Arthritis – Foods to avoid and management options

Arthritis – Foods to avoid and management options
Human joints are at the core of flexible body movements, facilitating movement across different axes, including rotation, extension, and flexion. Thus, optimal joint functioning is essential for body mobility. Arthritis is a health condition involving severe joint inflammation. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types. Besides following the prescribed treatment course, avoiding certain foods and food types and exploring some management options can help control symptoms among arthritis patients. Foods to avoid for arthritis Sugary foods Excessive sugar intake is linked to increased production of cytokines, which are inflammatory proteins that can aggravate arthritis symptoms. Consequently, it is believed that sugar can increase arthritis flare-ups. Moreover, studies have found that individuals with arthritis are at a 61% higher risk of developing diabetes than those without the condition. Type-2 diabetes can aggravate the condition further. Therefore, it is best for patients with arthritis to replace added sugar with natural sugar sources like fruits and fresh fruit juices. Processed and red meat Red meats like pork, beef and lamb, and other processed meats, including sausages and bacon, are known to cause inflammation in the body, worsening arthritis symptoms. Hence, persons with arthritis should steer clear of red and processed meats, substituting them with lean meat sources like poultry and venison.

Foods to help manage ankylosing spondylitis

Foods to help manage ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition and type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. Though no specific food has been found to cure the disease, studies suggest that eating anti-inflammatory foods can decrease inflammation, making living with the disease easier. Here is a list of the best anti-inflammatory foods for ankylosing spondylitis and a few medications, including RINVOQ®. But before that, you need to know the initial signs and symptoms of the disease. Early signs and symptoms Pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, especially in the morning or after rest, are among the most common early signs of ankylosing spondylitis. Other signs and symptoms can include neck pain, fatigue, ligament and tendon pain, night sweats, mild fever, and appetite loss. Best foods for ankylosing spondylitis Load up on these foods to manage the disease. Omega-3-rich foods Omega-3s are healthy fats that can help fight inflammation, including those associated with ankylosing spondylitis. The best sources of omega-3s are salmon, sardines, tuna, walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds. Berries Berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, are a storehouse of powerful antioxidants, especially anthocyanins. These compounds can lower inflammation and fight free radical damage in the body, potentially improving ankylosing spondylitis symptoms.

Cancer prevention and management – Foods to eat and avoid

Cancer prevention and management – Foods to eat and avoid
The development of certain conditions like ovarian, blood, lung, prostate, or breast cancer has been linked to the food we eat. While that is not the only cause, and no particular food treats cancer completely, making healthy food choices can drastically reduce the risk of developing cancer. This article provides some details on foods to eat and avoid along with information on (CAR) T-cell therapy to manage various types of cancers. Foods to avoid Red meat Red meat is typically preserved by curing, smoking, salting, or canning. Foods like hot dogs, salami, sausage, ham, and beef jerky are known to create carcinogens that are associated with colorectal and stomach cancer. It is recommended to replace processed meats with white fish, chicken, or turkey. Alcohol Alcohol, classified as a group 1 carcinogen, is linked with mouth, throat, esophagus, breast, liver, stomach, and bowel cancer. The risk of cancer varies significantly on the amount and frequency of drinking alcohol. A glass of wine now and then does not have much of a negative effect; however, frequent binge-drinking episodes can increase one’s risk of being diagnosed with cancer. Refined carbs and sugar Eating excessive refined carbs and sugar increases visceral fat and makes one susceptible to type 2 diabetes.

11 food items that worsen hereditary angioedema

11 food items that worsen hereditary angioedema
Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disease characterized by recurrent episodes of severe swelling, often in the face, throat, and abdomen. Various factors can trigger HAE. However, certain foods have been identified to worsen the condition. One should take note of these food items to avoid unintentionally triggering the condition and exacerbating its symptoms. Eliminating or carefully including these foods in meals can help individuals manage their condition better and avoid unwanted complications. Aged cheese Aged cheese items like blue cheese and cheddar contain elevated histamine levels. Histamine is a compound that can lead to the dilation of blood vessels, potentially triggering or worsening HAE symptoms. For individuals with HAE, consuming aged cheeses can increase histamine levels in the body, which may result in heightened swelling and discomfort. Processed meats Processed meats like smoked sausages and cured hams contain histamine and harbor additives like sulfites. These compounds have been linked to the worsening of HAE symptoms. For individuals with HAE, eating these meats may increase histamine levels, potentially causing an episode. Shellfish Crustaceans such as shrimp, crab, and lobster are a well-known source of histamine in foods. Eating shellfish can elevate histamine levels, increasing the risk of an HAE episode.

