When there is an excess amount of uric acid in the bloodstream its crystals are formed in the joint, and that condition is termed as gout. Uric acid is present in many foods that we consume. When the body cannot handle the uric acid that is present in the bloodstream, the crystals formed can give rise to many health issues such as arthritis. These crystals block the kidney filter tubules, causing stones to form in the kidneys, which can also lead to the failure of kidneys. Gout is basically of two kinds: Primary gout if it occurs on its own it is called. Secondary gout if it is due to other medical conditions. Gout arthritis can cause sudden pain as well as red and hot swelling near the joints, especially near the toes. This kind of problem is more likely in men who have crossed the age of 40; some of the symptoms of gout are as follows. Symptoms of Gout You will feel pain in the joints of the affected area, along with red and hot discoloration, swelling, and tenderness. Most commonly, you will experience gout near the small joints of your toes. It might also affect other areas like ankles, wrists, knees, elbows, and fingers. The pain can be so intense in some people that even a feather touch can cause a lot of pain. This pain can last from a few hours to a day also, irrespective of whether you take medication. In very rare cases, the gout attack can also last for a week. Diagnosis of Gout When a patient reports frequent attacks of arthritis, especially in the toes, knees, or ankles, then the patient is tested for excess uric acid and uric acid crystals near the affected joints. Usually, some fluid is extracted from the joints of the patient using a needle and it is sent for testing.

Eczema is a skin disease that is usually caused by allergies, mostly due to certain food items. The foods to avoid mentioned here can trigger eczema and cause itching and other symptoms. These foods must be strictly avoided. The primary symptom of eczema is itching. Some food products can be allergens and worsen by the symptoms of eczema if consumed. Foods that Trigger Eczema The foods you need to avoid if you have eczema is something you need to identify. The help of a dermatologist or immunologist can be taken to understand what triggers asthma symptoms. Once identified, you need to strictly avoid these items. There are several that may need to be avoided by those having eczema. However, it must be noted that not all people are allergic to all these food items mentioned herein. You need to avoid only those items that cause you problems. Elimination Diet You can use the elimination diet to find out if you are allergic to any of these food items. When you eat any of these food items, a reaction may occur between 6 and 24 hours. You need to include these food items in your diet under the supervision of a doctor and try it out for a month. If you face problems, then that particular food needs to be eliminated from your diet, else you can continue to eat it safely. Foods that You Should Avoid Following are foods that generally cause allergic skin reactions. If any of these foods affect you, stop consuming them immediately. Grapes Grapes and wine contain salicylates. They also have high levels of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and amines. These three substances can increase eczema symptoms and, hence, need to be avoided. Citrus Products Citrus fruits and foods containing citrus are similar in chemical composition to grapes.

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.

Top 15 foods to help fight cervical cancer There has been innumerable research on ways to prevent and fight cervical cancer, and much of this emphasises on following a plant-based diet as a method to fight it. Researchers are of the view that regular consumption of some specific types of foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole-grains can protect against this cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by an HPV or Human Papillomavirus infection and any diet that is rich in carotenoids, antioxidants, folate, and flavonoids can help the body to fight this. Superfoods to fight cervical cancer Avocados: One can include avocados in their diet because these are excellent sources of healthy fats, rich in folate and are tasty and nutritious too. Broccoli: This has extraordinary compounds that can get rid of carcinogenic toxins, induce apoptosis inside cancer cells, stop DNA mutation, and prevent benign tumors from growing into malignant ones. Citrus fruits: Adding more citrus fruits in the diet to get vitamin C can be very beneficial for cervix health. Oranges and lemons are excellent choices of citrus fruits; for those who do not like fruits, they can get their daily dose of vitamin C from Brussels sprouts and broccoli. Tomatoes: Tomatoes can help prevent this type of cancer. Incidentally, foods rich in lycopene like tomatoes help to promote cervical health. Leafy greens: Spinach, collard greens, and kale are perfect choices for dark, green, leafy veggies as these have a high folate content and can promote cervix health. Papaya: This fruit is a nutritional powerhouse and one of the best sources of vitamin C, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin. This combination is found to be highly effective for reducing the risks of cervical cancer. Raspberries: These are loaded with nutrients and low in calories. Daily consumption of this fruit can prevent cells from getting infected with HPV.

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.

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.

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.