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.

Constipation occurs because of the lack of water in one’s stool, which usually occurs when too much fluid gets absorbed into the intestines, making the stool dry. Constipation is the condition in which a person experiences fewer than three bowel movements in a given week. This diagnosis has been provided by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse that is a part of the National Institutes of Health. Constipated stools are often hard, small and dry that makes the entire process unpleasant to endure. Everybody has a different system; some people may go to pass stools multiple times a day while some may go only a couple of times every week. Treatment for constipation is seldom required unless the symptoms last for weeks. And it is possible to get relief from constipation by following some tips to treat constipation. Tips to treat constipation One of the popular tips to treat constipation is consuming fiber-rich foods. By including more fiber in the diet, it is possible to make the stools bulkier and softer, making it softer to pass through the tract. A gradual increase in the levels of fiber is recommended till the optimum level of 20 to 35 grams is achieved. Some good sources of fiber include: Whole grains Bran Foods like brown rice, cereals, and fortified bread Fresh fruits, especially apples and bananas. Fruits with high water amounts like watermelon also work well Dried fruits like apricots, almonds, prunes, and raisins Vegetables like asparagus, brussels sprouts, and carrots Beans It is also important to drink enough water to prevent constipation. One of the common tips to treat constipation is to remain active with general exercise and keep the bowel movement in motion. The following foods must be avoided during constipation as they can make it worse. Foods that are low in fiber Foods that are high in fat Cheese Dairy products Processed foods Meats A step-by-step approach is given in the following tips to treat constipation.

You can find so many people talking about type 2 diabetes medications. Diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, has nowadays become a common health problem, and it can always be described a lifestyle disease. If you cannot effectively manage type 2 diabetes, you will be putting your life in serious danger. Managing type 2 diabetes involves eating healthy, proper exercise, diabetes medication, or insulin therapy if required and timely blood sugar monitoring. These steps allow you to maintain your blood sugar levels, and this helps in delaying or preventing diabetes-related health complications. What does it mean by eating healthy? Many people think that healthy eating means following a diet meant for diabetic patients. Healthy eating means following a diet that is rich in fiber and low in fat. If you have diabetes, depending on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains becomes a good option. The intake of meat, dairy products, sweets, and refined carbohydrates should be reduced as a method to control type 2 diabetes. Think about low glycemic index foods Low glycemic index foods are always beneficial if you suffering from diabetes. The glycemic index can be described as a measure of the speed at which a food leads to a rise in your blood sugar. High glycemic index foods increase your blood sugar immediately. However, low glycemic index foods balance the blood sugar levels and most fiber-rich foods have a low glycemic index. Seek the help of a dietitian An experienced dietician can help you develop a good meal plan for maintaining your health. He/she will show you ways to control the intake of carbohydrates, and you can come to know how much carbohydrates you must consume with your snacks and meals for keeping your blood sugar levels in control. Get engaged in physical activity If you have type 2 diabetes, you have to exercise regularly and aerobic exercise is the best option.

What is gout? Gout is a type of arthritis that primarily attacks the joints and other body parts like the ears, wrists, knuckles, knee, ankles, and other small joints. It is often characterized by painful swelling, stiffness, and inflammation of these affected joints. The swelling and stiffness are mainly the results of excess levels of uric acid forming crystals in the joints. The pain is due to the inflammatory response to the crystals formed. The causes of gout may include lack of exercise, high levels of uric acid in the system, genetics, excessive consumption of meat, being overweight, menopause, excessive consumption of alcohol, stress, and excessive protein content in the body. It mainly affects the big toe, causing an increased swelling, inflammation, and redness in the affected area. The deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint causes inflammation and makes the movement of the joint agonizing. The elevated levels of uric acid in the system also causes the depositing of crystals in the kidney, which, in turn, leads to stone formation. Gout attacks An overweight or an obese person is more likely to suffer from frequent gout attacks. A gout attack generally results from years of having high levels of uric acid in your bloodstream. This condition is called hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia might also lead to other diseases like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, kidney failure, and heart failure. The most common sign of a gout attack is the night-time swelling of the big toe followed by redness, tenderness, redness, and gut-wrenching pain. This attack might continue for days or even weeks before the pain goes away completely. Swelling causes pain and pain induces swelling. Hence it is important to address both. Diagnosis of gout attacks After doing a thorough physical exam, the doctor may also take a sample of the fluid from the swelling of the joint to look for uric acid crystals.

