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. So, if one spies a food label listing with more than 3 ingredients, then they can be sure that that food item is processed.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the inner lining of the large intestine and rectum. While there is no cure for the condition, a healthy nutrition regime is key to managing and alleviating the symptoms and avoiding flare-ups. Since there is no one particular nutrition plan for people with ulcerative colitis, there are certain foods that one should add to their meals to help keep the symptoms at bay. Yogurt Yogurt contains probiotics, which are live bacteria that have health benefits. Probiotics are thought to help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, and they may also help reduce inflammation. While more research is needed, it is found that probiotic-rich foods like yogurt may help improve the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. One can include yogurt to their daily meals by adding it to their breakfast smoothie or even as a healthy evening snack. Low-fiber foods such as bananas One food group that’s recommended to help alleviate the signs of ulcerative colitis is low-fiber foods. Bananas are a great example of a low-fiber food that can be helpful for those with ulcerative colitis. They’re easy on the digestive system and can help provide some much-needed relief from the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. Other low-fiber foods that may be helpful include white rice and cooked vegetables. If someone is looking for suggestions to help manage ulcerative colitis, these foods may be a good place to start. However, it is recommended to talk to the doctor before making any major changes to the daily nutrition. Salmon Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, which have anti-inflammatory properties. This means they may help reduce the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis. Some other fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids are sardines, mackerel, and herring. Lean meat Packed with protein, lean meat can be helpful for people with ulcerative colitis.

The red blood cells in the blood are made in the bone marrow. The cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to various regions of the body. However, sometimes people may develop a condition called polycythemia vera that causes the bone marrow to create excessive red blood cells. The elevated RBC count thickens the blood, slowing down its flow. While the disease is rare, it may lead to health complications. Causes The exact cause of polycythemia vera is yet to be determined. However, the disease develops when there is a mutation in a gene that may trigger problems in blood cell production. The body usually regulates the quantity of each of the three types of blood cells—red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. However, when one develops polycythemia vera, the bone marrow produces an abnormally large number of these cells. Symptoms Many people with polycythemia vera do not have noticeable symptoms, mainly because the condition progresses gradually. Some vague symptoms caused by the disease are dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, and headache. However, more specific symptoms include: Numbness, burning or tingling sensation, and weakness in the hands, feet, legs, or arms Itching after a warm bath or shower Unusual bleeding, including bleeding gums or a nosebleed Painful swelling in one of the joints, usually the big toe Feeling full after eating and bloating or pain in the left upper abdomen as a result of an enlarged spleen Difficulty breathing while lying down Shortness of breath Remedies If one is diagnosed with polycythemia vera, the doctor will recommend treatments such as frequent blood withdrawals or prescription options to reduce the number of red blood cells. However, one may also follow these remedies at home to help them manage the symptoms: Regular exercise: Moderate physical activity like walking may help improve blood flow in the body.

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a rare type of blood-cell cancer that starts in the bone marrow. Generally common among older adults, this type of leukemia is caused due to spontaneous chromosome mutation. Along with these treatments, it is essential to pay close attention to one’s meal plans as well. Here are a few important nutritional recommendations for those with chfronic myeloid leukemia. Eat lots of vegetables It is recommended that one should have steamed vegetables to get all the essential nutrients. Stir-fries are also a healthy option; a stir-fried meal of carrots, broccoli, mushrooms, and an assortment of peppers not only tastes good but also has several important vitamins and minerals. Another option is making soups, especially from green leafy vegetables including chard, collard greens, mustard greens, kale, and spinach. Vegetable juice with low-sodium content is also recommended. Increase servings of fresh fruits Those suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia should have five to ten servings of fruits every day. Fresh fruits are one of the richest sources of nutrients that fight cancer cells. Fruits contain all the essential vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Make sure to add fruits to salads, breakfast cereals, yogurt, smoothies, pancakes, and wherever possible so that the daily requirement is fulfilled. Eat tummy-soothing foods Treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia generally reaks havoc on the digestive system with side effects such as nausea and vomiting. At such times, it is advisable to eat foods that cool down the stomach. Avoid spicy foods and caffeine. Instead opt for crackers, camomile tea, popsicles, ginger ale, and other clear liquid-based food. Avoid uncooked food Chronic myeloid leukemia treatments often lead to low levels of neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell. To improve the count of neutrophils, it is important to stay away from uncooked food. These include raw vegetables and fruits, except fruits with thick peels such as bananas, oranges, and other citrus fruits.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system destroys melanocytes, the skin cells that make pigment. The condition causes depigmentation to specific skin patches and occurs when the skin starts losing its natural color and leaves milky-white patches all over it. While there are no ways to prevent or cure vitiligo, it can be managed by adopting a healthy lifestyle and staying hydrated. Check out a few more ways to curb its spreading. Have nutrient-dense meals Since vitiligo is an autoimmune condition, it can be managed by eating nutrient-dense meals. It boosts the immune system, which directly helps manage vitiligo symptoms. A plant-based meal plan that includes the following nutrients is often recommended. Antioxidants – Vitamins like C and E are naturally occurring compounds that function like antioxidants. Foods such as berries, green leafy veggies, herbs, dark chocolate, and nuts contain these compounds. These help deal with oxidative stress and avoid cell damage, which invariably alleviates the symptoms of vitiligo. Phytochemicals – Compounds such as beta-carotene are phytochemicals found primarily in plants. These include vibrant veggies and fruits like sweet potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, and carrots. Omega-3 fatty acids – Many nuts, seeds, and oily fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients boost the immune function and help with cell repair. Vitamin D – Vitiligo can cause a vitamin D deficiency. So, including foods rich in it will help prevent further symptoms. Foods that fall under this category are egg yolks, oily fish, and fortified dairy products like yogurt and milk. Restrict the intake of fatty, gluten-rich foods Lowering or avoiding the intake of foods high in fats and gluten can also help prevent vitiligo from affecting more areas of the skin. In addition, restricting inflammation-causing foods will also help.

