What you eat can heal you or make your suffering a lot worse. Chronic inflammation can lead to further complications. So, knowing what food to eat and what to avoid can help prevent inflammation. Anti-inflammatory food Inflammation is an immune response. Injuries, infections, and so on result in inflammation because that is one of the ways the immune system alerts your body’s defense mechanism. The inflammation shows where the action needs to be taken in order to begin the healing process. This is good because it helps you fight off diseases and heal injuries. However, inflammation can also be triggered unnecessarily. There can be causes other than injury or infections. Stress, long hours of work without adequate sleep, heredity, and autoimmune disorders can all cause persistent inflammation without a good cause. Another possible cause is the food you eat. What food to avoid When you are not careful about the healthiness of your diet, you are not only risking obesity, but you may also be making yourself vulnerable to chronic inflammation. Refined sugar and grains, fried food, processed meat, preservatives, artificial color, and flavor additives in your food can contribute to causing inflammation. This type of food can lead to weight gain. The food also has an impact on the good gut bacteria, reducing them and promoting the chances of improper digestion and several other problems. They can also induce inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and so on. They can also worsen conditions like arthritis, causing excessive pain. What food to eat There are many types of food that several research studies have shown to help reduce inflammation. In fact, if you stick to an anti-inflammatory diet, it can give you better results than anti-inflammatory medicines. Here are some food items that fight inflammation:

What is Hepatitis C about? A disease of the liver, Hepatitis C is caused by the Hepatitis C virus. The severity of this disease varies from being acute to chronic depending on the virus. From making you feel sick for a few weeks to a lifelong disease, Hepatitis C can cause major health issues. Also, it is a known fact that Hepatitis C is difficult to detect and this makes it tougher to diagnose the same. The inflammation of the liver can be a serious issue and Hepatitis C is considered as the most serious of all other types of Hepatitis viruses. Things you did not know about the symptoms of Hepatitis C The symptoms of Hepatitis C occur intermittently; this, therefore, makes it tough to detect it. This virus affects the liver and the immune system and the symptoms reoccur for a lengthy period of time. It also becomes confusing to spot the disease solely from the symptoms of Hepatitis C as the signs are similar to those of flu and jaundice, to name a few. This is one of the reasons that the patient or even the doctor tends to oversee the signs and symptoms of Hepatitis C. That is why it is extremely important for us to understand the early symptoms Hepatitis C has. One should not wait until the liver starts malfunctioning and then later realize that one is detected with Hepatitis C. Therefore, Hepatitis C is also known as a silent killer; therefore, noticing the early signs will help find suitable medications and treatments. Let us now see at some of the early signs and symptoms of Hepatitis C. Symptoms of acute Hepatitis C The time during the initial months of the disease is known as acute Hepatitis C. Some of the most common symptoms Hepatitis C during this time are fatigue, pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and vomiting, to name a few.

Usually, an inflammation of the colon (also referred to as the large intestine) is known as colitis. It is a disease that has varied symptoms in different people. Colitis can be of different types such as: Microscopic colitis Ischemic colitis Inflammatory bowel disease colitis (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) Chemical colitis Pseudomembranous colitis Infectious colitis such as food poisoning, and infections caused by bacteria or parasites Depending on the type of colitis you have, your symptoms can vary. To pick the right treatment for colitis, it is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis. Here is a list of some colitis symptoms that will help you understand when you should consult a healthcare professional. Symptoms of colitis According to various medical study reports, most of the times, colitis is associated with diarrhea and abdominal pain. Pain caused by inflammation The muscle layers undergo intermittent spasms due to colon inflammation. This intermittent spasm causes cramp-like or colicky pain, which comes and goes. Usually, the affected person feels this pain in the lower abdomen. However, you might feel this pain at any point along the course of the colon. Due to the colitis, the body is unable to reabsorb water properly because any ingested food or drinks move through the colon rapidly as the muscles cannot contract in their regular pattern. All of this leads to watery diarrhea. If the colon lining breaks down and becomes inflamed, the affected person might experience bleeding. In the case of ulcerative colitis, small ulcers form and cause bleeding. Pain caused by diarrhea Often, the pain caused by colitis that involves the distal colon (sigmoid colon and rectum) increases gradually preceding a bowel movement. The pain might subside after the diarrheal bowel movement, but it can return with the next diarrheal episode. Also, the affected person may get the urgent feeling of wanting to go to the loo.

