Macular degeneration is an age-related disorder that affects the macula, the part of the eye responsible for straight-ahead vision. The condition usually occurs when fluid from abnormal blood vessels leaks into the macula. Patients experience blurry vision and find it hard to read or drive. While the eye disorder has no cure, one can manage it effectively to lead a normal life. The following are the foods to eat and avoid with macular degeneration: Foods to eat Those with this eye disorder should add the following foods to their meals: Fatty fish Fish is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Several research studies have shown that these acids help manage the symptoms and even prevent the disease to a certain extent. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, sardines, anchovies, and mackerel. Spinach This potent green leafy vegetable is abundant in natural compounds like zeaxanthin and lutein. These compounds not just prevent and delay the progression of macular degeneration but also safeguard against cataracts. Since the body needs fat to absorb these compounds, one can drizzle some olive oil (unsaturated fat) over spinach. Almonds Al monds are not just a delicious and filling snack but an effective food option to correct the effects of macular degeneration. They are rich in vitamin E, which prevents unstable molecules from attacking healthy eye tissues, ensuring their optimized functioning. Patients should aim for a quarter cup of almonds daily for maximum benefits. Oranges Researchers have found that a single serving of oranges every day prevents the risk of late macular degeneration by almost 60 percent around 15 years later. Flavonoids in oranges are the main compounds that help fight this condition. Eggs Eggs are a great source of lutein and zeaxanthin. These two compounds are directly responsible for significantly reducing the risk of macular degeneration.

Migraine is a neurological condition that can cause severe headaches along with other symptoms like nausea, extreme sensitivity to sound and light, temporary issues with vision and speech, and fatigue. Most people experience throbbing or pulsing pain during migraine attacks. While this condition can run in families, the exact cause is not yet known. The headaches can be triggered by certain smells, foods, and even changes in routine. Some surprising triggers for migraine attacks are: Perfumes Strong smells can act as migraine triggers for some people. Scented products like perfume or even certain kinds of makeup can induce an attack. If sensitive to strong smells, one should avoid wearing perfumes with a strong fragrance and limit the use of room fresheners. Further, the smell of paints and flowers or bad odors can also induce headaches. Weather-related changes Excessive heat or storms can be triggers for those who are sensitive to such changes. Heat and high humidity can cause dehydration, which can cause migraines. Further, changes in atmospheric pressure right before or during a storm can also induce headaches. A shift in weather may trigger electrical and chemical changes in the brain, which can aggravate the symptoms of an attack. Overuse of treatment options When treatment options for relieving and preventing migraines are overused or misused, the adverse effects could include migraine attacks. Daily use of certain treatments to relieve regular attacks can induce rebound attacks and frequent headaches once the treatment wears off. One should get the prescription completely out of their system and consult the doctor to recommend an effective option. Changes in sleep schedule Sleep and migraine are strongly linked, and any changes in the sleeping pattern can trigger headaches. Sleep helps repair all parts of the body and helps eliminate mental fatigue that builds up throughout the day.

Summer is the best time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Right from hosting a barbeque party, picnicking, or camping, there are many things to do. However, the biggest danger lurking might not be the big, wild animals but the small, blood-sucking insects called mosquitoes. These can cause a plethora of diseases, even with a tiny bite. Here are the diseases they cause and how to get rid of them: Diseases they cause: Malaria Dengue fever Chikungunya Zika fever Lymphatic filariasis Japanese Encephalitis These will pose a serious threat to not only your health but also your pocket. There are many mosquito repellents available in the market, but most of these contain chemicals that can lead to skin irritations and issues that affect the respiratory tract. These repellents could also lead to breathing difficulties. Below are a few natural scents you can use to repel mosquitoes effectively. Lavender The sweet smell of lavender is one of the most effective deterrents for mosquitoes. It can calm the mind and make you feel relaxed. If you have a garden, grow lavender at regular intervals in the corners of your yard. The more you grow them, the better. Indoors, you can use crushed flowers; however, that might not last long. You can make a lavender spray by mixing the organic lavender essential oil with a carrier oil and distilled water/hazel oil. Use these around your home as an air freshener. You can also use organic lavender aroma oil organic for your room and use it with a diffuser. A 2019 study demonstrated the efficacy of lavender oil against mosquitoes for up to 8 hours at 20% concentration. Concentrated peppermint It is necessary to use the concentrated form of peppermint, as a lower concentration can make an excellent room freshener. For it to work as a mosquito repellant, you need to use it in concentrated form.

