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.

A disorder in which a patient experiences a deficiency in red blood cells due to mutation is called sickle cell anemia. When one suffers from such a disease, the production of healthy red blood cells that are round and biconcave gets disrupted and the body produces sickle-shaped cells with pointed ends. These cells are rigid and can not travel easily through the blood vessels. Causes Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder that is caused when the hemoglobin alpha and beta genes undergo mutation. As a result of this mutation, patients suffering from this disease produce abnormal hemoglobin that is rigid and malformed. Symptoms A variety of symptoms are observed in sickle cell anemia patients, the most common ones are Vision-related problems When mutated red blood cells travel to the eyes through the thin optic blood vessels, they can obstruct blood flow to the eyes. As a result, the retina doesn’t get sufficient nutrition and oxygen, which can cause vision-related problems like blurriness and even partial blindness. Swelling The unusual shape and sharp edges of sickle cells cause them to get stuck in the blood vessels, which results in the blockage of blood flow to various parts of the body. Such a blockage causes swelling and inflammation in the parts where the blood doesn’t flow, such as the hands and feet. Infections Sickle-shaped cells that are formed in this type of blood disease cause a lot of damage to the spleen. As a result, the body’s defense against antigens gets compromised, which can make patients vulnerable to frequent infections and ailments. Intermittent pain People suffering from sickle cell anemia often experience abrupt episodes of pain, which normally occurs in areas like the chest, abdomen, and joints. Treatment Unfortunately, there isn’t yet a definitive cure that will completely get rid of sickle cell anemia in a patient.

High levels of blood sugar can lead to health complications like cardiovascular diseases and kidney problems. Moreover, it can increase the risk of diabetes mellitus. While medications and other treatment options prescribed by the doctor can help manage blood sugar levels, making necessary changes to one’s food regimen can also help lower blood sugar levels. If you are wondering how to lower blood sugar levels naturally, consider including the following foods in your daily meals.  Oats Foods with high glycemic value can increase the risk of diabetes, and oats are an excellent food option to help lower blood sugar levels and reduce this risk. The soluble fiber content in oats helps lower cholesterol levels, lowering the dependency on insulin shots. Cinnamon This spice is often added to breakfast cereals or rolls. Cinnamon is not only rich in minerals and antioxidants that boost immunity, but it can also help lower blood sugar levels by increasing the body’s insulin sensitivity. This makes it efficient in moving glucose into cells. Research says that consuming cinnamon can improve insulin sensitivity immediately, with the effects lasting for up to 12 hours. Fenugreek Fenugreek contains fiber and chemicals that can slow the digestion process and absorption of carbohydrates and sugar, helping improve the body’s ability to produce insulin. You can consume fenugreek seeds soaked in hot water. Yogurt Boosting metabolism and digestion is the way to go if you’re wondering how to lower blood sugar levels naturally. Probiotic foods like yogurt improve digestion by increasing the number of healthy gut bacteria, which help improve digestion. Chia seeds and flaxseeds These are considered superfoods as both chia seeds and flaxseeds contain healthy fats, fiber, and proteins. Incorporating these in your daily meals helps control cholesterol levels and also aids in improving blood sugar levels. Fatty fish Fatty fish like salmon, trout, mackerel, and herring have zero Glycemic Index (GI) scores, which means they do not elevate blood sugar levels.

Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens the bones. It mainly affects the bones in the hip, wrist, and the spine. The bones become porous and brittle over a period of time, increasing the risk of fractures. However, patients can manage the symptoms so that their quality of life is improved. Doctors usually recommend a combination of foods and certain medications for effective management of the symptoms. Some of these foods and medications are mentioned below. Fruits Papayas, oranges, and bananas are loaded with potassium and help neutralize acid buildup in the bones, preventing calcium loss. Kiwi and figs are also excellent choices. They are loaded with calcium and vitamins A, C, and K that help boost bone density. Seafood Sardines, tuna, mackerel, and salmon are the preferred choices when it comes to seafood. These fish are loaded with vitamin D, an essential nutrient that helps the body absorb and retain calcium naturally. Dark-green leafy vegetables Kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, Chinese cabbage, and a healthy portion of greens, including collard, dandelion, mustard, and turnip, supplement the daily vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium requirements, keeping the bones strong. Colored veggies Artichokes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and red and green peppers are excellent sources of magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C. These colorful veggies are also rich in carotenoids, an antioxidant that boosts bone health. Dairy products Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products that have been fortified with fat-soluble vitamins contain calcium. Those who are lactose intolerant can switch to soy-based substitutes like soy milk or tofu. Nuts A handful of walnuts, almonds, pecans, and pistachios provide the necessary phosphorus and magnesium to support bone mass, growth, and density. A one-ounce serving of assorted nuts is sufficient for adults. Legumes Different beans, including edamame, black beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans, are preferred legume choices.

