With pollution levels rising, many people are having difficulty breathing or being diagnosed with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), among others. To avoid triggering or worsening the symptoms of these breathing conditions, you can avoid certain foods. Listed below are a few foods that trigger breathing issues. 1. Bacon, ham, sausage, and deli meats These are among the foods that trigger breathing issues as they contain nitrites. Nitrites are used to process and preserve these food items. They help to increase their shelf-life and make them look more appetizing. However, nitrites can cause inflammation in the lungs and are best avoided by those with breathing issues or respiratory disorders. 2. Wine, beer, and hard liquor Consuming more than two alcoholic drinks a day can prove harmful not just for your overall health but also for your lungs. Alcohol contains sulfites which can trigger or worsen the symptoms of respiratory issues such as asthma. Ethanol in alcohol can also affect the health of your lungs and make you more prone to developing lung problems and health conditions like pneumonia that can affect your breathing. Some drinks such as beer that are gassy can result in bloating or a tightening of the chest, which can cause breathing difficulty.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects both just adults and children. High blood sugar levels due to low insulin production or insulin resistance can cause serious complications like blindness, heart disease, and kidney disease if left untreated. Listed here are some of the worst food choices for diabetes patients. These foods should be avoided to manage the condition effectively. 1. White rice, pasta, and bread These foods top the list of the worst food choices for people with diabetes as they are loaded with carbohydrates. These processed foods are mostly made from refined white flour and contain very little fiber. Fiber helps slow down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, so consuming low-fiber foods can increase blood sugar levels. So, one should opt for high-fiber foods or those made with whole grains. 2. Frozen dinners, baked goods, and margarine Foods that contain artificial trans fats are unhealthy, and they are also among the worst food choices for people with diabetes. These trans fats are often added to peanut butter, spreads, creamers, muffins, and crackers to prolong their shelf-life. Although trans fats do not directly elevate blood sugar levels, they have been known to increase inflammation in the body.

For schizophrenia, characterized by delusion, hallucinations, and an absence of facial expressions, the conventional treatment involves long-term medication and psychological therapy. However, these medications though effective, have considerable side effects. To ensure maximum effectiveness of treatment and help manage symptoms and reduce side effects, it is important that schizophrenia patients have a nutritious diet along with conventional treatment. In some cases, it was found that improvements triggered by diets that can help schizophrenia resulted in reduced dosage. To help you, here is a list of foods that can help schizophrenia patients. 1. Fruits Fiber-rich diets can lower the chances of schizophrenia-related health symptoms such as diabetes, obesity, and cholesterol. Several studies suggest that fiber aids in digestion and lowers bad cholesterol. Fruits such as raspberries, apples, and pears are a good source of fibers as well as vitamins, making them a pertinent part of a schizophrenia patient’s diet. 2. Vegetables Vegetables are low in fats and do not have unnecessary calories that cause cholesterol. They are full of fibers and vitamins, including potassium, a key nutrient that keeps blood sugar under control. Ensure to include all categories of vegetables in the diet of schizophrenia patients, especially beans like lima beans, kidney beans, and others.

Arthritis is a condition where a person’s joints become weak, leading to pain and stiffness. The disorder can be of several types, depending on which joint is affected. Most people prefer using medication —commonly doctors will prescribe Temfya, Voltaren, Xeljanz, Advil, Humira, Rinvoq, Guselkumab, Simponi Aria, and Actemra as medication treatments—and exercise for treating the condition, but diet is often forgotten. Here, we discuss a list of superfoods that are best for arthritis. These should be consumed regularly to manage the problem better. 1. Green tea Green tea is loaded with a natural antioxidant called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which helps control inflammation by reducing the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body. Many doctors suggest that the remedy is especially useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis. People suffering from the condition should have one or two servings of green tea daily to reap the benefits. 2. Salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel These fish are superfoods for arthritis as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids help in managing inflammation and joint pain associated with the condition. Nutritionists recommend eating two to four ounces of these fish twice or thrice a week. 3. Canola and olive oils Canola and olive oils are rich sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, suitable for joint conditions like arthritis.

Heart disease is on the rise, and this is a well-known fact. As one of the leading causes of death around the world, it is important to know more about the condition. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to cholesterol levels in your body. A well-balanced diet helps in keeping these levels at an appropriate level. Here are certain cholesterol-lowering foods that reduce the risk of heart disease and cholesterol. 1. Pulses or legumes Beans, lentils, peas, and other pulses are a part of plant foods that contain abundant amounts of fiber, minerals, and protein. By including these in your diet, you will be lowering the risk of heart diseases and cholesterol. They are a good source of plant-based protein and can help in lowering bad cholesterol or LDL levels. 2. Avocados This fruit is considered one of the best among cholesterol-lowering foods. Besides being nutritionally superior to other fruits, avocados are a rich source of monosaturated fats and fiber. These nutrients assist in lowering “bad” (LDL) and elevating the “good” cholesterol (HDL). There have been quite a few clinical studies supporting these facts. 3. Nuts The calcium, potassium, and magnesium in nuts (especially almonds and walnuts) are known to reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.

