Foods to avoid and consume for colitis patients

Foods to avoid and consume for colitis patients

Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes the inflammation of the inner lining of the large intestine, and rectum. It also causes sores. It is regarded as an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks its own body. It can also be called an inflammatory bowel disease, and yet it is not the same as Crohn’s disease. This disease affects over 900,000 citizens every year and is seen in males more than females. This disease is diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40 years. Diet An individual suffering from this disease needs help to manage their symptoms and also change their diet. A colitis patient must follow a diet that suits them. For different symptoms there are different types of diets:- A high-calorie diet is needed as people suffering from ulcerative colitis tend to lose weight and suffer from malnutrition. A high-calorie diet will help prevent it. A lactose-free diet is for those who suffer from this disease and are also lactose intolerant. A low-fiber diet helps to reduce the frequency of cramps and bowel movements. A low-salt diet is for those patients who are on corticosteroid therapy. This diet helps to reduce water retention. A low FODMAP – Fermentable Oligo-Di-Mono-saccharides and Polyols, these are some types of sugars which are found in some sugar alcohols and carbohydrates. A diet that is gluten-free for those who are sensitive to gluten. Paying attention to nutrition is an important aspect for patients suffering from ulcerative colitis as bleeding and diarrhea lead to loss of nutrition, electrolyte imbalance, and dehydration. It is important to take nutritional supplements if you cannot follow a balanced diet because of the symptoms. Foods of certain types can trigger the symptoms of ulcerative colitis and maybe also worsen them. You need to identify the foods by keeping a list.
5 Home Remedies that Help Live with Asthma

5 Home Remedies that Help Live with Asthma

Living with a chronic condition isn’t easy; you’ll always have to be on guard against elements that trigger the condition and will have to lug your medications wherever you go. Asthma is one such chronic condition that, according to the CDC, affects approximately 25 million people in the country. Moreover, this condition is quite prevalent in children—1 child out of every 12 is diagnosed with asthma. Asthma is an inflammatory condition that affects the airways to the lungs and makes breathing difficult. This, in turn, makes performing any physical activity impossible. Mostly, people opt for medications to keep asthma under control and prevent an asthma attack. But there are others who rely on alternative treatment techniques to control asthma symptoms and keep the condition in check. Here are some effective home remedies to keep asthma under control. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment method that involves inserting thin needles into specific points in the body. In fact, this method has been used in western countries as well to improve the symptoms of asthma. Acupuncture improves lung function and is believed to modulate the immune system as well. Also, there is an increase in studies on the effect of acupuncture in treating respiratory conditions. Although some have yielded inconclusive results, some have reported that acupuncture can control the symptoms of asthma. Yoga One of the major triggers of asthma is stress, and one of the best ways to deal with stress is to practice yoga. The breathing exercises used in yoga can help people with asthma control breathing as well as relieve stress. There are certain yoga poses that can improve asthma symptoms as they open your throat and chest and facilitate easy breathing. The Bound Angle Pose, Bridge Pose, Bow Pose, and Cat Pose are some of the effective yoga poses that can help you deal with asthma symptoms.
Here’s What You Need to Know About Burning Foot Pain

Here’s What You Need to Know About Burning Foot Pain

A burning sensation in your feet is often related to nerve damage caused by certain underlying health conditions, out of which diabetes is one of the major causes. The feeling of pain can range from mild to harsh, and intermittent to constant. Sometimes you may get the feeling of hot, tingling or prickling pain or numbness in your feet which usually gets worse during the night. Causes of burning foot pain Sometimes, cases of burning foot pain have unknown causes. However, most of the times, doctors diagnose a wide range of conditions that lead to the sensation of burning foot pain. Here are some of the top causes: Diabetic neuropathy Uncontrollably high levels of blood sugar can gradually damage your blood vessels and nerves, leading to a reduction in the transmission of signals from the nerves. It can also weaken the blood vessel walls that are responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients to nerves all over the body. Altogether, this can affect the ability to feel sensation in various parts of the body, including the feet. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, around 60-70 percent of people with uncontrolled diabetes have some nerve damage or neuropathy. Certain factors can increase the risk of neuropathy: Obesity High blood pressure Smoking Alcohol consumption When the nerve damage takes place in your legs and feet, it’s known as peripheral neuropathy. It is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy. Apart from the burning sensation in the feet produced by peripheral neuropathy, there are some other symptoms which are as follows: Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet Sharp and stabbing pains Weakness in your legs or arms Excessive sweating Small fiber sensory neuropathy (SFSN) SFSN is painful neuropathy which often leads to a painful burning sensation in the feet.
7 Effective Tips to Prevent Asthma Attacks

