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. So, avoid the consumption of unsaturated fatty acids, which are found in packaged food items, margarine, vegetable oils, etc. Corn oil Corn oil contains high quantities of omega-6 fatty acids. So when you plan to consume more omega-3 fatty acids, having an excess of corn oil will cause a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. This will increase arthritis pain and may even lead to limb dysfunction. So, maintaining a balance between the two types of fatty acids is critical to lowering inflammation and ache. Preservatives As a flavor enhancer, MSG is added to many food items.

Research suggests that almost 50% of people nationwide are missing at least one tooth. Dental implants are titanium replacements to teeth roots, used to hold false teeth in place. A dental surgeon fixes these implants using a screw-like tool and the artificial tooth is then secured on the implant. Individuals with dental implants should take certain care measures after the implantation. Furthermore, here are some mistakes to avoid after a dental implant procedure. Using a toothbrush with hard bristles Toothbrushes with hard bristles can hurt one’s teeth and gums, as the teeth are sensitive after a dental implant procedure. So, one should use toothbrushes with soft bristles, preferably nylon bristles, to avoid any damage to the implanted teeth. Having foods that are difficult to chew Food items like crackers, chips, nuts, and toasted bread have hard surfaces and can worsen one’s toothache. This is why dentists recommend that after a dental implant procedure, one should have soft, easy-to-chew foods like mashed potatoes, soft breads, porridge, cereals, and tender fruits like bananas. Neglecting basic dental hygiene practices Neglecting oral hygiene can cause dental health issues like tar-tar and cavities, increasing one’s discomfort after a dental implant procedure. Thus, individuals with dental implants should consistently follow dental hygiene practices like brushing two times a day and rinsing their mouth after meals. One may also use a good-quality mouthwash approximately three times a week for optimal oral hygiene. Having excessive sugar Excessive sugar intake is among the leading causes of tooth decay and cavity formation. So, those with dental implants should limit or avoid having foods and beverages containing added sugar, including confectionaries, soft drinks, and instant breakfast cereals. It helps to replace added sugar with natural sugar sources, such as fruits and fresh fruit juices. Not flossing regularly The development of plaque after a dental implant procedure can aggravate one’s discomfort and eventually lead to tooth decay.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic condition characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries that go from the heart to the lungs. One may also experience chest pain, shortness of breath during periods of activity, dizziness, and swelling in the ankles and legs. The condition causes the narrowing or blocking of the arteries in the lungs, making the heart work harder to pump blood. This leads to weakened heart muscles and heart failure. Nutrition tips Living with PAH can be difficult. Although there is no cure yet, doctors may recommend treatment plans to manage the condition better. These treatments can further be supplemented by following a healthy nutritional plan. So, here are some tips to help one manage PAH better: Reduce salt and sodium intake Cutting back on salt and sodium intake is often the first piece of advice for those when dealing with PAH. Those living with PAH must limit their sodium intake to less than 2,000 milligrams a day. This is because excess sodium increases water retention in the body, making the heart work harder to pump blood, worsening the symptoms of PAH. Salt is a common additive in baking mixes, pickled foods, deli meats, frozen dinners, cheese, milk, canned vegetables, condiments, and sauces. Instead of picking up the salt shaker, one should try to season the food with other spices and herbs like cumin or garlic. Limit fluid intake People with PAH are often placed on a two-liter water/fluid restriction, as too much fluid in the body can exert pressure on the heart. Drinking too much fluid could also lead to edema or swelling and cause difficulty in breathing. It is best to speak with the doctor to gain a proper assessment of fluid balance and intake requirements. Avoid stimulants Another nutrition tip to manage PAH is avoiding stimulant beverages such as cola, coffee, and tea, as they contain high levels of caffeine.