Gum disease is common and results in painful, inflamed, and swollen gums. The early stages of gum disease are called gingivitis. If gum disease isn’t tackled in early stages, then it progresses to periodontitis. The most common gum diseases are called by bacterial infections, that can spread and destroy the gums, and the tissue surrounding the teeth. The bacteria forms plaques around the teeth and gums. If this plaque isn’t removed, it can harden and form tartar. Most early cases of plaque buildup and gingivitis can be treated on your own. Natural treatment for gum disease is a great way to save yourself time, money, and pain of seeing a dentist. Natural treatment for gum disease includes maintaining good oral hygiene and overall health. Symptoms of gum disease Healthy gums are pink, fit securely around the teeth, do not bleed when you touch or brush them, and are not painful or inflamed. In some cases, the initial stages of gum disease are not painful, and there may be no recognizable symptoms. Eventually, as the disease progresses, the symptoms can worsen. The early stage of gum disease or gingivitis has fewer symptoms, and these tend to be nonspecific and vague. The most common early symptoms of gum disease are: Redness or purple discoloration of the gums Swelling Bleeding gums while brushing, eating, or on touching the gums. Painful gums Bad breath ( halitosis ) Natural treatment for gum disease is best initiated during early stages, to halt the progression into a more severe form of gum disease, i.e, periodontitis . The symptoms of advanced gum disease or periodontitis are: An unpleasant taste in the mouth Bad breath (halitosis) Loose teeth Difficulty chewing food Gum abscesses (collection of pus) Receding gums, which make the teeth appear longer. Deep pockets between the gums and teeth.

Sleep apnea is quite a common sleeping disorder these days. If you experience poor quality of sleep, it might be due to sleep apnea. This disorder causes oxygen deficiency in the body due to uncontrollable pauses while breathing and shallow or short breaths during sleep. Sleep apnea often causes one to wake up startled. Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea A person with sleep apnea, usually stops breathing every now and then, during the night’s sleep. Sleep apnea may stop one’s breathing for as many as thirty times in an hour. This sleeping disorder may also cause a person to stop breathing for very brief moments, even without them being aware of it. People who experience sleep apnea are triggered to wake up suddenly and gasp for air. Once they wake up startled, the body desperately tries to reopen the airways, to make up for the deficiency of oxygen. The irregular breathing process associated with sleep apnea may result in symptoms such as loud snoring, disturbed sleep, fatigue, choking during sleep and anxiety. For these symptoms, there are various remedies for sleep apnea which one can consider. Risks Associated with Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is not just a problem of heavy snoring. It is a serious medical condition and requires immediate attention. One need to immediately consult a doctor to find remedies for sleep apnea. Long-term health issues associated with sleep apnea include a risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity, short-term memory loss and sexual dysfunction. Interrupted sleep has also time and again been associated with accidents while driving, low performance in academics and work, high vulnerability to common cold and flu and low body resilience. Follow these Natural Remedies for Sleep Apnea Maintain a healthy weight and good health One of the most common and effective remedies for sleep apnea is exercising and eating healthy.

A heel spur is a condition that is caused by calcification in the heel region, which in turn causes a bony protrusion, on the underside of the heel bone. This condition is common in athletes, who are used to a lot of running and jumping. The constant stretching of the plantar fascia is one of the causes of heel spurs. If the band of tissues that cover the heel bone get injured, more calcium is sent by the body, to heal the injured tissues. This calcification process leads to a calcium deposit over a period of time, causing the growth of a bony protrusion. Know the causes of heel spur- When calcium deposits pile up on the underside of the heel, over a period of months/years, heel spurs occur. The strain on the ligaments and foot muscles repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone(due to injuries), and stretching of the plantar fascia are some of the common causes. Some conditions which trigger the occurrence of heel spur includes— being overweight and obese, abnormalities in walking gait, which causes strain and stress on the heel bone, nerves, and ligaments near the heel. Wrong fitting shoes, especially those that don’t offer adequate heel support can sometimes be one of the attributable causes. Symptoms Of heel spur- Generally, heel spurs do not display any symptoms. But heel spurs can cause intermittent or chronic pain when you walk, jog or run. While heel spur itself does not cause pain, the soft tissue injury that often occurs alongside the heel spur is the cause of the pain. Those who suffer from heel spur, experience a piercing or a jabbing pain in the morning, when they get out of bed. The pain then reduces to a dull ache. Types of heel spur- There are two types of heel spurs—the most common one is the posterior inferior spurs which occur under the heel and the posterior superior spurs, which occurs at the back of the heel, close to where the Achilles tendon is attached.

