Schizophrenia – Foods to eat and avoid

Schizophrenia – Foods to eat and avoid

It has been observed that those who have schizophrenia, a chronic psychological illness, usually have diets that are unhealthy, low in fiber and fruit, and high in saturated fats. Unhealthy eating habits typically lead to other health problems which can also put people with schizophrenia at high risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more. According to research, dietary changes do really help manage schizophrenia. Here are some best and worst foods for schizophrenia. Foods to eat Fruits Many studies show that people with schizophrenia usually do not get enough fiber, and thus, need to eat fruits. Some of the best sources of fiber are apples, pears, and raspberries. Fiber not only helps reduce bad cholesterol but also helps in digestion, thereby reducing the chances of certain health problems associated with schizophrenia such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Vegetables Vegetables don’t have heart-heavy cholesterol, are packed with essential vitamins and fiber, and are low in calories and fat. Veggies like sweet potatoes, kidney beans, and lima beans contain potassium that could help in keeping blood sugar in check. The best food for schizophrenia is spinach as it is high in folate, which could help in easing symptoms of schizophrenia. Apart from spinach, folate can also be found in asparagus and black-eyed peas. Fatty fish Since omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced by the body, one needs to get them through food such as fatty fish like salmon and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids not only ease but also prevent the symptoms of schizophrenia and even slow down the progress of the disease. Vegetarians can intake walnuts and ask their doctor to prescribe omega-3 supplements. Crab and oysters According to research, there could exist a relationship between schizophrenia and low levels of zinc, which can be found in lobsters, crab, and oysters, as well as fortified cereals and beef.
A Guide to Uric Acid and How to Lower Uric Acid Levels

A Guide to Uric Acid and How to Lower Uric Acid Levels

Uric acid is a compound that consists of the elements carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen. The composition is such that six carbon atoms combine with four hydrogen atoms, four nitrogen atom, and three oxygen atoms to form a molecule of uric acid. It is a component found normally in urine. It is created when the body breaks down compounds called purines. A higher level of uric acid in one’s urine is suggestive of the fact that there is a kidney disease. Uric acid levels in the urine increase if the patient is subjected to treatment that results in weight loss, such as chemotherapy. Some of the primary foods that contain a high level of purines are mackerel, dried beans, dried peas, liver, anchovies, beer, etc. A high level of uric acid concentration in the blood of the human body is termed as hyperuricemia. This is also a concerning cause of kidney stone and it can lead to gout (a form of inflammatory arthritis). Symptoms of higher/lower uric acid levels There are various symptoms that are easily attributable to higher uric acid levels. However, in the case of lower uric acid levels, there are not many directly identifiable symptoms. Also, due to the occurrence of lower uric acid levels in the world population being only about 0.5%, the symptoms are barely recognized and so, solid medical experience is required to distinguish and pinpoint the deficiency. Lower uric acid levels might be due to the existence of Wilson’s disease (abnormal accumulation of copper in vital organs), Fanconi syndrome (reabsorption of waste products by the bloodstream, allowed by the kidney). Low consumption of food that lacks in purine also results in the lower uric acid levels. This is called hypouricemia. The symptoms for hypouricemia are bone pain or feeling weak (due to Fanconi syndrome), dehydration due to the excessive passing of urine from the body.
Colon Cancer Symptoms to Watch Out For

Colon Cancer Symptoms to Watch Out For

Statistics show that 1 out of 24 persons are at risk of getting colon cancer. Early diagnosis is paramount for a good prognosis – these are the colon cancer symptoms you should watch out for. Colon cancer is formed due to the growth of cancerous cells inside the large intestine. The longest part of the large intestine is called the colon, and its primary function is to extract water and salt from the solid wastes that exit the body through the rectum to be excreted from the anus. Colon cancer is also termed as rectal cancer, but that depends on where the tumor begins to spread. The inner lining of the colon or rectum is termed as a polyp, it is from here that most colon cancers begin to grow. There are two types of polyps – ‘adenomatous polyps’ (also known as ‘adenomas’, they are sometimes cancerous in nature) and ‘hyperplastic polyps’ (also known as ‘inflammatory polyps’, commonly found but are not pre-cancerous in nature). There are various factors that cause colon cancer such as polyps, mutations in the DNA, family genetics, and diet. These malignant tumors once fully formed then travel through the blood and spread in other body organs. Colon cancer cells continue to grow and multiply instead of experiencing programmed cell death. If the polyps are not removed during colonoscopy, they grow into malignant cancerous cells overtime. Metastasis (spread of the cancerous cells) results in a severe condition where the disease damages and invades the other healthy cells of the body which is extremely difficult to treat successfully. Gradually the uncontrolled growth of colon cancer cells leads to the shutting down of the system functioning, eventually leading to death. Quite often colon cancer symptoms appear after the cancer has begun to spread. Symptoms such as inflammatory or irritable bowels syndrome, infections, hemorrhoids, may be a result of some other illness altogether.
Dietary changes to naturally treat amyloidosis

