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.

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. Stock up on warm soups The key to keeping virus-borne cold and flu symptoms under control is to increase the intake of fluids like warm chicken soup as it not only aids in easing congestion but also in staying hydrated. Plus, the soup is rich in protein, which provides energy during the illness. The presence of minerals like potassium and sodium in chicken broth also helps to refill the lost nutrients due to cold and flu. Moreover, chicken soup includes a compound known as carnosine that assists the body’s immune system in fending off cold and flu symptoms in the initial stages.

Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens the bones, causing them to turn brittle and fracture. About 10 million individuals in the country suffer from osteoporosis. The deterioration of bones occurs in one of five men. In women, the probability is higher with osteoporosis affecting one in three individuals. Doctors prefer various prescription methods to cope with the condition and may also recommend some food tips. Here we have a few tips for managing osteoporosis: Eat foods to improve bone health One way to avoid osteoporosis is by eating foods to improve bone health. Introducing foods rich in calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, and milk, can nourish the body with calcium. The element is a vital nutrient for the formation and maintenance of the skeleton. Foods rich in vitamin C, E, K, and B also help in improving bone health. A few foods rich in these vitamins are collards, kale, spinach, arugula, swiss chard, and beet greens. Adding these edibles to meals can also introduce minerals like magnesium, selenium, and manganese to improve the quality of bones. Furthermore, eating foods abundant in omega-3, such as salmon and eggs, nourish the bones and promote rigidity. The fatty acid can also curb inflammation that may relieve any pain a person feels in their joints. On the flip side, several foods are also bad for bones. These foods can trigger inflammation and also lead to other complications. Sodium is an element that can drastically impact bone health. A few foods rich in sodium include processed meats, deli turkey, hot dogs, and ham. The element is coupled with other nitrates and nitrites to preserve these foods and enhance their flavor. Other foods such as burgers, tacos, and pizzas also contain excessive salts. Drinking caffeinated products like energy drinks, beverages, and coffee are other unhealthy foods that can trigger osteoporosis.

As per estimates, around 500,000 people in the country are affected by tardive dyskinesia. It is a condition where patients display repetitive, involuntary movements, such as tongue thrusting, lip-smacking, and rapid blinking. The disorder could be due to several factors, but it is often the side effect of specific treatments. So, the symptoms may reduce once the treatment plan is revised. Here are the treatments, foods, and lifestyle changes to manage tardive dyskinesia: Treatment options The first thing to do after experiencing the symptoms is to visit a doctor. The health expert may recommend a few treatments to manage tardive dyskinesia, such as those discussed below. Patients must keep the professional informed about the disorder’s progression after starting these treatments: INGREZZA This treatment is recommended for adults with tardive dyskinesia. Its effectiveness is not proven for children. INGREZZA must be used orally once a day or as advised by the doctor to control movements in the tongue, face, or other body regions. It reduces the effects of a specific brain chemical responsible for involuntary movements. INGREZZA may have side effects like sleepiness and heart rhythm problems. Deutetrabenazine It is another effective treatment to control involuntary movements in tardive dyskinesia patients and help them get on with their day-to-day routine work. Deutetrabenazine prevents the absorption of specific chemicals into the central nervous system, helping the nerves and muscles work naturally.  Some side effects include body pain, chills, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Foods choices Choosing the right foods when dealing with tardive dyskinesia is crucial for two reasons. One, patients have difficulty swallowing, and two, the right foods help keep the gut healthy and avoid issues like constipation, which can be detrimental for those with this condition. Here are the foods to eat: Fruit juices Juices of fruits like grapes and pomegranates are best for people with this disorder as they are easy to swallow.

As both a mineral and an electrolyte, potassium facilitates the functioning of all of your muscles, including voluntary and involuntary muscles. Hyperkalemia refers to the condition of having excess potassium in your blood. It is harmful to have elevated potassium levels because a heart attack or even death can result from hyperkalemia. Some of the food items that patients with hyperkalemia can eat to maintain good health while avoiding a surge in potassium levels are: Apples Apples are a low-potassium fruit that can be particularly helpful in managing the health of hyperkalemia patients. They are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. In fact, a medium-sized apple contains only about 148 milligrams of the element, making it an excellent choice for people with hyperkalemia. Apples also contain pectin, a type of fiber that may help lower potassium levels in the blood. Pectin works by binding to the electrolyte in the digestive system, preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. The fruit can be eaten in a variety of ways, making them an easy and versatile addition to any meal plan. They can be eaten raw, baked, or stewed, and can be used in a wide range of recipes, from desserts and salads to smoothies. This makes them relatively easy to incorporate into your daily meal plan. It is important to steer clear of apple juice or processed apple products as these products can be high in artificial sugar. Cottage cheese Cottage cheese can be beneficial for people with high hyperkalemia due to its low potassium content and high protein and calcium levels. One cup of it typically contains around 160 milligrams of the element, which is relatively low compared to other potassium sources like bananas or avocados. This makes cottage cheese a great option for people with hyperkalemia as it can help reduce the overall intake of the electrolyte in the meal.