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the lungs. Inflammation in the bronchial tubes results in the narrowing of the airway and obstructs the process of natural breathing. It is not a condition that should be taken lightly, as the symptoms, if left unchecked, can lead to hospitalization. Additionally, asthma is incurable and is usually treated with an inhaler to relieve and prevent frequent flareups. However, there are simple techniques and natural treatments that can help manage the mild to moderate discomforts caused due to asthma. Changes in the diet Some studies show that drinking coffee or black tea helps provide some relief. Caffeine compounds help open up the blocked and narrow airway of the lungs, thus improving breathing. You can also incorporate more ginger in your daily diet as it is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Also, foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids help counter the inflammation. Include more fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C and manganese to ensure there is no dietary deficiency of nutrients that can trigger asthma. Kale, broccoli, tomatoes, oranges, and apples are rich in essential vitamins and minerals to supplement your daily requirements. Natural herbs Bromelain extracts taken from pineapples are rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, a mixture of mustard oil with camphor creates a strong and potent homemade chest rub as a topical treatment. Air filters One of the more troubling symptoms of asthma is wheezing. This is a high-pitched coarse sound made when air passes the narrowed airways in the lungs. Inflammation, mucus, and even muscle spasms can obstruct the airway. Air pollution is also a major contributing factor to the discomfort; this is when air purifiers come in handy. Air purifiers rid the air of all potential allergens and help improve air quality in the surroundings.

Eczema affects both children and adults. It is a term commonly used to describe a group of skin conditions. These include atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis among many others. However, most of these conditions exhibit similar visible indicators of a developing condition. These include developing a rash or light yellowish-brown crusts and pus-filled blisters on the skin. Inflammation is one of the most persistent discomforts of Eczema and can aggravate the skin condition if left unchecked. Statistics indicate that over 31 million citizens suffer from some form of eczema. Despite that, it is not an extremely severe health complication and is quite manageable with simple natural treatments. Herein we discuss three common ways to manage flare-ups and counter symptoms with minimum side effects from the comfort of your home. Baths for eczema relief A simple hot water bath infused with home ingredients like baking soda, bleach, colloidal oatmeal, bath oils, Epsom salts, and vinegar proves to be an excellent topical remedy. Baking soda has soothing qualities and is rich in antibacterial properties effective for eczema relief. Bleach is another potent option that helps counter bacteria forming on the skin. Colloidal oatmeal, on the other hand, helps provide relief from the itching sensation and restores the pH balance of the skin. Gentle bath oils provide respite from the itching and go one step further to nourish and moisturize the skin. Using a salt bath is another great alternative for mild to moderate symptoms of the skin condition. You can use generic table salt, sea salt, or even Epsom salt for preparing the bath. Apple cider vinegar is another versatile ingredient rich in healing properties that helps reduce the bacteria forming on the skin. Topical home remedies Irritation of the skin is also one of the primary symptoms of eczema which is where topical remedies are effective.

