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.

Spider bites are never considered as harmful and life-threatening but that is not true. It can be really painful and very dangerous in some cases and it is necessary that you identify the spider bite on time. There is a large number of species of spiders across the world and about thousands of species in the country itself among which a few of them can actually take your life. The truth is that all spiders are poisonous but most of them eject only a small amount of venom capable enough to only kill small insects but is not that dangerous to larger preys like humans. So most of the spider bites make a small fang and are too weak to puncture through the human skin. A small red wound can easily be healed within a week or so. The species of spiders which have the ability to eject their venom through the skin are the ones that can cause some serious health issues and can even threaten one’s life. What are the common symptoms? A person should stay well aware of how a spider bite looks and what the common symptoms are. Ignoring these small bites can make a person regret all his life thus, it is always recommended to consult a doctor in any of the following symptoms. Spider bite identification is not a difficult task. After a spider bite, it is possible that the person may not notice a small wound hours later. At first sight, it may just appear like a mosquito bite but gradually you will spot other symptoms. A red little bump is the first symptom which causes redness, itching, and swelling and it is the most common symptom which can be observed in the bite of any of the species of spider. Some other symptoms that can be observed are:

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.

The sedentary human lifestyle has brought with it a baggage of newfound health issues resulting in weakening of the human body structure. Ensure to keep a constant track of changes in your body and maintain a regular body check-up schedule. Arthritis is a common health issue faced by youngsters today. What was earlier limited to people nearing their old age has now started showing up within the age group of 20 to 25. If you witness sudden pain and stiffness in your backbone, these are a few Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms. To precisely define it, ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that affects the bones and muscles of the spine thereby making it stiff, painful, and stooping. According to recent research, 0.1 percent to 0.4 percent of the total population is affected from ankylosing spondylitis. If classified gender wise, this medical issue is more common in males as compared to females. It is important to keep track of this form of arthritis as it escalates with every passing day. There is no proper medical clarification as to how and why ankylosing spondylitis affects your body. It has also been noted that people carrying a gene called HLA-B27 are prominently affected by this medical issue. However, there is no accuracy in these findings. There have been instances wherein people with the similar gene have not been affected by this form of arthritis. Following are a few ankylosing spondylitis symptoms: Recurrent pain and stiffness The first ankylosing spondylitis symptoms are constant pain and stiffness in your spine, lower back, and in pelvic bones. In the initial stages, there are random bouts of pain which eventually surge over a period. The constant rubbing of the muscles and bones result in extreme pain. If you witness prolonged pain in your back or the lower back muscles, it’s time to get yourself thoroughly checked to avoid further complications.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system and has a potential to cause permanent disability. The condition is serious, affecting the brain and the spinal cord. When the protective sheath – myelin, is attacked by the immune system, multiple sclerosis is triggered. The nerve fibers are damaged due to lack of myelin and this leads to damage to the nerve signals between the brain and other body parts which further affects the communication process. The illness can also lead to deterioration and permanent damage to the nerves with each passing day. Multiple sclerosis has serious effects on the body and this entirely depends on the extent of damage to the nerves. The symptoms may differ from the nerve that is attacked. Moreover, every individual will experience different types of signs and symptoms. Some of the commonly experienced symptoms include: Thinking problems – An individual begins to find it difficult in understanding things and suffers from memory loss. Abstraction and processing information becomes a huge task for the patient. Loss of vision – Due to this disease, one has to also go through the loss of vision, either in one eye or both. Even the smallest eye movement stimulates excruciating pain to the patient. Color-distortion can also be one of the symptoms. Sensory feelings – One experiences sudden tingling in certain body parts. Such unexpected movements may be painful just like piercing of needles into the skin. Fatigue – An individual may feel tired during the entire day and will not be fit to carry out basic tasks and activities. This may also be accompanied by slurring in the speech. Generally, people who suffer from multiple sclerosis go through relapse very quickly. The signs and symptoms will defer over the course of time. Even an increase in the body temperature can worsen the symptoms.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease with a potentially disabling effect that attacks the central nervous system. In this condition, the nerve fibers are affected due to damage to the myelin coating. The myelin acts as a protective and active sheath but is attacked by the immune system. When the nerve fibres are damaged, there is an interference in the transmission of signals between the brain, spinal cord and rest of the body parts. The communication process is tampered and this also causes varied symptoms and signs that are accompanied with multiple sclerosis. If the condition is not diagnosed and treated in time, the nerves undergo further damage and can cause a permanent effect over time. There are various effects that are caused by multiple sclerosis. However, it entirely depends on the extent of damaged nerves. Moreover, the symptoms and signs will be determined based on the types of nerves that are affected. The signs and symptoms are experienced will differ from person to person. While one may feel fatigue regularly, another patient may find it difficult to move certain body parts. The most common symptoms that are seen in the patient include abnormal thinking and constant forgetfulness. Apart from this, certain patients may also go through a loss of vision in both or one eye, depending on the severity of the nerve damage. Also, in most cases, people feel a sudden sensation in different parts of the body and this can be described as piercing a needle or pins into the skin. There are some factors that increase the risk of one developing multiple sclerosis. It is likely to affect someone who is in the age bracket of 15 to 60 years. However, family history or genes can play a major role in the contraction of this disease. Also, women are at a higher risk as compared to men.

