11 foods to avoid when dealing with Crohn’s disease

11 foods to avoid when dealing with Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that leads to swelling in the small intestine resulting in problems like diarrhea and stomach pain. The swelling makes it tougher for the body to absorb the nutrients in food. Certain foods can also trigger the symptoms and lead to flare-ups; the triggers can differ from person to person. Nevertheless, here are a few common foods that should be avoided to prevent worsening Crohn’s disease symptoms. Spicy food For those with Crohn’s disease who love chilies or spicy food, restricting these foods is important to manage the symptoms. This is because certain spices can worsen the pain and other symptoms associated with the condition. Alternatively, one should use mild herbs and natural flavorings such as lemon in limited quantities. Dairy products Many people with Crohn’s disease experience worsening symptoms after consuming dairy products like yogurt, cheese, and milk. For them, it is better to try milk alternatives, like almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, and oat milk. People with the disease can also try low-fat substitutes like kefir. Deep-fried foods People with Crohn’s are advised to limit their intake of fried and greasy foods as these contain unhealthy fats that may aggravate the symptoms and lead to problems such as loose motion and cramping. This is because foods rich in fat, including heavy sauces, are often not completely absorbed by the small intestine. Seeds and nuts Irrespective of the high nutritional value of these foods, they are not suitable for people with Crohn’s disease as they can cause irritation in the lining of the gut, worsening the symptoms. Seeds and nuts are also hard to digest for people suffering from the disease. Raw fruits and vegetables with skin The health of those with Crohn’s disease may worsen if they have apples or cucumbers along with their skins.
Top 4 healthy foods to eat for seniors

Top 4 healthy foods to eat for seniors

Age is a crucial factor that determines a person’s food habits. For example, a certain food, which one can digest easily in their twenties, might not suit them after 50. So, older adults must be careful about their nutritional habits to maintain optimum health. Such individuals need a meal plan that involves nutritious foods that do not take much effort to digest. Keep reading to learn about the best foods for people over 60. Eggs High-protein foods are needed to stabilize the metabolism of the eaten meals in the digestive system. As people age, their caloric requirements decrease while their protein needs are enhanced to minimize muscle loss, a decrease in strength, and deterioration of vital body functions. Foods such as eggs are rich sources of naturally occurring protein. Usually, the recommended protein intake for people is about 0.8 grams of kilograms of their body weight per day. People over the age of 60 will require way more protein than that. Health and nutrition experts suggest that the figure should be at least 1.2 kilograms daily for effective metabolism and functioning. Oatmeal Like protein, fiber is essential for reinforcing the defense mechanism of one’s body as it ages. After 60, one must eat high-fiber foods such as oatmeal, chickpeas, quinoa, flaxseed, and chia seeds to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, metabolic disorders, diverticular disease, and other health conditions brought about by a weakening of the immune system. All these reasons make oatmeal one of the best foods for people over 60. Salmon Vitamin D is a vital nutrient needed to strengthen bone strength as people age. Dairy is a good source of vitamin D. However, fatty fish is arguably the best source of this vitamin. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and others also contain essential omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation, yet another health risk associated with advancing age.
6 helpful tips to vacuum seal food safely

6 helpful tips to vacuum seal food safely

Vacuum sealing is a packaging method that has been gaining popularity of late due to its ability to keep food fresh and tasty for longer. This technique employs a machine that limits exposure to oxygen by creating an airtight seal surrounding the food. However, not many people pay attention to how they vacuum seal their food. Keep reading to learn some simple tips to extract the most out of food vacuum sealers. Allow items to cool before vacuum sealing- One of the most important tips to remember when vacuum sealing food is always to let it cool down to room temperature before packing it away. Ignoring this step could trap moisture inside the bag, even with proper air removal, causing freezer burn. Leave space at the top- One must avoid filling their sealable bags to the top. Instead, leave some space for the air removal and make a seal. Some machines may require more space than others, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Freeze meats before sealing- When it comes to vacuum sealing raw meat, it is always a good idea to freeze it beforehand. It prevents bacterial activity during thawing and preserves all the meat’s natural juices, allowing one to cook safer, more succulent cuts of meat. Use folded wax paper for foods with sharp edges- Foods with sharp edges, such as meats, beef jerky, and dehydrated foods, can tear through or rupture sealable bags. To avoid this from happening and ensure a tight seal, cover the sharp edges with folded wax paper. Blanch bright veggies before sealing- To help fresh vegetables retain their nutritional value and bright color, one should blanch them before vacuum sealing them. Alternatively, arrange fresh fruits and vegetables on a baking sheet and flash-freeze them for a few hours before sealing them. This is also a great way to preserve their nutrients and avoid freezer burn.
Lung cancer – 8 foods to eat

