Arthritis, in simple language, refers to joint disease causing joint pain. Arthritis is not a single disease; doctors have been able to discover more than 100 types of arthritis. Arthritis is not age-specific, which means it can happen to anyone, at any age, any sex, and any race. In America, it is the major cause of disability where more than 300,000 children and 50 million adults suffer from arthritis. The body of a person suffering from arthritis is in an inflammatory state. Certain foods are to be avoided with arthritis as they not only increase inflammation but also push the person towards obesity and other chronic diseases such as heart attack and disabilities. Even though arthritis does not have a specific diet cure, certain foods to avoid with arthritis have shown to trigger inflammation, affect bones, and damage the immune system. There are different kinds of food that have the ability to promote or control inflammation. When anti-inflammatory food options are made a part of daily diet, pain resulting due to arthritis can be crushed to a great extent. Certain inflammation triggers in foods that can lead to arthritis and attached pain and swelling. Here is a list of foods to avoid with arthritis. Fried and processed foods – Researchers have proved that by lowering consumption of fried food and frozen meals, inflammation can be reduced and natural defenses of the body can be restored. Red meat – Red meat is loaded saturated fats well as omega-6 fatty acids and can trigger inflammation. This food should be avoided if you have arthritis. Patients have reported that after avoiding red meat, they have noticed a drastic improvement in the symptoms. Sugar and refined carbs – High sugar level results in inflammation. It is best to avoid processed food, candies, cakes as well as cold drinks loaded with soda.

Living with epilepsy can be challenging, and it is essential to know about ways to help manage it in a better way. People suffering from this condition might look for effective ways to stay seizure-free; however, with conflicting information available on the internet, it can be difficult to know what can help ease the condition and what cannot. It has been found that a balanced diet that has the right amount of nutrients from various food groups can ensure that the brain and body function efficiently. Therefore, after consulting with a doctor, one can follow a diet plan as it can help control seizures and live with epilepsy. How does diet affect epilepsy? While no food has been found to trigger an epileptic seizure, a well-planned diet can reduce the risks of seizures by helping one maintain good health. A balanced diet can help provide one with the energy and important nutrients, better sleep, and better stamina for engaging in activities. By following a healthy diet, one can live better, be more positive, and develop a stronger focus, all of which can help control and manage the condition effectively. Top nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy When the body metabolizes fats, it produces ketones. So, following a Ketogenic diet forces the body to utilize more fats for energy production instead of glucose or sugar through a diet that increases fat intake and lowers carbohydrate intake. This diet plan can work in reducing seizures among people, both kids and adults, suffering from epilepsy. But, for this diet to work effectively, one will have to follow it without any breaks. So, the types of food and the respective amounts must be precisely measured. Preparing meals may be a time-consuming affair. However, the Keto diet may not work for kids. The MCT diet or medium-chain triglyceride diet is one where people use an oil supplement for their dietary fat intake instead of getting oil from foods.

A significant percentage of our body is made up of water, so there’s no denying that it is essential to our overall health. While most people understand that they must drink approximately eight glasses every day, they don’t know that there are certain times when the habit can be more helpful. So, understand when to drink water for maximum benefits instead of chugging multiple glasses whenever you feel like it. Immediately after waking up Drink a glass or two of water first thing in the morning. Supplying H2O to your body on an empty stomach has numerous benefits. It helps cleanse the bowels, flush toxins, boost energy levels, improve skin health, and even strengthen the immune system, among other things. Before and during meals A glass of water before a meal enhances the feeling of fullness and curbs the tendency to overeat. On the other hand, drinking water during a meal helps with digestion, especially if you’re eating high-fiber foods like beans, lentils, and oatmeal. That said, don’t drink too much, as it may dilute the natural juices that aid digestion. Before and after exercise For moderate-intensity daily workouts, drink a glass or two of water about 30 minutes before starting. The body loses both water and electrolytes through sweat. So, sip on another glass or two after exercising and an electrolyte drink to replenish the lost reserves. Midafternoon If you lack energy midafternoon, don’t reach out for coffee. While it can give an instant energy boost, coffee may disrupt sleep at night. You need to address the root cause of the midafternoon slump: dehydration. Drink a glass of water or more to fight fatigue and boost your energy and mood. Before bedtime Don’t hit the bed in a dehydrated state. Hydration before bedtime can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.

