Consuming certain food items increase symptoms of asthma, and sometimes it could lead to a severe attack. Asthma patients do not suffer from breathing problems at all times. Some triggers or factors can suddenly cause an asthma attack. These triggers can also worsen symptoms the asthma patient is suffering from. Therefore, it is necessary to know what you can and can’t eat. Asthma Triggers There are many triggers for asthma attacks, such as pollen, dust, scent, and smoke. Food can also be a trigger causes an asthma attack. Asthma patients need to figure out which food items trigger an attack and avoid them. Some of these items include Sulfites Sulfites are preservatives used in some food products. In some asthma patients, they can act as a trigger for an attack; hence, they have to be avoided. Sulfites are found in food items like pickles, shrimp, wine, dried fruits, bottled lemon juice, and beer. You should avoid any of these food items if they cause a reaction. Eggs Egg allergy is common in children. It can cause skin disorders and breathing problems. Egg and egg products need to be avoided by those who are allergic. However, most children outgrow an egg allergy. Milk Some people find a glass of hot milk comforting in case of an asthma attack. Yet, many asthmatics experience breathing problems after consuming milk. These people may even face difficulties while consuming products made from milk, like cheese or butter. Gas-producing Foods Several food items produce an excess of gas in the stomach, which leads to the stomach puffing up. A bloated stomach puts pressure on the lungs, and this can cause breathing difficulties. Such a situation will be bad for someone who suffers from chronic asthma. Eating light meals is recommended for asthmatics. They should avoid food that causes gas like beans, carbonated drinks, fried foods, cabbage, broccoli, wheat, onions, lentils, and even milk.

Diet plays an important role in asthma treatment. The food to have listed here are those that are good for those suffering from asthma. These items do not cause any allergic reaction and can help provide relief from asthma symptoms. Diet has an important role to play in the management of asthma. Certain foods can trigger an asthma attack and need to be avoided. While there are foods that can be safely consumed by asthma patients which even might help improve their condition, foods triggering an attack must be avoided. A balanced diet ensures the body gets sufficient nutrients. It helps to improve immunity and overall health. Herein, we duscuss the best foods that can be consumed for dealing with asthma. Vitamin D Vitamin D is helpful, especially in children and can help reduce asthma attack incidents. Salmon, milk, eggs, and citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin D. However, those allergic to milk and eggs should avoid them. Basking in the sunlight also helps get Vitamin D. Vitamin A Vitamin A has a role to play in improving the function of the lungs. Foods that are rich in Vitamin A include carrots, broccoli, all leafy green vegetables, sweet potatoes, papayas, and mangoes. Carrots, in particular, have beta-carotene that is believed to help reduce asthma attacks brought about by exercise. Magnesium Children need to have sufficient magnesium levels to develop their lung function. Foods rich in magnesium include salmon, nuts, seeds, peas, asparagus, bananas, figs, and kale. Again, caution needs to be exercised, as some of these foods may cause allergies in some people. Foods causing allergies need to be identified and avoided. Fruits and Vegetables Most fruits and vegetables can be safely consumed by asthma patients. They provide excellent nutrients and help in improving general immunity. Bananas, for instance, contain potassium that can improve lung function.

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths that occur due to cancer. It is estimated that lung cancer causes more deaths than breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers combined. Based on the statistical data by the American Cancer Society, there are about 220,000 new cases of lung cancer every year. Several types of treatments are being developed and researched on to stop or at least slow down the disease progression in lung cancer patients. Apart from this, several oncologists and nutritionists also suggest that maintaining a proper diet can help in fighting the symptoms of lung cancer. There are some foods that can keep lung cancer symptoms at bay and can also be used as home remedies along with mainstream treatments. Some of the foods that can aid a lung cancer patient are mentioned below: Green tea According to several oncologists, green tea not only helps in preventing lung cancer but can also benefit to those who are living with the disease. Green tea contains theaflavin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which can potentiate the effect of chemotherapy medications. It is important to know that bottled green tea may have very little or no EGCG as the compound doesn’t last long when bottled. Nutritionists suggest drinking green tea with a dash of lemon juice as it can enhance the absorption of the compound. Ginger Known for its hot and zesty yet sweet flavor, ginger contains a compound called 6-shogaol that can prevent the development of malignant (cancerous) cells in the lungs through apoptosis (cell suicide) of cancer cells. It can also lower the risk of metastases of the disease thereby stopping or slowing its progression. Its anti-inflammatory compounds can also help in relieving the pain caused due to the side effects of medicines that are used to treat lung cancer.