Dietary changes to naturally treat amyloidosis

Dietary changes to naturally treat amyloidosis Amyloidosis is a condition in which the protein amyloid is excessively produced and gathers in the organs. Till date, there is no known cure for this condition; there are, however, many ways to successfully manage this condition naturally. Here are some dietary changes you can make to successfully treat amyloidosis the natural way. Limit salt intake The heart and the kidneys are two organs that suffer major damage from amyloidosis. With this condition, the heart loses its ability to move and circulate blood efficiently. The kidneys lose their ability to retain sufficient protein. These problems can lead to swelling in the body. This swelling becomes most prominent in the hands and feet. A diet that is heavy in salt can worsen the patient’s health. It is always recommended to follow a diet that is low in salt to minimize the damage from swelling. Apart from adding less salt to your food, you would need to minimize your intake of processed snacks and pickles that are high in salt. Limit bowel irritants For those who have bowel problems as part of amyloidosis, doctors recommend limiting the intake of caffeinated beverages like coffee. On the other hand, certain research indicates that tea may have beneficial properties for the digestive tract in people suffering from this condition. Amyloidosis patients also need to minimize intake of spices. Avoid over-drinking water While we often focus on the issue of dehydration and drinking less water, only a few realize the opposite problem that may occur when people drink too much water. For patients suffering from amyloidosis, drinking excess quantities of water can worsen any swelling in the hands and feet. In fact, for people suffering from cardiac amyloidosis, the daily intake of water should not exceed one and a half liters at the most.
Symptoms and Effective Treatment Options for Shingles

Symptoms and Effective Treatment Options for Shingles

Several people are looking for the most effective types of shingles pain treatments available. Shingles can be described as a viral infection that causes a painful skin rash. The virus known as Varicella Zoster is one that causes this skin condition. Chickenpox is caused by the same Varicella Zoster virus. If you ever had chickenpox, this virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues located near your brain or spinal cord, and after many years, it reactivates to cause shingles. They are usually found in a strip, band, or a small area on the face or other body parts. Older adults are more vulnerable to shingles; moreover, if you have a weak immune system due to injury, medicines, or stress, you have higher chances of getting affected by this skin disease. Shingles are not basically infectious Shingles are not a serious problem but the pain can be really severe. You do not need to worry getting this disease from someone else because it is not an infectious disease. Still, there is a small possibility of a virus getting spread from a person suffering from shingles rash to another person who has never got affected with chickenpox or who has not taken the chickenpox vaccine. The symptoms of shingles Only a smart part or one side of your body becomes vulnerable to shingles. You experience pain and burning sensation and a tingling sensation or numbness can also be felt. Another common symptom is the sensitivity to touch and after having started the pain, a red rash starts to appear after some days. Sometimes, fluid-filled blisters are formed and they often break and crust over. Itching is another tendency that many people feel. It has been reported that some other people experience fatigue, light sensitivity, headache, and fever. Of course, pain the first sign and it can become really intense.
A Guide to Resveratrol Supplements

A Guide to Resveratrol Supplements

People often think that temptation is not a good thing. However, if you have a craving for red wine or chocolate, it might be good for you. Red wine and chocolate have higher levels of resveratrol. Do you want to know what resveratrol is? Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound which is produced by plants under specific conditions like inflammation or a dry spell or to fight against fungi. According to several research studies, resveratrol has many benefits for human health due to its anti-aging properties. It also acts as a protective antioxidant and is good for a human’s overall health. It is known to prevent cancer and is good for the heart as well. Due to its many benefits, it has drawn the attention of botanists who came up with the best resveratrol supplements which provide adequate amounts of resveratrol for the human body. Resveratrol supplements work in the same way as resveratrol in red grapes, except that they contain a better dosage of around 250-500 mg per capsule. They reduce cell clotting activity and pain. The best resveratrol supplements have gained a lot of attention in recent times. In our country, people spend more than $30 million on resveratrol supplements alone. Some of the best and most effective resveratrol supplements are as follows: aSquared Nutrition’s 1,000 mg Resveratrol Supplements: Readers can buy it for around $29.99, and for this price, they will get 180 supplements BRI Nutrition Resveratrol: These supplements cost about $22.69. Jarrow Formulas Natural Source Pterostilbene, 50 mg: You can get around 60 veggie capsules for roughly $14.24. NutraChamps’ 1400mg Resveratrol Supplement: You can purchase a bottle of 60 vegan capsules for $19.99 approximately. Resveratrol Supplement Potent 1400mg Formula by Purest Vantage: You can get 60 veggie capsules for around $17.99. Apart from these, you can find many other resveratrol supplements in medical stores which are as good as the others mentioned above.
4 foods that may help manage ulcerative colitis