5 foods to tackle the symptoms of depression

5 foods to tackle the symptoms of depression
Depression is a mood disorder that can get serious if it’s not treated in time. It can lead to symptoms that affect how one may think, feel, or how they handle daily activities like eating, working, or sleeping. Along with treatments for depression, there are certain foods that one can consume to get relief from the symptoms of depression. These foods also help improve a person’s overall health. Listed below are five such foods. Berries Berries like raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries are foods that contain high quantities of antioxidants. According to a study, patients who were treated for two years with antioxidants had lower depression scores. These antioxidants are also known to prevent other illnesses and cancer. Walnuts Walnuts are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support brain function and alleviate the symptoms of depression. Omega-3 fatty acids also contain other properties that can significantly help improve a person’s overall condition. Dark Leafy Greens Dark leafy greens are one of the healthiest foods you can eat to improve your overall health. They are rich in immune-boosting and anticancer properties such as vitamins A, C, E, and K; phytochemicals; and other minerals. Avocados Avocados are known as power foods because they are rich in healthy fats needed by the brain to function properly.

Stay at the top of your health game with these 4 tips

Stay at the top of your health game with these 4 tips
Think of the human body as a car. Pouring the cheapest gasoline (unhealthy food) in a car can damage the engine (bodily organs). Instead, if you can take care of yourself by committing to fitness via proper nutrition, it can take you a long way. In a recent study, it was found that approximately 55 percent of people derive daily calories from refined and processed foods. This can be counterproductive as these foods are full of unhealthy fats and devoid of essential nutrients. How are fitness and nutrition related to each other? Fitness and nutrition go hand in hand. Consuming foods containing healthy nutrients enables your body to function in a way conducive to physical and mental well-being. You may find yourself becoming more active, and burning calories off in a healthy manner. If you continue to maintain an exercise routine without getting adequate nutrition, it will have an adverse effect. So, here are some useful tips that can help you to be at the top of your health game: Keep a tab on your calories This is one of the smartest tips to stay healthy. Several diet plans focus on the number of calories that need to be eaten each day.

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8 factors to consider before buying oxygen concentrators

8 factors to consider before buying oxygen concentrators

Oxygen concentrators are healthcare devices that assist those with respiratory insufficiency (hypoxemia). They are designed to concentrate oxygen in the air by removing nitrogen, helping those who require oxygen therapy to improve and stabilize blood oxygen saturation levels. While these devices are designed to help maintain oxygen levels, not all models work in the same way. So, it is important to consider all options and assess specific needs to choose the right device. Oxygen concentration While oxygen is compressed and filtered in the concentrator, the amount then delivered contains a specific percentage of pure oxygen. This value is known as the oxygen concentration. Before buying the device, one must check if the oxygen flow rate is about 2 L/min. This rate is usually sufficient for home oxygen concentrators. Some may require a higher flow rate, in which case they can choose devices with up to 10 L/min. Noise levels An oxygen concentrator generally produces some noise, which can be bothersome for many. So, when looking for a device, choose a model with noise levels between 31 dB and 60 dB. This range is equivalent to the sound of a quiet conversation or a voice in a calm environment. Additionally, some manufacturers offer models with quieter operation.
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5 Cyber Monday Mistakes To Avoid This Holiday Season

5 Cyber Monday Mistakes To Avoid This Holiday Season

5 Cyber Monday Mistakes To Avoid This Holiday Season Cyber Monday is when many sales are happening all over the country, and most purchases occur in the electronic market. Every store that sells anything with an electronic gadget or even its accessory is up a sale. Such a time also becomes a time when many buyers end up at a loss for various other reasons. It is a great time of the year for consumers to make the best of the deals offered. Here are tips to help you make the best of the Cyber Monday sales this year: Getting Scammed Cyber Monday is undoubtedly a great time to shop; unfortunately, it is also when many cyber criminals put out their bait. So in these times, paying attention to the websites you visit before placing an order is essential. Make sure that when you click any URL links, any links you click on are from reputable sites, and don’t ask for personal information via email or phone call. If something seems way too good to be true, it probably is! It can be easy to get fooled by images that look like they came from Google or Amazon. Sending funds through the internet can be risky if you don’t know what kind of company or individual you are sending to.
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