The human body requires cholesterol to process hormones, Vitamin D, and digestion. But letting it accumulate in the body can lead to clogged arteries and health issues like heart attack. High blood pressure, diabetes, chest pain, or experiencing pain while walking are signs that show one’s cholesterol levels are too high. One way to maintain healthy cholesterol levels is to eat nutrient-rich food. Here are some superfoods for maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. Types of cholesterol There are mainly two types of cholesterol; LDL and HDL. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is considered “bad” cholesterol since it clogs the blood vessels with plaque. The HDL (high-density lipoprotein), on the other hand, or the “good” cholesterol, helps carry and eliminate the LDL and regulate bodily functions. One way to ensure the bloodstream has lower levels of harmful LDL is to eat the right foods. Besides food, age can be another factor that can increase one’s cholesterol levels. With age, metabolism slows down, which can impact one’s processing of nutrients. Similarly, a family history of high blood cholesterol can also make one vulnerable to developing the condition. Superfoods to eat to lower cholesterol Oats Being one of the powerhouses of soluble fiber, oats are an excellent breakfast option for those with high cholesterol. Soluble fiber helps to remove cholesterol from the body before it can get absorbed into the bloodstream. Oats are a healthier option than cereals since the latter contains sugar content and artificial flavor. A daily intake of about 10 grams of soluble fiber can reduce LDL levels. A bowl of overnight-soaked oats containing about 4 grams of fiber can also keep one feeling full for longer and avoid overeating. Adding bananas, apples, berries, and other choices of fruits can add to the fiber content. On the other hand, natural sweeteners like honey and dates can make it a delicious and healthy breakfast meal.

Leukemia, or blood cancer, originates in the bone marrow. It is a condition characterized by the uncontrolled growth of white blood cells. It differs from other types of cancer that are marked by the presence of a tumor. There are four types of the condition – acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, and chronic myelogenous leukemia. The condition is incurable, but following these tips can help manage the disease better:   Getting Treated The patient must be put on the right treatment immediately after diagnosing the condition. TASIGNA® (nilotinib) and BLINCYTO ® (blinatumomab) are two prescribed treatments for leukemia.    TASIGNA ® (nilotinib) This is advised for newly diagnosed adults with Philadelphia chromosome Chronic Myeloid Leukemia or Ph+ CML-CP. It is also recommended for adults who cannot tolerate or are not benefiting from other treatments. Children above 1 year who are newly diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia or those who are not benefiting from other therapies are also advised to try this treatment. It was approved in 2007 and has helped treat about 28,000 people in the US with the condition Ph+ CML-CP.   BLINCYTO ® (blinatumomab) This is advised for adults and kids with B-cell precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. It is also advised for patients in remission with detectable cancer cells or MRD.   Foods that patients should consume and avoid It is vital to eat right when detected with leukemia. This will help the body stay strong and tolerate the treatment better. With well-balanced nutrition, the body can replace the cells and tissues affected by the treatment and its side effects. At the same time, certain food types can harm the treatment procedures and prevent the body from recuperating well. Hence, such foods should be avoided.    Here’s a list of foods to eat and avoid.   Foods to eat Include :

Processed foods like cakes, cookies, candies, and breakfast cereals contain added sugar, and most people find them delicious and irresistible. However, they have little nutritional value. Eating too many sweets can increase the risk of several health issues. For instance, it can lead to blood sugar spikes and heart disease. When a person eats too much sugar regularly, the body begins to give signs that it is time to cut back on sweet foods. High blood pressure Besides monitoring salt intake, people suffering from high blood pressure should watch their sugar intake because eating too much sugar is also linked to high blood pressure. According to a study, foods high in sugar can reduce nitric oxide in the blood vessels, which can, in turn, impact blood flow and lead to high blood pressure. Mood swings or irritability Feeling moody, irritable, or depressed on and off is a common sign of high sugar intake. Mood swings occur as foods high in sugar affect the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood. Sugary foods also negatively impact gut function, another factor linked to a person’s mood. Low energy or tiredness Binging on sugary snacks wreaks havoc on one’s blood sugar levels. It first causes blood glucose to rise, providing a boost of energy. But this energy does not last for long. The body produces excess insulin to lower high blood glucose, eventually leaving the person tired and lethargic. This is why many experience low energy levels around 30 minutes after savoring a sugary snack. High-sugar foods are low in protein and fiber, depriving the body of enough nutrients to stay energized consistently. Craving sweets all the time Eating sugary foods causes the brain to release dopamine, the hormone which makes us feel positive and happy. After avoiding sugar for some time, dopamine levels drop, leading to withdrawal symptoms.