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.

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.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes itching and scaly red patches to appear on the skin or scalp. Psoriatic arthritis is an advanced form of psoriasis that affects the small joints in one’s body. There are five known types of psoriatic arthritis that exhibit different symptoms with varying levels of severity. These include symmetric arthritis, asymmetric arthritis, distal interphalangeal predominant (DIP), spondylitis, and arthritis mutilans. Inflammation is one of the major triggers that can result in the condition worsening with time. Complications develop over time, and some of its symptoms can be managed with a simple combination of everyday ingredients to make herbal remedies for psoriatic arthritis. Here are five powerful herbal remedies for psoriatic arthritis. Apple cider vinegar It is one of the most versatile ingredients when it comes to treating skin disorders and diseases. Apple cider vinegar is effective against the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis as it is a natural anti-itch agent. Apple cider vinegar can be applied gently on the scalp and other affected areas on the body to counter the itching sensation. However, one must avoid direct application of raw apple cider vinegar in areas where the skin has blistered, or where there are visible cracks and signs of bleeding. Aloe vera Aloe vera gel has been commonly used to treat skin conditions and disorders for thousands of years. It is an affordable option when it comes to using herbal remedies for treating psoriatic arthritis. Aloe vera is particularly effective to treat skin burns and counter the irritation caused by inflammation. It is rich in glucomannan that accelerates healthy skin cell growth and healing of the affected area. Inflammation is one of the most persistent symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and the aloe vera gel’s naturally soothing properties cool the affected area. The gel soothes inflammation to reduce abrasions and burns.

When the tear ducts in the eyes do not produce enough lubrication due to some internal or external factors, it often causes dry eyes. The symptoms of dry eyes include redness in the eyes, itching, inflammation, and discomfort. After any other underlying medical causes have been ruled out, one can try home remedies to reduce the symptoms of dry eyes. Some common home remedies for the condition are described as follows. Drink more water Drinking more water throughout the day can help prevent a wide range of health issues. It is important to drink at least 8-12 glasses of water throughout the day instead of chugging a lot of water in one go. Having dry eyes is a common sign of dehydration in the body. Drinking more water every day will ensure that one has enough water in the body for the eyes to remain lubricated at all times. This can help in reducing dryness in the eyes and offer more comfort. Eat natural fatty acids It has been observed that omega-3 fatty acids can largely help in reducing the symptoms of dry eyes. Thus, if one has been experiencing dryness in the eyes, they can add more fatty foods to their meals. This includes fish like tuna, salmon, or sardines, and nuts, such as almonds and walnuts. Using certain oils like palm oil or soybean oil can also help replenish omega-3 fatty acids in the body and help lessen the symptoms of dry eyes. Blink frequently Sometimes, dry eyes can be a result of staring at a computer screen and mobile phone for long periods. Blinking more frequently or taking a break every few minutes can reduce the evaporation of fluids from the eyes and help them stay hydrated. One can also try lowering the brightness of the computer screen slightly to slow down the evaporation of liquid from the eyes.