7 Effective Tips to Prevent Asthma Attacks

Asthma is a lung disorder which results in breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms. It is mainly caused by high air pollution, allergy, smoke, dust, cold conditions, and sinus. People who have asthma must focus on how to prevent asthma attacks and reduce it effectively for living a better life. They should follow certain tips for preventing asthma attacks successfully which help enhance the quality of life. Another thing is that they show ways for minimizing the risks in homes, working place, outdoors, and school to reduce potential threats. There are no proper medications available for treating asthma and one should know reducing and relieving the symptoms to improve the living standards. Asthma patients must keep some medicines with them in order to manage sudden attacks. Anyone who wants to know more about how to prevent asthma attacks can follow the below tips for accomplishing goals in life. Taking control over humidity Air quality contributes more in controlling the asthma problems. Poor air quality and extreme hot or cold might trigger asthma disorders in many people. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid them to minimize the symptoms. Moreover, it is always advisable to avoid the exposure of pollution in indoor and outdoor areas that ultimately give ways for keeping lungs in a healthy condition. The following pointers can help in controlling humidity. – Using an air conditioner in indoor areas will help to decrease high humidity levels. – It is advisable to live in an environment that is free from air-borne pollutants, dust, and high pollution. – Limiting the exposure to varying temperatures and damp climate might help prevent asthma attacks. Controlling the dust exposure Dust plays an important role in inducing asthma and people make sure that their home is in a tidy condition. It is an important one to reduce the dust levels and dust mites efficiently for living a trouble-free life.
5 Common Seasonal Allergy Medications You Should Know Of

5 Common Seasonal Allergy Medications You Should Know Of

Seasonal allergies may cause symptoms like runny nose, excessive cough, cold, fever, and itching of the eye and nose areas. With the help of seasonal allergy medication, you can get relief from these symptoms. It has been reported that one out of every 5 people in the United States suffers from a condition called seasonal allergic rhinitis, also termed as hay fever. Hay fever occurs when the patient is exposed to outdoor allergens like pollen. These allergens cause the immune system to overreact and result in various seasonal allergy symptoms. Diagnosis of hay fever is easy as compared to other allergies since it is only present during a certain time of the year. Some of the symptoms of hay fever include skin rash, watering of the eyes, chest tightness, digestion problems, runny nose, and cough, itching of the eyes, throat and the nose. However, there are many more seasonal allergies that are not quite as common as hay fever. In order to treat the patient with seasonal allergy medication, it is important to know what exactly is causing the allergy by examining the triggers. Changes in the climate can also influence the severity of the seasonal allergy symptoms. The following are a few seasonal allergy medications that are recommended in order to treat these symptoms before they worsen. Nasal Steroids This is a seasonal allergy medication that helps in reducing the inflammation of the nose that is caused by certain types of allergens. Nasal steroids are used in the initial stages of allergic rhinitis or hay fever allergies. This kind of seasonal allergy medication has significant effects on the patient as they not only work on the nasal passage but also on the macro-passages, leukotrienes, mast cells, and the like in order to ensure that the inflammation of the nose is under control.
What to Include and Avoid in a Hiatal Hernia Diet

