Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy rashes, blisters, skin irritation, and even results in leathery skin patches over time. While this condition is more common in kids aged less than two years, it can also affect older children and adults. Many people who suffer from eczema also tend to develop food allergies. So, it is important to discover one’s personal food needs for minimizing issues with eczema and the resulting allergies. Some of the common food allergies associated with eczema include: Shellfish Fish Nuts Gluten Soy products Eggs Cow’s milk However, not everyone may have the same flare ups or reactions to the same foods. Listed below are foods that contain properties that could help in decreasing eczema flare-ups, so that one can get to know their body and what foods works best for them. Foods to eat Fatty fish: One might be able to reduce their symptoms of eczema by eating fatty fish such as herring, mackerel, trout, and salmon. These fish include high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which leads to it having anti–inflammatory properties. One might also consider taking omega-3 supplements. Foods containing quercetin: The plant-based flavonoid quercetin helps give many veggies, fruits, and flowers their vibrant, rich colors. Quercetin also happens to be a powerful antihistamine and antioxidant which helps in reducing inflammation as well as histamine levels in the body. Foods that are rich in quercetin include kale, spinach, broccoli, cherries, blueberries, and apples. Foods containing probiotics: Probiotic food items like yogurt contain live culture that help in supporting a strong immune system, which could help lessen allergic reactions or flare-ups. Foods rich in probiotics include tempeh, kefir, unpasteurized sauerkraut, soft cheeses like Gouda, naturally fermented pickles, miso soup, and sourdough bread. Foods to avoid While what one eats might not directly cause eczema, it can be a trigger for a lot of symptoms.

A potassium deficiency leads to a condition called hypokalemia. The normal serum potassium level ranges between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/liter. While the normal daily intake of potassium is 70-100 mEq, the kidneys should remove the same amount consumed every day or it could lead to low potassium in the body. Function of potassium Potassium is essential for nerve and muscle cell functioning and is concentrated within cells of the body. Being an important electrolyte, it is responsible for maintaining the electrical activity of the cells. As a result, low potassium levels can affect body functions. Signs of low potassium Muscle weakness Muscle aches Muscle cramps Heart palpitations High blood pressure Kidney problems Constipation Since potassium levels affect the energy by neuromuscular cells, these symptoms are a result of insufficient potassium. It occurs when the cells do not get enough energy to repolarize and fire at normal repeated intervals. Treatment approaches More often than not, low potassium is a symptom or side effect of other medical conditions or certain medications. You may also lose potassium through excessive sweat, urine, or bowel movements. Moreover, a low intake of potassium leads to low magnesium levels in the body. Treatment is decided after careful diagnosis by a professional who assesses other causes of this loss. If it is simply because of insufficient intake of potassium, supplements can be prescribed; however, in severe cases, this electrolyte is intravenously admitted in the body. If you continue to experience the symptoms, it is advised that you take immediate medical assistance and get a proper diagnosis to start the right course of treatment. Diet and nutrition Potassium enters the body through the food you eat, so it is vital that you get the daily recommended nutrition. There are some efforts that can be taken at an individual level to ensure you do not suffer from low potassium syndrome.

Since Crohn’s disease directly affects the digestive tract and causes irritation and discomfort in the alimentary canal, people suffering from this disease should take primary care of their regular diet. The amount of food consumed, the calorie intake, and many other factors should be taken into consideration when suffering from this condition. In certain cases, the symptoms could get worse if one fails to maintain a healthy diet. What is Crohn’s disease? Crohn’s disease is both rare and life-threatening. It is a chronic disease which requires long-term medical attention and is mostly incurable. It results in inflammation of the intestines and might be accompanied by scarring of the inner intestinal lining. It can occur in any part of the intestine; however, the colon of the large intestine and ileum of the small intestine are prone to get affected more easily. The condition often lasts for years but can be lifelong for some people. Crohn’s disease may also result in ulcers in the inner lining as well as fistulae, which is extremely painful. Laboratory testing, as well as abdominal imaging, helps detect the disease. Foods to ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease Since Crohn’s disease is not easy to cure, people suffering from it are advised to take thorough care of their diet. Junk food should be strictly avoided. Some of the foods to ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease are: De-caffeinated drinks and beverages If you suffer from Crohn’s disease, caffeine should be avoided as much as possible. These include coffee, tea, flavored sodas, etc. Additionally, one should only consume drinks with low sugar or zero added sugar content so that they do not experience sudden flare-ups. Peeling fruits and selective fruits People with Crohn’s disease have a restricted fruit diet and can only consume the ones with low fiber content.