4 foods that may help manage ulcerative colitis

When the immune system misidentifies and targets good gut bacteria, the cells that line the colon, and food, it can lead to ulcerative colitis. The condition drives the white blood cells to attack the colon lining and trigger symptoms like irritation, inflammation, and ulcers in the large intestine. While ulcerative colitis is a chronic condition, adding certain foods to one’s meals and following some treatment options may help manage the condition. Foods for ulcerative colitis Nut butters A good source of proteins and healthy fats, nut butters like peanut butter, cashew butter, and almond butter may help manage any flare-up that may result from ulcerative colitis. Peeled and cooked veggies Peeled and cooked vegetables are soft and contain less insoluble fiber, making them less irritating to the gut. A few foods to consider are carrots, spinach, parsnips, turnips, and potatoes. The vegetables are abundant in nutrients like vitamins A and K, which can help reduce the effects of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a type of ulcerative colitis. Yogurt Fermented foods like yogurt are rich in probiotics that contain healthy bacteria. Such bacteria aid the digestive system and reduce ulcerative colitis symptoms and flare-ups. But one must steer clear of flavored yogurt as its sugar content may worsen symptoms. Salmon Salmon is a rich source of protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These properties are known to curb inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis. Other fish rich in omega-3s include shrimp and tuna. Treatments for ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitis symptoms can be managed with certain treatment options, such as: STELARA® (ustekinumab) STELARA® is a prescription treatment for children who are six years and older and adults with moderate to severely active ulcerative colitis. Patients injected with the treatment may find quick relief from their symptoms within eight weeks. Entyvio® (vedolizumab) Adults with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis are given Entyvio when other treatment options do not work efficiently.
Popular treatment options for hemophilia

Popular treatment options for hemophilia

Hemophilia is a severe medical condition in which the blood doesn’t clot as it normally should. The bleeding disorder is usually inherited and identified by painful symptoms such as excessive bleeding, joint pain, and deep bruises. After diagnosis, in which the doctor focuses on clotting-factors, a treatment plan is laid out and must be followed to avoid unnecessary complications. Read on to know more in detail. How is hemophilia treated? Different types of this condition are treated in different ways. The most common ones include: Desmopressin The medication is commonly used in the treatment of mild hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease. The vasopressin works by increasing the plasma concentration of factor VIII, which is one of the clotting factors in the blood and whose deficiency is the reason behind hemophilia A. Desmopressin dose varies from one patient to another and comes in the form of both injections and nasal sprays. Nonacog alfa Hemophilia B is the second form of the wider condition, wherein clotting factor IX is absent in the patient’s blood. Doctors treat the ailment by injecting a purified protein called nonacog alfa. The medicine approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997, temporarily corrects the deficiency, thereby reducing excessive bleeding. Fresh frozen plasma There are different ways to treat hemophilia C. Fresh frozen plasma is one of the most popular methods since one unit of this blood product contains all the coagulation factors. Factor XI deficiency is the defining cause of this form of ailment, and using fresh frozen plasma can help lower symptoms like prolonged bleeding. Hormone therapy is another useful treatment method for hemophilia. Fibrin sealants Fibrinogen and thrombin are the main components of this material. It is used as a hemostatic agent, and was first approved in the country in 1998.
5 ways to manage gastrointestinal stromal tumor

5 ways to manage gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Cancer becomes harder to manage with each passing day. It impacts patients both physically and psychologically, making every day a battle. While it’s impossible to say which type of cancer impacts the worst, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is among the trickiest ones. This is because the disease is rare and isn’t treated like other types of cancer. Chemo and targeted drugs are two major treatment options, although both have painful side effects. Fortunately, you can manage GIST yourself and lower its consequences. Here are five tips that can help you. Eat smaller meals Digestion often becomes difficult after having surgery for GIST. However, you cannot skip eating either, as your body needs nutrition to heal. One way to address the problem is to lower the portion size of your meals. So instead of having three large meals in a day, break it down into 5-6 smaller meals. Avoid sugary foods and add more protein Sugary foods can increase acidity that might worsen symptoms. Proteins and carbohydrates, meanwhile, will have the opposite effect. Therefore, it makes sense to add more protein sources to your diet. That said, consult your doctor or dietitian before adding or subtracting foods from your diet. Don’t forget to exercise Cancer is definitely tiring and might make you feel fatigued. Staying in bed, though, is not the right thing to do as the condition will lead to emotional distress. Exercise will lift your spirits that can help your body recover faster. Begin with light exercise, and don’t increase the intensity without consulting your doctor. Get enough rest Compromising on sleep can adversely affect your symptoms. So ensure that you get at least eight hours of sleep at night. If possible, try and squeeze in a short nap in the afternoon as well. Seek help if you’re stressed Cancer is an extremely serious disorder that takes a toll on your physical and mental health.
Controlling eczema with popular medications and treatments

