For most people, achieving healthy hair, skin, and nails involves visiting a beauty salon for cosmetic treatments. However, it’s crucial to remember that what we put inside our bodies is more important than what we put on them. Thus, consuming nutritious food is vital to provide the body with the necessary minerals, vitamins, and nutrients for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails. Additionally, keeping the body hydrated by drinking enough water is equally crucial. How does food impact hair, skin, and nails? Skin, hair, and nails are made of different elements. For example, the fingernails and hair are made of keratin. So if keratin production is not regulated in the body, a person will have dull hair and brittle nails. In such cases, eating foods rich in biotin is usually recommended. It boosts keratin production in the body and promotes follicle growth. Similarly, Vitamins A, E, and D, iron, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and protein are also essential for skin, hair, and nail health. When one eats foods rich in healthy fats, the body can lock in enough moisture making them radiant. On the contrary, not eating foods rich in these nutrients can worsen the skin, nails, and hair condition. For example, it has been observed that eating foods that are low in carbohydrates can lead to hair thinning, making them brittle. Also, eating foods with a high glycemic index that causes a spike in blood sugar has been known to trigger skin conditions such as acne. Thus, what one eats affects one’s hair, skin, and nails. Foods for healthy hair, skin, and nails Adding these nutrient-dense foods to the meal plan is not only good for the hair, nails, and skin but also good for one’s overall health. Fatty fish Salmon, halibut, anchovies, herring, mackerel, black cod, sardines, bluefin tuna, whitefish, striped bass, and cobia are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Atrial fibrillation, also known as AFib, is a health condition characterized by irregular and rapid heart rhythm. Affecting millions worldwide, one’s lifestyle and nutritional choices can significantly impact the condition. Certain foods and beverages can worsen AFib symptoms, leading to heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and discomfort. Some common foods to avoid while dealing with atrial fibrillation symptoms and to support one’s heart health, in the long run are listed below. Wheat People with gluten intolerance or sensitivity and conditions like celiac disease must avoid gluten-containing foods like wheat and barley as they can trigger inflammation in the body. It can cause the heart’s natural pacemaker nerves to malfunction or impact how they work. To better understand the connection between gluten intake and atrial fibrillation episodes, it is better to maintain a journal. It will help track symptoms and help a healthcare professional analyze if the gluten triggers the condition. People who do not have any diagnosed issues associated with gluten can include gluten-containing foods in their meals without any complications. Salt Salt adds taste to food, but it also adds pressure to the blood flow. For patients with high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and other cardiac conditions, it is crucial to avoid excessive amounts of salt in foods. It is not restricted to food that is being ordered from eateries or that comes packaged and processed. Increased salt intake can increase the blood pressure of the patient. It increases their risk of experiencing symptoms associated with atrial fibrillation. The recommended intake of salt by the experts is 1500 mg for people with high blood pressure. Coffee A difficult decision for any caffeine lover is to dial back on the amount of coffee they drink during the day. Furthermore, if a person has been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, this is an inevitable decision that needs to be made sooner rather than later.

Our teeth help us chew and digest foods, speak clearly, and give the face its shape. So, it is crucial to make food and lifestyle choices that keep the ectodermal organs safe and robust. One way to manage teeth health is by eating foods that serve as natural mouth cleansers. Conversely, individuals should also avoid some foods that may damage their teeth. Thus, here are nine foods to exclude from one’s meals for dental health. Bread Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, bread is usually a staple part of most meals. However, it is also one of the worst foods when it comes to maintaining teeth health. When one chews on bread, the saliva breaks down starches into sugar. Once the bread turns into a gummy paste-like substance in the mouth, it may stick to the crevices between teeth, which could lead to cavities. Therefore, if one wants to eat foods rich in carbs, one should look for less refined options like whole wheat. Whole wheat breads contain lower amounts of added sugars and do not break down quickly. Sour candies Most people enjoy munching on candies following a meal or at other times in the day. But this is one of the worst foods for an individual’s overall health, including teeth quality. Furthermore, sour candy contains varied types of acids that are tougher on the teeth than regular candy. Since they are chewed, the mixture may stick to the teeth for longer periods. Therefore, those who consume excessive amounts of sour candy are at a higher risk of experiencing tooth decay. Instead of sour candy, one could switch to a bar of chocolate, which is much easier to chew and wash away. However, the person should visit a dentist to determine if they should completely exclude sweets from their meal regime.