4 asthma triggers you probably didn’t know about Many know of the external factors that trigger asthma but only a few know that emotional stress can also trigger episodes of asthma. In fact, any extreme emotion may lead to an onset of asthma. These could be emotions of sadness or even excessive joy. This is why people suffering from asthma often try to contain their emotions. Some of the uncommon emotional triggers of asthma include: Emotional events In a single experiment, researchers measured a section of the lung and how it functions after showing people pictures depicting extreme emotions. It was proven that people in the study group who looked at the images of injuries, catastrophes, and sad events found it harder to breathe than others. Later, the people from the same group were asked to rate their moods thrice a day. This experiment continued for three weeks. Here, the lung functioning was measured with the help of a peak flow meter. While the study was significantly small, it reflected that negative emotions could deteriorate the functioning of the lungs. Additionally, it was observed that it was even worse for asthmatic patients to endure over the long run. Stressful events There have been many studies conducted which showed that severe life events were often associated with asthma attacks. Children and adults were admitted for asthma complications around the time they faced serious life issues. Additionally, it was also observed that everybody involved in the study, irrespective of them having asthma or not, reported having aggravated respiratory symptoms. Ongoing depression and panic attacks It has also been observed that both anxiety and depression are a lot more commonly found in people who are affected by asthma. Patients who have a mental health disorder along with asthma may have no to little control over their asthma symptoms and frequent asthma attacks, Moreover, they are more likely to visit the emergency department.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors or GISTs are tumors formed in the digestive system organs, such as the small intestine and stomach. This is a severe form of cancer that affects individuals worldwide. But, here is some good news: GIST is treatable and manageable. Patients can avail various treatment methods and manage the condition by following a healthy diet and lifestyle. This article focuses on both of these aspects in brief. Treatment modes of GIST Surgery GISTs are typically small and not very aggressive. This makes surgery one of the topmost and primary modes of treatment. Studies have shown that doctors can eradicate the tumors in 85 percent of cases. Once the tumor has been removed, doctors study it under a microscope to check for chances of redevelopment and reoccurrence. Targeted therapy Depending on the severity of the condition and the tumor’s size, doctors can also suggest targeted therapy to treat GIST. This therapy uses certain medications to identify and attack the cancerous cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Supportive care Surgery and targeted therapy may be accompanied by supportive care. This method closely monitors a patient and manages any side effects or psychological problems that might arise during treatment. It is crucial to remember that GIST can reoccur within the first two years of removing the tumor. However, patients can reduce the risk of redevelopment by maintaining the right diet and following proper nutrition. Managing GIST with diet and nutrition Living with GIST is not easy as its symptoms can impact day-to-day life. Individuals can experience pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and may feel fatigued. This makes eating the right foods very essential. Here are some diet tips for managing GIST better: Ensure to get the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals from the diet. Avoid eating high sugar foods as they can worsen the symptoms.

Lupus is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Although the common symptoms are fatigue, fever, skin rashes, and joint pain, these can vary from person to person and can be confused with many other illnesses. Lupus is, therefore, referred to as “a disease with a thousand faces.” Like most other conditions, though, food choices play an essential role in managing the symptoms. Here are four foods to avoid for lupus. Alfalfa sprouts Alfalfa sprouts, or the shoots of the alfalfa plant, can increase inflammation in the body. This is particularly true for people with lupus and other autoimmune conditions. A compound called L-canavanine present in alfalfa is responsible for this. L-canavanine can stimulate the immune system and worsen the symptoms of the disease. Therefore, lupus patients must avoid alfalfa, whether as sprouts or as a garnish for soups and sandwiches. Garlic Garlic enhances the activity of white blood cells, including the lymphocytes and macrophages of the immune system. While this enhanced immune response is beneficial for others, it can prove counterproductive for lupus patients. This does not mean one should entirely eliminate the herb from the menu. Mindful and monitored consumption of garlic is okay without going overboard. Saturated fats Saturated fats and trans fats are considered harmful even for those who do not have health concerns. But the danger is, of course, magnified in the case of people with lupus. Those with this health condition are already at risk of heart attack, and saturated fats found in fried foods, red meat, full-fat dairy, and baked goods can affect heart health. Further, their calorie-rich and nutrient-deficient nature makes them one of the foods to avoid for lupus. Echinacea Echinacea is a flowering plant whose extracts are effective in improving immune function. But it does not help everyone.