Gout is a form of painful arthritis. The symptoms trigger when high levels of uric acid in the blood forms crystals and gets accumulated in and around a joint. Adherence to a gout diet helps in the reduction of uric acid levels in the blood. A gout diet isn’t a cure, but it lowers the risk of recurring gout attacks and slows the progression of joint damage. Always avoid these foods that make gout worse. Foods that make gout worse 1. Meats All types of organ meats should be completely avoided. These include kidneys, liver, sweetbreads, brains, tongue, and tripe. Such food contains the highest levels of purines. Other types of meats that have a moderate level of purines should be limited to four ounces per day. 2. Fish and seafood Seafood and fish are common sources of purines. Stop eating sardines, herring, anchovies, and mackerel if your uric acid level is high. These are the foods that make gout worse. Seafood, including shrimp, lobster, crab, and oysters, also needs to be avoided. 3. Whole grain Plenty of whole grains, including oatmeal, bran, and wheat germ, contain a moderate level of purines. Hence, patients with gout should be careful if they prefer whole grain foods.

Ulcerative colitis is the inflammation of the colon, and ulcers on the inner lining. You need to watch what you eat to avoid the triggers and yet get the essential nutrients. That is where a diet plan can help track the symptoms and trigger foods for ulcerative colitis. 1. Dairy Products Most dairy products contain lactose or milk sugar, an enzyme to which some people with ulcerative colitis might be intolerant. However, certain cheese such as cheddar and parmesan are low in lactose. You may be able to eat them even if you have to avoid other dairy products. 2. High-fiber Fruits and Vegetables High fiber foods might cause increased bowel movements with cramps and abdominal pain in people with this illness. Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, and other foods like leafy greens, and apples need to be avoided altogether. However, you can eat peeled and cooked fruits and vegetables instead of raw produce as they are easy to digest. Some quantity may be reintroduced to your diet during the remission of symptoms and trigger foods for ulcerative colitis. 3. Low-fiber Fruits Foods that are low in fiber, easy to digest and high in nutrition can easily be consumed even during a flare-up.

Our immune system consists of organs, cells, tissues, and proteins. Together, they fight pathogens, which we call viruses, bacteria, or other foreign bodies that cause disease, cold, or infection. A stronger immunity is the key to good health. So, what are the things we should do to improve our immune system against various infections, including colds and flu? Food selection is one area that we can work on easily. Certain foods can power our immune system. Read on to discover the 7 best immunity-boosting foods for cold and flu. 1. Turmeric The yellow spice turmeric has been used in remedial practices to fight infections and inflammation for ages. Turmeric contains a considerable amount of curcumin compound, which is rich in antioxidants. Thus, it helps prevent flu, cold, and other critical diseases such as heart ailments and cancer. 2. Ginger Traditionally, ginger has been used extensively in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It helps in digestion, reduces nausea, and fights the symptoms of flu and the common cold. Gingerol is the prime bioactive compound available in ginger that makes its flavor and fragrance unique. 3. Garlic Garlic is also one of the best immunity boosting foods for cold and has significant antibiotic properties.

Parents have to constantly juggle responsibilities as they go through the motions of a routine day. Whether it is catching up with work, ascertaining that children stay updated with academics, or dealing with the upkeep of a home, time is a huge constraint. To ensure the day’s rush doesn’t adversely affect your child’s diet, here are some great snack ideas for busy parents. 1. Veggies with a hummus dip When it comes to low-calorie and tasty snacks, nothing beats well-made hummus. It is considered a superfood, and rightly so. Pre-chop carrots and cucumbers before you refrigerate them. Serve these up with homemade hummus. You can add a twist to regular hummus by adding beetroot (preboiled) as you grind the ingredients. If you don’t have the time to cook, then you can opt for an organic, store-bought version. 2. Applesauce Always use an unsweetened version of applesauce as a snack. While applesauce is a wonderful snack on its own, you can mix it with other ingredients to give it a different spin. For instance, try mixing the snack with your child’s favorite yogurt flavor. You could also choose to add whole-grain cereal, granola, a small fistful of dry fruits to it.

Several studies have been done to find out the real cause of migraine. You will be surprised to know that besides your lifestyle and environmental triggers, there are many food triggers that can give you head-splitting pain. Like symptoms, migraine food triggers also differ from person to person. Let’s find out which foods in your diet are acting against you. 1. Coffee Coffee is a lifesaver for many, but sadly, it is also a migraine trigger. Although coffee itself is not the cause of migraines, it is advisable to go easy on your coffee intake. Two cups are usually enough for a day. 2. Aged cheese Bad news for cheese lovers! Cheese has a substance called tyramine that is formed when the proteins in cheese break down. The greater the age of cheese, the more the tyramine. If you suffer from migraines often, then check the age of the cheese. Avoid consuming blue cheese, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and brie. 3. Processed meats Processed meats, such as bacon, salami, ham, lunch meats, sausages, and deli meats, have nitrates, which help them retain color and flavor. Nitrates dilate blood vessels and trigger headaches. So, the next time you choose one of these meats, think twice.