Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disorder where the immune system mistakes the myelin as an enemy and tries to destroy it. Myelin, a protective cover that insulates the nerve fibers, is responsible for sending electrical signals from the brain to the other parts of the body. The condition is autoimmune in nature and cannot be cured. Which is why the treatments are primarily focused on speeding the recovery, coping and managing the symptoms, and slowing the progression. Treatments for multiple sclerosis attacks Plasmapheresis In this treatment, the liquid portion of the blood, the plasma, is removed and separated from the blood cells. These blood cells are then mixed with a solution of protein (albumin). This treatment is used if one is experiencing severe symptoms of multiple sclerosis that have not responded to other medications and steroids. Corticosteroids This is a group of medication that is effective in reducing the inflammation of nerves in case of an attack. However, the side-effect of this group of medicines includes increased blood pressure, fluid retention, mood swings, and insomnia. Disease-modifying therapies In order to slow the progression and lower the relapse rate of the condition, disease-modifying therapies are used. It is extremely crucial to consult a doctor before consuming any of these medications, as they could be harmful.

Eczema is a common type of skin problem that could cause itchiness and redness to your skin. Sometimes, the condition of eczema is referred to as atopic dermatitis which is an allergy. Those who have this issue will generally have asthma and allergies along with the red and itchy skin. Eczema is not a contagious disease. However, the exact cause of eczema is still to be procured. Types of eczematous dermatitis Atopic dermatitis This is one of the most common types of eczematous dermatitis. Although it generally starts in childhood, it will go away as one becomes an adult. Hay fever, asthma, and atopic dermatitis form a triad which means someone who has atopic dermatitis will have the other two conditions as well. Symptoms Rashes in elbows and knees Rashes turning lighter or thicker or even darker The appearance of small bumps which could start leaking once you scratch them Rashes on the scalp or the cheek of the babies Contact dermatitis If the itchiness and the redness of your skin are due to a reaction caused by a substance you touch then you might be having contact dermatitis. This type of eczematous dermatitis has two other types which are allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis.

Arthritis can be described as an autoimmune disorder that leads to chronic inflammation of the joints. Generally, body parts like the knees, hands, and fingers are mainly affected by this chronic disease. The disease begins with mild symptoms that often lead to a bigger systemic illness affecting the different portions of the human body. The arthritis pain symptoms differ from one individual to another, and it may change on a day-to-day basis. Arthritis pain can be identified with the help of its symptoms. You must remember that the symptoms may vary from person to person, and you have to get a detailed idea to deal with this chronic disease. Here are some of the basic symptoms and treatment methods of rheumatoid arthritis that’ll give you an idea of what it is. Fatigue Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis pain in almost all phases. Fatigue results from the active inflammation of joints, anemia, medication habits, and poor sleep. Patients feel uneasy and often report a lack of energy. Moreover, it can affect their emotions, occupation, sex drive, relationship, mood, happiness, creativity, productivity, and attentiveness. Many experts have revealed that fatigue and rheumatoid arthritis also have a connection with weight loss and poor appetite.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is an involuntary contracting of the muscles in the pelvic region. This creates an urge to urinate even when the bladder isn’t actually full. This urge can happen frequently, even within a small period of time. Symptoms of an overactive bladder are usually having an urgent need to urinate, waking up at night to urinate, or losing control of your bladder. Although the exact cause of an overactive bladder isn’t always clear, possible factors include: 1. Weak pelvic muscles If the pelvic floor muscles are not strong enough to fully empty the bladder, this can cause an overactive bladder. Weak pelvic muscles lead to urine that remains in the bladder for a longer period of time, especially at night when you’re lying down. As this happens, it contributes to the development of OAB, making the symptoms worse. 2. Nerve damage Nerves send messages to your brain about what’s happening in the bladder and control the muscles that allow you to pass urine, so if these are damaged it can lead to OAB. Nerve issues can be caused by conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), stroke, and spinal injuries. 3. Estrogen deficiency after menopause Menopause causes a significant drop in the amount of estrogen that the ovaries produce, and estrogen is important for helping keep your bladder muscles relaxed.

Migraines are a type of headache that causes throbbing pain, especially focused on one side of the head. Migraine symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light, smell, and sound. While avoiding environmental migraine triggers (i.e., weather, smells, etc.) is key for prevention, certain foods or drinks can also trigger a migraine attack for about 10% of sufferers. Here are some common trigger foods for migraines: 1. Foods high in nitrates Nitrates are chemicals found in cured and processed meats like hot dogs, ham and bacon. These foods contain biogenic amines and preservatives that disrupt the body’s normal function. Consuming these foods releases nitric oxide into the blood. Nitric oxide dilates the blood vessels in the brain, which can then trigger a migraine. Foods high in nitrates are typically also high in sodium, which increases blood pressure and dehydrates the body. These could both contribute to a headache or migraine attack. 2. Dairy products Aged cheeses like feta, blue cheese and Gouda contain tyramine, a component which breaks down protein as cheese ages. Foods that are fermented, aged or stored for a long time end up with higher levels of tyramine. Unfortunately, tyramine can be a trigger for migraines.

Gout is a condition in which uric acid crystals build up in the joints, causing intense pain and inflammation. Gouty arthritis typically affects the joints in the feet, particularly the big toe, but it can occur in any joint, depending on the circumstances. The best way to manage gout and prevent frequent flareups is through lifestyle changes including eating habits, exercise, and stress reduction. The following are the top recommended lifestyle changes for managing gout: 1. Limit alcohol Since alcohol can contribute to gout symptoms, avoid drinking if you are suffering from gout. Alcohol is actually one of the top offenders when it comes to substances that aggravate gout symptoms. Not only have studies shown that drinking alcohol can drastically increase the amount of uric acid in your blood, but also that alcohol is one of the top risk factors for gout. 2. Avoid foods rich in purines Uric acid is really only half the story when it comes to gout. You see, foods rich in the chemical compound purines are what break down into uric acid, leading to the formation of urate crystals. Some foods that are naturally high in purines include red meat, refined sugars, processed foods and refined carbs, and seafood and shellfish.

