Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) like emphysema and chronic bronchitis are inflammatory lung conditions that make it difficult for a person to breathe. One may experience wheezing, coughing, or excessive mucus formation. Usually, long-term exposure to irritating gases, dust, chemicals, or burning fuels puts one at risk of developing the disease. While many treatments are available, food and drinks play a significant role in managing COPD side effects and flare-ups. 8 best foods for managing COPD Here are a few foods that may help COPD patients: Eggs and nuts Rich in protein, eggs, and nuts like walnuts, cashew, and almonds can help restore energy, strengthen respiratory muscles, and reduce muscle loss. Oats, quinoa, and whole grains Whole grain cereals, bread, barley, quinoa, and oats are all fiber-rich. COPD patients are at risk of developing heart diseases. Fiber helps regularize bowel movements, keep the digestive tract clean, and lower cholesterol levels. This reduces the risk of heart disease, constipation, and bloating, making breathing difficult for COPD patients. Almond milk and uncooked mushrooms Almond milk and mushrooms are high sources of vitamin D. COPD patients may experience brittle bones, and Vitamin D is a key nutrient in maintaining the health of both lungs and bones. Vitamin D deficiency may lead to more frequent COPD flare-ups. Fish Oily fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines is another great source of protein and omega-3 fats, giving COPD patients the necessary energy and nutrient boost. Salmon, tilapia, flounder, and tuna fish also contain vitamin D, which is essential for bone health. Green leafy vegetables and fruits Leafy greens are a rich source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, essential vitamins, and minerals. They have anti-inflammatory effects on one’s body, are easy to digest, and meet one’s daily energy needs. Avocados and bananas Avocados and bananas contain high potassium levels, which are vital for lung function, and help ease breathing issues.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are popular contraception tools used by women around the world. The device can prevent pregnancy for several years; however, like most treatment options, it may have side effects. So one can expect cramping, heavy bleeding, and irregular periods as common effects. Fortunately, there are several ways to manage these consequences and get IUDs without worrying about health risks. Here are some tips for tackling the side effects of IUDs: Understand the risks A doctor can explain what to expect after getting an IUD and offer suggestions for managing potential side effects. They can also answer any queries and ensure the device is inserted correctly. One must seek expert advice before and after getting an IUD. Try pain relievers Pain relievers can help alleviate pain and cramps associated with IUDs. One must follow dosage instructions carefully, not exceeding the recommended limit. Before beginning any treatment, one must consult a physician and check its suitability. Consider heat therapy Applying heat to the lower abdomen may help alleviate discomfort and cramps. One can place heating pads or take warm baths to relieve symptoms; however, they should avoid doing this for an extended period, as it could cause burns or harm the skin. Expect changes in the menstrual cycle Bleeding is a common side effect of IUDs, but one can manage it using menstrual cups or tampons with greater absorbency. One should consult a doctor if the bleeding does not subside and is accompanied by discomfort or fever. Some treatment options can help regulate periods. Monitor all symptoms One should keep track of all symptoms and keep an eye out for any changes. Monitoring the symptoms helps one identify abnormal reactions or complications early on, making them seek expert care to avoid further complications.  Be patient It can take weeks or months for the body to adapt to an IUD, and the side effects will begin to fade over time.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a form of long-term birth control used by millions of women worldwide. But despite their popularity, several myths about IUDs often confuse women about whether this is the correct contraceptive method for them. This article lists some of these common myths about IUDs. It also provides information to help separate fact from fiction so that women can choose the best contraceptive method as per individual preferences. IUDs are only suitable for women who have had a baby Many believe IUDs are best only for women who have given birth as they have bigger uterine cavities. But this is not true. IUDs are available in different sizes, and experts recommend them even for young women who have not given birth. Regardless