The type of food we eat plays an important role when it comes to certain health conditions in the human body. And this even goes for conditions like asthma, a chronic lung disease that causes severe inflammation of the airways, thus making it hard to breathe. Of course, some treatments include medications, among others, to regulate the symptoms of the condition. However, leaving out these foods from daily meals can also help complement one’s recovery. Dairy products Most of us include dairy products in quite a few of our meals. However, studies have shown that consuming dairy products may also trigger the symptoms of asthma. This is because consuming dairy products leads to increased production of mucus in the lungs, leading to asthma symptoms. Dried fruits While dried fruits are considered healthy and a good food source for other conditions, it’s something one ought to avoid when it comes to asthma. Dried fruits contain preservatives like potassium bisulfite. The sulfites are known to trigger inflammation in the airways and lead to an asthma flare-up. Desserts and red meats Foods like red meats, sausages, and desserts are known to increase the risk of inflammation. These foods contain unhealthy fats and can lead to weight gain.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, impacting mind-body coordination. While no nutrition plan can cure MS, studies show that certain foods like turmeric and avocadoes can help manage the symptoms. Most of these foods have anti-inflammatory properties, and researchers say that reducing inflammation in the body can help. Here are five foods that MS patients must eat, along with a few pills for relapsing MS. Salmon Salmon is one of the best foods for people with MS. It is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fats that help fight inflammation and potentially help improve MS symptoms. Moreover, salmon is rich in vitamin D, a nutrient that many MS patients lack. Turmeric Turmeric is a fragrant, yellow spice that has long been used for treating various ailments. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which can help protect nerve cells and boost the immune system. Curcumin also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can fight inflammation that contributes to MS. Avocado Avocados are loaded with various nutrients that can combat inflammation, such as monounsaturated fats, lutein, glutathione, vitamin E, and phenolic antioxidants. Plus, it contains phytosterols, or plant sterols, that help stave off inflammation. Patients can eat raw avocados every day or enjoy guacamole, an avocado-based dip.

Many people worry about being diagnosed with cancer because of their family history and environment and look for ways to prevent the disease. While cancer cannot be prevented entirely, one can lower the risk by following a healthy routine and eating nutritious foods. Research says that some food items have compounds that can restrict the growth of cancer cells in the body and help fight the disease. We have listed four such foods below. Broccoli Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, lettuce, and Brussels sprouts, are rich in sulforaphane, a chemical compound known to possess anti-cancer properties. Sulforaphane can help reduce the size of the tumor in cancer patients and even kill prostate cancer cells. Thus, it not only helps manage cancer symptoms but also lowers the risk of the disease. Bananas Free radicals are malicious molecules that damage healthy cells. Persistent cell damage increases the risk of cancer. However, studies reveal that bananas contain lectin, a rich antioxidant that helps counter and removes cancer-causing free radicals. Regular consumption of this ready-to-eat and easily digestible fruit lowers the risk of certain cancers to some extent.  Nuts Nuts like almonds, cashews, and Brazil nuts are rich in essential nutrients like vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and selenium.

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a lung disease that can affect the pulmonary arteries. The rare but severe condition can cause high blood pressure in the lungs and increase the risk of suffering right heart failure. Though there is no cure for (PH) the U.S. FDA has approved treatments to help cope with the condition. Further, patients are also advised to avoid certain foods during treatment to speed up their recovery. Foods to avoid Avoid these foods in order to reduce the risk of pulmonary hypertension: Coffee Coffee is great to drink when you want to stay up to work late hours, but it can affect your health too. Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that can result in a spike in blood pressure levels. So you must avoid coffee if you wish to contain your blood pressure levels. You might want to try chicory as a substitute for coffee in the morning. Processed and red meats Processed meat and red meat might be delicious but must be avoided if you wish to reduce the risk of pulmonary hypertension. These meats are loaded with sodium as part of the curing, seasoning, and preservation process. You must also avoid foods like bread, pickles, and cheese as they also contain high sodium levels.

Overactive bladder, also commonly referred to as OAB, is commonly characterized by a frequent and sudden urge to pee. Individuals who experience OAB often face urinary incontinence, urgency, or high urinary frequency. OAB can be tackled in many ways, including physical therapy, certain foods, and even medication. This article focuses on discussing foods that can help improve bladder health and overactive bladder control, as well as various medications that are used to treat OAB. Bananas Fruits such as bananas can help improve bladder function. Bananas are high in fiber and contain lots of antioxidants that are good for the body. They are considered safe for OAB. Berries Cranberries contain acidic content that helps prevent the build-up of bacteria in the urinary tract. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, which keep the body and urinary tract healthy. Remember to eat these foods in moderation as berries are acidic and can do harm if consumed over the required amount. Cauliflower Cauliflowers have tons of elements that are good for the body, including vitamin C, folates, and fibers. They also contain compounds known as indoles, which help control inflammation in the urinary tract and promote good bladder health. Water Many think that drinking less water is the solution to an overactive bladder.

Most people prone to migraines are aware that certain foods can trigger a migraine attack. While it is important to know what foods to avoid, it is equally important to know which foods help in migraine relief. Although some lifestyle changes may help, it is important to incorporate healthy foods into your nutrition regime as well. If you are looking for ways that help manage migraines, here are some foods that may alleviate an attack. Carrot Studies have shown that there is a strong association between dehydration and migraine. Since carrots contain a good amount of water, it may be a great idea to include them in your meals. They are also rich in beta-carotene and contain anti-inflammatory properties. Banana Bananas are rich in magnesium, a mineral commonly associated with migraine management. It also improves palate function and helps in blocking pain-transmitting chemicals, like substance P and glutamate, from reaching the brain. Intake of oral magnesium prevents menstrually related migraine, according to American Migraine Foundation. Dark chocolate Dark chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa is one of the richest sources of magnesium. It helps you get a good night’s sleep and relaxes the body. However, some people with migraine may find chocolate to be a trigger.