Prurigo nodularis is a severe skin condition that leads to inflammation. It causes itchy rashes distributed symmetrically over the legs, arms, upper back, or abdomen. To get relief from the symptoms, people often resort to dietary changes. Individuals can manage their symptoms more effectively by avoiding certain foods that could trigger the condition. Here are some food items that people with prurigo nodularis should avoid to take a proactive approach to manage symptoms. Foods to avoid for managing prurigo nodularis Dairy products Dairy can exacerbate inflammation and itching associated with prurigo nodularis. Steering clear of milk, cheese, and yogurt may help mitigate discomfort. Gluten-containing grains Wheat, barley, and rye, containing gluten, can contribute to inflammation. Opt for gluten-free alternatives like rice, quinoa, and corn. Processed sugar Refined sugars in sweets and sugary beverages can lead to blood sugar spikes, potentially worsening prurigo nodularis. Artificial sweeteners Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin may disrupt gut health, influencing skin conditions negatively. Choose alternatives such as stevia and honey. Processed foods Highly processed foods often contain additives and artificial flavors that trigger or exacerbate skin reactions. Red meat Red meat may promote inflammation, so individuals with prurigo nodularis should limit their consumption. Saturated fats Foods high in saturated fats, like fried dishes and fatty cuts of meat, can intensify inflammation and symptoms. Shellfish Shellfish, particularly shrimp and crab, can be high in iodine, potentially worsening skin conditions. Processed meats Deli meats, sausages, and bacon often contain additives and preservatives that may exacerbate inflammation and prurigo nodularis symptoms. Caffeine Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to dehydration and may exacerbate itching and discomfort. Spicy foods Spicy foods can stimulate nerve endings, potentially intensifying itching associated with prurigo nodularis. Nightshade vegetables Tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants belong to the nightshade family, which may contain alkaloids that exacerbate inflammation.

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a group of conditions that affect the lungs. Emphysema or chronic bronchitis are two of the most common forms of COPD. While it has no absolute cure, certain treatment options can help relieve the symptoms. One of the ways to manage and improve respiratory health is to monitor what one eats and recognize foods that can worsen COPD symptoms. So, here are a few foods to avoid: Sugary foods Foods rich in refined sugar, like baked goods, cookies, candies, sweet rolls, pies, and cobblers, can increase blood sugar levels and bloating. Furthermore, these foods can cause frequent energy crashes, making one feel fatigued. All of these factors can worsen COPD symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness. Salty foods Frozen foods, salted nuts, and takeout meals may have a high amount of salt (sodium). Excessive sodium can make the body retain fluids. For those with COPD, this means an elevated risk of pulmonary hypertension or high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. These issues can lead to other COPD complications as well. So, it is important to monitor daily salt intake by checking food labels and choosing foods with low sodium. Processed meat Cured or processed meat has been associated with several health issues, including the worsening of COPD symptoms. The reason for this is the presence of high amounts of nitrites and sodium used to preserve the meat. However, these preservatives can end up damaging the lung tissues if processed meat is eaten regularly over a long period. In addition, the high amounts of sodium help retain the flavor of the meat while also causing fluid retention in the body. Both of these factors can aggravate COPD symptoms. So, one must avoid processed meats like sausages, bacon, hot dogs, lunch meats, prosciutto, salami, chorizo, and pepperoni.

Acid reflux is a digestive issue involving irritation in the lining of the esophagus due to acid or bile backing up into the region. It can be the primary symptom of a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the prevalence of which is estimated to be from 18.1 to 27.8% in the country. In most cases, certain lifestyle changes, including better food choices, can help prevent and manage acid reflux. Best foods for managing acid reflux 1. Ginger Packed with antioxidants, ginger is an age-old remedy for digestive problems, including nausea and vomiting. Gingerol, an element found in ginger, can help in the passage of food through the stomach. So, a cup of warm ginger tea or the addition of ginger to stir-fries, gravies, and other recipes is an excellent way to help manage symptoms of acid reflux and soothe the stomach lining. 2. Lean protein The body requires protein to boost immunity and help reduce acid reflux symptoms. Lean protein sources like fish, turkey, and chicken help regulate the production of stomach acid and manage acid reflux while not being too heavy on the stomach. 3. Spinach This leafy green vegetable is a natural remedy for acidity. Spinach is also low in sugar and fat and rich in fiber, helping control stomach acid production. So, spinach, along with other leafy greens like kale, fenugreek, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, should be a part of daily meals when dealing with acid reflux. 4. Bananas Bananas have alkaline properties owing to their high potassium content and are high-fiber fruits, helping balance stomach acid levels. They also help the body stay hydrated, which can accelerate recovery from GERD. 5. Oatmeal Oatmeal is a great source of soluble fiber, which dissolves in the stomach to form a gel-like substance. So, it prevents stomach acid displacement and is a good breakfast option for those with acid reflux.

