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20 Nutritious Foods for Better Lung Health

20 Nutritious Foods for Better Lung Health

Good lung health is crucial for overall well-being. Environmental toxins, poor lifestyle habits, and inflammatory foods can damage the lungs and lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and other conditions that can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Adding nutritious foods to the meals can help mitigate some of this damage and reduce the symptoms and severity of lung disease. Try these 20 foods to boost lung function and improve breathing. Apples Research suggests that those who eat at least five apples a week are less likely to develop COPD. Apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin, which slows lung function decline. The fruit also helps lower the risk of asthma and lung cancer owing to its flavonoids and vitamin C content. Beetroots Beetroots and beet greens are rich sources of nitrates, which can help optimize lung function, relax blood vessels, and reduce blood pressure. Beets are also packed with beneficial nutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and carotenoid antioxidants. Beetroot (in its natural form or as a supplement) is known to improve physical performance and lung function in those with COPD and pulmonary hypertension. Peppers Peppers are rich in vitamin C, a vitamin that has been shown to improve lung function.

High Sugar Intake – Signs and Management Options

High Sugar Intake – Signs and Management Options

Sugar is a vital source of energy and essential for survival. However, not all sugars have the same effects. Fructose, naturally present in fruits and vegetables, and lactose in milk and dairy products are natural sugars. However, added or refined sugar usually found in processed foods should be avoided. This sugar, when added to meals excessively, can increase the risk of developing various health conditions such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, and high blood pressure. Signs of excessive sugar intake Irritability Excessive sugar intake can lead to irritability, moodiness, and increased stress levels. A 2010 study suggested that high levels of sugar intake can promote inflammation, worsen one’s moods, and even increase the risk of developing depression. Exceeding the recommended sugar intake would mean that one is opting for meals high in sugar without adequate proteins or fat, leading to a spike in blood sugar levels. After a while, the previously elevated energy levels crash, making one feel irritable and sluggish. So, one should track their energy levels before and after a meal, especially when dealing with diabetes. Trouble sleeping A study found that poor quality of sleep is associated with increased sugar intake. Disruptions in sleep cycles can lead to restlessness.

Foods to Avoid and Eat With Psoriatic Arthritis

Foods to Avoid and Eat With Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that causes morning joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. This discomfort is associated with psoriasis or a family history of the condition. Both psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis are autoimmune conditions that affect the immune system. Adding nutritious food to one’s meal plans and following a prescribed treatment regimen may help in managing the condition. Here are some foods to avoid and eat along with certain treatments for managing psoriatic arthritis. Foods to avoid The following foods can trigger psoriatic arthritis due to the components found in them and must be avoided. Red meat Red meat, such as beef, pork, lamb, and veal, is high in saturated fatty acids. These fats are linked to various inflammatory conditions, including type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Red meat also contains heme, which binds oxygen in the blood and gives it its red color. Heme has been linked to gut irritation and systemic inflammation. Dairy products Milk, yogurt, and cheese are low-fat dairy products that can be healthy when consumed in moderation. However, patients who are lactose intolerant may experience discomfort and worsened symptoms. Saturated fats are abundant in high-fat dairy products like whole milk, full-fat cheese, and ice cream. These may result in an increase in body mass, which may worsen one’s symptoms.

Foods That Help Control Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Foods That Help Control Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophils are white blood cells in the immune system that ward off external attacks and protect the body from diseases. However, some allergic reactions trigger an unprecedented increase in the production of these cells. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic reaction that causes inflammation and swelling in the esophagus. Many risk factors are involved, but certain foods mainly trigger this allergic response. Here are common food substitutes that help manage EoE and prevent major flare-ups. Milk substitutes Milk contains a natural protein called casein that triggers an allergic reaction to the condition. People who are lactose intolerant are anyways unable to process any dairy. The top culprits include milk in all its forms, butter, margarine, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, mayonnaise, and salad dressings. These are all trigger foods that need to be eliminated. Nutritionists advise switching to more safe alternatives like coconut milk, hemp milk, oat milk, almond milk, and rice milk. These fortified substitutes eliminate the dairy digestion problem while retaining a balanced nutritional value. Further, one can switch to dairy-free yogurts and cheeses made from coconut, cashew, or hemp milk for regular intake. Eat gluten-free snacks Gluten is a protein commonly found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye.

