Cold and flu are common upper respiratory tract diseases and even though they are different, they have shared symptoms like sore throat, fever, and nasal congestion. The viral conditions spread via droplets suspended in the air from an infected person. Colds are a mild form, while a flu tends to be more severe. Once can turn to home remedies to effectively control their symptoms initially in mild cases of either condition. Top 7 home remedies for cold and flu Increase your consumption of zinc A very effective home remedy to help treat cold and flu symptoms, as well as help manage COVID, is adding zinc to the meal plan to boost the immunity system. This mineral aids in creating germ-fighting white blood cells so that symptoms of cold and flu stay under check. Additionally, zinc is also known to fight off the flu virus and reduce its growth in the body. Some of the foods that come rich in zinc comprise chickpeas, beans, dairy, lentils, red meat, eggs, and more. Furthermore, supplements can also be taken before the flu season commences to keep the immune system strong. Adding these foods as part of daily meal plan will not only aid in keeping cold and flu virus at bay, but will also help in maintaining good health.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition affecting the spinal cord and brain. Here, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath, which protects nerve fibers. The condition disrupts communication between the brain and other body parts. This neurological condition lasts long and can impact people as young as 20. Relapsing multiple sclerosis is a severe type of MS that can often deteriorate the patient’s condition. Between these flare-ups, they will have periods of recovery also. Early warning signs of MS The signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis may vary between patients and keep changing as the disease progresses. Some early warning signs that indicate MS at its initial stages are listed below. 1. Cognitive issues About half of the patients with multiple sclerosis suffer from cognitive dysfunction. These problems are often mild, and it is rare to have severe issues. This condition does not usually change one’s intellectual ability but might lead to poor memory, slowed thinking, and attention deficit issues. A patient will struggle to find the right word to use while speaking. 2. Optic neuritis In the early stages of MS, a patient’s eye health might also get affected. This disease damages the optic nerve, which connects the eye and brain.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can impact synovial joints and other organs like the eyes, lungs, and heart. The joints in the hands and feet are the most commonly impacted, although they can also affect the knees, hips, and shoulder joints. A meal plan cannot cure it, but appropriate dietary changes can help reduce the inflammation that causes damage to the body. Here’s all you need to know about managing rheumatoid arthritis. Here are a few things you should know about managing rheumatoid arthritis: Seven things to avoid to manage rheumatoid arthritis Along with proper treatment, you should also avoid certain foods to manage rheumatoid arthritis: Red meat Red meat contains high levels of saturated fat that can exacerbate inflammation and lead to obesity. Sugar and refined flour Your blood sugar levels can surge when you consume too many carbohydrates and refined flour. However, you can try gluten-free alternatives because a spike in blood glucose levels can worsen many of your arthritis symptoms. Fatty foods full of omega-6 fatty acids Trans fats can increase the risk of insulin resistance and obesity, a primary risk factor for arthritis. It can increase bad cholesterol in the body and is also responsible for lowering good cholesterol.

People with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) undergo inflammation in their esophagus, a food pipe tract, as it connects the mouth to the stomach. This inflammation is caused by the rapid and aggressive growth of eosinophils, a kind of white blood cell, in the lining of the esophagus. Specific triggers can worsen its symptoms in individuals, certain foods being one of them. To prevent this, here are some EoE food items one must avoid: Milk Cow’s milk contains specific proteins that can trigger inflammation and allergies in people with eosinophilic esophagitis. When such people consume milk, the subsequent allergic reaction caused due to these proteins can speed up the growth of eosinophils in the inner lining of their food pipe. This, in turn, worsens symptoms such as pain, difficulty in swallowing meals, and, in many cases, frequent episodes of vomiting. Due to its components, such as casein, lactoalbumin, and lactoglobulin, milk makes eosinophilic growth more rampant in patients. However, certain research studies have found that eliminating milk and other dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream, butter, buttermilk, artificial cream/cream, condensed milk, evaporated milk, margarine, ice cream, sour cream, some salad creams, mayonnaise, and cheese from one’s daily meals result in a tangible improvement in terms of symptoms in up to 34 percent of EoE cases.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic and progressive lung condition that leads to scarring of the lungs. A build-up of these scar tissues impacts the ability of the lungs to transport oxygen into the bloodstream. Fortunately, there are certain foods that pulmonary fibrosis patients can have to manage their discomforting symptoms. Read on to learn more about the relationship between nutrition and pulmonary fibrosis and the best foods to include in daily meals. The connection between nutrition and pulmonary fibrosis Your lungs play a critical role in maintaining your immunity and functionality of the body at the cellular level. When lung function is compromised, it leads to a chronic state of stress in the body. This state of fight or flight may not allow your body to absorb nutrients properly and lead to malnourishment. Some studies, like the one in Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, have also found a connection between pulmonary fibrosis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD itself contributes to nutritional deficiencies and may lead to serious health concerns. Appropriate foods help the body in multiple ways and simplify living with pulmonary fibrosis. They help in: Optimizing your weight reduces the pressure on your lungs and makes breathing easier Keeping your immunity levels high Enhancing your energy levels In the long run, healthy foods improve your pulmonary fibrosis symptoms and determine how well you respond to its treatment.