According to a study by The John Hopkins University, over 60 million people in the country do not get enough sleep and over 40 million of the country’s population struggles with sleep disorder symptoms. Lack of sleep can affect a person’s daily routine and it is important to know about natural sleeping aids that can help you increase the quality of your sleep. Why do you need to sleep well? An individual ideally requires between seven to eight and a half hours of sleep each night, but this figure can differ based on a number of factors. Every person has a natural internal clock or circadian rhythm that controls sleep patterns and helps a person know when to sleep and when to wake up. Moving away from this pattern can cause sleep deprivation that can negatively affect a person. The effects of sleep deprivation range from poor physical and emotional health to difficulty in concentration and memory. It can also lead to major health conditions such as depression, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It is important for a person to enjoy good sleep quantity and quantity and natural sleeping aids can go a long way to boost this process. The most beneficial natural sleeping aids Melatonin Melatonin is a hormone released by the brain that helps in regulating a person’s circadian rhythm. Studies have shown that this hormone helps in improving sleep patterns and can also help increase the length of sleep. Melatonin has also been found to be effective in decreasing the jet lag levels while traveling. However, just like many other natural supplements, melatonin supplements are is tested and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and it is best to consult a doctor to know if it is suitable for you. Valerian Extracted from herbs, this is one of the most popular natural sleeping aids in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety.

If you have diabetes, food plays an important part in managing your symptoms. Here’s how you can put together diets for diabetes patients. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it means that you have high levels of glucose (blood sugar), which can cause further health problems. There are different types of the disease—chronic diabetes includes type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, while prediabetes (high blood sugar levels, but does not qualify as diabetes) and gestational diabetes (occurs when a woman is pregnant but can dissipate after delivery) are the types of potentially reversible diabetic conditions. Noticing any diabetes symptoms and reporting them to a medical professional at the earliest is vital, as early detection means you can start your treatment early, and thus achieve optimum results from the treatment. In addition to conventional diabetes treatments, there are certain natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can ease the symptoms and provide significant relief to people suffering from the disease. Diets and diabetes go hand in hand, as what you eat and don’t eat plays a major role in your diabetes treatment. The medical term for a diabetes diet is medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for diabetes, which entails eating different foods that are high in nutrition, moderate quantities of food, and sticking to mealtimes. There are many myths about diets for diabetes patients, such as—you cannot eat sugar at all, you cannot eat any carbohydrates, and that you need to eat only special diabetic meals. But the truth is that if you carefully plan diets for diabetes management, you can enjoy your favorite foods and keep your diabetes symptoms in control at the same time. There are certain approaches to creating diets for diabetes patients, and these diets are aimed at lowering the glucose level in your blood and keeping it within a normal level.

When you keep on walking, standing and running on hard surfaces, your feet take a constant pounding. In fact, the human body is not designed uniquely for such hard surfaces. As you keep on growing, the feet have to absorb a lot of pressure, and it results in foot pain. There are over-the-counter medications and exercises available for this problem, but these solutions do not treat your foot pain permanently. You also have to wear the right shoes for foot pain to enjoy permanent relief. When your feet hurt, the entire human body feels the impact. It is because the foot contains nerve endings. This aspect suggests that foot pain will suddenly translate into pain and discomfort throughout the body. You can solve this problem with soft and non-binding shoes for foot pain. Special features for reducing stress and improving comfort Specially designed shoes for foot pain are made using biomechanical engineering to provide the right support for the foot, and they also eliminate the pain and discomfort. These shoes are equipped with orthotic insoles and anatomical arch support, and they align the foot in a proper manner (pronation). You can find lightweight soles with ergonomic stride, and they facilitate foot motion correctly to prevent unwanted stress on the joints. You can expect a relaxed fit because of the extra depth design and enough space for free toe motion can always be associated with these types of shoes. The soft, non-binding upper controls the pressure on the foot and optimal comfort and pressure can be ensured with seam-free, soft interior. Why do you wear specially designed shoes for foot pain? Healthy feet do not have just one arch shape, but they contain three arch shapes. The main arch is located inside of the foot, and there is an arch that runs in a parallel direction to it on the outside.

