Arthritis – What Foods You Should Eat

Arthritis – What Foods You Should Eat

Arthritis is an inflammation of one or many joints, which can cause pain and stiffness. There are multiple types of arthritis and each has its own symptoms. Characterized by swelling, fatigue, loss of appetite, and redness of the skin around the joints, arthritis can also cause a decreased range of motion. Moreover, wear and tear of the tissues around your joints is a major cause for arthritis. Although no food can completely cure arthritis, it can make a difference. Eating healthy foods can decrease the severity significantly. Some of the food that you should consume regularly when suffering from arthritis are: Fish Omega-3 fatty acids are components in food that greatly reduce the effects of arthritis by decreasing the inflammation around the joints. Fish are packed with high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, especially salmon, mackerel, and tuna. These fish are great for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Soy Serving as an alternative for fish, this vegan product is also packed with Omega-3 fatty acids. Soy also contains high fiber and is wholesome. Some items containing soy that you can incorporate into your daily diet include tofu, soy milk, etc. Oils As bad as corn oil is for people with arthritis, other types of oils such as olive, avocado, safflower, and walnut prove to be extremely helpful to reduce the effects of arthritis. These oils have great anti-inflammatory properties. Walnut oil has more Omega-3 content than olive oil. Avocado and safflower oils also reduce cholesterol. These oils are especially helpful for osteoarthritis. Cherry Cherries are known to reduce the recurrence of gout attacks. Anthocyanins present in cherries have an anti-inflammatory effect on your joints. This substance is also found in other red and purple fruits, such as raspberries and blueberries. Dairy Low-fat dairy products show results that are exactly the opposite of high-fat dairy products.
6 Natural Remedies for Hair Growth

6 Natural Remedies for Hair Growth

Herbs possess a myriad of growth-boosting properties that make them some of the best natural remedies for hair treatment. For ages, certain herbs have been used for hair treatment. From treating conditions like alopecia that causes sudden hair loss to nourishing hair strands, there are plenty of ways in which they can improve the health and appearance of your hair. Here’s a list of herbs you can include in your weekly diet for boosting hair growth and improving the appearance of your hair: Hibiscus Hibiscus flowers are loaded with vitamin C and amino acids that work effectively against hair issues and stimulate the growth of healthy hair. Also, they help cleanse the scalp and remove product build-up that often causes itchiness and dryness of the scalp, leading to dandruff. This popular herb also tackles hair breakage. You can use hibiscus flowers to create a homemade shampoo or hair masks and use them to get healthy hair. Lavender Lavender is an ancient herb that is often used as a hair care remedy. It contains antioxidants and phytochemicals that enable it to reverse hair loss and encourage hair growth. For ages, it has been used to combat issues like baldness. You can incorporate lavender oil in your hair care regimen to reap the benefits of this exceptional herb. Rosemary Rosemary is a remarkable herb replete with nutrients that helps counter hair problems and boosts hair growth. It works as a natural moisturizing agent for the hair and also treats brittle hair. It is mostly used in the form of oil for hair treatment by massaging it onto the scalp for enhanced blood circulation, which promotes hair growth. You can use rosemary oil for hair treatment and restore the health of your tresses. Peppermint Often used for hair treatment in the Ayurvedic system of medicine, peppermint is a nutritional herb that revives damaged hair and promotes hair growth.
Avoid These Foods to Lower the Risk of Lung Cancer

Avoid These Foods to Lower the Risk of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a common form of cancer all over the world. The death rate due to lung cancer is considerably high. Most forms of cancer are caused due to quick and changing lifestyles, bad dietary habits, and heredity. Once a person is affected by cancer, he or she has to undergo painful and uncomfortable treatment. However, you can prevent getting cancer if certain food items are avoided. The food items to be avoided in order to prevent lung cancer include: Processed meat Studies have proven that processed meat is related to poor lung function. This type of meat is processed using various artificial flavors like color fixatives, preservatives, taste improvers, antimicrobial agents, and added nitrates. These added flavors and chemicals increase chances of inflammation in lung tissues and airways, which leads to cell damage in the lungs. Meat is an important source of protein, however, there should be a healthy limitation to the quantity consumed, along with proper intake of fresh fruits and vegetables — this can lower the risk of cancer. Red meat High intake of red meat increases the chances of lung cancer. Red meat needs to be cooked well before consuming. It needs to be well-done and reheated until it is steaming hot before being served or consumed. Fat Consuming high amounts of fatty foods increases the cholesterol level in our body, which leads to a higher risk of lung cancer. Chain smokers already face cancer risk, which increases when these fats are consumed in larger amounts. Coffee Increased intake of caffeine leads to higher chances of getting lung cancer. Consuming more than two cups a day affects the lung airway, which leads to a deficiency in oxygen that damages lung cells. Unpasteurized food and products Any food product in its raw form is a habitat to several infectious viruses and bacteria.
5 Ways to Effectively Prevent Under-Eye Wrinkles

