Macular degeneration or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 55. It is characterized by changes in the macula, the area in the center of the eye where vision is the sharpest. Understanding the condition’s symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and timely treatment. However, one’s food habits can worsen or lower the risk of AMD. Here are some safe foods and foods to avoid for managing AMD. Foods to eat Pomegranate and its juice The liquid found in the seeds of this red fruit helps with vasodilation or blood vessel dilation. Further, pomegranates are a rich source of vitamin K, minerals, polyphenols, and Vitamin C. They help lower blood pressure and increase blood flow across the body and within the eye. Moreover, pomegranate has three times better antioxidant activity than green tea. Hence, it can address concerns like oxidative stress, high blood pressure, hyperglycemia or high blood sugar levels, and inflammation, which worsen or contribute to AMD. Nuts and seeds Studies reveal that nuts have polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats in them. In addition, nuts and seeds are also good sources of bioactive compounds with excellent antioxidant potential. They also provide the body with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein.

Osteoporosis can make the bones weak and brittle. Sometimes, the bones are so brittle that mild stress or a fall like coughing or bending over might result in a fracture. Typically, osteoporosis-related fractures occur in the spine, wrist, and hip. Bone is a living tissue that constantly breaks and replaces itself. Osteoporosis occurs when the new bone creation fails to keep up with the loss of old bone. There can be different causes of osteoporosis, but some health conditions increase the risk. Inflammatory bowel disease Several studies reveal that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), predominantly Crohn’s disease, are more susceptible to developing osteopenia and osteoporosis. Studies suggest that osteoporosis might occur in every one in seven people with Crohn’s Disease. However, there is no one specific reason for IBB being responsible for osteoporosis. But some plausible explanations include: Prednisone, a corticosteroid for IBD treatment, impacts bone metabolism. In only a few months of consumption, it decreases bone density and heightens the susceptibility to fracture. Sadly, even low prednisone dosage can increase the risk of fractures. Alternative options like methotrexate and cyclosporine can also lower bone density. Crohn’s disease, or IBD, is a known risk factor for osteoporosis. Many newly diagnosed patients showed low bone densities even before they started corticosteroids.

Poor blood circulation can result in several health conditions, such as peripheral artery disease and Raynaud’s disease. It can also cause digestive issues, numbness, muscle cramps, a cold sensation in the feet and hands, and pain. While one can treat circulatory issues with therapies, proper nutrition is also essential. The foods listed here not only optimize blood flow but also improve a person’s blood count—the vital cells in the blood. Cayenne pepper Cayenne pepper gets its spiciness from a phytochemical called capsaicin that reduces blood pressure and promotes blood flow by triggering the release of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a popular compound that ensures blood flows seamlessly through the arteries and veins by relaxing the tiny muscles in the blood vessel walls and expanding the blood vessels. Studies suggest that cayenne pepper also improves blood vessel strength and lowers plaque buildup in the arteries. Interestingly, this spicy pepper is a typical inclusion in pain-relieving creams because it amplifies blood flow to the affected area. Beetroot Beetroots are a powerhouse of healthy nutrients like nitrates, which help improve blood flow and regularize blood pressure. Beetroot juices are an absolute hit among health fanatics as they are also a great immunity-boosting food.

If one finds themselves tossing and turning all night, only to wake up feeling more exhausted than when they went to bed, it may be time to reassess one’s sleep habits. A healthy sleep cycle is essential for physical and mental well-being, and there are some key habits to avoid if one wishes to improve their sleep quality. This could include changing one’s eating habits and making better lifestyle choices. What is a healthy sleep cycle? A healthy sleep cycle is essential for one’s overall physical and mental health. This dictates when an individual sleeps, wakes up, and rests in between. A healthy sleep cycle should follow the circadian rhythm, which is regulated by the body’s natural 24-hour internal clock. An unhealthy sleep cycle can lead to various health issues like fatigue, low energy levels, impaired memory, and difficulty concentrating. Some habits should be avoided to ensure one gets quality sleep and maintains a healthy sleep cycle. Things to avoid for better sleep Caffeine Caffeine is a stimulant in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and certain soft drinks. It works by blocking the activity of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that helps promote sleep. In addition, caffeine can increase alertness and cause restlessness.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, allergic inflammatory disease of the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube that carries food and liquids, connecting the throat to the stomach. EoE can happen at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in adults and children. Fortunately, one can keep the symptoms of EoE at bay with the help of certain nutritional changes. Keep reading to learn about how nutritional changes can help manage the condition. Safe food choices Almond milk For EoE patients, it is an excellent alternative to cow’s milk. It has fewer allergens than cow’s milk and is also high in vitamin E, which helps reduce inflammation. Coconut milk It is a dairy-free and lactose-free alternative to cow’s milk. It is high in monounsaturated fats, believed to help reduce inflammation associated with EoE. Coconut milk is also high in essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. All these make coconut milk a good source of nutrition for EoE patients. Quinoa It is a gluten-free grain that is high in protein and fiber. It has antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage by free radicals, which can play a role in causing health problems like cancer.

