A hernia can be described as a condition most commonly occurred in the abdomen or groin area where an organ or tissue breaks or squeezes through a feeble opening in a nearby or surrounding connective tissue or muscle. This condition leads to a localized pain bulge and other types of discomforts. Hernia can be classified into different types of include inguinal hernia, hiatal hernia, umbilical hernia and incisional hernia. Most hernias do not cause any threat to your life, but they do not heal on their own. At certain times, surgery is needed for preventing possible dangerous complications. Other hernia treatment options are available to get rid of this problem in a fast manner. Leading causes of hernia The combined effect of muscle strain and weakness causes hernia. Muscle strain or weakness occurs due to several reasons. When the abdominal wall fails to close properly in the womb, you may experience hernia. Other reasons include persistent sneezing or coughing, age, surgery in the abdomen or groin, chronic coughing, fast weight gain, pregnancy related complications, abdominal fluid, severe constipation and lifting heavyweight. Prominent symptoms The initial symptom of a hernia is a lump or bulge in the area. When it comes to inguinal hernia, you can find a lump on two sides of the pubic bone. It can be felt through touch when you are bending down, coughing or standing up. In case of babies, you can feel the hernia when they are crying. Another symptom of a hernia is the pain in the lower abdomen (it becomes severe when you bend over) and it also worsens when you life something or cough. Other leading symptoms are a feeling of heaviness, pressure or weakness in the abdomen, a burning sensation at the bulge, acid reflux, chest pain and swallowing difficulty. In certain cases, hernias do not show any symptoms and you will come to know only when medical or physical examination is done for a different health problem.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious medical complication which can be effectively dealt only by rheumatoid arthritis doctors. It is a chronic disease, and if a patient is diagnosed with the same, it is usually a lifelong affair. It is therefore very vital that before the patient approach the rheumatoid arthritis doctors, a clear understanding of symptoms is available so that the same can be discussed with the doctor and suitable treatment be sought. Key symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis Swollen or pain giving joints indicate the evolution of rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are some other key symptoms of this disease condition which will help a patient understand that if they are suffering from this complication and they need to meet rheumatoid arthritis doctors. Some of these key symptoms might include the development of extreme fatigue, low-grade fever, the stiffness of joints during morning hours, weight loss which is unexplained and nausea. Before you head out to meet the rheumatoid arthritis doctors, it is important that you understand about different types of doctors who treat this medical complication. Family doctor The family doctor can be your first link between a rheumatoid arthritis physician and you. They would refer you to a consulting doctor who can then work on the complication. Rheumatologist A rheumatologist is a person who has undergone special training in diagnosing connective tissue complications and immunology related complications. Those who have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis should ideally visit a rheumatologist who can then suggest the best way to treat this disease. He or she will be in a better position to keep a tab on symptoms of this medical complication and the test results. Orthopedist Patients who have rheumatoid arthritis also can plan to visit an orthopedist. As the name indicated, an orthopedist is a trained surgeon who has specialization in treating bone joint complications and trauma that might arise owing to such situations.

Atopic dermatitis, which is commonly referred to as eczema, is a medical condition in which areas of the skin become sore, red, cracked, and itchy. The skin tends to get coarse too in this condition. In extreme cases, there is an occurrence of blisters. According to official statistics released around 30% of individuals in the United States of America suffer from eczema. Though once occurred, it stays on in an individual but there have been cases when individuals do recover from it. Eczema occurs due to the inflammation in the body. In attempts to control and eventually reduce the symptoms of this medical condition, one needs to keep track of the food that he or she consumes. Herein, we further discuss the foods to eat and avoid for people with eczema. Foods to eat Vegetables Green leafy vegetables must be included in the diet of an eczema patient considerably. Wholegrain carbohydrate Instead of refined carbohydrates, wholegrain carbohydrates should be included in the diet. Seafood Include seafood regularly in your diet if you are an eczema patient. Fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are excellent as they are natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts Nuts are also beneficial to reduce inflammation and thus keep control of the symptoms. Vitamins Vitamins should be included in the diet along with flavonoids and minerals. It will greatly help in managing the symptoms of eczema. Potassium Food rich in potassium like bananas is good for eczema patients. Oats Oats are rich in fiber, zinc and vitamin E which helps to reduce the symptoms of this medical condition. Recent research shows that the inclusion of probiotics in the diet helps in the control of symptoms of eczema. Certain foods like yogurt, contain it naturally. Foods to avoid Depending on individuals to individuals, some food might generate the rise of symptoms in an eczema patient.

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.