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.

Dyskinesia is a movement disorder that is characterized by involuntary muscle movement. It usually affects the head, or the arms and sometimes the entire body. It could also be painful. While suffering from dyskinesia, a person can experience mild to debilitating discomfort. Based on the type and severity of the condition, it could affect your daily activities as well. The frequency and the intensity of the condition cannot be predicted. Dyskinesia is often observed in people suffering from Parkinson’s disease. It could be caused due to levodopa treatment, which continues for a long time. It may also occur in people with movement disorders and is not restricted to Parkinson’s patients alone. People with brain injuries or others who take antipsychotic medications could also experience the condition. These uncontrollable movements could be as mild as minor body twitches to complete movement of the body. Facts about dyskinesia Dyskinesia starts out as minor fidgets or movements that are abnormal and uncontrollable in the dominant hand or foot. It could be a minor shake or tremor. The causes of dyskinesia may vary depending on the type of the condition. People who suffer from dyskinesia due to autism could benefit from behavioral therapy. Unless symptoms pose a significant challenge and affect daily life, it may go untreated if the symptoms are mild. Symptoms of dyskinesia Dyskinesia’s symptoms are different for each person. It may be mild with minor movements of the hands, feet, or head. It could also be more severe wherein multiple body parts start moving randomly. The symptoms tend to get worse over time and some symptoms start after a serious brain injury or they may get intense after trauma to the head. Dyskinesia is not related to the tremors experienced by Parkinson’s patients. Feeling excited or particularly stressed may trigger symptoms.

How to manage skin flare-ups for psoriasis: treatment and medications Psoriasis is a skin condition that is known to be a recurring autoimmune disorder. This condition is characterized by red, flaky patches on the skin, and there is a rapid buildup of skin cells, which causes scaling on the skin’s surface. Though some treatments help ease the symptoms of psoriasis, there is no cure for this condition. These treatments are a combination of home remedies and prescribed medications to control specific triggers. Different treatment approaches There are two types of approaches to treating this condition. The first is topical and involves direct application of creams and ointments on the skin to relieve mild to moderate psoriasis. The other is the systemic approach, which involves taking medication orally or injecting it directly to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. Since these medications can have severe side-effects, they are just short-term prescriptions. Light therapy is another approach to treatment that uses ultraviolet or natural light to kill the overactive white blood cells that attack healthy skin cells and cause rapid cell growth, leading to the buildup. Patients are advised to use both UVA and UVB light to help reduce the symptoms of this condition. Prescriptions to be aware of when getting treated for this condition Skyrizi This is the brand name for risankizumab-rzaa. This medication is an injection prescribed to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It is not known yet whether Skyrizi is safe or effective for children aged below 18 years. Stelara Its generic name is ustekinumab, and this medication is an immunosuppressant that reduces the effects of a chemical substance in the body that causes inflammation. Unlike skyrizi, this is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults as well as children aged 12 years and above. Ilumya It is an injection prescribed to treat moderate to severe cases of psoriasis in adults.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare condition and majorly affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord. These neurons are essential components of the central nervous system and are responsible for controlling muscle movement. As a result of this condition, the muscles in various organs undergo atrophy and become weak and degenerate. SMA is classified into the following four main types on the basis of the severity of the condition. Type 1 Type 1 SMA is sometimes known as Werdnig-Hoffmann disease and is considered to be the most severe of the four types. Out of all the people suffering from SMA, 60% of people are known to be suffering from type 1. In this type, major symptoms are observed within the first six months from the child being born. Such babies may have trouble holding up their heads or even sucking and swallowing. This condition often leads to other conditions such as respiratory infections and pneumothorax due to the weakening of muscles. Type 2 This type of SMA is also called Dubowitz disease, and it is usually diagnosed in children between six months and 18 months of age. AS opposed to type 1, children with type 2 SMA can better manage this condition and have better chances of living a relatively normal life up to adulthood. This is an intermediate form of atrophy that may sometimes cause difficulty in walking without external support in some children. Type 3 This form of SMA is milder than type 2, and the symptoms of atrophy are usually not observed before the child is at least 18 months old. Type 3 SMA is also sometimes referred to as Kugelbert-Welander or juvenile-onset SMA, and can it sometimes show no symptoms until the early stages of adulthood. Some patients may face a little trouble while walking and might need to use a wheelchair, but on the whole, people suffering from type 3 SMA are usually expected to have a normal life span.