Lung cancer – 8 foods to eat

Following a nutritious regime is essential for the body to maintain immunity and stave off infection. Cutting out a single nutrient, or even overdoing on any can harm the body in the long run. When it comes to lung cancer, there are few foods that one must avoid and must include for daily consumption. Below is the list of foods that need to be included in one’s food regimen when recovering from lung cancer. Chicken Protein-rich foods are essential in the fight against cancer as they are a necessary building block in cell and tissue repair. In fact, lean meats like fish and turkey in addition to chicken are a great option. However, ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly to avoid food-related illness. Ginger Intake of ginger as an ingredient in food may lower the risk of metastases of an existing cancer and it is also known to reduce chronic pain. Whole grains Whole grain anything is a good choice because the carbs and fiber help keep energy levels stable. Choose from whole wheat breads, brown rice, and whole grain pastas. Apples Apples are packed with flavonoids that are powerful antioxidants and can help boost immunity, which is just what one needs. Avocado This superfood is chock full with good fats and is low in sugar. It is a good snack option and is useful in digestion. Moreover, avocados help control blood pressure and cholesterol. Salmon Salmon is an excellent source of vitamin D. While the major source of vitamin D is the sun, getting that kind of light is not always possible, especially in colder climates. A healthy dose of vitamin D may help increase immunity. Tomatoes Tomatoes and sauces have a compound called lycopene that is known to be potent enough to fight cancer. Adding this to food regimes can give the body the anti-inflammatory boost it needs.
Top 4 ways to manage cholesterol

Top 4 ways to manage cholesterol

Cholesterol is a condition that is mostly seen among people over the age of 50. But with unhealthy food and lifestyle habits, younger people today are prone to it as well. High levels of cholesterol mean there’s a higher risk of premature heart attacks and complications. Moreover, stats claim that over 1 million adults have an inherited risk for cholesterol. This article highlights some lifestyle tips and ways that help manage cholesterol levels: Treatment There are medications to clear the cholesterol from the system. LIVALO (pitavastatin) is used to lower bad cholesterol in patients who have abnormally high levels of it. This oral prescription can be had daily, but the dosage can vary depending on the advancement of the disease. Repatha® is another prescription to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Food habits Foods play a huge role in the development of cholesterol. People should generally avoid greasy options like fries, deep-fried snacks, and frozen dinners. Moreover, foods like cheese and butter should be eaten in moderation. Packaged foods like chips, canned foods, and ready-to-make dinners should also be avoided, as they are high in sodium and preservatives, which also contribute to complications related to the heart. Instead, choose to cook fresh meals from scratch and include more vegetables and fruits in one’s meal plans. Try to include more salads, as it’s the easiest way to stay healthy and away from carbs. Lifestyle changes Make time for a good run, walk, or practice yoga. Alternatively, take up gardening as a hobby or join a fitness club that practices varied activities. This is an ideal way to combine workouts and fun. The easiest way to keep oneself motivated is by enjoying workouts, making them more interesting, and finding good company. Keeping active is one of the most rewarding things to do for the mind and body.
Best food and home remedies for nasal polyps

Best food and home remedies for nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are soft tissue growths found inside the nasal passage or on the sinuses. They are a symptom of respiratory diseases, allergies, and common sinus infections. Nasal polyps can cause breathing problems due to congestion and may increase the risk of infections among adults. It is possible to manage the condition with medications and treatments among known nasal polyps info options. The following changes in the food regime also help. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals Vitamin A and foods rich in beta carotene help counter inflammation and protect the sinus membrane. Popular options include dark leafy greens and fresh fruits, including spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, melon, mango, and apricots. Additionally, vitamins C and E can help fight free radicals that cause tissue damage due to oxidative stress. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds that are rich in bromelain and magnesium can further provide relief from sinus infections triggered due to nasal polyps. These foods are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and repair tissues. Foods rich in nutrients Cayenne pepper is rich in capsaicin that helps clear the sinuses and congestion. Additionally, foods that contain quercetin are potent antioxidants that fight inflammation and provide long-term relief. Popular quercetin-rich fruits and vegetables include onions, capers, broccoli, apples, grapes, cherries, raspberries, lingonberries, and cranberries. Turmeric is one of the more potent herbs to combat inflammation as it contains curcumin. Additionally, you can consume healthy probiotics to balance the microbiome content in the gut and promote better immunity. Apart from these common foods and common nasal polyps info options for treatment, it is also necessary to stay hydrated. Water can help thin the mucus and moisten the nasal passage. Foods to avoid Soy, yeast, gluten, dairy, and eggs can trigger sinus-related discomforts. Foods rich in artificial additives and preservatives can trigger certain intolerances that aggravate the symptoms.
6 foods to eat and avoid for heartburn