5 Ways to Effectively Prevent Under-Eye Wrinkles

Having wrinkles, especially near the under-eye area, is a common complaint among many people, but these surface naturally once a person is in their 40s. However, it could be a cause of concern if wrinkles start appearing in the late 20s or early 30s. Premature wrinkling around the eyes could occur due to multiple factors including genetics, stress, constant sun exposure, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. However, there are some helpful preventive measures that can be taken to keep under-eye wrinkles at bay for as long as possible. Start with a moisturizer The under-eye area has a thinner skin compared to the rest of the face, which makes it extremely sensitive. It can quickly lose hydration, leading to premature fine lines and wrinkles. So, you should always moisturize to avoid dryness. We’d recommend investing in a moisturizer that is specially designed for delicate under-eye skin. This is because regular face moisturizers can be harsh and will cause inflammation and stinging in your eyes. When you are buying an under-eye moisturizer, look for ingredients like retinol, vitamin A derivative, growth factors, and peptides. These encourage collagen production that is instrumental for taut and younger-looking skin. Be gentle on your skin You might not realize it, but unwittingly you might be harsh on your skin while applying or removing eye makeup that could eventually cause fine lines and wrinkles. The bottom line is that you should be gentle while putting makeup around the eye. We also suggest you to use soft cotton pads instead of cloth to gently remove eyeliner, mascara, or eyeshadow. Don’t skimp on sun protection One of the major reasons for premature under-eye wrinkles is consistent sun exposure. It can darken and dry the under-eye skin. So you should regularly apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever you step out. In addition, consider purchasing a pair of sunglasses that render UV protection.
Use These 5 Home Remedies to Treat Eczema

Use These 5 Home Remedies to Treat Eczema

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a skin condition that results in red and itchy skin. This skin condition is common in children, but it can occur at any age. Chronic eczema can flare periodically and can be accompanied by fever and asthma. It has a wide range of symptoms including dry, red, and itchy skin; small, raised bumps that leak fluid when scratched, and thickened and cracked skin. The symptoms usually appear before the age of 5 and can persist in adolescence and even adulthood. Apart from taking medications and treatments prescribed by dermatologists and doctors, there are home remedies that can be used to treat mild to moderate symptoms of eczema. Some of these are mentioned below: Bleach Bleach has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, which can help in improving eczema symptoms. It is known to kill S aureus, a type of bacteria that causes staph infection on the surface of the skin. It also helps in restoring microbiomes on the skin surface. Dermatologists recommend using half a cup of bleach in a tub full of water. You can soak yourself for up to 10 minutes, and then rinse it thoroughly with warm water. Gently pat the skin dry and apply moisturizer to avoid itchy skin. Aloe Vera gel The gel is derived from the leaves of the aloe plant. It has been in use for centuries to treat a number of ailments, one of which is eczema. Aloe Vera gel contains antibacterial, antimicrobial, wound-healing, and immune-boosting properties that can prevent skin infections. Aloe Vera gel can be purchased from a pharmacy or it can be extracted directly from the leaves of the aloe plant. Make sure to check the gel bought from the store as it can have drying ingredients and preservatives that can worsen the eczema symptoms. Coconut oil It contains healthy fatty acids that can lock the skin moisture and prevent it from getting dry.
Remedies to Manage the Side Effects of Lung Cancer Treatments

Remedies to Manage the Side Effects of Lung Cancer Treatments

Cancer is a life-threatening disease, and its prevalence is increasing with an increase in the risk factors like obesity. Other factors like smoking, pollution in the environment, or the inhalation of harmful chemicals or particles can cause several illnesses, one of which is lung cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, lung cancer cases in the year so far account for nearly 13% of the total cancer cases in the country. There are multiple treatment methods that a person undergoes for lung cancer. Though treatments can treat cancer, they might cause side effects like dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. These can be managed through medication as well as diet. Different home remedies can help manage the symptoms and side effects of the treatments. Remedies for dry mouth Radiation therapy can often lead to dry mouth as the salivary glands are exposed to radiation. Salivary glands help lubricate the mouth with saliva, and the glands resume their functions after therapy, but they are not as effective as earlier. This causes dry mouth in lung cancer patients who have undergone radiation therapy. There are several home remedies one can take up to treat dry mouth: Rinsing the mouth with water frequently will help retain moisture in the mouth. One can rinse their mouth every 2-3 hours. Adding salt or baking soda to the water can increase the efficiency of this remedy. Regularly applying lip moisturizer will benefit one to keep their lips and mouth moist. Sucking hard candies that have low or no negligible sugar content helps redevelop saliva in the mouth, preventing dry mouth. One may also use cool mist room humidifiers at night to prevent dry mouth while sleeping. Remedies for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Chemotherapy used for treating lung cancer can cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea in patients.
Top 5 Natural Ingredients for Hair Treatment