of a woman’s reproductive history, these devices are a safe alternative for avoiding unintended pregnancies. IUDs cause pelvic inflammatory disorder (PID) PID is an infection of the female reproductive system. Some think IUDs cause this infection and, thus, refrain from using them. But this is quite the opposite of what experts believe. According to many professionals, these devices carry a very low risk of causing PID, especially after the device gets adjusted to the body. The IUD could get lost inside the body IUDs have a string attached to one end, enabling easy removal from the uterus. Moreover, the device is inserted under an experienced professional’s guidance. While it can move within the uterus, the idea of it traveling to other body parts is a myth about IUDs to stop believing. IUDs cause infertility When IUDs are removed, fertility instantly resumes. This makes them a safe and reliable contraceptive option for women who want to avoid unintended pregnancies but still desire to have children in the future. IUDs can only be useful for a couple of years These are long-lasting and dependable options for birth control.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, causes heartburn. When the sphincter, which is at the base of the esophagus, malfunctions, acidic fluids from the stomach flow back into the food pipe, making one feel a burning sensation in and around the throat and abdomen. It is a common health condition, affecting 1 in every 5 people in the country. Some foods may trigger heartburn and should be avoided. Fried foods Deep-fried fatty foods take longer to digest compared to other foods, staying in the digestive system for longer. This results in the stomach making more acids to digest them. Fried foods such as onion rings and french fries are rich in unhealthy fats, making them key foods to avoid for heartburn management. Apart from delaying digestion, such foods tend to make the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) relax, making the gastric fluids back up into the esophagus. One should also avoid excessive butter, whole milk, sour cream, regular cheese, bacon, fat, ham, and lard, as well as desserts such as ice cream and creamy fruit salads when dealing with acid reflux issues. Coffee Caffeine is a major trigger of inflammation in people. Like fatty foods, caffeine-rich foods also relax the LES, resulting in the acids in the stomach flowing into the esophagus instead of passing through the excretory system. So, one should choose herbal teas over coffee. Regular tea contains caffeine too, but less than coffee. Chocolate Chocolate is yet another food rich in caffeine, making it one of the foods to avoid when dealing with heartburn. In addition, cocoa triggers a serotonin rush, as does another component of chocolate called theobromine. This sudden surge of serotonin relaxes the LES, making gastric contents back up into the esophagus. Jalapeño Spicy foods are also the worst foods to have when trying to prevent acid reflux.

The first sign of a blood clot that comes to mind is swelling and severe pain around an affected area. Unfortunately, these aren’t always the only signs of a developing blood clot. Several other unusual symptoms can indicate issues with your circulatory system. For example, this article will break down six unusual signs of blood clots to inform you of related health problems and know when to consult your healthcare provider. Unusual signs of blood clots A blood clot appears when blood becomes thick and accumulates in a body part. Blood clots can indicate underlying health conditions and are sometimes life-threatening if not detected and treated promptly. While there are many typical signs of blood clots, such as pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area, there are also some unusual signs to be aware of. Therefore, here are the six unusual signs of blood clots: Hives or rash Blood clots can sometimes cause hives (bumps) or a rash on the skin. These can be itchy and uncomfortable and may appear in the area where the clot has formed. Tingling or numbness Blood clots can also cause tingling or numbness in the affected area. For example, the clot can press on nerves and restrict blood flow to the surrounding tissues. Muscle weakness A blood clot in the leg can cause muscle weakness in the affected leg. This can make it difficult to walk or stand, and you may notice that one leg is weaker than the other. Shortness of breath Blood clots can also form in the lungs, causing shortness of breath. If you experience sudden, intense shortness of breath, seek professional help immediately. Chest pain A lung blood clot can also cause chest pain. This pain may be sharp and sudden and worsen when you take deep breaths. Headaches In rare cases, blood clots can cause headaches.