Constipation is the infrequent bowel movement and is generally described as having less than three bowel moments in a week. This condition can last for several weeks or longer. It is one of the most common health conditions that people in the country suffer on a daily basis. It is estimated that around 20% of people in the country suffer from constipation. Chronic constipation can result in unpleasant symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and experiencing pain while passing stools. These symptoms can also have a negative effect on the quality of life in the long run. Having said that, it is easy to treat constipation with some simple home remedies, some of which are mentioned below: Stay hydrated Drinking less than required water can result in constipation. Dehydration is one of the major reasons why people suffer from constipation. So, it is highly recommended to drink at least two liters of water to avoid symptoms of dehydration. Apart from treating idiopathic constipation, water can also help in relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. However, avoid drinking carbonated water like flavored soda as it can worsen the symptoms of constipation. Caffeinated drinks Coffee stimulates the muscles in the digestive system which can stimulate bowel movement. Some studies suggest that coffee is at least 60 percent more effective than drinking water. Coffee also contains a small amount of soluble fibers, which can prevent constipation by improving the balance of gut bacteria. Eat more fiber Increasing fiber in the daily diet also increases the bulk in the consistency of the bowel movements, which makes it easier to pass. A recent study has revealed that more than 70 percent of individuals with chronic constipation benefit from including soluble fiber in their daily diet. Insoluble fibers such as whole grains, vegetables, and wheat bran add bulk to the stools helping them pass more quickly.

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.

Foods to avoid if one has colitis Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the colon and rectum, which make up for a major part of the large intestine. It can cause symptoms like bleeding from the rectum, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. These can flare up due to various triggers, with food being one of the major ones. A low-fat, low-salt, high-calorie, low-fiber and gluten-free diet is the best diet to follow for those who suffer from colitis. There are certain foods can result in the aggravation of the symptoms of the condition, read on to know more. Gluten Foods that have gluten, like wheat, rye, and barley can cause allergies in some people. It can also lead to the development of symptoms similar to those seen in ulcerative colitis in those who have gluten sensitivity. This is why the ingredient is high on the list of foods to be avoided. Alcohol Alcohol can irritate the stomach and worsen the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. It must be avoided or consumed in moderation and ideally, one should either drink alcohol with a meal instead of on an empty stomach. High-fiber foods High-fiber foods like adzuki beans, peas, lentils, and legumes can cause bloating and gas and can worsen the symptoms of colitis. Fibrous vegetables can be consumed after skinning and deseeding them as the skin contains most of the fiber content. If they are cooked until they become soft, they can be eaten safely as this prevents problems after consumption. Fibrous fruits that are raw, dried, and have seeds can cause problems and must be avoided. Fruit juice can be consumed, except prune juice. Sulfur Sulfate is an essential nutrient that assists in many body processes. But, in individuals with ulcerative colitis, its presence can feed bacteria that creat H2S toxic gas which can lead to bloating and discomfort.

Psoriasis sufferers know how frustrating the condition can get. But did you know that staying away from these causes of psoriasis breakouts can reduce and even prevent your symptoms? Psoriasis is an abnormality of the skin, and this recurring autoimmune disorder presents itself in your body as thick, scaly, and itchy patches of skin. The symptoms of psoriasis include red, itchy patches of thickened skin covered in silvery scales; dry and cracked skin prone to bleeding; tiny scaling spots; nails that are thickened or ridges; and stiff, inflamed joints. The patches of psoriasis on your skin can range from just a few ones to major outbreaks that spread across a large area. Psoriasis is not a curable condition. It is a long-lasting disorder that can get quite frustrating for patients, particularly those who have frequent and major eruptions. At times, these flare-ups can even be painful. While there are medications and treatments available to provide relief to your skin, preventing the occurrence of psoriasis breakouts can be a more effective way of reducing your discomfort. For this, you need to be aware of what causes psoriasis breakouts. These triggers are not universal, but knowing the specific causes of psoriasis breakouts for you can help you stay away from such triggers and prevent painful psoriasis flare-ups. Watch out for these causes of psoriasis breakouts. Stress Studies suggest that stress can worsen your psoriasis symptoms, as it acts as one of the major causes of psoriasis breakouts. Since your symptoms may also lead to you getting stressed, it may seem like an endless cycle. However, you can work towards reducing stress in your everyday life by making yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises a part of your daily routine. Also remember to focus on the positive, talk to friends, and have a healthy lifestyle—all of which can contribute to reducing stress.

Diabetes, a lifelong disease is increasingly affecting a large population of the world. It is a condition in which hormone insulin levels are disrupted. Insulin is released by the pancreas, in order to help the body store the sugar and use fat from the food we consume. However, in case of a diabetic patient, the pancreas produces little or no insulin. In a few cases, diabetes may be triggered when the body does not respond well to the insulin produced. Diabetes can be classified into three types – type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the insulin is not produced, and insulin has to be injected into the body. This is a type of diabetes may occur at any age but is common among people below the age of 20 years. On the other hand, people with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or the insulin is not used up properly. Symptoms of diabetes The symptoms of diabetes may occur before or after the onset of the condition. They may occur suddenly and may be severe in few patients. Here are some symptoms of diabetes. Increased thirst – People who have diabetes tend to feel thirsty every short while. The mouth feels dry at all times. This symptom may prevail even when a person is well-hydrated. Frequent urination – Increased thirst is accompanied by the need to visit the toilet every short while. Blurred vision – Eyesight begins to feel hazy, and the vision blurs. This symptom is a major indicator of type 1 diabetes. Numbness – There may be numbness or tingling in the feet or hands. This is usually mild in the beginning but feels more bothersome after a while. Slow-healing – A significant symptom of diabetes includes the slow-healing of cuts and wounds.