Arthritis commonly affects people with psoriasis, a disease that results in red patches on the skin with silvery scales. Typically, people experience psoriasis years before they get diagnosed with this arthritis. It affects thirty percent of people with psoriasis. However, in some people, joint problems start before psoriasis or during the same time. Swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the key signs of psoriatic arthritis. Here are the prevalent treatment options for psoriatic arthritis: Treatment options These prescriptions are known to work well against the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis: Otezla Otezla is an oral treatment plan that can be taken with or without food, or as the healthcare professional recommends. You should not chew, split, or crush the tablet before consumption. The recommended dosage depends on your response to treatment and condition. To keep side effects at bay, the doctor may start with a low Otezla dosage and gradually increase it. Rinvoq Rinvoq  should be consumed by mouth with or without food, typically once daily or as the doctor recommends. Do not split, chew, or crush the tablet. It can release the entire dosage in one go and heighten the susceptibility to side effects. To get maximum benefit, you must use Rinvoq regularly. The dosage depends on age and response to the treatment. Adalimumab A biological therapy, Adalimumab helps treat psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis, wherein the body produces excessive TNF. Adalimumab blocks TNF, and lowers inflammation. It is not a painkiller but helps with the condition and starts showing results in two to twelve weeks. Doctors do not prescribe it if you have an infection, your arthritis is not active, or you have not tried other treatment options first. Leflunomide Leflunomide helps treat psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis. It takes about four to six weeks for leflunomide to ease the symptoms. However, for the full effect, consume for six months regularly.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell, wherein plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and overcrowd the red blood cells. These cancerous cells give birth to abnormal proteins that can cause further complications. When one is suffering from multiple myeloma, one’s body might or might not give any indications. Here we will discuss signs and lifestyle changes to help manage multiple myeloma. Signs of multiple myeloma Here are some signs of multiple myeloma one should look out for: Fatigue A person with multiple myeloma may feel highly fatigued after a good amount of rest. This fatigue may make it difficult to carry out daily tasks. Fatigue may cause other issues like difficulty concentrating and impaired memory.  Bone pain Multiple myeloma may lead to bone pain. The ribs, back, or hips are frequently the sites of dull bone pain. Movement usually makes it worse, and it persists. Moreover, this might weaken the bones and cause fractures. This disorder is more prone to impact the bones in the arms, legs, and spine. When the spinal cord is harmed, the legs and feet may become numb and weak, resulting in uncontrollable bowel and bladder movements and sensations of pins and needles throughout the body. Unusual bleeding and bruising Typical symptoms of multiple myeloma include heavy periods, frequent nosebleeds, and bleeding gums. Since the platelets in the body, which help blood clot, are constantly being attacked by cancer cells, bleeding occurs often. A person may also experience frequent bruising. Frequent infections A person with multiple myeloma experiences frequent infections in the upper respiratory tract, urinary tract, and skin. This is caused by the compromised immune system due to abnormal plasma cells. These infections may turn severe if left untreated. Kidney problems Multiple myeloma may lead to kidney or renal impairment, resulting in kidney failure.

Individuals grappling with migraine attacks would perhaps understand best that headaches can be debilitating, affecting one’s daily routines considerably. A migraine attack is a severe throbbing headache, typically on one side of the head, accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, nausea, and light and sound sensitivity. These attacks occur intermittently and may last varying durations, differing between individuals. Let’s get insights into certain foods that can help fight migraines and control their symptoms. Boiled spinach Some studies have shown that magnesium may block certain brain signals that cause migraine attacks, while other research articles suggest that magnesium is essential to stop the development of certain chemicals that may contribute to migraines. Thus, magnesium-rich foods can help individuals with migraines control their symptoms. Half a cup of boiled spinach contains nearly 78 mg of magnesium; moreover, it is an excellent source of iron, whose deficiency can cause low oxygen levels in the brain and lead to migraines. Further, it is advisable to have vitamin C-rich foods alongside foods rich in iron to ensure optimal iron absorption. Bananas An extreme dip in blood sugar levels can cause or exacerbate migraine headaches. Besides being rich in magnesium and potassium, bananas provide an instant surge of energy and prevent the onset of a migraine attack. Bananas are also healthier alternatives to processed sugary foods like chocolates and cookies. Moreover, it is imperative to stay hydrated at all times, particularly when one is prone to migraines. Bananas are high in water content and help prevent dehydration. This humble fruit may be added to several quick preparations, including shakes, smoothies, and fruit salads. Fatty fish Studies have demonstrated that a meal plan containing foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help with migraine relief. Fatty or oily fish varieties like salmon, tuna, herring, and mackerel are packed with omega-3 and should be a part of one’s daily meals.

