Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of joint and bone pain that affects adults. Inflammation is one of the most painful and triggering discomforts linked to RA. It is an autoimmune disorder meaning the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body, affecting vital joints and muscle groups. There is no cure for the condition. But rheumatologists suggest a variety of changes in daily nutrition and lifestyle habits to better manage the symptoms. Preventive and management measures These healthy changes in daily lifestyle habits can help prevent flare-ups. Maintain a heathy BMI A higher-than-recommended BMI forces the joints and muscles to buckle under pressure causing pain and inflammation linked to rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, doctors suggest exercise and physical activity to help shed a few pounds and relieve pressure. Maintaining a healthy BMI also prevents the disease from progressing quickly. It is advisable that one starts slowly with realistic goals for body mass management and gradually add more forms of strength training to be fit. Regular exercise Physical activity is one of the main preventive measures suggested by rheumatologists. Exercise helps keep the joints mobile and muscles relaxed by actively countering inflammation. It helps strengthen the bones and lowers the risk of fracture as well. Exercise also boosts cardiovascular activity to improve circulation and triggers the release of feel-good hormones called endorphins that boost mood. Experts suggest at least 30 minutes of daily exercise to relieve joint pain. Manage stress Stress management is also an essential technique that helps prevent rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups. Some of the suggestions for lowering stress include counseling or occupation therapy, simple deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness training. These techniques help improve the outlook for living with arthritis pain or discomfort. One can also consider joining a support group for community counseling in stress management.

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects the central portion of the retina, also called the macula. The macula is responsible for the sharpness of one’s central vision. Macular degeneration makes it difficult to perform everyday activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces. The disease has no cure, but its progression can be slowed. Before discussing the nutritional choices for macular degeneration, let us look at its symptoms and types. What are the symptoms of macular degeneration? The condition can lead to blurred or distorted vision, difficulty seeing in low light conditions, loss of central vision, difficulty recognizing faces, blank or dark spots in the central vision, and visual hallucinations in some cases. While anyone can develop these symptoms, macular degeneration is prevalent in people over 50. Since the disorder is more common with age, it is also known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Besides seniors, people with a family history of AMD are likelier to develop the symptoms later in life. The disorder’s exact cause is unknown, but age, genetics, lifestyle, and food habits are some risk factors. What are the types of macular degeneration? AMD is broadly classified into two types: Dry macular degeneration This condition occurs when the cells in the macular break down, and the macular gets thinner with age. It is more common and can be detected at an early stage. With treatment and a good lifestyle, the remaining vision of an individual can be preserved and protected. Wet macular degeneration This type is more severe and is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the macula. It is usually a late-stage condition that develops rapidly and may lead to blindness if left untreated. What to eat for macular degeneration? Healthy food habits can help lower macular degeneration risk and slow its progression.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a group of severe lung disorders that triggers breathing difficulties. COPD can cause various complications, such as respiratory infections and worsening symptoms that require healthcare intervention. COPD patients must maintain a healthy immune system to keep infections at bay. A healthy nutritional regime can help boost immunity and overall well-being. Some of the most effective foods that help boost immunity and manage COPD symptoms are discussed below. Immunity-boosting for COPD patients Berries These fruits are high in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from free radicals, which are harmful molecules. Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are high in vitamin C, which is essential for immune system health. Citrus fruits Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, are rich in vitamin C and help boost the immune system. Vitamin C is also required to synthesize collagen, a protein that helps maintain healthy skin, cartilage, and bones. Leafy greens Green vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens are abundant in vitamins A, C, and K and antioxidants. These nutrients can help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation, greatly benefiting people with COPD. Nuts and seeds Foods like almonds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are high in vitamin E, which is responsible for protecting cells from the damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin E also plays a vital role in the immune system by boosting the activity of white blood cells. Furthermore, nuts are healthy sources of protein that help maintain strong respiratory muscles. Fish Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids can improve lung function in people with COPD by fighting bacterial infections associated with the condition. Garlic Garlic contains compounds like allicin, which have been shown to have immune-boosting properties.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a health condition involving skin dryness, inflammation, and itchiness. It usually occurs on the insides of the elbows and the back of the knees and neck but can develop in any body part. In eczema patients, the corneal layer of the outer skin, which ensures germ protection, does not perform its function optimally, causing rashes. The symptoms and causes of eczema and home remedies for better healing are discussed below. Warning signs and symptoms of eczema Dry patches on the skin Dry, scaly patches on the skin’s surface are some early signs of eczema. Comorbid conditions like type-2 diabetes and psoriasis can aggravate such eczema symptoms. Itchiness The dry patches that develop on the skin can trigger itchiness and inflammation. Individuals with eczema typically experience a deficiency of a protein called filaggrin, which increases skin moisture. This deficiency aggravates dry patches, which, in turn, cause itchiness. Hay fever About 80% of children with eczema may develop hay fever or asthma later during their childhood. Conversely, in some cases, hay fever can also trigger eczema rashes in the body. Asthma Studies suggest that since asthma and eczema result from inflammation, individuals with one of the conditions are often at risk of developing the other. The onset of asthma due to eczema and vice versa is known as “atopic march.” Raised bumps Sometimes, eczema may trigger the development of pus-filled, raised, red bumps, called papules, on the skin. This condition is called papular eczema and can be accompanied by skin itchiness and infections. Even after recovery, the area previously affected by the bumps may continue appearing lighter or darker than the person’s normal skin shade. Nausea Atopic dermatitis caused by a food allergy or infection can trigger nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, particularly among children. Runny nose Allergic eczema can cause symptoms like a runny nose, cold, and cough.