Meningitis is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. The second most common type of meningitis is bacterial meningitis. Acute bacterial meningitis is caused by several strains of bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), Haemophilus influenzae (Haemophilus), and Listeria monocytogenes (listeria). What is strep meningitis? Strep Meningitis, also known as streptococcus meningitis or pneumococcal meningitis, is a disease caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. The Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria spread and multiply in the ‘meninges’ in the brain, hence, the name meningitis. The meninges are the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord, filled with cerebrospinal fluid, to protect the brain tissues from damage. When the meninges are infected by any kind of bacteria, toxic substances are produced in the cerebrospinal fluid, which results in inflamed and swollen brain tissue. Types of Strep Meningitis Strep Meningitis can be of two kinds. The two types of bacteria responsible for strep meningitis are Group A Streptococcal, also known as GAS, and Group B Streptococcal, known as GBS. A Group A streptococcal infection is caused by GAS bacteria, found on the inside of the throat and the skin’s surface. GAS bacteria are less harmful than GBS bacteria and cause issues like a sore throat, skin, ear and sinus infections. When the bacteria penetrate the body, the threat becomes more serious as they can cause septicemia, or blood poisoning, or lung infection AKA pneumonia. Meningitis caused by gas is rare but is still a possibility. GBS bacteria are also called Streptococcus agalactiae. These bacteria are found in the vagina, intestines, and sometimes in the throat. There is a very slight chance of these bacteria being transferred from the mother to the child during childbirth. In newborn babies, this condition is called neonatal meningitis. Many of us are the carriers of bacteria responsible for strep meningitis.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that leads to impaired movement. Symptoms vary by individual, but they typically include muscle spasms, tremors, and muscle soreness. There is no cure, but one can manage the condition by making changes to overall meal plans. While some foods, like fruits and vegetables, can help with symptoms, others should be avoided to maintain overall health. Thus, here are some foods to avoid to help prevent developing Parkinson’s. Foods to avoid to help prevent Parkinson’s disease Processed food Processed foods, such as canned goods, sodas, cereals, chips, sweets, and cakes, have been linked to increased symptoms of the condition. Parkinson’s disease frequently causes symptoms such as swallowing, speech, and odor problems. Processed foods only exacerbate these issues, making it vital to avoid them. Dairy products Drinking milk and having dairy products regularly may increase the chances of developing this condition; it may also hasten the progress. Thus, it is better to stay away from significant amounts of dairy items. Sausages Protein is essential for good health, but processed meats like sausages can weaken the immune system and raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Instead of cured meats like sausages and hams, one should eat fatty fish, skinless chicken, turkey breast, and various plant-based types of meat. Steamed bag of vegetables While vegetables are safe to eat, steamed bagged vegetables contain a chemical called bisphenol A, which, when heated, can leach into the food, causing severe a flare-up of symptoms. To avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals, choose fresh vegetables and frozen items not packed in microwave steam bags. Pasta and bread White flour, used in bread and pasta, can disrupt the digestive system’s normal operation. These foods are rich in unhealthy carbs and sugar, which weaken muscles and impair the brain, potentially worsening Parkinson’s. White flour pasta and bread can be replaced with brown rice, lettuce, leafy greens, and cauliflower.

If you’ve never heard of FODMAPs, you’re not alone. Read on to find out how low FODMAP diet plans may be the solution to your digestive woes. Do certain foods upset your stomach? Do you often feel bloated after a normal meal? Low FODMAP diet plans have shown to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms in various digestive disorders significantly. Low FODMAP diet plans are recommended for people with irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic syndrome characterized by irregular patterns of bowel movements, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. There is no definite cause for IBS, but stress is an important factor. FODMAPs are implicated in worsening of IBS symptoms, as well as worsening of symptoms in other digestive syndromes. Low FODMAP diet plans are a type of elimination diet, where certain kinds of foods are removed from the daily diet. This has been proven to provide relief from symptoms like bloating, gas, cramps, etc. What Are FODMAPs? FODMAPs are compounds found in different food items. FODMAP is an acronym that stands for Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, and Mono-saccharides And Polyols. FODMAPs are short-chain carbohydrates. These are short-chain polymers: Oligosaccharides like fructans (a type of fiber) and galacto-oligosaccharides (stachyose, raffinose) Disaccharides (lactose) Monosaccharides (fructose) Polyols which are sugar alcohols like mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, and sorbitol Any FODMAPs that are not properly digested in the small intestine pass into the large intestine. In the large intestine, these undigested FODMAPs get fermented by gut bacteria. This produces gas which causes symptoms like flatulence, bloating, and abdominal cramping. Poor FODMAP intestinal absorption is relatively common in many people, but the appearance of symptoms is rare. FODMAPs can also cause increased fluid accumulation in the intestine, which can result in visible abdominal distention and discomfort. Where do you find FODMAPs? If you plan to start low FODMAP diet plans, you need to know in which foods you can find FODMAPs.