Migraines are debilitating headaches that often cause symptoms of blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Many different environmental factors, including weather, stress, and even smell can trigger a migraine. In fact, 95-percent of migraine sufferers report sensitivity to certain smells, which is known as osmophobia. Specific odors known to trigger migraine attacks include: 1. Cigarette smoke This is one of the most well-known triggers for migraines. This includes smoking cigarettes, pipes, vape pens, and cigars as well as just being around people who are smoking. Smoking is a prevalent migraine trigger because cigarette smoke contains chemicals that irritate the trigeminal nerve, which is located just under the surface of the skin in the face and neck area. Irritation of the trigeminal nerve negatively affects the blood vessels in the brain, which can trigger a migraine headache. 2. Food odors Many food smells can trigger migraines. For instance, if you are sensitive to an ingredient in a certain recipe, cooking it or even being in a room where it’s being prepared may cause headaches. Common food odors that trigger migraines include onions and garlic, spicy, and fatty food smells if foods are deep fried. 3. Perfumes and fragrances If you are sensitive to smells, then perfumes and other strong scents may trigger a migraine.

Anemia is a medical condition characterized by an inadequate red blood cell count. There are many types of anemia, but all of them have symptoms of chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle cramping and weakness, dizziness, and cold hands and feet. Iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent type of anemia, often caused by a lack of iron in the diet. Foods that help to raise iron levels include fish, red meats, and poultry, as well as non-meat foods like dark chocolate, beans, nuts and seeds. While these foods help boost iron, other foods can negatively affect iron absorption, and even make anemia symptoms worse. 1. Tea and coffee These two caffeinated beverages can contribute to worsening anemia symptoms because they contain chemicals that inhibit iron absorption. It is best to avoid drinking tea and coffee when you have anemia, especially with meals. If you do still want to drink coffe and stea, with meals when you have anemia, and to drink them between meals, but not with food. Studies show that this method can help increase iron levels in the body by up to 40%. 2. Milk and other dairy products Milk and other dairy products (i.ebutter, cream, yogurt, sour cream) can interfere with the absorption of iron from plant sources (i.e., dark leafy greens).

Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand and both can be detrimental to physical and mental health. According to psychologists, depression often triggers anxiety, and being chronically anxious leads to worsening symptoms of depression. Although both anxiety and depression can be treated with doctor-prescribed medications and ongoing therapy, our nutrition can also help stabilize mood and reduce depression and anxiety. Here is a list of some of the best snack foods to help with depression: 1. Avocados Avocados contain vitamin B6, which directly aids in the production of serotonin. In observation of patients with mood disorders like depression, it’s often noted that their B6 levels are low. Avocados also contain oleoylethanolamide (OAE), which is a type of bioactive lipid that protects neural cells. Frequent consumption of OAE has been shown to reduce severe depression symptoms by up to 52-percent. Snack idea: guacamole with whole grain crackers. 2. Walnuts Walnuts are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, a healthy fat shown to modify neural signaling and membrane structures, which in turn acts as a natural antidepressant. In fact, studies show that patients with depression that increase their omega 3 intake, boost docosahexaenoic acid (or DHA) in the brain, and this fatty chain acid can help boost memory and learning, all of which help counteract depression symptoms.

Once the cold and flu season hits, it is crucial to take preventive measures such as regularly washing your hands and staying healthy with food and exercise. It’s always best to try and prevent a cold or flu by being prepared to fight it! Common cold and flu symptoms include a runny nose, watery and red eyes, sneezing and coughing, fatigue, and a sore throat. When experiencing these symptoms, there are specific foods that can be particularly helpful. Below are some of the most soothing foods for cold or flu sufferers: 1. Ginger Ginger has long been known as an effective remedy for a sore throat, especially if you have swollen lymph nodes. This plant has antioxidant compounds that can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Brewing some ginger tea can help to clear congestion, restore normal breathing, and soothe a sore throat. You can consume ginger in the form of powdered spice, fresh slices of the root, or grated and added into recipes, like soups and beverages. 2. Citrus fruits We know that many fresh fruits are rich in vitamins responsible for building and boosting the immune system, and citrus fruits are no exception. Fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are recommended during cold season because they are high in vitamin C, which helps the body’s ability to fight cold and flu viruses.

Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen) in the body is lower than expected. Bodies with inadequate healthy red blood cells are unable to carry adequate oxygen to the body’s tissues, causing a myriad of health issues. There are many types of anemia, however, iron deficiency anemia is the most common type, accounting for up to 80% of cases worldwide. This post discusses some common types of anemias and how to treat them: 1. Iron deficiency anemia Iron is a vital component of proteins involved in the transportation and storage of oxygen throughout the body. When you don’t have enough iron, red blood cells cannot transport enough vital oxygen to your tissues, leading to symptoms of fatigue, pale skin, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate. Iron deficiency anemia usually occurs due to poor diet or intestinal bleeding (i.e., peptic ulcer, colon polyps, blood loss due to injury, etc.). Iron-deficiency anemia is usually treated with iron supplements or dietary changes, which include adding more iron to your diet. Foods high in iron include red meat, beans and lentils, fish (tuna and salmon), poultry (chicken and turkey), and dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach and Swiss chard.