Ulcerative colitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the colon. It can cause high levels of inflammation and ulcers that occur on the lining of the colon and rectum. If the condition persists, the ulcers can start spreading and invade the whole colon as opposed to just the lining. Ulcerative colitis is especially seen in males aged 50 years or above but can occur in people of all ages and genders. Foods that help manage ulcerative colitis: Oatmeal Oatmeal is a highly nutritious food loaded with essential vitamins and minerals. It also contains high amounts of beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that promotes good gut bacteria growth. Studies show an excellent bacterial population in the digestive system helps manage ulcerative colitis symptoms. The high fiber content of oatmeal also helps promote regular bowel movements, reducing cramps and pain. Salmon Salmon is rich in protein and other essential nutrients such as potassium. It makes it an excellent addition to protect the body against strokes and other symptoms. The omega-3 fatty acid contained in fish is especially beneficial for patients with ulcerative colitis. Fruits Some common foods that are a great addition to a colitis patient’s plate are bananas, avocado, grapes, and blueberries. Since fruits have a high amount of water, they are easier to digest with an inflamed colon. Besides, these fruits are rich in antioxidants that can prevent flare-ups and help in the management of various symptoms. Probiotic-rich foods Probiotics are known for the support they provide to good gut health. Foods replete with probiotic content include yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, kefir, and kimchi. Their gut-loving nature proves to be of great help for patients with ulcerative colitis. However, it is important to ingest probiotics with either low or no sugar content to keep symptoms in check. In severe cases, mainstream treatment options might be mandatory to achieve faster results.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a health condition generally seen in children. The brain of an ADHD child develops differently, where the condition affects the child’s posture, focus, and attention span, and capacity for self-control. This condition is characterized by hyperactivity, excessive movement when not required, and impulsive behavior. Parents with ADHD child can opt for different ways to deal with them. This article highlights simple parenting tips for ADHD. Raising a child with ADHD comes with its own challenges, but they can be managed by giving attention, encouragement, and following various approaches. Engage in challenging activities Children with ADHD are easily distracted, but not many know they only focus when they find a challenging task. When the child responds positively to a particular task, encourage them to do more of it. This will keep them active, improving their physical and mental health. Encourage physical exercise Indulging in different exercises can help the child focus better, improve sleep patterns, reduce depression or anxiety, and stimulate brain function. Follow a routine Creating a routine in daily tasks and activities can reduce the chances of distractions. Also, when the child encounters an activity or event they expect, they are prepared to complete them. Gradually, parents can introduce some responsibilities following this pattern. Maintain a sleep pattern Good quality of sleep can be rewarding for ADHD symptoms. It can help regulate energy levels, reduce stress, and improve mood. Practicing regular bedtime can encourage quality of sleep and create a good sleeping pattern for the child. Treatment options ADHD is a condition that needs to be managed with the help of treatment options and behavioral patterns. The doctor will prescribe treatment depending on the severity of the case. The common treatment options for ADHD syndrome may include: Concerta It is categorized under stimulant treatment options that are commonly prescribed for ADHD.

Bone degeneration is among the leading age-related health issues worldwide. Around 33% of women and 20% of men over 50 are at risk of osteoporosis. It is a disorder where bone density and mass reduction cause the bones to become so brittle that even a simple fall, cough, or sneeze can damage them. While anyone can develop osteoporosis and bone loss, the risk is higher in people with the following health conditions: Hyperthyroidism This condition results from an overactive thyroid gland present at the base of the neck. Health experts suggest that an overactive thyroid increases the number of bone-remodeling cycles. And the more the number of these cycles, the more bone loss. So, it is necessary to keep a tab on the thyroid levels to prevent such complications. Arthritis Various forms of arthritis like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis also increase the risk of bone loss. Arthritis causes weakening and inflammation of joints, which triggers the problem. Also, most forms of arthritis are managed with treatments that provide relief from its symptoms but inhibit the activity of bone-building cells. Hence, it is necessary to follow a healthy lifestyle to avoid arthritis in the first place. Diabetes Research is still underway to understand how type 1 diabetes causes bone loss. Several health experts believe high blood sugar levels interfere with bone formation, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Diabetics are at a greater risk of developing fractures that might not heal faster due to both slow bone formation and diabetes. Asthma While asthma is not directly responsible for increasing the risk of bone loss, the treatment options for managing its symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing contribute to osteoporosis. Moreover, people with asthma cannot participate in intense exercises, making it difficult to achieve good bone health. Celiac disease Celiac disease results from an allergy to a specific protein in food called gluten.