When suffering from hemophilia, it is vital to care for your overall health and pay attention to your nutrition. The point behind this is to stay healthy and ensure that your body is getting a sufficient amount of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that it needs. Here are some dietary tips that’ll help you stay healthy and keep your hemophilia at bay. Add foods and veggies to your daily diet Foods and vegetables are a great addition to your diet. Not only do they promote a healthy mind and body, but they also help those who have hemophilia. Dark green leafy vegetables are a great source of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and other essential nutrients that you need. Fruits also make for a great source of fibers that will help maintain intestinal health. To ensure that you are eating enough veggies and fruits, ensure that you fill one half of your plate with them. Try veggies such as sweet potatoes, broccoli, and more. Make healthy cooking choices One of the essential elements of a healthy lifestyle is eating the right way when suffering from hemophilia. What does this mean? It means that you should stick to cooking modes such as baking, grilling, and even boiling instead of frying foods. This will ensure that your foods retain all their nutrients and stay clean and healthy. Steer clear of meat One of the other tips that’ll help with hemophilia is having meat-free diets. Instead, opt for beans, nuts, and other sources of protein. You could also try eating leaned meats such as fish, chicken, turkey, and even eggs twice a week for maximum protein intake. When eating out, keep your portions small Another important thing to keep in mind when eating should be the portion size. Eating smaller portions, especially when eating out, helps prevent you from eating stuff without knowing what’s in them.

Cholesterol plays a vital role in the normal functioning of the body. It is made in the liver and mainly helps in keeping the cell walls of the body flexible and also plays an important role in making several hormones. Then again just like too much of anything is bad, so is too much cholesterol in the body. Just like fat, cholesterol doesn’t dissolve in water, and instead, it floats in the blood with the help of lipoproteins. Now, different types of lipoproteins have different effects on a person’s health. It has been observed that high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cause cholesterol to deposit in the walls of the blood vessels. This can lead to strokes, clogged arteries, kidney failure, and heart attacks. On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) helps carry cholesterol away from the walls of the blood vessels and it prevents various diseases. So, let’s take a look at a few of the natural methods to reduce cholesterol levels. Focus more on monounsaturated fats Unsaturated fats tend to have a double chemical bond, which changes the way they are processed by the body. Monounsaturated fats have only one double bond. Many experts recommend having a low-fat diet for weight loss, but the problem with this diet is that it also reduces the beneficial HDL cholesterol from the body. In contrast, a diet rich in monounsaturated fats has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels or the harmful LDL, but it maintained the healthy HDL level in the body. Monounsaturated fats are good for health as they tend to reduce the level of harmful LDL cholesterol, increase the levels of good HDL cholesterol and inhibit harmful oxidation. Following are some good sources of monounsaturated fats. Avocados Olives and olive oil Tree nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, and cashews Canola oil Use polyunsaturated fats, such as Omega-3s Polyunsaturated fats tend to have several double bonds, which changes the way they are used by the body.

Gallbladder disease is caused by the accumulation of gallstones. Gallstones are structures formed by a combination of cholesterol, calcium, and bile salts. These structures are not stones but pieces of solid matter that form in the gallbladder, which is a small organ located under the liver in the upper right region of the abdomen. This pear-shaped organ stores bile produced by the liver to digest fat. It helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. In a healthy gallbladder, this process happens naturally without any discomfort or pain. However, when the gallbladder stops functioning well or if the bile ducts get clogged, it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Gallstones can develop in varying sizes ranging from as small as a grain of sand to as big as a golf ball. The pain may last from a few minutes to a couple of hours. Some people may develop a single gallstone, while others may get several gallstones at the same time. Statistics reveal that this disease has a high incidence in people who have weight problems, high blood cholesterol levels, and suffer from gastrointestinal disorders. Causes of gallstones According to observation, problems in the gallbladder arise because of improper diet and obesity. Gallbladder disease generally affects overweight people. The consumption of foods which are rich in fat also contributes to the development of gallstones. Thus, several people have to deal with the painful symptoms of gallbladder disease because of an inappropriate diet. Experiments reveal that the painful symptoms of gallbladder disease can get triggered due to allergic reactions to foods such as eggs, meats, dairy products, and citrus fruits. The consumption of chocolate, coffee, and carbonated soda can also trigger this condition. A few common reasons for the occurrence of gallbladder disease are: Genetic factors Excess weight Inappropriate diet Presence of excess cholesterol in bile If the gallbladder cannot empty properly, especially when you are fasting Pigment gallstones can occur in people with certain medical conditions, such as cirrhosis or blood diseases like sickle cell anemia.