Depression is a health condition that affects one’s mood and capacity to function. People with this mental health disorder can feel sad, hopeless, or anxious. They may also experience issues with memory, thinking, sleeping, and eating. Depression is a common illness that affects 5% of adults and is a leading cause of disability. However, the following treatment options, food choices, and lifestyle changes can help people manage this condition and its symptoms: Choose the right treatment option Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, circumstances, and gender. Its types include clinical depression, dysthymia, bipolar depression, seasonal affective disorder, major depressive disorder, and psychotic depression. A health care expert will ask multiple questions to diagnose this condition, and they may also conduct a physical exam or lab tests to check for other health conditions. Here are the possible treatment options for depression: Rexulti: This is not considered an antidepressant but is used in combination with antidepressants. It is a treatment option for adults with schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (MDD). For MDD, it is used in combination with an antidepressant, but for schizophrenia, it can be used on its own. This is an oral treatment option to be taken once a day, as directed by the doctor, usually once daily. Rexulti may cause side effects such as behavioral changes and headaches. It is not prescribed to children and those below 18. Caplyta : This is an FDA-approved option to treat bipolar depression. It may be taken once daily, with or without food or as prescribed by the doctor. Caplyta may cause serious side effects, including stroke, decreased blood pressure, falls, and seizures. Make better food choices While food cannot be a cure, adding certain healthy foods can help people manage and prevent symptoms associated with depression. Here are a few foods to have:

Sugar has been part of foods and beverages for long. It is delicious and can also be addictive for some people, but is it actually healthy? We consume sugar in two forms: natural and added sugars. Natural sugar is absorbed from fruits and dairy, whereas added sugars are found in processed food or artificial sweeteners. Consuming excess sugar can impact one’s health. Here are eight signs that someone is consuming too much sugar: They will crave more sweet meals Sugar, especially artificial sweeteners in higher amounts, can be addictive to taste buds. They bring changes of an “up and down” feeling, a wave-like hormonal response in the body that triggers a longing for sweets. Studies on sugar addiction indicate that eating sugar has a chance of increasing dopamine levels, so the more one eats it, the more they will crave it. They may start gaining weight An increase in body fat composition, especially in the abdominal area, is one of the most common things that happen to the body because of sugar. Sugar doesn’t have essential nutrients such as protein or fiber; it provides excess, non-nutritional calories to the body. The absence of such nutrients can make one hungry all the time and cause them to eat more to satisfy the hunger. Sugar also causes the body to release insulin. Excess calories and insulin can lead to an increase in the fat percentage of the body. They have constant high sugar and pressure levels Another common sign in the list of notable things that happen to one’s body when they eat sugar is the change in blood sugar and pressure levels. Artificial sweeteners, added sugars, and sugar-sweetened drinks have a significant role in causing hypertension, a rise in blood sugar levels, and diabetes. In people diagnosed with diabetes, too much blood sugar can damage the retina’s blood vessels and cause fluid and blood to ooze out of it.

Ulcerative colitis causes swelling and inflammation in the colon and rectum. In this condition, an abnormal immune reaction triggers intestinal inflammation and ulcers on the large intestine’s inner lining, which may bleed and cause pus. The primary symptoms include recurring diarrhea, blood, mucus, or pus in the stool, stomach pain, and the urgency to pass stools more frequently. Here are some practical tips for preventing ulcerative colitis and managing it. Tips for prevention Although there is no definite way to prevent ulcerative colitis, as the exact causes are unknown, its intensity and frequency can be reduced by taking the following measures: Adopt a healthy lifestyle Making recommended changes to your meal plans and exercise regime can significantly reduce the occurrence of ulcerative colitis symptoms. Try to remain hydrated by drinking a sufficient amount of water. Avoid beverages such as caffeine, tea, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. You should also follow a suggested exercise routine. Mild exercises such as brisk walking, breathing exercises, etc., can help in keeping symptoms at bay. Have more probiotics Good gut microbe flora is essential for a healthy colon and proper digestion. The friendly bacteria can easily be replenished or maintained by probiotic foods such as yogurt, miso soup, and tempeh. Good bacteria help prevent bad bacteria from sticking to the lining of the large intestine, thereby improving the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Find ways to de-stress There is no well-established link between ulcerative colitis and stress; however, many theories support the claim that symptoms of the condition could get worse or triggered due to stress. The body goes into fight or flight mode when it encounters any type of stress, releasing the stress hormone that might induce inflammatory signals. Stress might contribute to flare-ups because this condition is a type of inflammatory bowel disease. Thus, your stress might be triggering your discomfort.

The cold and flu or influenza affect the upper respiratory system, such as the nose, mouth, throat, and lungs. These common health conditions are caused by viruses and lead to similar symptoms, including fever, runny and stuffy nose, fatigue, headache, body ache, and weakness. Most people recover within two weeks of its onset. Here are some treatment options, food plans, and lifestyle tips or ways that can help ease the discomfort caused by cold and flu: Treatment options Cold and flu could, in some cases, become worse and lead to the following: Pneumonia Bronchitis Heart problems Sinus infections Ear infections Progression of existing health problems like asthma Acute respiratory distress syndrome Antibiotics do not have any effects on cold and flu as they are viral and not bacterial infections. However, consult a healthcare expert if the symptoms worsen within ten days and one experiences shortness of breath, trouble breathing, high fever, severe vomiting, and other severe complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the yearly flu vaccine for those six months and older. Pregnant women can also get vaccinated to prevent the development of this condition. Vaccination decreases the risk of contracting the flu and hospitalization among children. XOFLUZA® This is an option used to treat the flu or influenza in those above 12 years of age and if symptoms begin in less than 48 hours. It helps reduce complications that could arise and worsen the symptoms, such as sore throat, cough, and stuffy nose. It can also shorten recovery time by a day or two. This treatment option is also helpful if one gets in contact with an affected person or touches a contaminated surface during a flu outbreak. Common side effects could be nausea, headaches, and diarrhea. TAMIFLU® It is an antiviral treatment option used for the flu.