Allergies can be concerning, and even possibly life threatening for your dog. It could even drastically lessen the quality of life of your dog. So, it is important for you to be aware of the possible allergies that your dog could suffer from. This article talks about the most common allergies that could affect your dog: Flea allergy dermatitis: A pretty common allergy amongst dogs, flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) occurs when the saliva in the flea bites cause an allergic reaction. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, FAD is the commonest dermatological disease in domestic dogs in the country. FAD is rampant during warm weather, such as the summer months. The reactions occur when the fleas bite, injecting saliva into the host, which contains compounds similar to amino acids, polypeptides, enzymes, and histamine. FAD can affect the entire body. One of the most natural remedies for FAD is medicated shampoo baths and a flea medication collar to prevent them from coming back. Seasonal allergies: Dogs can also suffer from seasonal allergies as well, the signs of which include sneezing, red, puffy eyes, loss of hair, itching, and irritated skin with hives and rashes. Usually, there is no natural treatment for seasonal allergies. The dog needs to be taken to the vet who will prescribe antihistamines and OTC medications, such as benadryl, for your pet pooch. Human food allergies: Human food allergies are quite common in dogs, with almost 10% of all dog allergy cases being food-related. Allergies occur when the dog’s body wrongly identifies a certain food as harmful, and produces antibodies that lead to a variety of potentially dangerous symptoms. Symptoms could be anything from nausea, vomiting, and itching to gastrointestinal issues, ear inflammation, and diarrhea. Dogs can be allergic to various foods including dairy, soy, wheat, fish, chicken, beef, pork, and more.

Pain, stiffness in joints and swelling are the main symptoms of an arthritis onset. Rheumatoid arthritis is a major kind that is an autoimmune disease where your immune system affects your joint. Fortunately, there are snacks that help ease rheumatoid arthritis pain in humans. A study by the American Health Association mentions that around 24% of rheumatoid arthritis patients have had severe symptoms because of a bad diet. Garlic Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps strengthen the immune system. A study conducted among 1892 people was found that eating garlic reduced the chances of women get arthritis. A specific component in garlic is the reason for reducing the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Fatty fish Salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, etc. are high in omega 3 which are fatty acids. They are known to be an anti-inflammatory food. Research showed that 33 people who used to eat fatty fish on a daily basis at least four times a week. This helped decrease inflammation and reduced the risk of the onset of arthritis, osteoporosis, etc. Supplements made from omega 3 have proven to increase mobility in arthritic patients, relieve pain, and reduce stiffness in joints. American Health Association always suggests nutritionists and dieticians to tell the customers to have fatty fish and salmon oil etc. in their diet. This is one of the easiest snacks that help rheumatoid arthritis. Broccoli One of the healthiest snacks that help ease rheumatoid arthritis. This has known to reduce inflammation in both animals and humans. A study conducted by the medical center of excellence in Ohio found that 1005 women who had any kind of cruciferous vegetables showed lesser inflammation on their joints and less swelling. Sulforaphane present in broccoli was found to block inflammation and alleviate pain in arthritic patients. In dogs and cats intake of broccoli on a long-term basis has helped alleviate inflammation.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) describes lung diseases which include refractory asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. The disease causes increased breathlessness. Eating foods that help boost your energy if you have COPD is essential. You can still eat some comfort foods if you are losing weight, as breathing also burns more calories when you have COPD. Those who wish to watch their weight can eat energy or nutrient-packed foods. This will keep the calories in check and also help you feel good. If you get tired more often while eating or have trouble breathing, eat 4 to 6 smaller meals than 3 large meals. Additionally, you should eat enough but not completely fill your stomach so that you can relax. Breakfast is an important meal, those suffering from COPD get easily tired during the day. In this case, they can have a heavy breakfast, as it could work as an energy booster. Moreover, keep snacks which are healthy at hand, like nuts, to avoid saturated fats and unhealthy cholesterol. Oatmeal You can start your day with oatmeal which is rich in vitamin A, iron, calcium, and fiber. Having it with milk makes it more nutritious. The fiber content makes you feel fuller with fewer calories; you can also add berries instead of adding artificial sweeteners. Cheese You can add cheese to your vegetables, along with rice and potatoes, to increase the calorie count and nutrient value of any meal. The extra calcium is great as most medicines prescribed for COPD make the bones brittle. Look for a cheese that is labeled as reduced-fat or part-skim. Milk Milk provides vitamin D and calcium which keeps your bones strong. Try drinking more milk than water. Fiber You need at least 30 grams of fiber. You can go for lentil soup, split pea soup with low sodium, eat fresh vegetables, fruits, bread, whole grain cereals, brown rice, bran, and dry beans.