A stuffy nose or nasal congestion is generally caused by inflamed blood vessels or mucus in the sinuses because of allergies, colds, or flu. It affects normal breathing, leads to appetite loss, and makes it difficult to perform routine activities. While a stuffy nose typically goes away in a couple of days, one may require some home remedies to manage the discomfort. Here are certain foods to have that give relief from a stuffy nose. Chicken soup Packed with nutrients and flavors, chicken soup is good for getting relief from discomfort caused by a stuffy nose. It contains lots of vitamins, minerals, calories, and protein, that are required by the body while recovering from an illness. Also, the chicken in the soup is a good source of amino acid cysteine, which has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It breaks down the mucus in the nasal passage opening up the sinuses. Moreover, chicken soup is enriched with electrolytes, which keeps the body hydrated, quickening the process of recovery. Broths Similar to chicken soup, broths are also effective in relieving a stuffy nose. They are good sources of electrolytes and fluids that can help in soothing the inflamed nasal membranes. Drinking warm broth made from either vegetables or meat is often recommended to alleviate the discomfort caused by a stuffy nose. Rich in flavor, broths are easier to have as well since a stuffy nose often makes a person lose their appetite. Garlic Garlic has several health benefits, which makes it an effective remedy to manage many health conditions. It has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Moreover, it helps to improve the function of the immune system. Therefore, adding garlic to one’s meal prep can not only add some intense flavors but some essential nutrients as well. This can help in recovering from a stuffy nose, especially if it is caused by allergies or infection.

Teeth staining can happen for several reasons, such as aging, poor eating habits, and an unhealthy lifestyle. To combat this, one could follow good oral hygiene, periodic dental cleaning, and professional tooth whitening to improve the color of the teeth. But apart from these measures, individuals could also make certain lifestyle choices, such as eating healthy foods. Below is a list of eleven foods that should be part of one’s meal regime for brighter teeth. Strawberries Eating strawberries could benefit one’s teeth, especially its color. The berry is rich in malic acid concentration, a property used in many toothpaste formulas. The acid works like a natural astringent and helps remove the tooth surface discoloration. One should note that strawberries are also abundant in citric acid, which may weaken the enamel. Therefore, each individual must wait at least 30 minutes to brush their teeth after consuming strawberries or other acidic foods. One could also rinse their mouth with water to negate the effects of citric acid after eating the berry. Onions Many are unaware of the health benefits associated with onions regarding oral hygiene. While the vegetable might cause bad breath, eating it in small amounts may benefit the teeth. The food contains antibacterial sulfur compounds that may prevent plaque from forming on the teeth. One could include onions on sandwiches and in salads when they can. Another food with similar sulfur compounds is garlic, which could prevent plaque and reduce the risk of yellowing teeth. Apples The fruit has several beneficial properties, including those associated with the teeth. Apples are crunchy. Therefore, its texture is a natural abrasive scrub, which helps clean the teeth when chewing on them. Furthermore, apples have a high malic acid concentration that could promote extra saliva and positively affect the teeth’ color. Pineapple The teeth are covered with a pellicle or a layer of salivary proteins.

Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects the macula, a part of the retina at the back of the eye. The disease becomes worse over time and leads to blindness. While foods cannot correct macular degeneration-related vision changes, certain foods can help slow vision loss and maintain eye health. Similarly, certain foods are bad for eye health. Some of the foods to eat and avoid are as follows: Foods to eat Here are some of the best foods one can eat to combat macular degeneration: Salmon This fatty fish is high in two types of omega-3 fatty acids: EPA and DHA. These fats help fight inflammation, which is thought to play a role in the disease. In addition, they can also help reduce bad cholesterol levels, which are associated with the development of this eye condition. Besides salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, and tuna, are also high in omega-3s. Spinach Among other beneficial nutrients, spinach contains plenty of carotenoids, especially lutein and zeaxanthin. These carotenoids are also found in the macula, where they help protect the cells necessary for vision. A great way to boost the number of carotenoids in the eyes is to load up on spinach and other leafy greens like kale, collard greens, and broccoli. Chickpeas Every meal plan for good eye health contains at least one good source of zinc, like chickpeas. Zinc helps supply vitamin A to the retina, assisting in the production of a pigment that protects the eye. The mineral can slow the rate of degeneration of the macula in people with the disease. Plus, it can improve overall eye health. Carrots Carrots have long been touted as beneficial for the eyes, which isn’t untrue. These brightly-colored veggies are chock-full of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that decreases the risk of eye conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts.