Hyperkalemia is a condition that may occur when potassium levels in the body become too high. Although the body needs potassium, increased levels of potassium can cause significant health issues such as muscle weakness, paralysis, and even heart attacks. Usually, adults should have a potassium level between 3.5 to 5.0 millimoles per liter. However, one may never know when their potassium levels are high. Hence healthcare professionals suggest certain lifestyle modifications for better management. Symptoms of hyperkalemia Most people with mild hyperkalemia do not experience significant signs of the condition. However, some symptoms may recur over the course of weeks or months. In rare cases, dangerously high levels of potassium can lead to a sudden offset of life-threatening issues. Hence, here are some of the symptoms to look out for. Muscle weakness Chest pain Nausea and vomiting Irregular heartbeat/ Arrhythmia Diarrhea Abdominal pain Further, the condition can also lead to shortness of breath and numbness and tingling, Causes of hyperkalemia Hyperkalemia may occur when the kidneys do not function properly. This can lead to uncontrolled levels of potassium in the body. Some of the main causes of hyperkalemia are mentioned below. Chronic kidney disease Usually, patients with Chronic Kidney Disease ( CKD) have compromised kidney function, which means the kidneys may not be able to adequately filter out potassium from the body. This may lead to dangerously high levels of potassium in the body and other health issues. Hence healthcare professionals may suggest that patients follow a meal plan low in potassium. High potassium intake Another reason for the development of hyperkalemia may include high potassium intake. Although rare, the risk of developing the condition may increase further if one already has a compromised kidney function. In rare cases, exceedingly high potassium levels may also lead to paralysis. Dehydration The body gets dehydrated when its loss of fluids exceeds its fluid consumption.

Stuffy nose and congestion are quite common during seasonal flu and the common cold. Pollution, allergies, or dry air can also cause nasal congestion. Sometimes it is also caused by viral infections such as COVID-19. In such cases, it is best to get tested, undergo isolation, and consult a doctor. But in other instances, cold and nasal congestion often go away on their own. Here are a few simple home remedies that may give relief. Drink plenty of fluids Drinking a lot of fluids keeps dehydration away. This will help in clearing the congestion and recovering from cold and flu faster. Ginger ale, herbal teas, sports drinks, and fruit-based juices are great options to keep fluid levels optimum in the body. Drinking plenty of water is also necessary. In addition, soups and broth are also helpful in keeping hydrated. Take in steam Nasal congestion due to cold and flu occur due to inflammation of the sinuses. The inflammation is triggered by the presence of irritants such as viruses, bacteria, and other allergens. Taking in steam can help calm down the inflammation and clear up the congestion. Taking deep breaths while holding the face over rising steam is the easiest way to get relief from a stuffy nose. Add ginger to your meals Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Both of these help the body to fight off the infection that has caused the cold and flu. One of the best ways to have ginger is by adding it to meal preps such as broth, stir-fries, soups, curries, and so on. Ginger-infused tea or beverages are also a good way to add the benefits of the root to daily nutrient intake. Place a humidifier in the room A cool-mist vaporizer or a humidifier will keep the air hydrated. Dry air is often a major reason for causing irritation and inflammation in the nasal passages during cold and flu.

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the bone marrow in individuals. The bone marrow is a critical body part that produces blood cells. Multiple myeloma causes the blood’s plasma cells, a crucial kind of white blood cells, to multiply aggressively. In fact, these cells also grow too much and eventually crowd out the cells that make platelets, other white blood cells, and red blood cells. Here are some details about multiple myeloma: Five uncommon signs of multiple myeloma While this health condition is not curable entirely, especially the relapsed refractory multiple myeloma, in which no amount of therapy or other healthcare remedies helps to control the spread of this cancer, doctors can diagnose this condition through specific early symptoms to suggest solutions to patients. Here are the five distinctive signs of multiple myeloma: Vision problems Multiple myeloma, in some instances, causes a thickening of the mucous membranes within a person’s eyes. Due to that, people with this health condition tend to have distorted or blurry vision. Besides vision problems, the eyes may turn deep red, show signs of irritation, and turn dry. Dry eye syndrome is one of the rare or lesser-known signs of multiple myeloma. So, if people show this condition, they need to visit their healthcare expert to get screened for this health condition immediately. Hyperviscosity syndrome Another rare signal of multiple myeloma is the thickening of a person’s blood. This marked increase in the thickness of an individual’s blood causes circulation issues. Naturally, key elements such as oxygen, iron, and other nutrients do not adequately reach essential areas such as the brain or lungs. As a result of that, people may experience problems such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, and articulation problems. Skin lesions In some cases, people with multiple myeloma develop small, red (or occasionally purple), and raised lesions or bumps on their skin.

