Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is an inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy rashes, blisters, skin irritation, and results in leathery skin patches. Though this condition is common in kids aged less than two, it can affect older children and adults. Many eczema patients tend to develop food allergies, which is why knowing one’s eating habits is important. Everyone may react differently to some foods. Listed below are foods containing properties that could reduce eczema flare-ups. Foods to avoid While what one eats might not directly cause eczema, it can be a trigger for a lot of symptoms. This is particularly true if one eats a food item that they’re otherwise sensitive or allergic to. Some of the common foods to avoid for people with eczema include: Foods with high amounts of sugar could result in triggering eczema flare-ups. Sugar causes a spike in insulin levels, which results in inflammation. Some food items which have high sugar and should be avoided include fast food such as burgers and chips, smoothies, sodas, coffee drinks that are sweet, and cakes. Food items that contain artificial ingredients and preservatives could end up increasing eczema flare-ups and symptoms. Such food items include foods that contain high amounts of trans fats such as fast food, processed food, tinned or canned food, and margarine. Other food items that could increase the risk of eczema flare-ups include nuts, soy, eggs, and dairy products. Foods to eat Fatty fish: One might be able to reduce their symptoms of eczema by eating fatty fish such as herring, mackerel, trout, and salmon. These fish include high levels of omega-3 fatty acids which leads to it having anti–inflammatory properties. One might also consider taking omega-3 supplements. Foods containing quercetin: The plant-based flavonoid quercetin helps give many veggies, fruits, and flowers their vibrant, rich colors.

Eczema is a skin disease that is usually caused by allergies, mostly due to certain food items. This is why one should be cautious when it comes to making food choices. The foods to avoid mentioned here can trigger eczema and cause itching and other symptoms. These foods must be strictly avoided. The primary symptom of eczema is itching. Some food products can be allergens and worsen by the symptoms of eczema if consumed. Following are foods that generally cause allergic skin reactions. If any of these foods affect you, stop consuming them immediately. Grapes Grapes and wine contain salicylates. They also have high levels of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and amines. These three substances can increase eczema symptoms and, hence, need to be avoided. Citrus Products Citrus fruits and foods containing citrus are similar in chemical composition to grapes. They can cause your skin to itch and aggravate symptoms of eczema. Nearly a third of those who have eczema have developed worse symptoms as a result of consuming citrus-rich fruits. Tomato Tomato and products made from tomato can cause allergic reactions in some people. They contain the three major trigger factors – amines, MSG, and salicylates. Dairy Products Completely avoiding dairy products is a bit tricky. Milk and dairy products, especially yogurt, can trigger eczema. However, if you don’t consume adequate dairy products, you can develop a calcium deficiency, and those with a calcium deficiency can develop eczema. Therefore, it is best to avoid dairy products and take calcium supplements instead. Eggs Nearly two-thirds of those who have eczema develop allergic reactions after consuming eggs. Raw eggs can increase the inflammation of the skin in eczema sufferers. Junk Food Junk food is bad in many ways, but for eczema sufferers, it can trigger severe reactions. This is especially true in the case of children.

The key to managing diabetes is to follow a healthy food regime that can keep your blood sugar levels in control. What you eat in your meal has a direct effect on how much sugar your blood contains. So, making the right food choices is going to help you manage blood glucose levels better. At the same time, keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all food regime for patients diagnosed with diabetes and you must consult your doctor before making major nutritional changes. Your doctor will come up with a meal plan to tell you what you can eat for your main meals and snacks in between meals. The plan also contains details on how much of these foods you should have. A healthy food plan for those with diabetes should typically have 40%-60% calories from carbs, 30% or less from fats, and 20% from proteins. How to make a nutrition plan to manage diabetes? The idea is to follow a food plan which is low in sodium, cholesterol, and added sugar. You need to identify which foods cause your blood sugar levels to spike. It is not always the type of food that you consume, but the combination of foods that you eat, which can be harmful when you have diabetes. To begin with, you must know how to measure portions and count carbs as they have the most impact on blood glucose levels. Individuals who take insulin at mealtimes need to know the portion of carbs in their meals to make sure they get the right dose. Every meal must be well-balanced, with a good blend of carbs, fruits, veggies, fats, and proteins. Carbs like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are good for people with diabetes because they are fiber-rich and keep blood glucose levels stable. You must also adjust your food and medicines.