Chronic allergies are allergies that are persistent all year round and are commonly caused due to many environmental and indoor allergens. Prescriptions may help relieve allergy symptoms. However, many people are surprised to learn that making dietary changes can also effectively manage them. If you’re looking for a more holistic approach to controlling allergies, a food-elimination plan could be just what you need. Here’s a week-by-week meal plan for six weeks to tackle aggressive allergies. Best food elimination nutrition plan for allergies A six-food elimination nutrition plan identifies food allergies or intolerances by temporarily eliminating certain foods from your daily meals and then slowly reintroducing them to see if they cause any adverse reactions. The six most common foods that people with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), asthma, bronchitis, etc., are usually allergic to and which are eliminated are: Milk and dairy products Wheat and gluten-containing products Soy and soy-containing products Eggs and egg-containing products Fish and shellfish Tree nuts and peanuts Here’s a sample six-food elimination meal plan: Week 1 Eliminate milk and dairy products from your meal routine. Read food labels carefully and avoid anything that contains milk, cheese, yogurt, cream, and butter. Week 2 Eliminate wheat and gluten-containing products. This includes bread (white and brown), pasta, legumes, cereals, and processed and baked goods. You can replace these with gluten-free alternatives such as rice, quinoa, fruits, vegetables, and oats. Week 3 Eliminate soy and soy-containing products that include soya sauce, soy milk, tempeh, tofu, and edamame. Week 4 Eliminate eggs and egg-containing products. This includes baked goods, mayonnaise, and some sauces. Week 5 Eliminate all types of fish, including shellfish like shrimp, lobster, and crab. Week 6 Eliminate tree nuts, walnuts, cashews, and peanuts. This includes almonds, cashews, walnuts, and peanuts. Check food labels carefully, as these ingredients can be found in many processed foods such as bread spreads, ready-to-eat foods, flours, and crackers.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition characterized by red, itchy, and scaly patches that could appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp, eyelids, joints, and nails. While the skin bears the primary impact, the disorder can take a toll on the patient’s overall health and well-being. It can also eventually lead to the development of other health conditions, including hepatic diseases, hypertension, certain types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and more. Metabolic syndrome Metabolic syndrome is a term used to describe a collection of ailments that occur together and affect metabolism and cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of diseases like diabetes and stroke. A few symptoms of metabolic syndrome include high blood glucose, high blood pressure, and abnormal body cholesterol levels. Although the connection between psoriasis and metabolic syndrome is unclear, genetics and high inflammation are believed to be the common causative factors of both ailments. Cardiovascular diseases People with psoriasis have a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This is because psoriasis causes inflammation, which can damage blood vessel walls and increase the risk of plaque buildup. Interestingly, some psoriasis treatments can also raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Diabetes Diabetes is another condition liked to psoriasis. Patients with severe psoriasis have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Chronic inflammation that occurs due to psoriasis is one factor that increases this risk. Further, genetics is believed to play a role in both psoriasis and diabetes. Kidney diseases People with psoriasis are at a greater risk of developing chronic kidney disease or CKD. It is a condition in which the kidneys gradually stop functioning, leading to kidney failure. Metabolic factors and chronic inflammation associated with psoriasis are believed to be responsible for the development of CKD. Psoriatic arthritis According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 30% of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis.

The brain is the control center of the body and impacts everything one does. According to certain studies, excessive intake of foods rich in saturated or trans fats can lead to poorer memory and impaired thinking. However, eating the right food can help prevent cognitive decline and keep the brain functioning optimally. As food plays a key role, here are six foods that can help boost brain health and prevent memory loss: Blueberries Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries, are rich sources of anthocyanins that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The anthocyanins can reduce oxidative stress on the body, thus controlling conditions that may lead to brain damage or neurodegenerative diseases. Berries have also been associated with improving the neural links in the brain and supporting its health and cognitive functioning to improve memory. Broccoli Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli are laden with antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress on the brain. Cooked broccoli is also a rich source of vitamin K, which is important for forming sphingolipids, and has been linked to improved memory and cognition. Fatty fish Fatty fish such as salmon, trout, tuna, herring, and sardines are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The brain utilizes these healthy fats to build brain and nerve cells, making them an important part of cognition and memory. Maintaining a healthy intake of fatty fish can help slow down cognitive decline and delay the onset of Alzheimer’s, making fish one of the important foods to prevent memory loss. Nuts Nuts are known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties that boost cardiovascular health. They are also a good source of flavonoids that can delay cognitive decline. Walnuts, specifically, have been linked with improved cognitive health and sharper memory. Green tea Green tea has been associated with improved alertness, performance, memory, and focus. This is a result of L-theanine, an amino acid.