Nasal polyps are noncancerous and develop in the nose or sinuses. They usually develop due to allergies, inflammation, or infections and include symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, breathing difficulties, and itching. And though there are doctor-recommended treatments for the condition, you can always try eating certain foods and other natural remedies to manage the symptoms of nasal polyps. Foods to eat Ginger Research suggests that ginger contains antimicrobial properties that can alleviate inflammation and enhance immunity. You can add about 1-2 tsp of ginger powder spice or its root to your food for best results. Echinacea Echinacea, as a powdered supplement, extract, or infused in tea, is an immune-booster that helps manage symptoms of nasal polyps. Cayenne pepper Cayenne pepper contains spice, hot pepper, and capsaicin that helps clear sinuses. It is also known to clear nasal passages, relieve inflammation, and improve immunity. You can add 1-2 tsp of the spice to your food or recipes. Butterbur Studies show that butterbur holds several properties to manage symptoms of nasal polyps. These include sinus-related symptoms such as allergies, migraines, headaches, and asthma. You can purchase butterbur extracts and follow the label’s instructions. Turmeric Turmeric, though not a cure for nasal polyps, is a known source of anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can soothe inflammation and reduce any irritation in the airways. As for how to use the powder, mix a teaspoon or two into your daily meals, or try it as a hot cup of turmeric-infused tea. Chamomile tea Chamomile is an excellent food source for relieving the symptoms of nasal polyps. A tea made from the medicinal flower can alleviate allergies, sinuses, and even inflammation. Adults can have about four cups (about 220 to 1600 mg) of chamomile tea per day. Sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes are high in nutrients known to treat the symptoms of the condition.

There are several lifestyles as well as physiological factors that can increase the risk of cancer in some people. In order to reduce such a risk, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle and follow healthy nutritional habits that prevent the growth of cancerous cells. There are several foods that are known to reduce the risk of cancer and also certain foods that can increase such a risk. Foods to eat These are foods that you must add to your daily lifestyle since they improve overall health and prevent the growth of cancer cells. Garlic Garlic is known to be rich in antioxidants. It also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Garlic knobs and cloves are high in sulfur, selenium, and flavonoids. And when crushed, they produce allicin. All these properties are known to improve the ability to fight cancerous agents. Broccoli Broccoli is one of the best food sources where fighting cancer is concerned. The vegetable is rich in sulforaphane, a compound known to empower the body’s protective enzymes and flush out cancer-causing chemicals. Tomatoes Tomatoes contain enhanced levels of vitamin A, C, and E — all of which are known to reduce cancer risk or prevent the disease from occurring. Tomatoes also contain high amounts of lycopene — an antioxidant that can prevent heart diseases. Carrots Carrots are another viable food source to ward off potential cancers. They contain beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant known to reduce cancer growth and protect cell membranes from damage. Multiple studies have suggested that carrots are beneficial in fighting against cervical cancer. Strawberries Apart from being a juicy red fruit, strawberries are also known to have medicinal properties. They come packed with vitamin C, a known cancer-fighting agent. Studies show that smokers who consume significant amounts of vitamin C are less prone to developing cancer symptoms.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative brain condition that affects movement. It does not have a known cure, but certain measures can help slow down the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. Several studies show that healthy, balanced meals can improve one’s ability to deal with Parkinson’s. The article sheds light on foods to eat and treatment options to manage Parkinson’s. But before that, let’s look at some common symptoms of the condition. It is crucial to recognize early signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. However, keep in mind that the disease manifests differently in different people, both in terms of severity of symptoms and progression. Here are some common signs to look out for: Tremors Tremors are involuntary muscle contractions that result in shaking movements. In the condition’s early stages, tremors are usually noticed in fingers or hands, even when they are at rest. Muscle stiffness Another common early sign is stiffness and rigidity of the muscles in the body. This can also lead to a decreased range of motion. Other signs can include slow movement, loss of smell, and smaller handwriting. Here are some of the top foods to eat to manage Parkinson’s: Berries Berries are rich in antioxidants and can fight off oxidative damage. This means they can help slow down the progression of this degenerative neurological condition. They also help preserve the quality of life of the patient. Additionally, berries have high vitamin C content, making them good for immunity and useful to ward off any secondary infections or complications caused by the condition.  Broccoli Broccoli is one of the best foods to combat diseases or disorders. The nutrient-dense veggie is rich in antioxidants and minerals like iron and magnesium. It can help slow down the progression rate of Parkinson’s disease and fight off damage caused by free radicals.

Macular degeneration, commonly known as AMD or Age-related Macular Degeneration, is a degenerative eye disorder that affects a large number of individuals over the age of 50. It is caused due to damage in the macula that is present in the retina. It can lead to poor vision and eyesight-related problems. In this article, we take a closer look at the early signs and symptoms as well as foods to eat and avoid for AMD.  Loss of quality of vision Individuals who suffer from AMD start to experience an overall loss in their vision. Individuals could have trouble seeing clearly in the dark, have blurry vision, or even be unable to see clearly in poor light or darkness.  Visual distortion Another common early sign of macular degeneration is visual distortion. Visual distortion makes it difficult for the individual to see straight lines. Items often appear bent or distorted, and this can make the person’s everyday life very difficult. Other common signs of AMD Other common signs and symptoms that can manifest in the early stages of macular degeneration are difficulties in recognizing and distinguishing faces, a decrease in intensity and brightness of colors, trouble adapting to dimly-lit locations such as restaurants, and blurry spots or blind spots in the field of vision.  Aside from medication, studies have suggested that certain foods can help improve overall eye health as well as slow down the progression of macular degeneration. They include:  Kale Kale is rich in antioxidants known as carotenoids, which help protect the cells that are necessary for vision. Kale also contains lutein and zeaxanthin that help boost the protection of the macula and slow the progression of macular degeneration. Orange Oranges contain vitamin C, which is essential in building collagen, a protein responsible for improving blood vessels in the body including the eyes.