6 foods to eat and avoid for heartburn

Heartburn, also referred to as acid reflux, is characterized by an uncomfortable burning feeling or pain in the chest. Occasional heartburn is common among adults and isn’t a major concern. If you’re wondering what causes bad heartburn, it’s usually certain trigger foods like chocolates, onions, and fatty foods. To relieve symptoms, it’s important to carefully choose your meals. Read on to learn about foods to eat and avoid to manage heartburn. 6 Foods to Eat and Avoid to Manage Heartburn Eat: Oatmeal Oatmeal is one of the best foods to consume for heartburn. Being a whole grain, it contains lots of fiber. Fiber helps absorb stomach acid, reducing the symptoms of acid reflux. So, make sure to enjoy at least a bowl of oatmeal each day. You can also try other whole grain options like brown rice and whole-wheat bread. Avoid: Fatty foods To effectively manage bad heartburn, it’s vital to eliminate all potential causes of the problem. Fatty foods are a common culprit of acid reflux and can also make the condition worse. They are slower to digest and relax your lower esophageal sphincter (LES), exacerbating heartburn. Steer clear of various high-fat foods like French fries, full-fat milk, and fatty cuts of meats. Eat: Ginger Ginger has long been used to treat various ailments, especially gastrointestinal issues. Thanks to its alkaline nature and powerful anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can reduce irritation in the digestive tract and relieve heartburn. This spice is versatile and can be used in stir-fried dishes, soups, and smoothies. You can even drink multiple cups of ginger tea daily. Avoid: Citrus fruits Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and lime, are indeed nutritious. But they should not be consumed when heartburn flares up as they directly cause it by being highly acidic in nature. Eat: Yogurt Yogurt is an excellent food choice when it comes to resolving gastrointestinal problems.
Foods that people with eczema should avoid

Foods that people with eczema should avoid

Eczema, scientifically known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that leads to dry and itchy skin on the body. It is usually caused by inflammation. One can tackle this condition’s symptoms by eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones. The wrong foods can often trigger flares and worsen the condition. Read on to learn more about the foods that should be eliminated from your meals if you have eczema. Cow’s milk Cow’s milk is one of the most common eczema triggers in children. In rare cases, it can also cause flares in adults. However, completely removing milk and dairy products from a child’s meals can lead to vitamin and other deficiencies. Instead, this food should be avoided only in cases of severe eczema. Doctors can also suggest food substitutes for cow’s milk. Eggs Eggs are commonly known as eczema triggers in both adults and children. While the reason behind this is unknown, studies show that almost 70% of those who have eczema are allergic to eggs. Aside from this, long-term consumption of raw eggs can lead to biotin deficiency, triggering eczema. Soy Soy and soy products are rich in amines that can trigger eczema. Individuals suffering from eczema can avoid soy by reading the labels carefully because soy is present in many foods including chocolate and tea. Tomatoes Those suffering from eczema should avoid tomatoes and foods that contain tomatoes. Tomatoes are rich in salicylates, amines, and natural MSG. All these chemicals are known to trigger an eczema flare. Peanuts Peanut is one of the most common allergens across the globe. It is so common that people with eczema are more likely to develop a peanut allergy. It is crucial to avoid peanuts and foods containing peanuts to prevent an eczema flare-up. Oranges, kiwis, and grapes All three fruits are highly acidic and are rich sources of salicylates and amines.
3 tips to manage Parkinson’s disease

3 tips to manage Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative condition that affects the movement of the individual. It affects the brain and the nervous system and leads to symptoms such as uncontrolled movement, stiffness, tremors, and loss of balance and coordination. Approximately one million people in the country have Parkinson’s disease. Read on to learn more about the effective ways to manage this condition. Here are the treatment options, foods to eat and avoid, and lifestyle changes to manage Parkinson’s. Treatment options Although Parkinson’s disease is not curable, there are many treatment options. These help slow down the progression of this degenerative condition and tackle the various signs and symptoms. Here are some of the common treatment options prescribed for Parkinson’s disease: Levodopa One of the most potent treatment options for Parkinson’s disease is levodopa. It can often cause nausea and vomiting. This is why it is usually prescribed or available in combination with carbidopa. Levodopa is a precursor of dopamine, and it is used to control the bradykinetic symptoms that affect movement. Carbidopa Carbidopa is a class of treatments called decarboxylase inhibitors. It focuses on preventing the breakdown of levodopa into dopamine before it reaches the brain. RYTARY® RYTARY® is an extended-release carbidopa/levodopa oral capsule. It contains beads of carbidopa and levodopa that dissolve and get absorbed at different rates. Common side effects include nausea, confusion, and dyskinesia. ONGENTYS® ONGENTYS® (opicapone) is a prescription treatment that is used to manage “down” or “off” periods with Parkinson’s disease. It is prescribed in combination with levodopa and carbidopa. It is a once-a-day capsule. Serious side effects include falling asleep during activities, low blood pressure, sudden movements, hallucinations, and unusual urges. The most common side effects include constipation. Meal plans Aside from treatment, eating the right foods can help patients manage their symptoms to a certain extent.
5 common signs of gastrointestinal disorders due to excessive sugar

