Vitamins and minerals provide the body with nutrition and aid it in continuing its functions. A few are immensely good for eye health as they ensure your vision remains clear. But, either age or low nutrition levels might lead to illnesses such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. As eyesight is one of the most important senses, read ahead to know the vitamins that can improve and maintain it. Common eye-related health issues There are many eye and vision problems, some of which require severe medical attention. On the other hand, some can be corrected quite easily. Some of these problems are Myopia Do you have trouble looking at objects far away but find the things nearer to you crystal clear? This might be due to myopia or nearsightedness. This extremely common condition can be fixed by wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. But remember always to visit an ophthalmologist to know more about it. Astigmatism An incredibly common problem in vision, this is caused by an error in the shape of the cornea, often known as the eye’s lens. It might sometimes have a slightly irregular curve leading to fuzzy, blurry, and distorted vision. But you do not need to worry, astigmatism might sound complicated, but it can be treated by wearing corrective eyeglasses and contact lenses that have especially been made to treat the way light passes to the retina. Presbyopia Such a condition is caused by aging and might lead to trouble focusing on the things nearer to you, but no problems seeing those far away. It is a natural part of aging and might start showing symptoms as you draw nearer to the age of 40. But not to worry, this can be easily treated using prescription or eye lenses to help you see things more clearly.

Schizophrenia is a mental condition in which one cannot differentiate between what is real and what is not. So, a person’s ability to function is affected by this condition. They might face issues in having a clear thought process, keeping their emotions in check, and displaying normal social behaviors. While the common signs of this disorder are hallucinations, delusions, and movement-related problems, people with schizophrenia could experience a few uncommon signs. Alogia (trouble with speech) Alogia, or poverty of speech, is the inability to carry out normal conversations with others and can be observed in people affected by mental illnesses. As a direct impact of a disorder, people can withdraw from social setups, including friends and family. People with or at risk of schizophrenia exhibit this speech poverty and seem less talkative. Their responses could be limited to one-word answers. They might take long pauses between words. Another distinct sign is that they speak when spoken to and talk in a flat tone with no or minimal facial expressions like smiling. In most cases, this sign is observed in people who are at high risk of a serious psychotic break but is generally ignored and assumed to be the normal behavior of the person. Anhedonia or lack of pleasure Normal people are naturally able to feel happy and find pleasure in everyday things. For example, listening to music, visiting a park, going for a ride, and other such activities can induce joy in people. However, people with mental disorders may find it difficult to find pleasure in their daily lives. This condition is called anhedonia and can be observed in two forms. The first type is physical anhedonia, in which the person cannot feel physical pleasure. For example, being hugged by a friend gives the person no joy, or the sight of their favorite food does not make them feel happy.

For patients suffering from health conditions like schizophrenia, inflammatory factors can further increase the risks related to the illness. One factor that has been found to affect the inflammatory state is a person’s nutritional regime. Certain kinds of food negatively impact inflammation, while some others prevent such conditions. For example, Omega-3 fatty acids are highly recommended for people diagnosed with schizophrenia because they are anti-inflammatory. Food rich in carbohydrates & gluten Various studies held on this topic point to the fact that high-carb foods can intensify some symptoms of schizophrenia. Foods containing wheat like bread and other items like potatoes, corn, milk, popcorn, spaghettis, cookies, etc., should undoubtedly be off your list if you suffer from mental issues. It is best to switch to a low-carb food plan only after consultation with your therapist. While researchers are still trying to find the link between a low-carb nutritional regime and mental problems, some studies opine that gluten-rich foods that trigger celiac diseases in people have some linkage with schizophrenia . It has been found that people with mental health issues might also be intolerant to gluten and higher levels of carbohydrates. Processed sugar Closely linked to carbohydrates is sugar which can often stimulate mood swings. Thus, the intake of foods high in processed or refined sugar, like soda, desserts, etc., can worsen the patient’s mental condition. The bottom line is that such patients should avoid added sugars altogether and replace them with alternatives like whole fruits. Sweet desserts If you love sweet dishes, you should be extra careful while consuming artificially-sweetened desserts, cookies, cakes, etc. It is because these sweeteners have no nutritional value. Also, researchers have discovered during studies that artificial sweeteners can aggravate mental health conditions. Another important fact is that sweeteners are often addictive. Therefore, even if initially the patient’s condition does not worsen, over time, things can get severe if a total ban is not applied to such food ingredients.