Fibromyalgia is a common condition, but often goes misdiagnosed. Also known as a musculoskeletal condition, fibromyalgia causes pain in the muscle and joints resulting in a lot of fatigue. This can also lead to what is commonly referred to as fibromyalgia syndrome, which is a set of symptoms like pain in the muscle, fatigue, and decreased pain threshold. People often tend to overlook two of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia—chronic pain and fatigue. Persistent pain in joints or muscles should be immediately checked out. The pain might not necessarily be the result of overworking or stress but can be prime indicators of developing fibromyalgia. Common symptoms of fibromyalgia: Here are some other indicators of fibromyalgia. Disturbances in sleep, which affects sleep patterns and causes fatigue, often leading to moody behavior and depression, are among the top symptoms of fibromyalgia. Severe muscle twitching, burning sensation under the skin, deep pain, and muscle pulling. Fibromyalgia also affects the neck joints, shoulder joints, back joints, and hip joints, among common areas. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include abdominal pain; chronic headaches; dryness in mouth, nose, and eyes; stiffness in the body due to muscle pulling and pain; incontinence; inability to concentrate which is also known as fibro fog; and increased sensitivity to temperature changes. Myths about fibromyalgia busted Many people are under the impression that fibromyalgia is something which is rare and does not affect many. But this is not true, taking into account that more than 5 million people in the country suffer from this chronic pain disorder. The fact that only a few are aware of the statistics explains why the symptoms of fibromyalgia often go unnoticed and untreated, until and unless the condition worsens. Symptoms of fibromyalgia can be often confused with symptoms of most common pain disorders, which is why it takes some time to ascertain for sure that the condition is fibromyalgia.

The gallbladder or the little sac in your body that gathers bile produced by the liver and releases it to the small intestine for breaking food particles seldom gets any attention. Although it is an important organ, it draws interest only when it starts malfunctioning. Generally, the gallbladder does not cause any disturbance to your health. It creates trouble only when the path to pass the bile to the intestine is somehow blocked. Gallbladder problems can vary from one person to other. While some get it as a chronic condition, there are others who need immediate medical attention; thus, the symptoms vary as well. Some of the common symptoms for detecting gallbladder problems are mentioned below: Vomiting and nausea Vomiting and nausea are among the most common symptoms of gallbladder problems. Whether it is a stone in the gallbladder or it is an inflammation of the organ, vomiting and nausea are experienced by all. Yet, people with chronic gallbladder problem may also get gas, acid reflux, or other digestive problems, apart from nausea and vomiting. Feeling full As the disorder of your gallbladder affects the digestive system, you may lose the urge to eat. A feeling of fullness in the abdominal area is often experienced by many patients diagnosed with this condition. Abdominal tenderness is also not something unusual when your gallbladder malfunctions. Chills or fever Do not ignore unexplained fever or chills as these can be a sign of an infection in your gallbladder or any other organ of the body. Ignoring the condition may aggravate the condition and might also cause a threat to your life, especially if it is a symptom of the gallbladder. Pain Gallbladder problems and pains are inseparable. In most cases, patients experience pain in their middle or upper abdomen on the right side of the body.

What Is Gout? Gout is severe pain experienced in the joints due to increase in uric acid levels. Increased levels of uric acid lead to the formation of crystals which are sharp needle-like structures around the joints. Gout can also be called as a severe form of arthritis. Purine is a naturally occurring compound in the body. When we consume foods that are high in purine, their breakdown leads to the formation of uric acid, and this increased level of uric acid leads to gout attacks. Gout normally occurs in the big toe, but other areas of the body that are vulnerable to gout include foot, ankles, knee joints or even the hands. What Is a Gout Diet? A gout diet is a diet that would help you with minimizing the uric acid levels present in the blood. Gout diet would not help in curing gout, but it can help in controlling the gout attacks and reducing the pain experienced in the joints to a great extent. What Are Gout Causing Foods? Gout causing foods is a kind of diet that contains high levels of purine which in turn leads to the formation of uric acid. The increased uric acid would further lead to gout pains. Gout causing foods should be avoided if you are suffering from severe joint pains. Since gout is a common problem in men and the people with excessive weight, they should avoid gout causing foods. Gout Causing Foods The following foods should be avoided for keeping Gout at bay: Fish Fishes contain a high level of purine. If you consume fish on an occasional basis, it may not cause gout problem, but if you eat fish regularly, it could be a problem. Types of fish that contain high levels of purine are salmons, herrings, cod, tuna, sardines, mackerel, carp, trout, anchovies and cod.