People with arthritis may suffer from a range of diseases or pains in the joints of their bodies. The pain caused by the condition can also be debilitating, which may force most individuals to refrain from carrying out indoor or outdoor tasks. Besides the treatments, one can eat certain foods that may help manage or improve the symptoms of arthritis. They can also blend these nutritious options to create healthy smoothies and make their meal enjoyable. Turmeric-infused smoothie Turmeric is traditionally used in several foods to manage health conditions. As for arthritis, the spice contains a substance known as curcumin that may help curb the effects of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, including pain and inflammation in the joints. To make a turmeric-infused smoothie, one will need a handful of kale or spinach, ½ cup of frozen pineapple chunks, one teaspoon of turmeric, and a quarter spoonful of ginger. They need to blend these ingredients with a pinch of black pepper, a spoon of chia seeds, and one cup of low-fat milk or almond milk. Pineapple smoothie An individual with arthritis may benefit from eating pineapples because of their pain-reducing enzymes like bromelain. All one requires to turn the fruit into a healthy smoothie are two celery ribs, the head of romaine lettuce, some coriander, a thumb-sized piece of ginger, and half a pineapple.

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.

Prostate cancer is a dangerous health condition in which the cells in a person’s prostate grow unnaturally, aggressively, and out of control. Like other malignancies, prostate cancer can assume life-threatening proportions if not diagnosed and addressed in its initial stages. However, healthcare professionals can treat the condition successfully if a person pays attention to the warning signs of the condition. Some of the leading indicators of prostate cancer are discussed below. Urinating difficulties Prostate cancer affects a person’s urination and the organs contributing to the process. So, people with this condition tend to have weakened or slow urine flow. Moreover, individuals with this condition also experience pain in the lower abdomen and urethra while urinating. Other issues, such as an excessive urge to urinate and a lack of control over how the urine flows, are common problems people face in all stages of prostate cancer. If people face pain while urinating or any other difficulty, they must immediately consult a doctor or oncologist for a cancer screening test. Frequent urination Besides pain during urination, prostate cancer patients might also experience irregular urination patterns in all stages of the condition. As the cells grow out of control into tumors, the adjacent cells and tissues soon start feeling the strain.

The bladder is a critical organ in the urinary tract that stores and releases urine. Any problem in the bladder can lead to discomfort, pain, and even infections. Therefore, it is essential to take good care of this organ. Besides following a healthy lifestyle, adding nutritious foods to the meal plan can contribute to maintaining optimal bladder health. Here are some of the best foods to eat for a healthy bladder. Bananas Bananas are an excellent source of fiber, which can help promote digestive health and lower the risk of constipation. Preventing constipation is necessary because it can cause bladder irritation and increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Bananas are also rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that can help soothe the bladder. Winter squash Winter squash and other squash varieties like butternut, acorn, and pumpkin are excellent sources of potassium, which is vital for maintaining kidney and bladder health. High-potassium foods can reduce the risk of UTIs and bladder irritation. Winter squash, in particular, is also low in sodium, which can help lower inflammation and prevent the kidneys from working overtime to flush out the extra salt from the body. Yogurt Yogurt is a good source of probiotics, beneficial bacteria that live in the gut and help promote a healthy immune system.

In a world where most ready-to-eat meals contain excess fats and calories, finding a balance becomes necessary. The food one consumes helps maintain overall health, reduces the risk of a disease, and hastens the recovery process. This is particularly true in the case of cancer. While no food can cure cancer, intake of certain vegetables, such as the ones given below, may reduce its risk. This article additionally touches upon options for cancer treatment. 7 Foods That Help Reduce the Risk of Cancer Berries Berries like blackberries, mulberries, strawberries, and blueberries are rich sources of vitamin C, folate, potassium, and manganese. They also contain a high amount of antioxidants, including ellagic acid, gallic acid, and chlorogenic acid, and have anti-cancer properties. Garlic Garlic is a vegetable that contains an active compound called allicin. One study concluded that people who ate a large number of allicin-rich vegetables such as garlic, onions, leeks, and shallots had a lower risk of stomach cancer. Tomato According to some experts, this fruit is a cancer-fighting superfood. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is an antioxidant phytochemical that keeps away heart diseases. They are, additionally, a rich source of vitamin A, C, and E, all nutrients that help reduce the risk of cancer.