Most people do their best to follow a skincare routine to keep their skin well-balanced, nourished, and youthful. But not all practices have a positive impact on skin health. Additionally, people opt for anti-aging creams, remedies, and ointments that are readily available in stores. However, not all of them have the desired effect, and some can even cause skin problems and signs of aging. So here are five mistakes to avoid premature aging: Stepping out without sunscreen Sun exposure is vital for the body as it helps with vitamin D production in the body. This essential nutrient strengthens the bones and the blood cells, energizing the immune system. Additionally, this vitamin also stimulates other minerals in the body, like calcium. However, going outdoors without sunscreen is a big mistake. This is because the skin, the largest organ of the human body, is constantly exposed to UV rays that can age the skin dramatically. Some common skincare issues that arise as a result are wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dry skin, and burns, among others. Further, UV rays can reduce the elasticity of the skin resulting in premature aging. Over-exfoliation Lightly scrubbing the face could be an essential skincare step to ensure that impurities, dirt, and dead cells are removed from the skin’s surface. However, being too harsh on the skin or going overboard with chemical exfoliants should be avoided at all costs. When one excessively scrubs the face or any other part of the body, the results can be counter-productive. Exfoliating more than required removes protective cells that are invisible to the eyes. So, over-exfoliation leads to dry skin and, at times, inflammation, redness, irritability, and even hyperpigmentation. All of these are signs of aging. Typically, exfoliating 2 to 3 times a week is more than enough to keep the skin surface free from dead cells and dirt.

Crohn’s disease is a condition that causes inflammation in the small intestine, often resulting in diarrhea. The inflammation usually makes nutrient absorption difficult, leading to symptoms like a decreased appetite and stomach pain. The condition can cause long-term effects like malnutrition. As an inflammatory bowel disease, one can expect sudden Crohn’s flare-ups. This reappearance of symptoms can be triggered by certain food items that can enhance digestive tract inflammation and cause discomfort. Spicy foods People with Crohn’s disease should avoid spicy food as it can irritate the GI tract, worsening the symptoms of the disease. Foods with spices like black pepper, chili powder, paprika, garlic, jalapenos, chili powder, and wasabi should be avoided. But not all spices seem to have an adverse effect. Some spices like turmeric, cumin, fresh herbs, or mustard are good for the intestine and can have a minimizing effect. More studies are being carried out to understand the link between these spices and the disease. Whole grains Grains are full of fiber, however, people with Crohn’s should avoid foods with high fiber content. This is because insoluble fibers that go through the digestive tract can lead to diarrhea. Grains also contain gluten and carbs that wreak havoc in the digestive tract along with the fiber. So, one should stay away from grains like whole wheat products, for example, pasta and bread. Also, avoid food items like barley and rye. Raw fruits and vegetables Insoluble fibers can accumulate in the gut and cannot be digested by the body aggravating symptoms related to Crohn’s disease like pain and diarrhea. Certain fruits and vegetables can be rich in fiber and so should ideally be avoided in their raw forms. This is why one with Crohn’s should avoid having salads. While salads are generally good for one’s health, people with inflammatory bowel diseases should avoid having uncooked or undercooked foods to prevent a flare-up.