Glucose in the body helps in maintaining optimum energy levels and is also the brain’s main source of fuel, but it all comes down to how the glucose in the body is utilized. Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases affecting how the blood sugar (glucose) is used by the body. Based on a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 100 million people in our country are suffering from diabetes or prediabetes. Irrespective of the cause of diabetes, it can cause excess sugar in the blood, leading to several other complications. Apart from medical treatment, dietary changes also play a crucial role in controlling blood sugar levels. Here are some foods that can help in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels in the body: Leafy greens Green vegetables like kale, collard greens, spinach, cabbage, beet greens, and watercress are high in nutrients and low in calories. Leafy greens are low in digestible carbohydrates, which helps in maintaining low blood sugar levels. Other antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin in greens also help in maintaining a healthy immune system. These antioxidants also protect the eyes from cataract and macular degeneration, which may be complications of diabetes. Cinnamon Known as a delicious spice, cinnamon is also known for its potent antioxidant properties, which can help improve insulin sensitivity. It has also been found recently that cinnamon can lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, but several dietitians also suggest limiting the intake of cassia cinnamon (most commonly available) to less than 1 teaspoon a day to avoid other health issues. Fatty fish It is one of the healthiest foods to fight diabetes. Mackerel, sardines, herring, and salmon are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which help maintain blood glucose levels. The fatty acids also protect the cells lining the blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and improve how arteries work after eating food.

Statistics show that over 4 million people in the country suffer from mild to moderate symptoms of constipation. It is a health condition wherein the bowel movements become uncomfortable and it is hard to pass stools as they are hard, dry, and small. There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of constipation. Some may be side effects of medications or health complications while others can be problems resulting from an improper diet or poor nutrition. Even not drinking enough fluids throughout the day can cause trouble in bowel movements. The good news is that you can manage the condition and the symptoms at home by incorporating certain foods and beverages to your diet. Fiber-rich foods If you are on an extremely low-fiber diet, the food that is being digested will be hard to pass through the intestine and the colon. Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables help break down the bulk of the food to encourage bowel movements. Castor oil When it comes to natural laxatives, nothing beats castor oil. It is a home remedy for constipation that has been handed down from generation to generation. Castor oil is rich in a compound that stimulates the small and large intestines to encourage bowel movements. You can have a couple of teaspoons of castor oil on an empty stomach. It is a great alternative to store-bought laxatives that may have some side effects. Prunes You can have dried prunes or drink a glass of fresh prune juice as a home remedy for constipation relief. It doesn’t matter how you have it, as this fiber-rich fruit is easy to incorporate in your daily diet. One prune has a gram of fiber so take a good handful of dried prunes to help with your digestion. Prunes also have compounds that trigger intestinal contractions to speed up the process of bowel movement.

7 lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis Psoriasis arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin causing red patches, development of flakes and inflammation. Two to three percent of the world’s population has psoriasis, with about 8 million affected people from the US alone. Patients with psoriasis tend to develop an inflammatory form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. It affects about 1% of the population and can result in a poor quality of life. With that being said, here are seven lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis. Eat healthily Following a healthy diet is a lifestyle change that has to be incorporated into everyone’s life, be it someone suffering from psoriatic arthritis or not. Its importance cannot be reinstated enough with obesity being one of the rising concerns in today’s world. Eating healthy. Psoriatic arthritis patients should take care to consume food that is low in salt, sugar, and fat. Since psoriatic arthritis causes pain in the joints, being overweight does not help this at all. Drink lots of water and consume enough fruits and vegetables. Stay active An active lifestyle, similar to healthy eating is not specific to psoriatic arthritis patients but everyone in general. Daily exercise helps to reduce stiffness in the joints, which is one of its many symptoms. The rigor of the exercise should vary depending on the level of the symptoms. Exercising in groups or finding a physiotherapist can help ensure that there is no lack of motivation. Practice meditation Stress is one of the main triggers in Psoriatic Arthritis. Triggers usually cause flares, which cause a spike in the symptoms for a particular period. Practicing yoga and meditation can help reduce any possible stress triggers. Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption Smoking can aggravate breathing issues and also triggers psoriatic arthritis.

5 snacks that help ease rheumatoid arthritis pain Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that damages the health of the joints and affects their ability to function efficiently. In this lifelong inflammatory disease and people experience a lot of pain in the joints of their hands and feet. Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, stiffness, inflammation, tenderness, and weakness in the joints. The excruciating rheumatoid arthritis pain can be extremely difficult to cope with. However, by incorporating certain food items in the diet, you can alleviate this pain. And the best way to do so would be by having healthy snacks that help avoid any further problems. Herein, we discuss some of the snacks you can try making at home. Fruit salad Fruits like cherries, raspberries, oranges, and grapefruit are packed with potent antioxidants and vitamin C that enable them to combat the pain in the joints caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Berries contain anthocyanins that reduce the inflammation and eases the associated discomfort. Put all these fruits in a bowl and mix to enjoy your very own pain-relieving snack. Edamame Feast on Edamame, which is immature soybeans served with salt, for that boost of fiber and protein to the body. The incredible nutritional value of edamame makes it an amazing snacking item for those suffering from the unpleasant and painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Instead of reaching out for unhealthy food items when hungry, try the super healthy edamame snack with soy sauce or wasabi to enhance the flavor. Crackers with salmon The easy to make crackers with salmon recipe can be prepared within a jiffy. Enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon helps effectively alleviate pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. It also reduces stiffness and inflammation in the joints that make it difficult to move around or stay active. Have the incredible combination of crackers and salmon and add olive oil to the preparation to further enhance its taste and effectiveness.