Potassium is the third most abundantly found mineral in the human body. It is an essential microelement needed to maintain normal fluid levels inside the cells. It plays an important role in the function of the heart, nerves, kidneys, and muscles. Additionally, potassium helps regulate muscle contractions and send nerve signals. Low and high potassium levels can adversely affect an individual’s overall health. As the body does not produce potassium, it can be obtained from foods. Health benefits and recommended intake Potassium has several health benefits, and these include:  It is required for managing blood pressure and maintaining good cardiovascular health.  It helps in maintaining bone density and muscle mass. It improves kidney function as it prevents the formation of kidney stones.  The recommended dietary intake (RDI) of potassium is 3500 mg/day to 4700 mg/day for healthy adults. Potassium-containing foods to include in regular meals  Avocados A whole Avocado without its seed and skin can provide you with 16% of the daily RDI of potassium. It contains around 690 mg of the mineral. Avocados are also rich in vitamin K, folate, and healthy fats. They are good for people who have high blood pressure as they are low in sodium. The potassium content in avocados can help replenish the electrolyte lost through sweating. Pomegranate One medium-sized whole fruit gives you 666 mg of potassium, which is 14% of the daily RDI of this mineral. This is 200 mg more than that found in a banana. Pomegranates are rich in protein, folate, and vitamins C and K.  Bananas A medium-sized banana can give you 9% of the recommended daily value of potassium ie; 450 mg. They also contain vitamin C and iron. This is a good combination as vitamin C helps absorb iron in your body. A healthy person can have a maximum of 7 medium-sized bananas a day.

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. Milk is a major nutritional source, so replacing it outright can be challenging. However, people with EoE can substitute milk for coconut, hemp, oat, rice, dairy-free yogurts, cheeses, and coconut milk products. So, before making extensive changes to one’s daily meals, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Eggs Another major food trigger of eosinophilic esophagitis is eggs, mayonnaise, or meringue. The foods to avoid list includes baked food such as cakes, pastries, and puddings, as these are highly likely to contain eggs as one of their key ingredients.

Osteoporosis is a condition that makes the bone brittle and weak. When severe, even slight pressure caused by coughing, bending over, or falling can cause a fracture. Such fractures are predominant in the spine, wrist, or hip. Osteoporosis occurs if the new bone fails to keep up with the loss of the old bone. It affects men and women, but post-menopausal women are more susceptible. Let’s discuss the correct osteoporosis treatment and management plan: Treatment plan Prolia It is a prescription treatment plan for relieving osteoporosis in women post-menopause who cannot use other options or have not responded well to prior treatment and are susceptible to fractures. Doctors will prescribe it for at least six months. Prolia helps treat both men and women. However, professionals do not recommend it for pregnant women, women trying to get pregnant anytime soon, or people with low blood calcium. Further, those allergic to denosumab or any other Prolia ingredient must avoid it.   Evenity Evenity helps with osteoporosis in two ways: it slows down bone loss and helps build new bone simultaneously. It is an FDA-approved treatment for osteoporosis that comes as a prefilled, single-use syringe with solution. But Evenity may have severe side effects. It aggravates the risk of developing a stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular problems. So, before receiving Evenity, discuss your history, like a stroke or heart attack, especially if it occurred in the last year. Boniva It helps treat and prevent bone loss and maintain stronger bones. Boniva also lowers the risk of fractures or broken bones. Use this treatment option as directed by the doctor. Usually, orthopedics recommend using it once orally on the same day of every month. Ingest it at least an hour before your first meal of the day. Avoid taking it while you are still in bed or at bedtime.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers globally. The tumor begins in the prostate gland and can be detected through screening, after which the treatment procedure is determined. While standard treatments exist, clinical trials on and for prostate cancer   determine how effective new therapies can be. However, aside from therapies, it is essential to eat the right foods to reduce the growth rate of cancer cells and improve the effects of treatment. Early signs of prostate cancer Though early stages of the condition are symptomatic, the signs usually start appearing as the disease progresses. Here are some of the early warning signs that should not be ignored. Frequent urination One of the early warning signs of prostate cancer is the need to urinate frequently, especially at night. As the tumor grows, the pressure on the urethra or bladder results in more need to pass urine than usual. You might also have bleeding when you are urinating. Problems urinating There might be a weak urinary stream or a need to strain to empty the bladder. Some men may even feel pain or burning during urination. Loss of bladder control Another symptom of prostate cancer is leaking urine when you laugh or cough. Discomfort or pain in the back, hips, or pelvis One might also experience pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that does not go away with rest. It usually starts in the pelvic area. Over time, men also experience pain in those areas where prostate cancer has spread. Painful ejaculation Men with prostate cancer often experience sexual problems as the release of semen from the penis during orgasm is painful. Some may also notice bloody discharge in the semen on ejaculation or experience erectile dysfunction caused by prostate cancer. Foods to manage prostate cancer Consuming specific foods can help you recover from the side effects of treatment and also improve the outcome of prostate cancer treatment.