Depression is a mental health disorder in which a person experiences extreme and persistent sadness. Although professional counseling and other treatments can help manage the problem, doctors also recommend a healthy nutrition plan. Certain foods, such as berries and avocados, have anti-depressant benefits that can help improve one’s mood and manage the condition’s symptoms. This article lists a few healthy options to include in the daily food routine to beat depression. Walnuts Walnuts have higher amounts of antioxidants than almost any other variety of nuts. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce anxiety, stress, and other symptoms of depression. And thanks to nutrients like melatonin and polyphenols, walnuts can promote restful sleep. Dark chocolate Dark chocolates have phenylethylamine, a compound known to enhance one’s mood quickly. Further, studies suggest that the plant-based antioxidants and flavonoids in dark chocolates are essential to fight anxiety and improve the symptoms of clinical depression. Avocados This fruit is an excellent source of monounsaturated fatty acids and other essential nutrients like vitamins B6, K, C, E, magnesium, potassium, folate, and lutein that have several health benefits. In addition, avocados contain tryptophan, a form of amino acid that gets converted into serotonin. Serotonin is a well-known mood stabilizer that helps beat depression.

An inflammatory condition that affects the skin, eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, affects one in four adults. In severe cases, it causes itchy rashes, dry patches, skin irritation, and oozing blisters. The cause of eczema is usually credited to environmental factors and genes. Those with eczema usually have food allergies as well. Thus, food and nutrition play a major role in managing eczema. Here are a few foods that can help prevent eczema flare-ups. Berries Berries such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries contain quercetin, a plant-based flavonoid. This is where fruits, flowers, and vegetables derive their rich colors from. Quercetin is an antihistamine and antioxidant. It prevents cell damage and helps combat inflammation. Eating berries is useful in avoiding eczema flare-ups.  Yogurt Rich in live culture, yogurt is one of the best probiotic foods to consume. It strengthens the immune system. Moreover, it prevents allergic reactions. This way, it lowers the intensity of eczema flare-ups. Eating probiotic foods is one of the most effective ways to manage eczema symptoms and itchy skin. Other probiotic-based foods that can add a variety to one’s daily meals include kefir, kombucha, miso soup, sauerkraut, and tempeh. Naturally-fermented pickles and sourdough bread are also good options.

Sugar is a soluble carbohydrate that is often added to most of our foods. This is what makes delicacies like cookies, chocolates, brownies, and cakes delicious. However, eating too many foods rich in sugars can deteriorate your overall health. The compound may cause health conditions and complications like tiredness, build-up of visceral fat, diabetes, and heart disease. So, here are eight signs of excess sugar intake to look out for. Feelings of irritability Studies indicate that eating foods with too much sugar may lead to irritability, stress, and moodiness. Sugar-rich foods contain less protein and fats which may lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. In turn, the body will rush to process the compounds and cause the energy levels to crash. Foods don’t taste sweet anymore Sometimes you may feel that the sugar-laden foods you consume are not as sweet as it once was. It may be an indication that you are consuming too much sugar. You may also find yourself less satisfied when you consume foods with low sugar content. Excess visceral fat Sugar is also known to affect leptin, a hormone that signals the brain when you have enough to eat. And processed snacks are rich in sugar but low in protein, healthy fats, and fibers.

Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that affects nearly 100 million people globally. Food plays an important role in managing diabetes symptoms and its related complications. Most severe cases of diabetes and its associated complications are a result of long-term consumption of foods that increase insulin resistance and blood sugar levels. While most know of the common foods that aggravate blood sugar levels, here are some lesser-known foods that aggravate diabetes. Flavored yogurt Even healthy snacks like flavored yogurt contain sweeteners and other forms of artificial flavors that might increase blood sugar levels. Switch to plain yogurt and add your favorite fruits to enhance the flavor. It has been observed that Greek yogurt has twice the protein and half the carbohydrates and fats that might contribute to blood sugar levels. Icelandic yogurt is another option as it is made from skimmed milk. It is strained more than Greek yogurt, which makes it thicker and more abundant with protein. Granola bars Granola bars have gained popularity in recent times, owing to their energy source from healthy ingredients like cereals, nuts, and seeds. However, granola bars also contain added sugars in different forms, making them bad food for diabetes. Hence, make sure to choose from sugar-free granola bars or the ones with the least amount of sugars.

Arthritis is a condition that causes severe pain and stiffness in the joints. Its types are varied but widely divided into two categories – inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Rheumatoid arthritis is a common form of inflammatory arthritis. The degree of stiffness or inflammation is affected by many factors, the primary being the food you eat. Its symptoms can be managed by limiting foods that trigger inflammation. Here are seven things rheumatoid arthritis patients should avoid. Foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids The intake of excess foods with omega-6 fatty acids can trigger inflammation in arthritis. These foods are soybeans, corn, safflower, sunflower, canola oils, nuts, and meat. It is best to switch to mono-saturated fats like olive oil and fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, or cod to provide the body with healthy calories. Excessive sugar Patients with arthritis should limit the consumption of excessive sugar items such as candy, ketchup, barbecue sauce, soda, chocolates, and pastries. Sugar flares the release of cytokines, a form of protein in the body that results in inflammation. Avoid forms of sugar like corn syrup, fructose, maltose, and sucrose. One should also limit the intake of certain carbonated or fizzy drinks. They contain high levels of phosphoric acid, which promotes calcium excretion through urine.