Eczema has many different stages and types. Unfortunately, about 10.1 percent of people in the country have some or the other form of this condition. Such a disease is a combination of conditions that make the skin irritated or inflamed. With proper treatment, one can manage symptoms. Red, dry, cracked, and leathery skin are the common eczema signs. Here are three useful methods that help deal with eczema and manage its symptoms: Getting the right treatment options Here are some treatments associated with eczema. Dupixent Dupixent is prescribed for children six or older and adults; for those who cannot control symptoms with other treatment measures, alternate treatments are not recommended. This monoclonal antibody works on a targeted area in the immune system. Dupixent comes in pre-filled single-dose pens and syringes, given as a subcutaneous injection. One can find this treatment option in two strengths: 300-mg/2-mL and 200 mg/1.14-mL solutions. Cibinqo This once-daily oral treatment helps manage symptoms for adults who have not seen relief with prevailing treatment options. Cibinqo is an FDA-approved treatment for adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Doses that can be taken are either 100 or 200 mg. Alternately, a 50 mg dosage is for patients with moderate renal impairment. Upadacitinib and Eucrisa Upadacitinib is a JAK1 inhibitor and helps adolescents and adults with severe or moderate eczema. However, this FDA-approved treatment can cause side effects like fever, cough, nausea, and upper respiratory tract infections. Typically, one starts with 15 mg, but the doctor may advise a 30 mg dose if that does not work. Eucrisa is also a treatment option for eczema. It is for skin-only treatment, so do not get it in contact with sensitive areas and rinse with water in case of contact. Foods to eat and avoid Eczema needs to be managed with a disciplined nutritional regime. These foods are a must in every meal plan for this skin condition:

The common cold and flu are both viral infections that affect the respiratory tract. While the symptoms of the conditions are the same, the flu is more severe. Patients experience sore throats, congestion, coughing, chest pain, headaches, sneezing, and high fevers. Although the conditions are common, they can be fatal if not managed. Thankfully, there are many ways to control the symptoms of a cold and the flu. The top three ways are: Begin the treatment Once the symptoms start to show, you must consult with a certified health practitioner and start your treatment. Fever, aches, and chills are pretty common symptoms of the cold and flu. Two common treatments prescribed by the doctor, in this case, are XOFLUZA® and TAMIFLU®.    XOFLUZA® It is a prescription treatment that is advised for people aged over 12 years. It is advised for people exhibiting the symptoms for not more than 48 hours. It is also prescribed for people aged 12 years and older who have been in touch with someone suffering from a cold or flu since the virus is highly contagious. Doctors do not prescribe this treatment for children below 12 years of age as it is still unknown if it is effective for kids in this age group.   TAMIFLU® It is an antiviral treatment that fights the virus in the body, stopping it from multiplying. Though it is not a substitute for the flu vaccination, the treatment is effective for kids aged two weeks and older suffering from influenza. It is also advised for people aged one year and older to prevent cold and flu.  Foods to have to manage cold and flu Being down and under the weather with the cold and the flu can leave you feeling fatigued and uninterested in food. But, to recover fast and effectively, you must consume the right food.

Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the central nervous system of the body. Here, the body’s immune system attacks the nerve fibers with the risk of causing permanent damage. As per a National MS Society study, about 1 million people in the country are affected by this condition. While there’s no permanent cure for the disease, it can be managed through the following treatment options, better food choices, and a few lifestyle changes:  Choosing the right treatment options People affected by multiple sclerosis (or MS) are usually capable of living a normal or near-normal life. With the right treatment, their condition can improve drastically. Ponvory, Kesimpta, and Ocrevus   are three different options prescribed by doctors for MS patients. Here is what one can expect: Ponvory:  This helps treat patients suffering from relapsing forms of MS. Adults with active secondary progression and relapsing-remitting MS can also benefit from this option. However, it has not been tested on kids. Ponvory is meant to be taken orally with or without food. KESIMPTA:  This is a prescription option for adults with relapsing forms of MS. The effectiveness of the option on children is yet to be proven. KESIMPTA is a liquid solution that is injected under the skin to target the B cells of the lymph nodes that play a role in relapsing multiple sclerosis. Ocrevus:  This prescription treatment provides relief to adults affected by primary progressive multiple sclerosis, MS relapse, relapse-remitting MS, and secondary progressive disease. It is not yet being tested on children in a clinical setting. Ocrevus is administered two times a year. Making better food choices There are no typical constraints or specific meals that can prevent the disease or relapse. However, an anti-inflammatory meal plan is usually recommended to patients so that they remain energetic and do not develop other conditions like cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure that can worsen their MS symptoms.