5 common signs of gastrointestinal disorders due to excessive sugar

Your body needs some percentage of sugar to generate energy for the cells and organs. So it is okay to have sugar in your meals and snacks in moderation. When you start having excess sugary foods, the body cannot utilize the extra sugar. This leads to several health disorders, including issues related to your digestive system. On that note, here are a few signs of gastrointestinal disorders due to excessive sugar. Bloating and gas Eating too much dessert or other sugar-based foods can make you feel good—but only for a while. However, you will soon feel bloated due to the increased gas production in your intestines. In addition, the sugar prevents the appropriate absorption of water in the intestines, causing you to feel a lot of bloating. The gas and bloating can cause a lot of discomfort. Diarrhea or constipation Consuming excessive sugar can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria in your digestive system. This can cause changes in your bowel movements. Also, there is barely any fiber or fluid in most sugar-based foods, such as pastries, cookies, and cakes. These factors can lead to diarrhea or constipation, affecting your gastrointestinal health. Abdominal pain or cramping You can experience these gastrointestinal signs due to excessive sugar, especially when the foods contain sorbitol and xylitol. These chemicals are added to certain processed foods to give them a sweet flavor. These foods include baked goods, chocolates, frozen desserts, hard candies, sugar-free chewing gum, and snack bars. Although these chemicals are present in certain fruits and vegetables, the artificially processed ingredients can give your stomach pain and cramps when you have them in excess. Acid reflux or heartburn Sugar in itself doesn’t cause heartburn. However, when combined with other triggering ingredients and foods, it can cause an increase in the production of stomach acid.
6 foods to avoid to manage diabetes

6 foods to avoid to manage diabetes

Food plays an important role in managing diabetes. According to several studies, the most severe and chronic diabetes cases and complications triggered by the condition are caused by the excessive consumption of unhealthy foods. These can increase insulin resistance and heighten blood sugar levels in the body. It is, therefore, important to learn about the foods that can worsen the condition. Here are some of the foods that those with diabetes should avoid. Flavored coffee drinks Flavored coffee drinks, unlike regular coffee, are loaded with sugar, carbohydrates, and calories, all of which may lead to an increase in weight and spikes in blood sugar levels. Such complications will eventually lead to a severe form of diabetes and other health conditions, like high blood pressure and cholesterol. Margarine Margarine is used as a healthy alternative to butter because it is low in saturated fats. However, the food contains high levels of trans fats. These fats may trigger inflammation, increase insulin resistance, and reduce the healthy cholesterol levels in the body. White bread White bread is a processed food that is rich in carbohydrates. Studies indicate that foods high in carbohydrates may raise blood sugar levels in those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They may also affect brain function, especially in those with type 2 diabetes and mental health issues. Sugary drinks Drinks like sodas, sweetened ice tea, and lemonade are extremely high in carbohydrates. These drinks also contain excessive fructose levels. These can influence the body to resist insulin and worsen diabetes. Fruit-flavored yogurt While plain yogurt is suitable for those with diabetes, fruit-flavored yogurt has the opposite effect. Such yogurt is derived from nonfat or low-fat milk with high concentrations of sugar and carbohydrates. So as delicious as fruit-flavored yogurt may taste, one must steer clear of the food to avoid unnecessary spikes in blood sugar and insulin.
Diet and nutrition tips for managing epilepsy

Diet and nutrition tips for managing epilepsy

According to studies, diet can help improve seizure control in people who suffer from epileptic seizures. While these studies have been based on strict diets such as the Ketogenic diet, recent studies have shown that less restrictive diets such as the Low Glycemic Index diet and the modified Atkins diet can also be helpful in managing conditions such as epilepsy. When it comes to diet and dietary habits, they can be very hard to change, especially when a lot of changes are administered at the same time. Also, it is common for one to get all excited about a “new diet” in the beginning, but people tend to lose all that enthusiasm after a while. So, trying to make one change at a time is probably the best, sustainable way to start a diet, especially one that can help them manage certain conditions effectively. Eliminating simple sugars: The very first and important step for following a diet and nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy is to eliminate foods that contain high amounts and concentration of simple sugars. This type of carbohydrates have high glycemic indices, which leads to them being absorbed rapidly by the body. Once one has eliminated these sugary foods completely for more than just a few weeks, they could probably find that one no longer has the desire to eat them at all. One’s body will be more satisfied with the next step of the diet—whole, natural foods. Following a whole, natural foods diet: The step of following a wholesome, natural diet is a complex one that needs to be broken down into smaller, simpler-to-follow step. Healthy food items which have extremely little to no processing factor at all should be included in the diet. Foods that are minimally processed have a maximum of 3 ingredients.