Skin conditions like acne and eczema are often the result of an unhealthy lifestyle, environmental pollution, or genetic factors. Sometimes ongoing treatment can also cause skin disease as a side effect. While one may use ointments and creams to keep the skin healthy, complementing them with the right lifestyle changes and proper nutrition can be more effective in the long run. Here is a list of things to avoid to prevent and manage skin conditions. Foods with a higher glycaemic index Glycaemic index (GI) indicates how fast (or slow) foods rich in carbs can affect blood sugar levels. Foods like potatoes and white bread have a high GI, so they cause almost instant blood sugar spikes. This leads to glycation, a process where sugar molecules bind with the skin collagen cells. As collagen function reduces, one may notice wrinkles and creases on the skin. Artificial sweeteners Foods with processed sugar can harm the skin. The sugar molecules attach with elastin and collagen, which prevents them from being flexible, leading to premature aging of the skin. Therefore, it is advisable to steer clear of artificial juices, aerated soft drinks, pasta sauce, etc. Dairy products People who consume cow’s milk are more prone to acne breakouts. Milk increases insulin levels, ultimately increasing sebum or oil production on the skin. A few items to avoid are butter, ice creams, and cheese made from cow’s milk. Fried foods Fried foods like French fries, nuggets, and chips also wreak havoc on the skin by increasing oil production. They can even lead to skin inflammation. Hence, although tempting, it is best to eliminate these foods from the menu. Whey protein Whey protein increases the production of IGF-1, a hormone that activates sebum production, leading to higher chances of acne breakouts. Stress Stress and anxiety can increase the production of a hormone called cortisol.

Only patients with Crohn’s disease know how disturbing a flare-up can be. Symptoms including cramping, diarrhea, and stomach ache can make one feel so miserable that all their plans can get spoiled. One frequently asked question is whether food habits play a vital role in adding to such flare-ups. While a bowl of ice cream or a burger may not cause inflammation, specific food choices can worsen the situation if the symptoms are active. Foods to avoid for Crohn’s Not much research has been done on the relation between Crohn’s disease and dietary habits. Besides, the reactions to different foods vary from person to person. Consequently, there’s no fixed dietary regime exclusively devoted to those with Crohn’s. Specific suspects exist dod exist though, which doctors recommend avoiding when one’s gut health is not that good. Here is a list of a few foods which must be avoided during Crohn’s disease flare-ups: Whole grains and beans Foods prepared from whole grains like whole-wheat pasta, whole-grain bread, bran, and popcorn contain a lot of fiber, causing traffic through the digestive tract. These foods can cause a lot of irritation in someone undergoing a flare-up. Usually, beans tend to be highly nutritious for the body. But for someone experiencing the symptoms of Crohn’s disease, the same healthy food can cause gastritis due to its high fiber content. High-fiber fruits and vegetables Most people with Crohn’s disease feel they cannot have veggies and fruits. But such a thought is far from the truth. The only time they need to be careful is during a flare-up. Having cooked vegetables is better than raw options to ease digestion. Besides, ensure the chosen vegetables and seeds do not have their seeds and skins intact. The fruits taken should be lighter, like craned pears or bananas, instead of apples or raspberries, which are known for their high fiber content and acidic properties.

Bronchitis is a physical condition where the bronchial tube lining gets inflamed. Acute and chronic bronchitis are two types of the disease, and the acute type is more common. About 9 million adults in the country suffered from chronic bronchitis in 2018. Paying attention to your daily meals plays a significant role in fighting this condition. Here are six types of food that you should avoid to keep the disease under control: Foods containing high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) Soft drinks contain HFCS; a study conducted in 2015 established a direct link between HFCS and bronchitis. Foods sweetened with HFCS, pastries and bread, should be avoided. While shopping for groceries, it is recommended that you read the nutritional label thoroughly on all food items. The same point is valid for desserts. These items contain a high quantity of HFCS as well as processed carbs. Refined carbohydrates are low in nutrients that do not support healthy living. One has to avoid food items containing a high quantity of processed carbs. The best step is to replace all sweetened foods you buy from the market with fresh fruits like citrus fruits, berries, and apples. Fruits contain fibers that help the body in absorbing the sugar slowly. Foods containing sulfites Sulfites are preservatives used in food items like pickled, lime juice, bottled lemon juice, and dried fruits. This preservative can make your condition worsen. Sulfites are also found in foods naturally like eggs, lettuce, corn starch, leeks, garlic, tomatoes, onions, and asparagus. Sulfites can make things worse for patients with bronchitis. This element can sometimes be life-threatening if one develops an allergy. Such foods aggravate the swelling and shutting of the airways, which makes breathing difficult. Foods high in salt A little salt in food may not be harmful. But, avoid lots of salt in your food.