Digestive disorders or gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are a group of conditions that affect the digestive system. These conditions can cause various symptoms, from abdominal pain and nausea to bloating and difficulty swallowing. This article lists five common digestive conditions, their associated symptoms, and the possible treatment options and remedies to help better manage those symptoms. One should consult a doctor for a confirmed diagnosis if they think they might have these disorders. Heartburn Heartburn is a common digestive condition that causes a burning sensation in the chest, which can be pretty uncomfortable. The burning sensation is typically felt after eating or when lying down and is often accompanied by a bitter or sour taste in the back of the throat. In some cases, the burning sensation that begins in the chest can travel up to the neck and throat. Heartburn can result from several factors, including a poor nutrition plan, lifestyle habits, and other underlying health conditions. Treatment for heartburn can vary depending on the cause and severity. Several treatments are easily available on the market to help reduce symptoms, but it is best to speak with a doctor before using them. In addition to treatments, doctors may recommend lifestyle changes to manage heartburn, such as avoiding certain foods and including fiber-rich options in the meal plan.

Are you experiencing symptoms of psoriatic arthritis? If so, you know the pain and inflammation that can come with it. Fortunately, you can use specific meal plans to help manage the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. This article will discuss six foods that can help you keep your psoriatic arthritis symptoms in check. Eating these foods regularly can help you better manage your psoriatic arthritis, giving you a better quality of life. What is psoriatic arthritis? Psoriatic arthritis is inflammatory arthritis that develops in some individuals with psoriasis. It is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its healthy cells and tissues. It commonly causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Symptoms Common symptoms include inflammation, stiffness, and joint pain, often affecting the hands and feet. While there is no known cure for psoriatic arthritis, there are treatments available that can provide relief. Many people also experience fatigue, skin problems, nail changes, and eye irritation. In some cases, psoriatic arthritis can also cause back pain, stiffness, and enthesitis (inflammation of the tendons). Therefore, it’s essential to get treatment for psoriatic arthritis as soon as possible, as it can be disabling if left untreated. The link between food regime and psoriatic arthritis A balanced food regimen plays a vital role in treating psoriatic arthritis.

Feeling sick and congested is common during the flu season. The combination of fever, chills, body aches and nasal congestion can make anyone feel miserable. Fortunately, certain at-home remedies can relieve the symptoms, helping one return to their daily activities. These remedies can also alleviate cold and cold-like symptoms, like those of the flu. So here are some natural ways to manage cold-like symptoms, such as nasal congestion and sore throat: Stay hydrated One should have a lot of fluids, especially warm beverages, when they are affected by a cold, flu, or fever. Staying hydrated can help relieve congestion and keep the throat moist. So one can opt for water, sports drinks, herbal tea, and fresh juices. However, caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and sodas can cause dehydration, worsening the symptoms. Get adequate rest Dealing with an infection like Covid or the flu can drain one’s energy, leaving one feeling tired. So, to allow the body to combat the underlying infection, one must give it the rest it deserves. Those dealing with cold, flu, or other infections should take a break from school and work and rest to speed up recovery. As infections can be contagious, one should stay indoors and isolate themselves to avoid spreading the illness.

Seizure clusters is a term used to describe multiple seizure attacks that occur within 24 hours or a shorter period. Such repetitive seizure attacks may also be referred to as cyclical seizures, recurrent seizures, and crescendo seizures. If a person is prone to seizures, they should try to understand their repetitive behavior, the estimated recovery period, and possible triggers. This information can come in handy in landing the correct diagnosis and treatment. Causes Health experts do not know the exact cause of seizure clusters. However, they believe that a failure to gain control over a seizure attack can cause its reoccurrence. Certain other risk factors for the condition include frontal lobe epilepsy, rare seizures, cortical dysplasia, refractory epilepsy, and CNS infections. People with focal onset seizures are also said to have an increased risk of seizure clusters than patients with generalized onset seizures. In focal onset seizures, the electrical disturbance in the brain is restricted to a specific region. Further, those with a head injury or head trauma are at a higher risk. Triggers Like with the causes, there is no clear picture of what could trigger episodes of seizure clusters. A few possible trigger factors discovered by patients and doctors include skipping seizure aid, stress, sleep deprivation, menstruation, illness, and fever.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a prevalent skin disease affecting over 30 million people in our country. It can affect anyone regardless of age and lead to a host of uncomfortable symptoms. Exposure to irritants or allergens and an overactive immune system are the primary triggers of the condition. This article discusses some common early signs of eczema and home remedies to help prevent flare-ups and keep the symptoms in check. Early warning signs of eczema This health condition causes several signs that are easy to identify. Do not delay a visit to the doctor if you develop chills and fever along with the following signs, as it may demand more intensive care: Burning or itching skin Before you notice any physical signs on the skin, eczema might trigger pain, itching, or burning. At times, the skin might also feel prickly. This is usually followed by the appearance of blisters or boils on the skin. Boils Boils or furuncles are tender, raised, red bumps on the skin’s surface. They usually surround hair follicles and sometimes break open and release fluid. Often, fungal infections are responsible for furuncles, but bacterial infections like staph might also be the reason. The staph bacteria causes crust-covered lesions.