Diet for schizophrenia: What to eat and what to avoid? Schizophrenia is a mental illness that can cause delusions, paranoia, social and cognitive problems, and hallucinations. While the most common method of this condition is medication and psychotherapy, those who have schizophrenia can benefit from following a proper diet. Certain food items must be avoided, while there are a few that would be good for schizophrenia patients. What to avoid There are certain food items that a schizophrenia patient should avoid as can cause various health problems that can aggravate the condition. Sugar Schizophrenia patients need to be in good physical health to ensure their mental health improves. Maintaining blood sugar levels is important and for this, sugar and food items containing sugar must be avoided or eaten in moderation. Carbohydrates A diet that has high carbohydrate content needs to be avoided. Instead, a diet that has low carbs and helps in keeping blood sugar in check should be preferred. It also helps in weight control, which is required for those suffering from schizophrenia. Gluten Gluten needs to be removed from the diet for schizophrenics. Most people are allergic to gluten found in wheat, rye, and barley. Studies have shown a link between gluten and aggravated symptoms of schizophrenia. What to eat A healthy and well-balanced diet helps improve both physical and mental health. The following food items and nutrients are essential for someone who has schizophrenia. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 is a very powerful fatty acid that has multiple health benefits. It has been found to be useful in improving mental health. Fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 and if one doesn’t have access to these varieties of fish, fish oil capsules and omega-3 supplements can also be consumed. Omega-3 is also found in nuts and seeds like flaxseed and pumpkin seeds.

13 foods to help get pearly white teeth naturally A beautiful smile can be your biggest asset, and as strange as it may sound, you can get pearly whites by adding some foods to your diet! Our diet plays a key role not only in improving our health but also our teeth. A balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, water, and dairy products will not only guarantee an optimum weight but also a ravishing smile. Top foods that help whiten teeth naturally Strawberries: They contain an enzyme known as malic acid which is known to whiten teeth naturally. You can mash strawberries and apply it on the teeth. After around five minutes, you may rinse it with water and floss. Apples : Apples are one of the foods that help whiten teeth naturally because chewing it produces a scrubbing effect. Apple contains high amounts of malic acid, a common ingredient in toothpaste. This stimulates saliva production which acts as a self-cleaning agent and helps destroy bacteria that are responsible for bad breath. Pineapple: It contains bromelain which has cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties; this is why it is used for making stain-removing toothpaste. Broccoli: Being rich in fiber, broccoli helps reduce inflammation of the mouth. When you eat raw broccoli, your teeth are automatically cleaned and polished. The European Journal of Dentistry states that iron in this vegetable builds a protective wall for your teeth against acids which can degrade the enamel. So, broccoli is one of the foods that can help whiten teeth naturally by removing stains and preventing cavities. Raisins: They may be sweet but they protect your teeth. When you eat bran cereal with raisins, you can cleanse your mouth much faster. Moreover, chewing raisins stimulates saliva secretion and thus prevents the growth of plaque, cavities, and stains.

Top foods to eat if one suffers from arthritis Arthritis is a disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. In severe cases, the condition severely affects an individual’s mobility and is physically, emotionally, and mentally distressing. Aside from medication, there are certain dietary solutions to help manage arthritis. For example, since the main symptom of the condition is swelling, having anti-inflammatory foods are a good choice. Given below are top foods one must consume if they suffer from arthritis. Fatty fish Fatty fish are those that have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 is a substance that helps to fight inflammation and reduce pain, along with being good for the heart. The fish varieties that contain omega-3 are salmon, sardines, tuna, and mackerel. Studies have shown that those who have fatty fish have reduced inflammation and experienced relief from arthritis symptoms. Green tea Green tea is a great beverage. It is rich in antioxidants that can fight free radicals and help in reducing inflammation, thereby being an arthritis superfood. It is best to consume green tea about twice a day, but ensure that good quality, pure tea is being used. Garlic Garlic has multiple health benefits—it helps in increasing good cholesterol and has anti-cancer properties. It is anti-inflammatory in nature and aids in reducing the pain that an arthritis patient suffers. Studies have shown that regular consumption of garlic can be helpful in preventing hip arthritis. Dark chocolate Dark chocolate with 60% cocoa content can be eaten in small portions to manage arthritis. Dark chocolate contains less sugar and is healthier than other varieties of chocolate. It also has antioxidants that work to reduce inflammation. Berries While all fruits can be beneficial, berries like blueberries and strawberries are hugely beneficial as they contain antioxidants to reduce inflammation.