Cancer begins in the lungs mostly due to exposure to pollutants and smoke in the air. The signs and symptoms of this cancer are exhibited in its advanced stages. Some common signs of lung cancer include chest pain, hoarseness, coughing up blood, and unexpected mass loss. There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell (SCLC) and non-small cell (NSCLC). Here are the main treatments, nutritional choices, and tips for dealing with this condition: Treatment This prescription is quite effective against lung cancer: Gavreto This treatment option is used for several kinds of ailments, including lung cancer. Gavreto is suitable for adults and is used to treat NSCLC caused by a specific gene called RET. The active ingredient of Gavreto is Pralsetinib, which is an inhibitor of RET. Pralsetinib works by blocking the abnormal protein known as RET fusion protein which is formed by alteration in the RET gene. By blocking this protein, the growth of cancer slows down in the body. Apart from this option, the FDA has approved several prescriptions for treating lung cancer. Consult an expert to determine which ones should be taken. Of course, the treatment plan will depend on the symptoms and subsequent diagnosis of the condition. Nutritional choices Many restrictions have to be made as far as a lung cancer meal plan is concerned. Having these foods will help with managing the condition: Protein-rich food Foods loaded with protein can help in repairing tissues and cells in the body. This nutrient is essential for strengthening the immune system, and having about 20 grams of this nutrient in every meal is recommended. Some of the best food items that have a high amount of protein in them include nuts, eggs, beans, and low-fat dairy options. Fresh fruits and vegetables Having fresh foods is a good idea when one is undergoing cancer treatment.

Cancer is a health condition where abnormal cells multiply and spread quickly, sometimes forming tumors. While there is no sure way to prevent it, several studies have shown that a balanced meal plan rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and specific compounds can keep the body healthy and lower the risk of getting the disease. The following are a few such foods to add to the nutrition regime that can help keep cancer at bay: Broccoli This green veggie can reduce the risk of different types of cancer, including stomach cancer and cancers of the esophagus, larynx, pharynx, and mouth. It is mainly because of a compound called sulforaphane, which is known to have anti-cancer properties. It helps detoxify the body from harmful substances that can trigger the disease. Research suggests that steamed broccoli is especially beneficial in reducing the risk of prostate, colon, and colorectal cancer. Since the cruciferous vegetable is also packed with other vitamins, minerals, and potent antioxidants, it helps boost the immune system, which is essential when dealing with cancer. Carrots Adding carrots to the menu a few times a week reduces cancer risk. Carrots have several compounds that prevent the disease from growing and spreading. For instance, phytochemicals protect the cells in the body against toxins in the food and environment. The high levels of beta-carotene act as an antioxidant to prevent cell damage and protects the cells from mutations. This is vital to reduce the risk of the disease. Carrots also have carotenoids that contribute to cancer prevention in several ways. Further, they are low in calories and rich in vitamins A, K, potassium, and fiber, which benefit overall health. Garlic Rich in manganese, selenium, vitamins B6 and C, and fiber, garlic helps lower cancer risk. It is a powerful antioxidant that prevents radical cell damage that could lead to inflammation, a causal factor of the disease.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder identified by inattention, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. This mental disorder affects mostly children, and the condition can last through adulthood. The symptoms of this condition are exhibited differently in adults and kids. There is no definitive prevention and cure method for ADHD. However, early diagnosis and timely treatment plans can help manage the condition to a great extent. Some effective tips for managing adult ADHD are: Exercise regularly Regular physical exercise is critical for overall good health. It helps in soothing and calming the body and provides numerous benefits for the smooth functioning of various bodily processes such as digestion. It also allows the affected person to manage energy and aggression constructively and positively. Get good sleep Adults and kids need seven to eight hours of sound sleep every night. Lack of sleep can cause daytime fatigue, leading to restlessness, irritability, and inability to focus on activities. This can help maintain a healthy sleep-wake cycle. To get good sleep, it is also essential to limit screen time before bed. ADHD patients with insomnia must consider consulting a healthcare professional for help. Create a daily routine with scheduled tasks Getting organized helps ADHD patients manage time and activities effectively, improving focus. A schedule helps manage and remove unnecessary tasks and gives a sense of achievement. Begin by writing down a schedule every night for the following day. Try to use a planner and color-code the tasks according to priority. Try to follow the planned routine and develop protocols to tackle the regular tasks with less effort. Try to complete the chores or tasks at the set time and days. Improve time management skills Patients with ADHD can find it challenging to stay organized and manage time effectively due to shortcomings of the symptoms.