11 Most Common Digestive Disorders

11 Most Common Digestive Disorders

Most people, at one point or another, suffer from digestive disorders. It could be something as common as constipation and diarrhea, which cause just a minor inconvenience. Or, it could be a complex digestive or gastrointestinal issue that affects one’s quality of life. Sometimes, problems like constipation and bloating appear as signs of another underlying health condition. Regardless, it is crucial to be aware of the common digestive conditions and their symptoms. Food intolerance This is one of the most common digestive disorders today. Food intolerance is a health condition where the digestive system does not react well to certain foods. A few common symptoms one may experience during an episode of food tolerance include bloating, cramps, gas, diarrhea, heartburn, headache, vomiting, and irritability. Food intolerance should not be confused with food allergies, which can also cause hives and respiratory issues. Constipation Chronic constipation indicates the body’s inability to get rid of waste matter. It occurs when the colon cannot move the bowels through the digestive tract. Around 63 million people in our country alone deal with this problem on a daily basis. Some causes of constipation include low physical activity, dehydration, low fiber intake, and specific treatments. When suffering from constipation, a person may experience decreased bowel movements, slow transit and passing of stools, and hard stools.

Do Not Ignore These 7 Headache Symptoms

Do Not Ignore These 7 Headache Symptoms

Headaches can be difficult to categorize because their symptoms and level of pain can differ from one person to the next. An individual may experience painful symptoms of migraines (a type of headache), while others may find their condition moderate. Sometimes people may develop constant headaches even if they have never experienced the sensation before. In this situation, individuals should visit a healthcare expert to check if the signs are indicators of other complications. Headache with sudden fever While the symptoms of headaches, including migraines, are treatable with prescriptions or adequate rest, one may require a professional diagnosis if one runs a fever simultaneously. A few with a headache usually indicates that the patient has a sinus infection. It could also mean that the individual is at risk of a more severe condition like meningitis (stiffness of the neck) or encephalitis (an infection of the brain), which may cause confusion and difficulty with speech. These conditions can turn severe if left untreated. Moreover, older individuals have weaker immune systems and are at a greater risk of developing these infections. A “thunderclap” onset A “thunderclap” onset refers to a headache that develops suddenly. Individuals susceptible to this phenomenon usually describe it as one of the worst pains they have experienced.

6 Habits to Avoid to Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis

6 Habits to Avoid to Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that may affect multiple joints in the body. Furthermore, the chronic condition may make it difficult to hold or grab objects and affect one’s ability to participate in daily tasks, which can be quite frustrating. There are several ways to deal with the inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is also imperative for one to let go of certain unhealthy lifestyle habits to manage their condition better. Walking around in uncomfortable footwear One may wish to wear trendy footwear that they come across on social media daily. Sometimes, people do so even if the shoe is uncomfortable. Wearing uncomfortable shoes may lead to pain in the toes and also affect the joints in the legs, especially if the individual has arthritis. Therefore, one should ensure they wear well-cushioned shoes and those with adequate ventilation. Individuals should also avoid shoes with high cushioning and arch support as this may reduce the foot’s natural shock-absorbing contractions when it makes contact with the ground. Furthermore, the heel of shoes should be kept to a minimum of 1.5 inches or lower. Lack of physical activity The onset of pain from rheumatoid arthritis may also discourage a patient from indulging in regular physical activity.

9 Things to Avoid for Healthy Skin

9 Things to Avoid for Healthy Skin

Healthy skin is rarely a result of frequent salon visits or pricey skin treatments. To keep one’s skin healthy, one needs to consistently have good hygiene practices, good food habits, a proper sleep schedule, and a healthy gut and stomach. A few things can negatively affect one’s efforts to get healthy skin. In severe cases, the following factors may also result in breakouts, signs of premature aging, or a common skin condition called eczema. Things to avoid Exposure to UV radiation Exposing bare skin to harsh sunlight or UV rays for a prolonged time may damage the skin tissues. It can also irritate the skin, cause sunburn and pigmentation, trigger premature aging, or even lead to skin cancer. Wearing sunglasses, caps, and sunscreen is the best way to avoid UV exposure. A tinted moisturizer sunscreen for the face not only protects the skin but also hydrates it and provides a thin layer of foundation. Moisturizer sunscreen works well for dry and sensitive skin. Alternatively, people with oily skin can opt for sunscreen with a lightweight formula. Unhealthy eating habits Gut health and skin health are closely related. Processed and refined foods can lead to toxins getting accumulated in the colon.

