milligrams of potassium daily. If someone is advised for a potassium-restricted nutrition diet, they will be allowed 2000 milligrams per day. Potassium is present in several foods; in some, it comes in excess. It is also present in meat, chicken, dairy, and fish. Foods that one should restrict if diagnosed with hyperkalemia When you are diagnosed with hyperkalemia, your doctor will recommend focusing more on fruits and vegetables that are low in potassium and decreasing the portion size if you consume food rich in potassium. The goal is to find a perfect balance because even far too potassium can lead to several health issues. Given below are a list of food items that should be avoided if a person is diagnosed with hyperkalemia. Grains It will be helpful if you go for rice cereals and bread made of refined flour rather than grains and a fiber rich nutrition plan entirely. Proteins Many animal and plant-based proteins have high potassium content.

We want it to look flawless and pretty all the time. However, aging is a natural phenomenon that none can stop. Wrinkles, fine lines, and blemishes commonly occur on the skin. More often than not, we are doing all the wrong things, affecting our skin in ways we do not know. While doing everything for your skin, you might make some key mistakes causing premature aging. Let us acquaint you with such errors. Skincare mistakes causing premature aging To have flawless skin, you must have a good skincare routine. However, doing it right is also essential. Some common skincare mistakes lead to premature aging. Knowing such mistakes can save you a lot of time. Here are some common mistakes you might be making in your skincare routine. Not wearing sunscreen Heat and sun exposure is the biggest reason for fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and other signs of skin aging. So, you must always wear good sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful sun rays regardless of the weather. Improper cleansing While cleansing your skin is essential, too much cleansing can lead to skin damage. You need to know when to cleanse the skin. You must ensure that you’re taking your makeup off with proper cleansing so that the skin pores do not get blocked and remain breathable. Skin cleansing in the morning is also essential to open the skin pores and remove natural oils and sebum that may have formed on the skin over the night. Neglecting beauty sleep Have you ever heard of the term beauty sleep? It’s said to enhance your beauty. So, if you’re neglecting your sleep, you’re pushing your skin towards premature aging. It’s essential to give your skin rest like you give rest to your entire body. Sleeping well after properly cleansing the skin so the pores can breathe is necessary to activate the production of collagen & elastin, which is vital to keep skin tight and young.

Skin diseases are the conditions that affect your skin, and the main symptoms are itching, inflammation, rashes, burning, swelling, and flakiness. Some of the diseases are genetic in nature, some are due to lifestyle changes, while others are due to ongoing illness. Usually, you need to visit a dermatologist for the treatment and follow the prescribed plan. However, there are certain things that you can do to avoid the onset of skin diseases. Specific foods Foods with a high glycemic index can increase the insulin levels in your body, resulting in the production of sebum that can lead to acne. Refined grains, sugary cereals, chips, etc., are usually high in GI index, which must be avoided. You must also avoid foods that are spicy and oily. Such foods may trigger itching and rashes. In a few skin conditions, milk or dairy products must be avoided at all costs. Run some results and find out if you are allergic to any food. Vegetables like eggplants, taro roots, and okra won’t help you to get rid of itches and burning any time soon. Therefore, it is best to include skin-friendly foods in your meal plans. Lifestyle habits Living an unhealthy lifestyle is the biggest reason why you might be suffering from skin diseases. You need to drink an adequate amount of water every day and go out for fresh air and bathe regularly with clean water. Staying awake at night, having aerated and hard drinks, and staying in an unhygienic environment should be avoided to heal rashes and inflammation in your skin. Improper clothing Clothes help protect your body, specifically your skin, from external dust, harsh sun rays, and insects. But improper clothing and accessories might do the opposite. It might prove to be bad for your skin. If you step out wearing tight clothes on a really hot day, you can get heat rashes.

Muscle pain, also called myalgia, occurs in senior adults, middle-aged and young adults, and children. In many cases, there is nothing to worry about sore and aching muscles, as they can get resolved without any medical intervention. But sometimes, muscle pain can be a symptom of some underlying health condition. And as muscle pains are widespread, you can experience it at any point. But what causes them in the first place? Let’s find out. How can muscle pain affect you? Muscle pain can be highly disturbing as it limits your capability to make free movement. Almost everyone experiences muscle pain and it makes daily tasks such as getting out of bed, climbing stairs, and lifting heavy objects tedious and painful. Causes of muscle pain Muscle pain occurs because of various reasons. It can occur because of an injury, as a symptom of any disease or infection, or sometimes as a side effect of any medication. Based on the cause, muscle aches can be throbbing and sometimes burning. Here are five main health conditions that cause muscle pain: Nutritional deficiency When anyone does not receive sufficient Vitamin D from their regular diet, they might experience muscle pain. Vitamin D is vital for ensuring the muscles function in the right manner. It carries out a pertinent function; it assists in the absorption of calcium. Its deficiency can result in hypocalcemia, where the level of calcium in the blood is very low, which can affect the muscles along with organs and bones. Dehydration When a person is dehydrated, they can be susceptible to muscle pains. Having a proper water intake is important to ensure the proper functioning of your body. With the required amount of fluids, some body functions, such as digestion and breathing, can also improve. Usually, the recommended water intake is 6-8 glasses daily.