What to Include and Avoid in a Hiatal Hernia Diet

It is commonly observed that people whose diet is irregular, suffer through acid reflux problem. It is a prevalent issue in the digestive system where acids accumulate because of unhealthy eating habits and food contents. Mainly oily food, spicy agents, and acidic caffeine based drinks create excessive acids in the digestive tract which at a certain point cannot digest easily. Hence, a severe stomach problem people suffer is of a hiatal hernia. In this type of condition, the stomach’s upper portion presses upward through the diaphragm under the chest area. The main symptom one could face during the existence of a hiatal hernia is the acid reflux. Discomfort and pain caused after eating a specific type of spicy food items is another primary symptom of the respective condition. What are the food items to avoid? Therefore, a hiatal hernia diet should include non-acidic food preparations and liquid products. Some of the food items and ingredients are listed below: Garlic and onion: Raw or cooked both are acidic. They should curtail in food preparations from the hiatal hernia diet plan. Citrus fruits: It is better to avoid citrus foods entirely such as oranges and limes entirely until acid reflux and discomfort last. Tomato-based food items: Pasta in red sauce, salsa, spaghetti sauce all have high tomato content and should not include in the diet plan. Fried and spicy foods: Burgers, fried chicken, nuggets and food that is high in sodium and eliminated. Which beverages are not allowed in hiatal hernia diet? Anything which has acid and bubbles must be avoided. But to clearly understand what is not healthy for you at all, they are stated below: Wine, beer, spirit based drinks, and alcohol are not allowed Coffee filtered or non-filtered both avoided. Avoid caffeinated teas or ginger based tea preparation Seltzer water and soda drinks wholly banned for the hiatal hernia patients Whole milk which has a high-fat percentage and not pasteurized Symptoms of a hiatal hernia Hiatal hernia diet includes various food preparations that have low fat, few carbohydrates, and zero acidic contents.
Natural Treatments for Enlarged Prostate

Natural Treatments for Enlarged Prostate

The prostate gland has a direct relationship with pelvic organs such as the rectum, bladder, and pelvic muscles along with the central nervous system. If you are facing the symptoms of enlarged prostate including frequent urination, urinary leakage, and urinary tract infections, among others, then it is vital to seek different remedies. Men with enlarged prostate also suffer from symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even insomnia. Initially, it is best to seek the opinion of a medical professional to establish the extent of the condition. In some cases, the enlargement of the prostate is indicative of an underlying health issue. Thus, it is essential to fully evaluate the treatment options for enlarged prostate before opting for natural treatments. Natural treatments for an enlarged prostate If your problem is at the initial stage and is not yet severe, treatment options may include acupuncture, prostate massage, herbal and nutritional supplements, medical hypnosis, and relaxation. However, if your condition is advanced, then you should depend upon the advice of an experienced health professional. Sometimes, surgeries may be required to remove excess prostate tissue. This procedure is vital to restore full urinary functioning. The traditional treatment, however, includes pharmaceutical medicines that help to alleviate the symptoms and address the root cause of the enlarged prostate. Keep in mind that these medicines may have potential side effects. So, it is best to opt for natural treatments for an enlarged prostate. These include: Adjustments in lifestyle It is only through improvement in your lifestyle that can you address the problem. Here are some natural lifestyle changes that can help with the treatment of an enlarged prostate: Shedding extra weight Eating a healthy diet which is rich in antioxidants Consuming lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains Increasing the intake of leafy, dark vegetables, and tomatoes Consuming products that contain phytoestrogens, such as soy foods, chickpeas, alfalfa, and fava beans Avoiding red meat, starchy refined foods, carbonated drinks, and nicotine Minimizing alcohol consumption to approximately two drinks per day Reducing caffeine consumption Consuming minimum water right before bedtime Staying hydrated by drinking at least two liters of water daily Walking regularly Incorporating a healthy exercise schedule Learning yoga techniques for reducing the size of the prostate Exploring herbal options Saw palmetto is one of the most common herbal treatments for an enlarged prostate.
10 Effective Ways to Seek Immediate Relief from Nasal Congestion