The first step taken toward treating asthma is identifying triggers, followed by avoiding them. Therapy for this condition also includes tracking breathing patterns, taking medications, and using an inhaler for quick relief. Along with taking such steps to manage the condition, here are a few foods you can have to reduce and moderate the symptoms of asthma. Garlic Garlic contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help the body fight allergic reactions. It also helps in alleviating symptoms of asthma. It does so by reducing the production of histamine that is responsible for allergic reactions.   Turmeric The medicinal implications of turmeric are still under a microscope. That said, this powder has been used in Chinese and East Asian medicine for generations. Turmeric is rich in curcumin, which is an active ingredient that soothes inflammation in asthmatic airways. Ginger Ginger has medicinal applications for several conditions, including asthma. You can mix the root of this ingredient with honey and consume it to reduce inflammation. The nutrients and bioactive compounds of ginger also come into play just when you consume it as a tea. Apples Apples are great for relieving the symptoms of asthma. Research shows that the fruit contains beta carotene and vitamins C and E that help reduce inflammation and swelling in the lungs. Two servings of apples or citrus-based fruits like oranges a day for two weeks has proven to reduce symptoms of the condition. Beans Beans are rich in fiber content, which helps increase the growth of healthy gut bacteria in the body. And maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is known to alleviate asthma, among other autoimmune disorders. Adding half a cup of beans to your daily meals will give the best results. Salmon High levels of omega-3 fatty acids in salmon help reduce inflammation in asthma patients. Other than omega-3s, salmon is rich in another inflammation moderator—vitamin D.

Multiple myeloma is a kind of cancer that affects the plasma cells which are a part of the immune system. The condition causes those who suffer from it to lose their appetite and eat lesser, making it essential to ensure the required nutrition levels are maintained. It can leave individuals with weakened immunity, damaged kidneys, and even anemia. There are some particular nutrition strategies and simple diet tips that play a positive role in curbing multiple myeloma and contributing to one’s energy levels, overall strength, and health. The correct types of foods in one’s diet can give them the best balance of nutrients and help with multiple myeloma symptoms. The foods that one should eat are listed below: Foods rich in iron Anemia is caused by low levels of iron in the blood. The cancerous cells which build up in the bone marrow crowd out the healthy blood cells, causing complications. If one has developed anemia due to multiple myeloma, then an iron-rich diet will be helpful. A boost in iron levels can help one feel less tired and will also help the body produce more healthy red blood cells. Some excellent sources of iron include tropical fruits such as guava, pineapple, papaya, and mango, broccoli, sweet potatoes, Brussel sprouts, beans, kale, bell peppers, raisins, dark leafy green vegetables, and lean red meat. Plant produce Vegetables and fruits are full of antioxidants that help the body rebuild itself. They even help in fighting constipation, a possible side effect of some cancer treatments and pain medications. Patients with multiple myeloma are advised to stick to cooked vegetables as raw produce can increase the chances of one catching an infection, which is dangerous due to their weakened immune system. Fiber If one suffers from constipation due to chemotherapy, then they might have to boost the fiber levels in their diet.