Potassium is an important mineral that is needed by the body. This mineral helps maintain normal blood pressure, support healthy nerve and muscle function, and carry nutrients to cells all over the body. Furthermore, potassium is essential because the body cannot produce it. Therefore, one must keep one’s potassium levels in check by adding foods rich in this mineral to the meal plan. Keep reading to know more about healthy foods rich in potassium. Top potassium-rich foods to eat According to statistics, less than 0.015% of adults in the country meet their daily potassium needs, meaning most people do not get sufficient amounts of potassium from their current meal plans. Some potassium-rich foods that can easily be added to the meal plan are listed below. Avocados Avocados are an excellent source of vitamin K, healthy fats, and folate. Furthermore, half an avocado, without the skin and seed, contains 345 mg of potassium. Therefore, people with high blood pressure can opt for avocados to increase their potassium levels and decrease sodium levels. One can eat avocados at breakfast as smoothies or add other vegetables with it to make a salad. Dried apricots Many dried fruits are known to be high in potassium. It also includes apricots which are bright orange-colored fruits that one can eat fresh or dried. Half a cup of apricots may contain around 1,101 mg of potassium. Furthermore, these fruits also contain other vital nutrients the body requires, such as iron. However, one must be careful while purchasing dried apricots and choose ones that do not contain any added sugar. These dried apricots can then be eaten as a snack or added to salads and main meals to meet one’s nutritional needs. Bananas One of the best-known sources of potassium, bananas are incredibly easy to add to the meal plan.

It is crucial to pay attention to blood sugar levels when trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. High blood sugar is one of the main causes of health concerns like type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney diseases, heart diseases, and more. It is common knowledge that having too much sugar in food and drinks can cause blood sugar level spikes. However, there are some other foods that have a surprisingly similar effect and are not well-known. Fruit juice While they are commonly considered a healthy choice when on the prowl for something tasty and hydrating, fruit juices are also one of the foods that can cause a significant rise in blood sugar levels. One of the reasons for this is that the fiber content of whole fruits is lost when they are juiced. To avoid such high spikes in blood sugar levels, stick with whole fruit or freshly squeezed fruit juice without adding sugar to it. White rice Many cultures use white rice as a staple food. However, white rice is also a rich source of carbohydrates. The body is fast to break down carbohydrates into simpler sugar, which causes blood sugar spikes. Adding vegetables or protein with white rice or substituting it with other whole grains will help lower blood sugar levels. Dried fruits Similarly, dried fruits are considered one of the healthiest snacking options. Disappointingly enough, these are also foods that contain high levels of sugar. The drying process concentrates the number of natural sugars in these foods. This concentration of sugars is then reflected in the form of high blood sugar levels of the person. Processed foods Bakery goods like cookies, cakes, and donuts are high in sugar content and can cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. Aside from being high in sugar content, these foods are also low in nutrients and can cause the development of multiple health concerns.

Chronic Kidney Disease, or CKD, is a condition that affects millions of people. It develops when the kidneys fail to filter out the waste matter from the bloodstream effectively, causing the build-up of toxins in the body. This progressive disease can eventually lead to renal failure. Therefore, it is crucial to manage the condition and work towards slowing down its progression. Since the kidneys cannot carry out the filtration process properly, it is important to choose the right foods. Foods to include Sticking with foods that have low to moderate amounts of micronutrients like sodium, potassium, and phosphorus prevents the build-up of these minerals in the body. Fish Fish is a source of high-quality protein that also helps you cover the omega-3 fatty acid requirement of the body. Fish is also low in phosphorus, making it an excellent food for people with chronic kidney disease. In addition, its omega-3 content assists the body in maintaining the right levels of inflammation and improves cardiac health. Egg whites Another food with high-quality protein and low phosphorus content is egg white. It has low potassium, making egg whites an ideal choice for people living with CKD. Berries Berries, including blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, are all packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help protect the kidney against damage. Berries also carry low levels of phosphorus and potassium, making them a safe and ideal choice for people with renal issues. Olive oil Olive oil is a healthy cooking oil with low saturated fat and high monounsaturated fat content. The high-fat content helps keep the heart healthy. Olive oil is also a great source of vitamin E which can help prevent damage to kidney and liver health. Garlic Garlic is another kitchen staple that has high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory content. It helps protect the kidney against damage and helps regulate blood pressure with its blood-pressure-lowering properties.