Top 5 Natural Ingredients for Hair Treatment

Who would not love to have hair growth that is just not lustrous but healthy too? Our crowning glory, the quality of hair can be easily damaged due to the lifestyle that we lead today. From unhealthy diets to bad sleeping habits, many factors can have a negative impact on hair growth. Fortunately, there are several measures that you use to improve the natural sheen and growth of your hair. Here are five natural hair treatment ingredients that you use to protect your hair from further damage. They are extremely safe and naturally stimulate healthy growth for the most desirable results. Coconut oil A miracle therapy for maintaining quality hair growth, coconut oil massages revered since ages for its great effects. The oil is extremely high in fatty acid content that penetrates the hair shaft to reduce the loss of protein in the hair. Depending on the type of hair, the massage can be used before or after a hair wash. The oil must be gently massaged into the shaft or the hair and left until well absorbed. According to proven research, the oil can also improve the luster of your hair over time, making it a great treatment option. Onion Juice Onion juice may not be very fragrant, but it does offer some great benefits whenit comes to hair treatment. Onion juice acts as a great blood stimulator and is found to successfully treat alopecia areata. All you have to do is blend in some onion and extract the juice before applying it to your scalp and hair cuticles. Leave it for about 15 minutes before normally washing it off with a natural shampoo. Aloe Vera Aloe vera has one of the best reputations for treating skin and hair issues. Not only does it soothe the scalp but also unblocks hair follicles.
Osteoarthritis – How to Treat it

Osteoarthritis – How to Treat it

Arthritis, a disease of the joints, causes swelling and tenderness in the joints. The most prominent symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which worsen with time. Arthritis is of two types: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis. It affects people when their joints are overused. Although this condition mostly affects people when they reach old age, it can also occur due to joint injuries or obesity, as they cause excess stress on the joints. One’s knees, hips, feet, and spine are most likely to feel the pain as these bear the most weight. These are also the most common joints to be affected by osteoarthritis. Healthy joints have a coating of cartilage that’s tough yet smooth and slippery. These cartilages cover the surface of the bones and allow the bones to move freely against each other. However, in osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes thin and the surface becomes rough, which prevents the joints from moving freely. Osteoarthritis can affect the joints of the neck, lower back, hips, the base of the thumb, ends of fingers, knees, and the base of the big toe. Treatment and medication The treatments of osteoporosis include medications and lifestyle changes. Medication used in osteoporosis slows the breakdown of bones and rebuilds them so that they are stronger. This, in turn, stops the breakage. The medication used in osteoporosis also effectively maintains bone density that prevents the bones from breaking. Medication alone cannot treat the condition and must be accompanied by lifestyle changes that include regular exercise, intake of a nutritious diet, and limiting or quitting alcohol and all kinds of intoxication. Symptoms of osteoarthritis can also be treated by some home remedies. Thermotherapy Thermotherapy is an effective home remedy that osteoarthritis patients can incorporate. This therapy involves the usage of hot and cold compress that is used when patients experience acute pain.
Foods to avoid for those with bipolar disorder

Foods to avoid for those with bipolar disorder

Foods to avoid for those with bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder is a brain-related illness that causes mood swings and makes a person feel low sometimes and elated at other times. Apart from medication, diet plays an important role in the mood swings and manifestation of the symptoms. Certain foods can affect one’s mental health and must be avoided by those having bipolar disorder. Trigger foods Certain foods can trigger manic disorder or depression. The moods can alternately swing from depression to a feeling of joy, and the food items listed in this article can affect people in different ways. They can cause depression when a person’s mood is low. Different foods may act as triggers for each person, aggravating their symptoms, and such food must be avoided. It is important to maintain a food diary where details of the food consumed and the symptoms experienced are noted. This will help to find out which foods trigger the symptoms, and those can be avoided. Caffeine Too much caffeine can affect sleep, and lack of sleep can aggravate the symptoms for those suffering from bipolar disorder. Apart from affecting sleep, caffeine can also irritate the digestive system and increase acidity. It is best to avoid or minimize the consumption of coffee and other beverages that contain caffeine. Food with high fat levels Those who have bipolar disorder should avoid food that contains high levels of fat. Some believe that high levels of fat affect the absorption of medicines. In reality, the effects of the medication will still be felt, but the high levels of fat are not good for the heart and increase the risk of obesity, leading to a lower quality of life. Fatty food should be avoided, especially when medicines are being taken. Avoid tyramine Some people with bipolar disorder are prescribed MAO inhibitors.
5 foods that ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease

5 foods that ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease

5 foods that ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disorder that causes a host of discomforting symptoms like inflammation in the digestive tract, pain in the abdominal area, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and rectal bleeding. At times, these symptoms tend to intensify and lead to a flare-up. Coping with Crohn’s disease flare-up can be extremely challenging as it can have a direct impact on your quality of life. Diet plays a crucial role in tackling the symptoms of this disease. What you eat can either help minimize the severity of the symptoms or worsen the condition. Herein, we discuss some of the best foods you can have to relieve these painful and discomforting symptoms. Refined grains Refined grains are some of the best food items that you can have to relieve yourself from the symptoms of this chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Unlike whole grains, refined grain items can be easily digested. These food items contain a low content of fiber and are likely to help with the flare-up. Some of the refined grain food items you can consume to subside Crohn’s disease symptoms are white bread, rice, pasta, and pancakes. Fully cooked vegetables Fully cooked vegetables are known to support the digestive system’s overall health. It is advised to remove the seeds and skin of the vegetables before cooking them well. Consumption of well-cooked food will help promote the health of the gut when you are experiencing a Crohn’s disease flare-up. It lowers inflammation in the body and may reduce the frequency of bowel movements. Whether you are having asparagus or potatoes, ensure that the vegetable is fully cooked for best results. Low-fiber Fruits Fruits like bananas, honeydew melon, and peaches contain are low in fiber. This particular characteristic enables them to work wondrously on the symptoms of this chronic disease.
Managing psoriasis flare-ups – Treatment and medications

Managing psoriasis flare-ups – Treatment and medications

How to manage skin flare-ups for psoriasis: treatment and medications Psoriasis is a skin condition that is known to be a recurring autoimmune disorder. This condition is characterized by red, flaky patches on the skin, and there is a rapid buildup of skin cells, which causes scaling on the skin’s surface. Though some treatments help ease the symptoms of psoriasis, there is no cure for this condition. These treatments are a combination of home remedies and prescribed medications to control specific triggers. Different treatment approaches There are two types of approaches to treating this condition. The first is topical and involves direct application of creams and ointments on the skin to relieve mild to moderate psoriasis. The other is the systemic approach, which involves taking medication orally or injecting it directly to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. Since these medications can have severe side-effects, they are just short-term prescriptions. Light therapy is another approach to treatment that uses ultraviolet or natural light to kill the overactive white blood cells that attack healthy skin cells and cause rapid cell growth, leading to the buildup. Patients are advised to use both UVA and UVB light to help reduce the symptoms of this condition. Some trade names to be aware of when getting treated for this condition Skyrizi This is the trade name for risankizumab-rzaa. This medication is an injection prescribed to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It is not known yet whether Skyrizi is safe or effective for children aged below 18 years. Stelara Its generic name is ustekinumab, and this medication is an immunosuppressant that reduces the effects of a chemical substance in the body that causes inflammation. Unlike skyrizi, this is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults as well as children aged 12 years and above.
Top foods to eat for Crohn’s disease

Top foods to eat for Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, lifelong disease that results in irritation and inflammation along the digestive tract. A Crohn’s flare-up could trigger or worsen symptoms including appetite loss, nausea, abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, and diarrhea, among others. When one eats the correct kinds of foods, it can help in managing and relieving such flare-ups. Herein, we discuss the best foods one can have in such instances. Refined grains Refine grains such as pasta are easy to digest. They possess less fermentable fiber as compared to whole grains and, hence, they pass quickly through the digestive tract. They also are less likely to cause inflammation and tend to be easier on the gut. Some examples of refined grains are rice snacks, waffles, pancakes, plain crackers, pasta, white rice and bread, and fortified ready-to-eat cereals that contain added essential minerals and vitamins. Oatmeal Oatmeal made from rolled/quick oats is a kind of refined grain that contains slightly lesser fiber as compared to steel-cut oats. When one experiences a Crohn’s flare-up, it’s best to avoid foods that contain insoluble fiber, which could worsen diarrhea symptoms. Oatmeal has a soluble fiber known as beta-glucan that helps in easing diarrhea by adding bulk to the stool by slowing digestion, and absorbing water in the intestines and forming a gel. Oats can be added to smoothies with low-fiber, peeled fruits. Low-fiber fruits Diarrhea can also be controlled by low-fiber fruits which are easy on the digestive system. Some examples of low-fiber fruits include peaches, cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew melon, and bananas, among others. During a Crohn’s flare-up, it is best to eat fruits in smaller servings. Poached/peeled fruit Removing the skin from fruits could end up reducing the insoluble fibers in them, like cellulose and lignin. Preserving or poaching fruits could also reduce the amount of fiber in them.