The dark coloration of the skin under the eyes is referred to as dark circles. They are relatively common. Dark circles under the eyes are very unpleasant to deal with. Losing a good night’s sleep even for a day or two can bring them about. In fact, if you are swamped with work, the stress is bound to tire you out and leave dark circles under eyes. Dark circles are fairly common, and almost all of us have had them at some point or the other. They leave you looking tired and weary. However, the good news is that you can get rid of dark circles under eyes very easily. Major reasons behind dark circles under eyes There are many reasons behind dark circles. Some of them can be due to aging or they can even be hereditary. If the reason is dry skin or stress, then something can be done to prevent it. Otherwise, there are ways through which the dark circles can be removed. Dark circles are caused if a person sits in front of the computer for long hours or because of crying for too long. Other primary reasons for dark circles under eyes were found to be unhealthy diets and lack of sleep. Dark circles as such is not a skin problem. It arises due to external or mental factors. It is unhealthy to let it go on and it is best to fix it immediately with simple home remedies. Home remedies to get rid of dark circles under eyes Here are a few remedies that will take just a few minutes from your daily routine. These will help you get rid of them in no time. Almond Oil This is one of the most suggested methods for removing dark circles under eyes. It is a completely natural method, and so you will not have to worry about any side effects.

The skin with overexposure of the sun and pollution can get dull and its natural glow. This can be due to various reasons such as issues in health and tiredness. Mostly this occurs as the layer of dead skin may get clogs, thereby closing the pores and does not allow your skin to glow. New skin cells that are created in the dermis also require regular shed off to renew the process of generating new cells and keep a healthy skin. Exfoliation is an integral part of a good skincare regime, and it is the ideal method to clean out clogged pores. The process involves the removal of dead skin cells that have clogged the outer layer of the surface of the skin. This exfoliation process includes facials, peels, and microdermabrasion. Some people may experience that they need to exfoliate their faces with a mild exfoliator on an everyday basis. To understand the exfoliation process on the face, one also needs to understand their skin type and skin need. A choice of an exfoliator should be made after considerable research and knowledge of your skin type. Some of the kitchen counter products can help you exfoliate your skin gently. A popular choice amongst many women is a face brush. Face brush is a good start where you want to exfoliate your face gently. You can simply use the brush with your regular face wash. It is important to invest in a good face brush to get desired results. This can help you in achieve several other benefits such as your improving the skin tone, controlling blemishes, and breakouts, and leaving an extremely clean feeling on the skin. There are two types of face brush; a motor operated one, and a normal brush Hydrea Professionals have a good range of facial brush.

Joint pain and swelling, whether caused by arthritis or vigorous athletic activities, can affect your lifestyle. In addition to the medicines, you can deal with your joint pain condition by taking joint health supplements that can also help provide further relief. Joint supplements The most effective joint supplements have naturally occurring ingredients found in the body, in the joint regions. These can help replenish depleted chemicals and nutrients and help the body repair and strengthen damaged joints and reduce pain and swelling. Glucosamine Sulfate Glucosamine sulfate occurs naturally in the form of a chemical present in the human body. It is particularly present in the fluids that surround the joints. This chemical provides the base for the body to produce glycosaminoglycan which helps maintain the health of cartilages and also helps in repairing damaged cartilage. Glucosamine supplements are mainly extracted from the shells of shellfish. It helps lubricate the joints and can provide joint pain relief. Chondroitin Sulfate This is another chemical found in the body. It helps the cartilage retain water and keeps the joints lubricated and functioning well. Chondroitin supplements are made from cow trachea and from pork. Chondroitin supplements can provide relief from joint inflammation and pain. Many top joint supplements contain both Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfates to maximize the benefits. Other ingredients could include Vitamin D3, and Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Top 10 Joint Supplements Get the advice of your doctor before buying joint supplements. You can also check out reviews in health magazines, and customer reviews for the various products available. Here are some of the best joint supplements available in the market. Flexoplex This supplement is made from natural ingredients that have been clinically proven to be beneficial in reducing joint pain. It contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM. It also contains other ingredients like rutin.