Do you feel pain in your heels while walking, jogging or running for a long period of time over a large distance? If the pain goes away after you have rested, it is of no cause of concern. If the pain persists, it is likely that you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a disease characterized by pain in the heels and it is the most common cause of heel pain. It is characterized by the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your toes to your heel bone. It results in a stabbing pain that usually occurs when you take your first steps in the morning. The pain tends to decrease as you move more, but it might return if you are standing for a long period of time, or if you rise after sitting for extended periods of time. If you are experiencing this pain, consult a doctor immediately and seek plantar fasciitis treatment. Here are a few causes, symptoms and common methods of treatment for plantar fasciitis. Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis As mentioned before, plantar fasciitis leads to the onset of stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot, and near the heel. The pain is normally the worst when you first wake up in the morning and take your first steps. It may also be triggered if you have been sitting in one place for a long period of time and suddenly stand up, or if have been standing in one place for a long period of time. While such pain generally subsides, if it continues to persist and comes back after periods of time, be sure to conclude that you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. The onset of this pain may also ensure when you are exercising or after you have completed exercising.

According to various medical study reports, by the age of 50, almost 75% of people experience changes in their eyesight. Common conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataract, and age-related muscular degeneration can leave an impact on your eyes. A variety of different factors influence these eye conditions. According to eye specialists, nutrition is definitely one of these major factors. Hence, before it is out of your hand, you should take care of your eye health. Here is a list of some of the best eye vitamins and some nutrients to keep your eyes in good health. Vitamin E When the balance between the free radicals and the antioxidants in your body is not maintained properly, oxidative stress may occur, which is one of the major causes of a bad eye condition. Vitamin E is an efficient antioxidant that helps protect the eye cells from the damage caused by the free radicals that are unstable molecules and harmful for your eyes. Also, some medical research studies have reflected the fact that diet and foods that are rich in vitamin E help in preventing cataract caused by aging. Avocado, Salmon, leafy green vegetables, seeds, nuts, and cooking oils are good sources of vitamin E. Vitamin A Vitamin A deficiency can cause Xerophthalmia, a progressive eye disease that begins with night blindness. In the absence of vitamin A, one of the best eye vitamins, your tear duct as well as the eyes can dry out. With time, the cornea softens and may result in irreversible blindness. To see properly in low-light conditions, rhodopsin protein is necessary, and vitamin A is a major component of this protein. Moreover, it helps in protecting the eyes against other types of eye afflictions. Some studies mention that it can reduce the risks of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataract.

Pneumonia is the infection of the lungs, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses or even fungi. People suffering from pneumonia might experience heavy coughing, fever, and experience hard time breathing. It makes it difficult to transfer oxygen to the blood. Pneumonia is a condition that causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, called the alveoli. In this condition, the alveoli of the lungs get filled with mucus or pus, which makes it very difficult to breathe. Before we head to find out the signs and symptoms of pneumonia, let us look at the causes of the same in brief. It usually starts when one begins to breathe in germs into the lungs. The onset of the disease usually begins after the person suffers from cold or flu. Cold and flu make it hard for the lungs to fight back, resulting in infections. Hence it becomes easier to get affected from the signs of pneumonia. Suffering from chronic conditions like heart disease, asthma, cancer or even diabetes can also lead to pneumonia. Signs and symptoms of pneumonia Signs of pneumonia can be mild to life-threatening. It depends on the severity of the infection. The most common symptoms of pneumonia include: Coughing that produces phlegm (mucus). Because the alveoli in the lungs get filled with mucus, it affects the immune system of the body and the person suffers from mild to high-grade fever, chills and also experiences sweating. And because of the same reason, there is little or no room for the inhaled air to occupy for the lungs, thus the person suffers from shortness of breath. These above-mentioned conditions eventually lead to one common symptom, which is chest pain. There are symptoms that vary according to the severity of the condition and is based on factors like age and general health of the individual.

The frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis refers to pain, stiffness and restricted range of movement in the shoulder. Overuse of the shoulder is a major contributor and an injury can also result in frozen shoulder. Diseases like stroke or diabetes also make you vulnerable to this condition. When you develop frozen shoulder, the tissues that surround the joint feel stiffened and the formation of the scar tissue also takes place. In such a situation, shoulder movements become highly painful and difficult. You develop this condition gradually over a period of time and it goes away in a slow manner after a year or so. Major causes frozen shoulder Sometimes, you are compelled to stop using the shoulder joint normally and it can be because of injury, pain or severe health conditions like stroke or diabetes. This situation makes you vulnerable to frozen shoulder. Any type of shoulder problem can result in this condition if you do not make efforts to maintain a full range of motion. People suffering from chronic diseases are prone to frozen shoulder and it has been found out that this problem occurs mostly between 40 and 70 years of age. Women are more susceptible compared to men, particularly during the postmenopausal stage. Frozen shoulder treatment options The frozen shoulder treatment involves managing shoulder pain and maintaining an optimal range of motion in the shoulder. Popular painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications In order to eliminate or reduce the pain, there are over-the-counter painkillers available. The most popular ones are aspirin and ibuprofen and these medications also reduce inflammation linked with frozen shoulder. If the pain is severe, you can opt for stronger anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs but they should be taken under the supervision of your doctor. Diagnosis of frozen shoulder When the physical exam reveals restricted shoulder movement, doctors suspect frozen shoulder.

Sciatic Pain Cure refers to the treatment of the symptoms such as tingling in the leg, pain, weakness or numbness radiating through the sciatic nerve. The pain that occurs along the path of this nerve is known as sciatica. Sciatica is not a disease, it essentially points to an underlying medical condition. How can you cure sciatic pain? The cure for sciatic pain begins with the identification of medical conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, or degenerative disk disease. There is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve which becomes worse if there is no medical intervention. Sciatic pain can be cured nonsurgically as well as through regular exercise. There are alternative treatments for sciatic pain such as consulting chiropractors or undergoing massage therapy. Various methods to cure sciatic pain Though there are non-surgical methods to cure Sciatic pain, in extreme cases surgical intervention is required. The root of the sciatic nerve is compressed and this is the reason for the neurological symptoms that include pain. The various methods of non-surgical treatment are: Heat/ice Applying heat or ice to the affected area normally helps in reducing the pain in the leg. Ice and heat should be used alternately for 20 minutes, and the process is repeated every two hours. Medications for sciatic pain There are some prescribed medications that can reduce or relieve sciatic pain. You could get nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications or oral steroids that help in relieving sciatic pain. Narcotics or muscle relaxants can also be used for a short period of time for pain relief. Epidural steroids In severe cases of sciatic pain, epidural steroids should be administered. The injection has a direct impact as it penetrates into the area surrounding the sciatic nerve thereby reducing the inflammation. In addition to this, these epidural steroids also help patients by supporting them in exercises and conditioning programs they might be undergoing for treating the pain.

Gum diseases, bad breath, and tooth decay are some of the primary oral healthcare conditions. In most cases, a good dental hygiene can help you fight the situation. But, even if you have a high dental hygiene it does not ensure that you will not have any oral health issues. Hydrogen peroxide mouthwashes are an ideal remedy if you are suffering from oral health diseases or gum issues. It also helps in cleansing your mouth and keeps them away from germ building, strengthens your enamel and keeps plaque away. Here’s how hydrogen peroxide mouthwash works: Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash is a mild antiseptic that helps you get rid of minor irritations in your mouth caused by conditions like gingivitis, dentures and other oral health conditions. It works by releasing oxygen when it is rinsed in the mouth. The oxygen causes foaming that removes the mucus formed and cleanses the area. Let us look at some of the tips to use hydrogen peroxide mouthwash: If you buy hydrogen peroxide mouthwash from the market, make sure you read all the instructions on the product carefully and follow them diligently. Some brands give you a concentrated version of the product, you might have to dilute this product with water before you use it. For the ones that are ready to use, you can rinse your mouth directly. Keep an eye on the amount of dosage mentioned on the packaging. Swish it around your mouth for a minute or 30 seconds and spit it out. Repeat the action twice or thrice in one session to get the best results from the product. In any case, if you are unsure about the usage directions, it is safe to consult a doctor or pharmacist. Swallowing this product can be hazardous, so you must make sure you do not swallow it.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder and does not have any cure. It is only possible to reduce the severity of the symptoms, which offers the patient a better quality of life. Rheumatoid Arthritis primarily affects the joints. It can also affect the lungs, voice box, and eye. Symptoms The distinguishing feature of Rheumatoid arthritis is that it affects both hands and both legs. There is swelling, pain, redness and tenderness in the finger joints, wrist, elbow and knee. The feet, hip, neck and even the jaw can be affected. Unfortunately, the exact cause for Rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. A gene alteration is the most likely cause of this autoimmune disorder which predominantly affects women. As the symptoms show up differently in each person, a combination of tests help to draw the conclusion that a person is suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Most often, the evident Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis help to diagnose the condition. There are some signs when rheumatoid arthritis affects the joints. Inflammation is accompanied by: Stiffness There is decreased mobility in the joints. Especially during mornings, it gets pretty difficult to use your joints. The stiffness lasts for a long time, and may last more than an hour, before you find your joints loosening up. Redness and Warmth The affected joints appear red and you can feel a warmth when you touch the joints. Swelling Swelling is a characteristic of any form of arthritis. When it comes to signs of rheumatoid arthritis, the fluid enters the joint and makes it puffy. Pain Pain in the joints is unavoidable. Inflammation inside the joint makes it tender and sensitive. Over a period of time, the joints experience damage and results in pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can not only affect the joints, but the entire body as well. In such cases, the symptoms manifest as fatigue, muscle ache, sickness, diminished appetite that can lead to weight loss.