Schizophrenia is a prevalent mental health condition that affects a person’s cognitive abilities and overall functioning. Its symptoms range from unusual behavior and distorted thinking to severe episodes of delusions, hallucinations, and emotional disconnect. Although the disorder is chronic with no cure, an early diagnosis and timely treatment can help improve the patient’s quality of life. The following are some healthy foods for schizophrenia that can help manage the condition better. Foods rich in omega-3 Healthy fats help counter inflammation that triggers cognitive symptoms and discomforts in people with schizophrenia. Omega-3 is among the most popular healthy fats experts recommend patients include in their meal plans to manage the condition. It helps slow down the progression of the disease to a reasonable extent and prevents oxidative stress from harming healthy brain cells. Fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, black cod, and sardines are the best sources of omega-3, which the brain easily absorbs. Vegetarians looking to increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids can eat avocados. Besides anti-inflammatory properties, the fruit has fiber, which keeps a person feeling full. This, in turn, curbs unnecessary hunger pangs, lowering the risk of overeating associated with schizophrenia. Assorted nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are also suitable omega-3 sources for vegetarians. However, one should consume fatty acids carefully to boost anti-inflammatory responses and prevent cognitive functions from declining. Healthy probiotics Research studies suggest gut health can affect cognitive functions like thinking and memory. So, people with schizophrenia should consider foods and beverages that help boost healthy gut bacteria and preserve them in the digestive tract. Yogurt is one of the top choices among dairy products that help increase probiotic intake. It is also easy to digest and helps reduce stress. Nutritionists further suggest including fermented pickled vegetables in the meal plan to boost probiotic intake naturally.

A pump is a great tool for every breastfeeding mom. It gives you the flexibility to provide breastmilk to your baby even when you need to be away for some time. Or when your baby is not latching. Thus, pumping makes a mom’s life a little easier. At the same time, the pumping process can be frustrating and uncomfortable. However, making a few changes to your process or learning new techniques makes a lot of difference.  Here are a few common pumping mistakes and ways to rectify them. Not using hands-free pumping bras If you are exclusively pumping and not nursing, it can keep you occupied for a significant amount of time daily. So you may end up sitting there holding your bra in place for almost two hours. Whether you wish to multitask or relax by scrolling through your phone or reading a book, you won’t be able to. The time you spend pumping will be completely blocked by this activity. What you can do Purchase a couple of hands-free pumping bras. These will make things easier for you. With your hands free, you can multitask while you are pumping. While buying these bras, make sure what your requirements are. This is because some of these bras are made to be worn throughout the day, while others have been designed to be worn only when you are pumping. Using the wrong flange size The flange of a breast pump is the cup-shaped end that has to be fitted over the breast. It is an important part of the pump since it stimulates the breast to produce milk. Its size should be right, just like the cup size of a bra. The wrong size will cause discomfort, such as nipple pain, elastic nipple, and difficulty in pumping. Furthermore, it will be difficult to pump out the quantity of milk that you require.

Diagnosing and treating cancer can be a draining process. It becomes imperative for patients and their caretakers to ensure that patient is eating the right food. This provides the body with the necessary energy to fight the symptoms. It also helps the body to recover from the damage caused by the condition and treatment options employed to keep cancer under control. Therefore, the inclusion of foods with anticancerous properties becomes non-negotiable. Tomatoes Lycopene is an essential component that helps fight prostate cancer. This compound is found in abundant quantities in tomatoes. Aside from prostate cancer, lycopene also helps manage and prevent cancers of the lungs and stomach. Including meals rich in vegetable and fruit content as a staple can help combat numerous health concerns. Other foods that carry high amounts of lycopene include guava, papaya, and watermelon. Pectic has also been proven to decrease the number of cancer cells in the body by 40%. However, it should be noted that the compounds are more effective if taken in their natural form. Fiber-rich foods Studies in the past have suggested that Asian men are less prone to developing prostate cancer than Caucasian men. This difference can be attributed to the presence or lack of fiber in one’s meals. Including good quality and quantity of vegetables in one’s meals greatly prevents and manages prostate cancer. The inclusion of fiber-rich leafy vegetables also provides the body with the ability to fight off free radical damage. Adding vegetables like spinach, lettuce, salad greens, broccoli, and cauliflower is recommended. Broccoli, a cruciferous vegetable, contains sulforaphane, a phytochemical that helps in fighting against cancer development. Fish Omega-3 fatty acid is an essential component of a well-balanced and nutritious meal. It helps protect the body from undergoing damage suffered because of frequent wear and tear. Fish rich in this compound has been shown to have benefits against multiple health conditions.