Myalgia is a condition where one can feel muscle pain for various reasons. Certain diseases, infections, and injuries can lead to muscle pain and can happen to people of all ages. Sometimes, the pain is limited to certain body parts, and at times, the entire muscular framework is affected. In most cases, the pain may subside without any major therapy. Here is a list of some health conditions that can cause muscle cramps and pain. MS or Multiple Sclerosis Most patients who have multiple sclerosis complain of pain in their muscles. MS is caused by damaged nerve fibers that impact the body’s balance system and weaken the muscle system. It is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system starts attacking the healthy cells, which damages myelin, a protective covering around the nerves. When the myelin stops its normal functioning in multiple sclerosis, brain signals carried by nerves get disrupted. Since the nerves in the muscles are damaged, MS is accompanied by paroxysmal pain that comes and goes like spasms or cramps. Lupus Lupus is another medical condition when the body’s immune system starts targeting the body’s healthy cells, causing inflammation. Such diseases are called autoimmune diseases. In the case of lupus, the body’s healthy cells start to break down. Lupus affects organ systems like the heart, lungs, kidneys, nervous system, joints, and skin. The most common type of lupus is systematic lupus erythematosus or SLE, which fluctuates between remission and flares. Muscle pain is pretty common for people who have lupus. The pain is felt in upper limb areas like the upper arm and thighs. Sometimes, myositis can develop in severe cases, leading to muscle inflammation. This condition affects the thighs, hips, shoulders, and upper arms. Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) This condition revolves around the musculoskeletal system of the body.

Hyperkalemia is a condition when the potassium levels in the blood are higher than normal. Adults are usually recommended between 2,600 and 3,400 mg of potassium intake daily. If your potassium levels are higher than required, you will be recommended to follow a potassium-restricted meal plan that allows about 2,000 mg of the mineral every day. Given below is more on hyperkalemia and how to manage it via food. Why are higher potassium levels harmful to the body? Higher potassium levels can affect the heart, obstructing its normal functioning and increasing the risk of a heart attack. Higher levels of the mineral can also affect your digestive system, and kidneys, causing tingling and numbness. Avoiding high-potassium food is one of the ways to manage hyperkalemia. Accordingly, here’s a list of foods to avoid among various categories. Fruits Fruits that are naturally high in potassium should be avoided at all costs. These include avocados, dates, bananas, apricots, mangoes, oranges, cantaloupes, figs, kiwis, papayas, prunes, raisins, honeydew, and pomegranates. It does not mean that you need to completely eliminate these nutritious fruits from your diet. You simply need to cut down on your consumption. Also, you should avoid not just the fresh fruits mentioned here but the dried forms of these fruits. Steer clear of the juices too. For example, minimize the quantity of grapefruit juice, orange juice, pomegranate juice, and prune juice. Vegetables Besides avoiding the fruits and juices mentioned above, it is also imperative to avoid certain vegetables that are naturally high in potassium. These vegetables are white and sweet potatoes, tomatoes, beetroot, black beans, baked beans, refried beans, and dried beans, bamboo shoot, sprouts, raw carrots, lentils, legumes, most green veggies except kale, broccoli, Chinese cabbage, artichoke, acorn, squash, okra, spinach, pumpkin, and white mushrooms. Just like in fruits, people with hyperkalemia should avoid the juices made from these vegetables.