10 Effective Ways to Seek Immediate Relief from Nasal Congestion

Our body is capable enough of protecting itself from disease-causing agents to a certain extent. The immune system is what keeps harmful agents at bay. However, there are instances when the immune system isn’t strong enough to keep the body from harm’s way. In such situations, the viruses and bacteria enter the body and wreak havoc and the result is that you are bed-ridden for a few days. What might begin as symptoms of a common cold can turn into full-fledged nasal congestion in no time. Nasal congestion is a common ailment that affects children and adults alike. It causes a hindrance in breathing and worsens if left untreated. It starts as a normal common cold and, if left unchecked, can cause severe nasal congestion. Nasal congestion is a result of a variety of causes, but there are various treatments to relieve nasal congestion. If you wish to learn more about the same, keep reading. Various causes of nasal congestion Stuffy nose or nasal congestion occurs when the nasal passage is blocked. This blockage is the result of swelling of the membrane lining which is in turn caused by the inflammation of the blood vessels. In addition to causing great discomfort, nasal congestion affects the individual’s ability to breathe effortlessly. The common cold is usually the cause of nasal congestion, but there are a few other causes that are known to trigger nasal congestion. They are as follows: One of the common causes of nasal congestion is hay fever. Many times, a deviated septum is responsible for causing nasal congestion. People are usually allergic to certain substances in their surroundings. When the allergy is triggered, it can also lead to nasal congestion, especially if it involves a runny nose and sneezing. Exposure to certain chemicals can lead to nasal congestion.
New Techniques to Treat Age-Related Macular Degeneration

New Techniques to Treat Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration causes a loss of central vision in both eyes. It is a painless condition that normally affects people who are older than 50 years. It is commonly known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). There are also rare cases of Juvenile Macular Degeneration, which affects young people. Certain genetic disorders are the cause of the development of juvenile macular degeneration. When a person suffers from Macular Degeneration, the central vision is affected. So, there is difficulty in focusing on objects that lie straight ahead. The result is that everything appears blurred, it becomes difficult to read, the faces of people appear blurred and colors of objects around you look pale and dull. Causes The exact cause for macular degeneration isn’t known yet. Aging can cause a person to develop this condition. In older people, the macula, which is a central spot in the retina, develops a problem and causes age-related macular degeneration. AMD can develop as wet AMD or dry AMD. Dry AMD The macula has light-sensitive cells that gradually break down as you age. As the light-sensitive cells reduce in number, the central vision deteriorates. Waste products start to accumulate in the retina and cause small deposits called drusen. As the drusen increases in size, vision problems arise. Drusen is a characteristic feature of dry AMD. Wet AMD Tiny blood vessels form underneath the macula attempt to clear the drusen from the retina. These blood vessels cause fluid and blood to leak into the macula, leading to scarring and macular damage. This can lead to serious symptoms like blind spots and distorted vision. Symptoms Macular degeneration escapes attention, till you experience diminished vision. The primary symptom is blurred central vision. Faces, writing, and images get distorted in the central view. You lose visual acuity. You cannot see the fine details, and it becomes difficult for you to read and drive.
Get Instant Relief with Home Remedies for IBS-D