Controlling eczema with popular medications and treatments

Eczema is a condition where patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, rough, and red. For some people, blisters may occur too. While some people are cured of this condition, some continue to have it throughout their adulthood. It is important to recognize the symptoms and seek immediate professional help to make treatment more efficient. Symptoms to be aware of: In adults; rashes commonly appearing in the creases of the elbows or knees or the nape of the neck Rashes that cause very dry skin Itchy rashes that do not seem to go away Rashes that look scaly Skin infections caused by these rashes Rashes differ in infants under two years and children aged two years until puberty. For infants; They commonly appear on the scalp and cheeks They bubble up before there is liquid leaking from it Rash interferes with sleeping, and there’s a continuous itch For children aged two years and above; Rashes can be bumpy They can be light or dark in colors It develops a permanent itch or a knot Some treatment approaches While there is no cure for eczema, there are treatments that can help control the swelling, rash, itchiness of the skin, by using a mix of home cures and some doctor-prescribed medications. Some home remedies involve taking lukewarm baths, applying moisturizer on the skin within three minutes of the bath to ensure it keeps the skin hydrated; wearing cotton and soft fabrics is recommended over rough, scratchy, and tight-fitting clothes, using a humidifier in dry or cold weather, keeping fingernails short to prevent any scratching of the skin and inflammation caused due to it. Each person has their own triggers which make their condition worse, so it is important to recognize those symptoms and take control of what works and what doesn’t. Some medications that you could be aware of when getting treated for eczema are:
Types, Causes, and Treatment of Joint Pain

Types, Causes, and Treatment of Joint Pain

The other name of joint pain or inflammation is known as arthritis, which can affect one or more joints present in our body. Presently there are almost 200 different types of joint pain or arthritis, but among them, the most common types are as follows: Inflammatory arthritis Degenerative or mechanical arthritis Soft tissue musculoskeletal pain Back pain Connective tissue disease Infectious arthritis Metabolic arthritis Though the symptoms of arthritis develop over a long time, they can also appear suddenly out of nowhere. It is most common in adults over the age of 65 years, but sometimes it can also develop in children, teens or younger adults. Moreover, arthritis is more common in women than in men. Also, people suffering from obesity or other conditions related to being overweight have greater tendencies to develop arthritis. Arthritis or joint pain causes Though there are no single joint pain causes of all types of arthritis. These may vary according to the type or form of arthritis. Possible causes of joint pain may include the following factors: Injury, leading to degenerative arthritis Abnormal metabolism leading to gout and pseudogout Inheritance such as osteoarthritis Infections Immune system dysfunction Some forms of arthritis or joint pain causes are due to the reduction in the cartilage tissues amount. Cartilage is nothing but flexible connective tissues in your joints and the function of these cartilages is to absorb the shock and pressure created from motion and stress related to them. Normal wear and tear of the cartilage tissues cause joint pain or osteoarthritis, which is one of the most common types of arthritis. An infection or injury to the joints can aggravate the natural breakdown of cartilage tissues leading to the contribution of joint pain causes. Moreover, your risk of developing osteoarthritis will be higher if you have a family history of the disease.
All You Need to Know about Pinched Nerve

All You Need to Know about Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is put on a nerve by the surrounding tissues like the bones, the tendons, the cartilage, or muscles. This pressure disrupts the nerve’s functioning and causes pain, weakness, tingling, or numbness. A pinched nerve can occur at a number of sites in the body. For example, a herniated disc in the lower spine may put too much pressure on the nerve root, causing pain that radiates down the back of the leg. Similarly, a pinched nerve in the wrist can cause pain and numbness in the hands and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome). Nerves extend from the brain and the spinal cord, sending important messages throughout the body. When an individual has a pinched nerve, also known as nerve compression, the body may send warning signals like pain. It is important to not ignore these warning signals. The damage from a pinched nerve may be severe or minor. It may cause long-lasting or temporary problems. The earlier a diagnosis is made and treatment for nerve compression is started, the more quickly one will find relief. In some cases, the damage from a pinched nerve may not be reversed. But treatment options usually relieve pain and other symptoms associated with a pinched nerve. Signs and symptoms With a pinched nerve, sometimes pain may be the only symptoms. Or there may be other symptoms without any pain. Some of the common signs and symptoms associated with a pinched nerve are: Pain in the area of compressions, such as the lower back or the neck Weakness, especially during certain activities Radiating pain, such as radicular pain or sciatica A burning or a “pins and needles” sensation Tingling or numbness Sometimes, the symptoms may worsen when one tries certain movements, such straining the neck or turning the head.