Over the past few years, protein snack bars have gained a lot of popularity. These bars are easy to carry, can be found at any local store, and most importantly, can be eaten on the go. But, with so many available options, how do you know which one is the right one for you? Here are a few things that can help you make that decision. Ensure that it has the right amount of protein Protein does a lot for your body, making it an essential part of the diet. It helps repair the wear and tear in the body, carries electrolytes and other nutrients from one organ to the other, and even regulates the body’s functions. Protein bars are a great way to ensure that you are receiving your daily fill of this vital nutrient. But, more often than not, protein bars fall short of this required amount. So, when deciding on a protein bar of your choice, don’t forget to pick out ones that have more than five grams of protein. This amount can also vary depending on how vigorously you exercise. Avoid those with high sugar content Sugar is essential for the proper functioning of the body. But, this statement is only applicable to naturally occurring sugars found in fruits and vegetables and not to added sugars found in packaged foods. Protein bars are packaged foods, and many of them contain high amounts of added sugars that can do more harm than good. So, how do you pick one that is good for you? A quick glance at the ingredient list should help. Try to avoid protein snack bars with ingredients such as sucrose, corn syrup, and high-fructose corn syrup. Such ingredients contribute to the overall calorie content and can lead to bloating and discomfort. Try to find bars that have only six to eight grams of sugar content.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that mainly affects a person’s ability to move naturally and control common actions. It usually starts with gentle tremors noticeable in one hand and affects muscles, posture, balance, and automatic movements. Several Parkinson’s info options are available online in the form of infographics that illustrate the progression of the disease. The following changes in food intake are also recommended for patients along with medication and treatment. Best foods for managing symptoms Fish Oily fish are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and compounds that can slow down the progression of the neurological disorder. Omega 3s can help counter nerve inflammation and improve the communication between neural pathways that are affected by the disease’s progression. Some foods rich in omega 3s can also boost cognitive function and help reduce the risk of dementia or confusion observed among some patients. Best sources of oily fish include anchovies , salmon , mackerel , sardines , herring , and even oysters . For people who do not consume seafood, fish oil supplements may also work. It is advisable to consult with the doctor to confirm the best options. Fresh fruits Fruits are a great source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For example, bananas and oranges can naturally replenish the body’s vitamin B1 requirements. Different types of citrus fruit, mainly oranges , can replenish vitamin C for better health and immunity. Further, strawberries , blueberries , cranberries , cherries , raspberries , and even grapes are rich in antioxidants and must form part of the food regime. These fruits help counter the free radicals (unstable molecules) that cause oxidative stress and tissue degeneration. This has been linked to the progression of the disease. Nutritionists recommend a combination of antioxidant-rich foods that can certainly help keep these free radicals in check.

Lactose intolerance is the body’s inability to break down lactose, which is a type of natural sugar mostly found in dairy products like milk and yogurt. An enzyme called lactase is responsible for the digestion of this sugar, and when the small intestine fails to produce it, the undigested lactose moves to the big intestine. This causes issues such as bloating, diarrhea, or gas. This article looks at certain symptoms of the condition, what foods to eat and avoid, and milk products that are lactose-free. Symptoms Prominent symptoms are usually visible between 30 to 120 minutes after consumption of any milk products. They include gas, bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and nausea. These symptoms can be varied depending on the quantity of lactose consumed and also the quantity of lactase lacking/present in the body.  The condition is common among adults who have Asian, Hispanic, or African ancestry.  Foods to avoid Any and all milk products are sure to have lactose in it, so when you go grocery shopping, make sure to read the ingredient list when buying a product. It is not just milk or yogurt that can cause the symptoms, ingredients such as butter, cheese, and dry milk solids can also trigger them. Also, look out for whey or whey protein-concentrate, margarine, casein, or nougat, which can have lactose in it.  Apart from these milk products, there could be some foods and recipes that use milk, so it is important to know and identify these items. Some salad dressings use milk products, frozen waffles also have milk solids in it. Additionally, non-kosher lunch meats could contain some lactose. Other foods like sauces, baking mixes, instant soups, dry breakfast cereals all potentially have lactose in it. Managing lactose intolerance The only way to manage this condition is to reduce or fully stop consuming products that have lactose.

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder that causes a person’s red blood cells to break down and become sickle-shaped, leading to a lack of oxygen in the body. Although medicines are used to manage the condition, nutrition is equally important. Eating balanced meals every day helps combat hypermetabolism, reduces sickling and pain, and controls other symptoms. Here are eight sickle cell anemia food options that patients can include in their nutrition regime. Healthy fats Foods like olive oil, canola oil, nuts, and flax seeds are healthy fats with essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. Both of these nutrients contain disease-preventing agents necessary for those with sickle cell anemia. Whole grains Whole grains like wheat, brown rice, and oatmeal are loaded with vital minerals and nutrients like B vitamins, fiber, and folate. These help improve digestion, strengthen the immune system, and help produce healthy red blood cells in the body. Meat Lean meats like chicken, fatty fish like salmon, and even an occasional slab of red meat are healthy sickle cell anemia nutrition options. They contain protein, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids that help decrease inflammation, boost immune function, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Fruits Colorful fruits like bananas, oranges, kiwis, peaches, and lemons are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Patients must eat different verities every day to ensure they get the benefits of everything. Vegetables Like fruits, patients must also have plenty of veggies, mainly dark leafy options like spinach and kale, and colorful veggies like peppers. They provide a good amount of fiber, folate, and potassium that help protect the body from infections, lower blood pressure, and maintain skin and eye health. Milk and milk products Low-fat milk and milk products like cheese and yogurt provide vitamin D and calcium, both of which are essential for stronger bones.