Different foods can have positive effects on our body and mind. There are foods that may help fight lung cancer and other types of cancers. However, patients who are already affected by lung cancer should be more careful with their dietary habits and food choices. Some vitamins and minerals may be beneficial for the body during the course of treatment – chemotherapy, medication, and radiation. Studies show that there are potential cancer-fighting fruits, vegetables, and food items that could make a significant difference in the health of a person. Let us now look at those specific foods that inhibit the growth of cancer cells or stop them from becoming metastatic. Foods that may help fight lung cancer Is there anything as a lung cancer diet? Technically, there isn’t anything such. However, some foods may help fight lung cancer or even prevent the disease. It is debatable. There’s no reason to fret. Multiple studies are still looking into the effect of diet on cancer cells already present in the body. The lists of foods given below discuss the nutritional value and their effects on lung cancer. If you are already affected by lung cancer and are going through chemotherapy and radiation therapy, this information might prove to be helpful. Green tea: Green tea is believed to be very effective in fighting lung cancer. Not only does it play a preventive role but it may also benefit people living with this disease. Green tea contains caffeine in very less quantity. So, if you have caffeine sensitivity, you have to look for a caffeine-free option. Pears: A recent study showed that fruits like apples and pears induced apoptosis which is programmed cell death in cancer cells. These fruits contain phloretin, a phytochemical, which may be used as an adjunct for the treatment of non-small lung cancer cells.

Everyone wants beautiful hair, as good hair adds charm to one’s personality. Hair care is an important regime to be followed by both men and women. Having shiny and strong hair makes one look confident and presentable. Taking proper care of health makes them last longer and reflects a person’s personality. Some essential hair care tips for healthy hair growth are as follows: Avoid washing hair daily Pat dry your Use a good conditioner Minimize the use of styling products Make sure you use heat protectants before styling A regular hair care regimen helps in keeping healthy hair but healthy food habits help in promoting healthy growth of hair. It also helps in keeping the hair strong and shiny. Apart from caring for the hair, a proper diet also plays an important role in keeping the hair healthy. Read on to know more about what are the best foods for healthy hair growth. Proteins A protein-rich diet not only helps in promoting healthy growth of hair, but it also strengthens the hair, making it look silky and shiny look. Whole eggs, almonds, lean beef, tuna, peanuts, milk are rich in protein nutrients which can be easily added to one’s diet. Protein supplements are also available. Iron One of the main causes of hair loss is iron deficiency. Due to a lack of sufficient iron nutrients to the hair roots, the problem of hair thinning and hair fall begins. So it is very important to eat foods that are rich in iron like dark leafy vegetables, fish, chickpeas, soybeans. Omega-3 and fatty acids As the body cannot produce these healthy fatty acids one needs to get its nutrients from foods containing omega-3. The nutrients in these fatty acids provide volume and nourishment to the hair. Some foods rich in Omega 3 are walnuts, salmon, canola oil, chia seeds, flaxseeds.

A1C level is a measurement used to indicate your blood sugar levels. It is vital to have your blood tested regularly to determine your A1C levels and check if you have diabetes. Even if you don’t have diabetes, you should try to keep your blood sugar levels in control. What is A1C level? When sugar enters the bloodstream, it attaches itself to a protein called hemoglobin that is present in your red blood cells. This sugar-bound protein is known as glycated hemoglobin. The higher the amount of such hemoglobin in your blood, the higher your blood sugar levels will be. A1C tests are conducted to gauge your blood sugar levels over the past three months, to get an idea of your sugar level fluctuations. Hemoglobin cells live for about three to four months, so A1C levels give a good picture of your glucose level in the bloodstream for that period. What is the optimal A1C level? A1C levels are referred to in percentages. For a nondiabetic patient, the A1C level should preferably be less than 5.7%. Anything between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes. An A1C level of 6.5% and above means that the patient has diabetes. For a person with diabetes, the target is to bring the A1C level below 7%. With lower A1C levels, one can keep a check on the progression of diabetes as well as its associated complications in control. Eye diseases, kidney, nerve, and cardiovascular diseases are the risks associated with diabetes. By putting in some effort to manage your blood sugar level, you can reduce the risk of diabetes. Monitoring and managing blood sugar levels One needs to get their A1C tests tested every three months to accurately track their blood glucose levels. Follow the doctor’s prescriptions and instructions carefully. Be active and exercise for at least 30 minutes each day, to lower your A1C levels.