A mental health disorder, schizophrenia, can alter the patient’s ability to behave conventionally, feel, and even think. There is no known cure for the condition, but treatment plans are designed for better management. Apart from following a prescribed treatment plan, patients are often advised to make changes to their lifestyle and eating habits. It is believed that adding or removing certain foods can help manage symptoms and decrease their severity. Gluten-rich foods Gluten is a natural protein found in several foods that are regularly consumed by the population. Increased inflammation in the body is also a leading cause of the aggravation of symptoms associated with schizophrenia. It can also put patients with gluten sensitivity, intolerance, or celiac disease at a high risk of developing conditions like intestinal complications, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Health care experts advise using grains, bread, and other food products that are 100% gluten-free in order to avoid developing complications. Replacements made from potato flour, rice flour, quinoa, or corn are safer for patients. This helps prevent the increased antibody production and action caused in the body due to gluten. Processed foods There is a reason behind the bad reputation of highly processed foods. One of the most important reasons is their lack of nutritional content. They are especially harmful to people that are genetically predisposed to conditions like schizophrenia. Regular inclusion of these foods on the menu can impact an individual’s nervous system and cause imbalance. It is also why patients are regularly advised against processed foods and encouraged to switch to natural and whole foods. People should avoid foods rich in Omega 6 fatty acids, which is the case with most processed foods. This leads to a controlled intake of food items like cereals, cakes, processed meat, biscuits, canned vegetables, and other canned foods. The body needs to maintain a specific ratio between Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.

Muscle pain can be a common symptom in some health conditions, including some mentioned below. It is always important to be aware of how your body responds to your environment and your activity. Notice if you see any changes, swelling, or other accompanying symptoms which may point to a health condition that needs attention. Here are some health conditions that may cause muscle pain and need to be diagnosed if severe. Chronic fatigue This is a chronic condition in which the person feels extremely tired for a long period, like 6 months, without any reasonable explanation for this tiredness. The fatigue tends to increase with any physical or mental activity. However, even with adequate rest, the tiredness does not go away. Muscle or joint pain is a common symptom of chronic fatigue, along with unrefreshing sleep, sore throat, headaches, loss of concentration or memory, and dizziness from lying down or standing up quickly. Chronic fatigue causes are viral infections, hormonal imbalance, immune system problems, or even physical or emotional trauma. Muscle cramp This condition refers to a sudden or involuntary contraction of one or more muscles in the body leading to tightness or stiffness, causing discomfort. Some people also experience cramps during sleep and are awake due to the sudden pain felt in the muscle. While this is a temporary condition, consider seeing a doctor if this happens too frequently and causes severe pain. Usually, it can easily be treated at home with self-care, like simply resting, massaging the area, and letting it relax. One of the reasons why you could be experiencing this condition could be inadequate blood supply to the particular region. Or if there is noticeable compression of nerves in the spine, then it can lead to cramps in the legs. Sometimes deficiency of potassium, calcium, or magnesium can also lead to muscle cramps and pains.

Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is a severe condition that affects the brain and the central nervous system. Here, the immune system of the body attacks the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath covers and protects the nerve fibers responsible for the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This condition progresses over time and may cause permanent damage. Read on to find out about foods that should be avoided for MS. Saturated fats and processed foods Saturated fats are an absolute no-no when it comes to managing multiple sclerosis. Most saturated fats result from animal products such as meat or dairy. They are also found in certain other foods, such as palm oil or coconut oil, that can be used to cook meals. It is best to avoid saturated fats for MS because they have been linked to increased inflammation and higher risks of developing bad cholesterol. These conditions can lead to developing secondary conditions and increase the chances of heart attacks and strokes. This can be bad for individuals who have multiple sclerosis because those who have MS are already at high risk of heart disease. Not to mention, conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular conditions can worsen the symptoms of MS. Sodium Sodium is one of the minerals essential for the proper functioning of the body. Too little sodium can have adverse effects such as low blood pressure, headaches, fatigue and muscle weakness, nausea, and vomiting. But, consuming too much sodium can also negatively affect the body’s functioning and lead to high blood pressure, heart diseases, and strokes. When it comes to MS, more research is needed to understand how sodium can affect the body. But, as already mentioned, too much sodium can lead to cardiovascular conditions that can affect an individual with MS.

A normal cough that is accompanied by flu is not something to worry about. However, a persistent cough should not be taken lightly. If the illness worsens, then the cough often comes with mucus, which signifies a far more severe issue. Breathing difficulties, wheezing, coughing, and mucus production are often symptoms of chronic bronchitis, which falls under chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is not curable but can be managed with care. Fighting bronchitis – Foods to avoid People suffering from chronic bronchitis often suffer from breathing problems, persistent cough, and wheezing. As these symptoms cause more discomfort to the patient, it is advised to eliminate exposure to smoke and other pollutants. In addition, the illness can also be managed by making lifestyle changes, which include food habits. This ensures that the patient does not face any discomfort and that they remain healthy to fight against bronchitis. There are some foods that should be avoided, and these include: Sodium An excessive amount of sodium (salt) often increases the patient’s discomfort by aiding water retention. People who suffer from COPD, especially chronic bronchitis, suffer from the common symptom of edema (swelling due to fluid retention) in the legs, ankles, and feet. If the consumption of food with high amounts of sodium isn’t avoided, it starts affecting the lung and heart’s ability to process liquids, leading to the worsening of the swelling. Hence, people suffering from chronic bronchitis must avoid food with high amounts of salt. Fried food items Fried food items frequently cause problems during digestion as the breakdown of fats takes longer than usual. This leads to a bloated abdomen, making it difficult for the patient to take deep breaths. Additionally, fried items are closely associated with weight gain, which also increases pressure on the diaphragm, leading to discomfort during the process of breathing.

Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. It can lead to swelling and inflammation of the tissue in the digestive tract. It also causes symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, exhaustion, and weakness. Although Crohn’s disease commonly affects the small intestine, it can affect different areas of the tract in many individuals. One of the ways to manage this bowel disease is by avoiding certain foods. Whole grains If you have conditions such as Crohn’s that can inflame your digestive tract, avoiding foods rich in fiber is best. That is because high levels of fiber can lead to accumulation in the digestive tract and cause diarrhea or even abdominal pain. This irritation of the digestive tract can also cause a flare-up and other symptoms related to Crohn’s disease. Foods that contain whole grains and should be avoided include whole wheat bread, pasta, popcorn, bran, rye and rye products, and even barley. Beans Beans are nutritionally dense foods. They have high protein content and contain other essential nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. But, beans also tend to cause gas which can lead to discomfort during a Crohn’s flare-up. Beans are also high in fiber content, which, as we have discussed, can affect the functions of the digestive tract. Individuals with Crohn’s disease can manage their consumption of beans when they are feeling alright and healthy. But, if they are experiencing a flare-up, they should avoid this particular legume. Certain fruits and vegetables Much like beans, fruits and vegetables are also rich sources of vitamins, minerals, and more. But, individuals with Crohn’s need to manage their intake of these vital foods. This is because most fruits and vegetables have a lot of insoluble fibers. They can cause stomach pain and even lead to issues with the digestive tract.