The term ‘neuropathy’ itself speaks about what it essentially means. Neuro means related to nerves or the nervous system and pathy denotes disorder in a specific part of the body. Hence, neuropathy, popularly known as peripheral neuropathy, refers to the disorder of nerves. This disorder could be caused when certain injury or disease damages your nervous system. Originating from your brain and spinal cord, these peripheral nerves extend to your muscles and tissues. The peripheral nervous system is the primary source of all communication between the body and brain in the form of electrical impulses. There are three types of nerves: Motor nerves Sensory nerves Autonomic nerves Each nerve comprises of neurons, which transmit information throughout the body in the form of electrical and chemical impulses at very high speeds. Thus, damage to the nerve cells results in damage to the communication link. Neuropathy is a rapidly growing condition which is being researched extensively to understand the various causes and treatments for the same. Did you know? The leading cause of deaths among senior citizens is due to accidental falls. Some people fall because of the condition of neuropathy and hence are unable to feel their feet. They try to stand but because of the numbness, don’t get a proper standing posture, and as a result trip and fall over. Causes of neuropathy There are a number of causes that could lead to the development of this condition in an individual. The most common causes include: Trauma Metabolic system anomalies Out of range glucose levels Inflammation of specific body parts, e.g. hands, feet Diabetes Chemotherapy Treatment for neuropathy The most significant concept to remember here is; it is essential to diagnose the underlying cause and provide symptomatic relief by eradicating that cause itself. Based on the root cause of the nerve damage, the treatments for neuropathy can vary.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer wherein the body’s plasma cells are affected. The American Cancer Society reports that over 30,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with the disease in recent times. Although the disease is not preventable, there are foods that help you to effectively manage multiple myeloma and its symptoms. Malignant plasma cells may cause anemia or other infections. While normal cells try to ward off infections, myeloma cells prevent healthy cells from working efficiently. Myeloma cells instead accelerate bone breakdown, and put off new bone development, thus making fractures and breaks very common. Conventional treatment includes chemotherapy, bisphosphonates, surgery, radiation, and stem cell transplant. Complementary treatments include special diets, herbs, vitamins, massage, and acupressure. Although there are no such proven diets to treat or fight multiple myeloma, a specific nutrition strategy might prevent other symptoms like anemia or kidney damage. It may also reduce the risks of cancer recurrence. Get adequate iron Foods that curb multiple myeloma symptoms contain iron. Multiple myeloma leads to anemia – a condition in which the body contains only a few red blood cells. As a result, it causes weakness and fatigue. Other causes of anemia include deficiency in iron, vitamin B12, and folate. Foods containing iron are an integral part of a diet that aims to help patients with the disease. Some good sources include: Raisins Lean red meat Bell peppers Kale Sweet potatoes Broccoli Brussel sprouts Tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, papaya, guava Foods containing essential folate, a B vitamin that contributes to the formation of white and red blood cells in the bone marrow, include: Asparagus Black-eyed kidney beans Beef liver Lentils Beans Spinach Broccoli Foods containing vitamin B12 work together with folate to help the body form more red blood cells. Vitamin B12 deficiency can affect the ability of the bone marrow to make as well as maintain red blood cells in patients suffering from multiple myeloma.