While everyone would love to have flawless skin, it’s inevitable that skin deterioration will be the next phase with advancing age. The body can only keep producing so many healthy cells to replenish dead skin, even with the best of lifestyle choices and habits. However, studies are conclusive of the fact that paying attention to daily nutrition and making healthy changes in nutritional regime can help maintain skin health, prevent diseases, and even improve their long-term outlook. Foods rich in omega-3s  For several reasons, omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most potent nutrients the body can absorb, playing a crucial role in skincare. In fact, studies have shown that a deficiency can result in common problems like dry skin and acne. Including more naturally sourced omega-3s can lower skin inflammation and prevent acne and redness of the skin. Seafood is an excellent source of natural omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty fish like salmon, herring, and mackerel, among others, also contain vitamin E, zinc, and proteins for skin tissue repair. Vitamin E is known to work as an antioxidant and prevents oxidative damage to the skin cells. Protein helps maintain skin texture and quality, while zinc also lowers inflammation and regulates the production of skin cells. Vegetarians and vegans can alternatively source their fair share of healthy fats from plant-based alternatives like avocado. Eating avocados helps the skin remain moisturized and creates a protective barrier to shield it from harmful UV rays. Avocados also help replenish the daily requirements of vitamins C and E for maintaining smooth blemish free flawless-looking skin. Additionally, walnuts are a rich source of healthy fats, vitamin E, zinc, and proteins. These nuts help counter any inflammation that can cause the skin to break out into acne, blemishes, and redness. Foods containing beta carotene and lutein Beta carotene, lutein, and several other nutrients found in cruciferous and colored vegetables can help prevent skin damage and aid in tissue repair.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an illness that impacts the central nervous system. Therefore, at first glance, your food may not appear to play a significant role in initiating your symptoms or exacerbating the illness. However, consuming certain foods and eliminating others may bring some benefits. While there is no specific food-related advice for MS patients, consuming whole foods is advised. And if you are wondering what not to consume for sclerosis, read on. How food helps manage multiple sclerosis It is believed that the condition is caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental variables and that food can play a role. Also, the fact that MS is more common in developed countries than in developing ones indicates that nutrition may play a role. As a result, nutritional recommendations for individuals with MS focus on symptom management to enhance the overall quality of life. However, before making any food changes, consult a physician or nutritionist. These are the foods to avoid to protect your health. Gluten Gluten is present in grains like wheat and rye. Individuals with celiac disease, characterized by gluten sensitivity, should avoid gluten altogether to prevent intestinal damage. Still, many other individuals, including those suffering from MS, can benefit by eliminating gluten from their meals. Sugar Limit foods heavy in simple sugars because they lead to blood glucose imbalances. A substantial increase or decrease in blood glucose is linked with the consumption of processed sugar. And this can lead to more severe symptoms in those with multiple sclerosis. Those who have MS and consume sugar-sweetened drinks are up to 5 times more likely to suffer a severe disability than those who consume the least sugar-sweetened beverages. Ultra-Processed foods Ultra-processed items have various additives to extend their shelf life and change their color and flavor. Widely used compounds in processed foods can harm intestinal mucosa, weakening our natural immune response.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective cover of the nerves. While scientists do not exactly know what causes this disorder, it is often attributed to genetic and environmental factors. Doctor-recommended treatments help control symptoms like vision loss, impaired coordination, and fatigue, but patients must also watch what they eat. Certain foods could trigger the condition or worsen symptoms and should be avoided. Saturated fats Foods with saturated fats are said to impact neurological health in the long run. They are often linked to inflammation and high levels of bad cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Since people with multiple sclerosis already have a higher risk of cardiovascular problems than others, they should avoid saturated fat as much as possible. This includes unhealthy fats like coconut oil, full-fat dairy, palm oil, and red meat. Instead, one should choose a low-fat nutrition plan to manage the symptoms. Sugar An excessive amount of sugar is linked to diabetes, kidney damage, rapid heartbeat, vision problems, and more. It may also contribute to nerve damage, which is already a problem in multiple sclerosis. Excess sugar may cause frequent blood sugar fluctuations, contributing to fatigue, especially in patients with this neurological condition. The fatigue may worsen when one does not exercise. So, patients must think twice before reaching for that bar of chocolate, sports drink, or even breakfast muesli. Cow’s milk Cow’s milk is one of the most important things to avoid with this disorder as it is high in saturated fats. It stimulates the body’s immune cells, which may lead to lesions or scars in the nervous system. Specific proteins in milk are said to trigger autoimmune reactions, especially in people with multiple sclerosis. It may also lead to inflammation and gastrointestinal problems, such as flatulence, gas, and bloating.