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Factors to consider before buying a new mattress

Factors to consider before buying a new mattress

Picking out the perfect mattress is one of the most important home-makeover decisions you can make for a consistent good night’s sleep. With so many options available, from materials used and features offered to affordability and longevity, it may seem unnerving to navigate the market to find the right one for you. While buying a mattress is ultimately a matter of personal preference, here are some things to consider before choosing a new one: Type of mattress Memory foam and innerspring mattresses are the most popular choice among people. However, there are many other types of mattresses that you can opt for, depending on your requirements. Memory foam Memory foam mattresses offer the best pressure relief. They can conform to the body and take the weight off the pressure points for a comfortable night’s rest. These are ideal for side sleepers or those experiencing back pain because they promote proper spine alignment by reducing the pressure on the shoulders and hips. The only downside of conventional memory foam mattresses is that they can trap heat more easily and may be uncomfortable for hot sleepers. Latex Latex mattresses are more resilient than memory foam mattresses, which makes them firmer with less sinking in.

Atrial fibrillation – Causes, symptoms, and management tips

Atrial fibrillation – Causes, symptoms, and management tips

The human heart is susceptible to several health complications, including atrial fibrillation (AFib). The condition is the most common type of treated heart arrhythmia, which is a term describing when the heart beats unusually slowly, fast, or irregularly. AFib is estimated to affect between 2.7 million to 6.1 million individuals in the country. An individual with the complication experiences irregular beating in the heart’s upper chambers, affecting blood flow, leading to health complications. Causes Irregularities in the structure of the heart are the most common cause of atrial fibrillation. Sometimes people may develop the condition without any known heart damage or problems. Risk factors like age may also contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation. Other potential causes of the phenomenon include a heart attack, sick sinus syndrome – issues with the heart’s natural pacemaker, coronary artery disease, congenital heart defect – A heart defect that an individual might be born with, high blood pressure, lung diseases, heart valve problems, use of stimulants, including certain prescriptions and caffeine, physical stress caused due to pneumonia, other illnesses, and also surgery, sleep apnea, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), metabolic imbalances, viral infections, and complications due to earlier heart surgery. Symptoms A person who develops atrial fibrillation may not notice symptoms, and the condition is detected only after a physical examination.

Signs, diagnosis, and prevention of nasal polyps

Signs, diagnosis, and prevention of nasal polyps

If you have been facing difficulty while breathing or feel that your sense of smell or taste has decreased, chances are that you may have nasal polyps. Though it is a common health condition, knowing more about it is necessary, not just because it causes discomfort; one-sided nasal polyps growth may indicate a cancerous tumor. Read further to learn more about nasal polyps, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and lines of treatment. Nasal polyps They are soft, benign, and painless growths on the lining of sinuses or nasal passages. They are sac-like in appearance and vary in size and shape. Sinuses are located inside the facial bones and are air-filled spaces. They are connected to your nasal cavity and help you breathe. Nasal polyps, especially when they grow in size, act as obstructions, cause trouble breathing, and usually affect both sides of your nasal passages. According to the research, 4% of people worldwide suffer from this condition . Causes Although the exact cause of nasal polyps is unknown until now, it is attributed to long-term or recurrent inflammation of the mucus membranes of the sinuses or the nasal passages. It is often caused due to conditions such as asthma, long-term sinus infections, cystic fibrosis, sensitivity to aspirin, allergic fungal sinusitis (caused due to fungi in the air), vitamin D deficiency, abnormal inflammation of the blood vessels caused due to Churg-Strauss Syndrome, or a family history of nasal polyps.

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