Get Instant Relief with Home Remedies for IBS-D

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a disorder that causes a change in the pattern of bowel movements. IBS with diarrhea is known as IBS-D and it causes acute abdominal pain. It can also be termed as a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that inflicts pain and discomfort. There are four types of IBS based on the combination of diarrhea and constipation, both or none. They are IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M, and IBS-U. Depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue are the other common disorders associated with IBS. This disorder is diagnosed with the study of its symptoms. Symptoms Of IBS-D The symptoms of IBS-D are painful and embarrassing. Most common symptoms that occur in the case of IBS are: Abdominal pain Diarrhea Constipation Frequent and loose stools Nausea Bloating Gassiness Headache Fatigue Causes Of IBS-D The exact causes of IBS-D are still unknown. However, irregularities in the gastrointestinal movements trigger IBS. Intestinal infection, pain, food sensitivity, and genetics are some factors responsible for IBS-D. Excessive consumption of alcohol and substances that cause inflammation are also known to increase the chances of IBS. Home Treatment For IBS-D Add Fiber To Your Diet Including fiber in your diet brings drastic relief with IBS-D. Soluble fibers found in certain food items and vegetables soak up the extra liquid content in your intestines. Hence, it prevents diarrhea. Oatmeal, beans, and certain fruits like apples, strawberries, and grapefruit are excellent sources of soluble fiber. Insoluble fibers help in resolving constipation. Insoluble fibers are mainly found in wheat, bran, and salad greens. Keep yourself well hydrated to help the fiber move swiftly through your body systems. Fiber helps in smooth functioning of the digestive system. Intake of Yogurt Yogurt contains a high amount of active bacteria that help in slowly decreasing diarrhea. Daily intake of yogurt helps in preventing the growth of harmful bacteria which cause IBS-D.
Causes of IBS – A Combination of Factors

Causes of IBS – A Combination of Factors

A common gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, leads to a mixture of symptoms including abdominal discomfort, disturbed bowel movements, and abnormal stool texture. These symptoms last long and may be present for a minimum of three days every month over a period of three months. Also called as spastic colon, this disorder is not life-threatening and does not put you at a greater risk for other more serious intestinal conditions such as colon cancer and Crohn’s disease. However, the syndrome may impede normal lifestyle to the extent that sufferers may be confined to their homes. IBS is of two types, one accompanied by chronic or recurring diarrhea, and the other characterized by pain in the abdomen and constipation. In some cases, patients may experience both constipation and diarrhea in an alternating pattern. Unfortunately, research is yet to pinpoint the precise reason why IBS occurs. However, it is known that there are several factors, ranging from abnormally contracting intestinal muscles to psychological problems that act as the causes of IBS. Abnormal Movement of the Intestinal Walls Normally, the muscles lining the intestinal walls relax and contract in a coordinated fashion to help food from the stomach move through the entire length of the intestinal tract and reach the rectum. However, in patients with IBS, the muscles contract irregularly thus causing the symptoms of the syndrome. For example, if the muscle contractions are stronger than usual, they tend to last longer and lead to bloating, gas formation, and diarrhea. On the other hand, if the contractions are weak, movement of food through the intestines slows down, which causes the formation of hard and dry stools. One reason for the abnormal contraction of intestinal muscles is the flawed signaling between the gut and brain. Owing to miscommunication, muscle spasms occur that either hasten or retard stool passage through the gut.
Managing psoriasis – Top 3 foods to avoid

Managing psoriasis – Top 3 foods to avoid

A person with psoriasis must avoid all triggers. Doing so will manage the condition and avoid any unexpected flare-ups. Such triggers may include certain foods, so their complete removal from the food plan may help patients live discomfort-free lives. Also, as psoriasis is a chronic condition, its management becomes extremely difficult, but avoiding potential triggers may prevent the worsening of symptoms and flare-ups. Given below are food items that a person with psoriasis must avoid. Foods to avoid Patients with psoriasis and its accompanying symptoms should avoid food that can increase inflammation because immune system response and inflammation may lead to a flareup. Hence, here are some foods that a person with psoriasis must avoid. Eggs Eggs are considered harmful for people who have psoriasis. In this case, one factor that plays a significant role is the presence of a fatty acid known as arachidonic acid, a known trigger for psoriasis symptoms. Hence, patients are suggested to steer clear of eggs and avoid consuming them in any form. Wheat In most cases, celiac disease is characterized by an immune response to gluten. Research suggests that psoriasis patients have shown increased gluten sensitivity markers. Thus, cutting out all wheat-based products containing gluten is suggested, and opting for gluten-free alternatives such as buckwheat, quinoa, and rice is recommended. Tomatoes Popular belief suggests that nightshades such as tomatoes can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. Fruits and vegetables obtained from nightshade plants also contain solanine, which has been shown to hamper digestion and cause inflammation in the body. This may cause worsening of psoriasis symptoms and lead to increased discomfort to the patient.