It is normal to lose fifty to one hundred hairs per day. This suggests that new hair is replacing the existing hair as the hair goes through its natural growth cycle. Alopecia, which is another name for hair loss, however, denotes a more serious health condition where a person loses more than a hundred strands every day. Here are several underlying diseases that may be the cause of the hair loss. What are the indications of severe hair loss? Hair loss caused by illnesses can appear in different ways. For some, the signs may appear suddenly, and for others, they may only be visible over a period. Some general signs include: Bald patches on the scalp Broken hair Redness or swelling on the scalp Sudden thinning of hair Loss of hair in the beard, eyebrows, or elsewhere in the body Which diseases trigger hair loss? Here are some health conditions that may trigger hair loss in some people: Lupus Lupus is an autoimmune condition in which one’s immune system cannot differentiate between the body’s healthy cells and the foreign bodies and begins attacking them. Hair loss is one of the most common signs of lupus and occurs when the inflammation affects the scalp. According to  Novel Insights from Clinical Practice,  it may either cause hair to fall out in bunches or cause gradual hair thinning at the front of the scalp, known as ‘lupus hair’ or non-scarring alopecia. When accompanied by thick red sores, lupus results in scarring alopecia. At times, treatments that control lupus symptoms also result in hair loss.  The best way to manage lupus-induced hair loss is to prevent frequent flare-ups. This can be done by: Avoiding going out in the sun Eating healthy meals and exercising Managing stress Getting sufficient amount of rest Hormonal problems According to the  International Journal of Molecular Sciences,  there is a close connection between various hormones and the hair cycle.

Potassium is an essential nutrient that allows your body to function optimally. A meal plan rich in potassium allows proper nerve function and regulates your heartbeat. However, certain conditions such as kidney diseases and consuming food rich in potassium excessively may increase its levels in your bloodstream leading to a condition known as hyperkalemia . Let’s look at foods you should limit to keep your potassium within normal levels. Bananas The first food that comes to mind when people think of potassium sources is bananas. One medium-sized banana contains almost 422 mg of potassium. Though it would take a lot of bananas to cause an overdose of potassium, if you are also eating other foods rich in potassium, it will lead to excessive potassium levels in your blood, which in turn, will trigger hyperkalemia . Tomato Sauce and Paste Raw tomatoes contain a decent amount of potassium. One medium tomato has about 292 mg of potassium. Concentrated forms of tomatoes, such as sauces, salsa, paste, puree, etc., contain even higher amounts of potassium. For instance, a small cup of tomato sauce contains almost 728 mg potassium. So, it is advised to skip tomato sauce and opt for alternatives such as basil or roasted red peppers. Milk If you have been advised a low potassium meal plan, you must avoid milk or at least its consumption needs to be reduced. A cup of whole milk contains around 350 mg of potassium. The lower the amount of fat in milk, the higher the potassium content. While you may have a small serving of milk daily, it should not exceed 300 ml. It means avoiding milk and dairy products such as buttermilk, yogurt, milk-based sweets, ice creams, and other desserts. Oranges and Orange Juice Oranges have a very high potassium content and are best avoided if diagnosed with hyperkalemia .

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.

Schizophrenia is a mental illness that is triggered by a combination of physical, genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. While there is no specific meal plan to treat the condition, certain food changes can help prevent a relapse. Also, schizophrenics are more prone to a variety of physical health issues, which is why it becomes more important to avoid certain foods. Here is a list of foods to be avoided by people with schizophrenia. Foods to be avoided by schizophrenics Gluten Gluten sensitivity can worsen mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Switching to gluten-free meals can help improve the patient’s condition and make them feel better. People with the condition should avoid foods containing gluten such as wheat, rye, and barley. Refined sugar Consuming foods high in sugar can cause blood sugar levels to spike, impacting mood and impairing memory. Cutting out refined sugars found in candies, cakes, and sweetened beverages might help ease the symptoms of schizophrenia. Foods containing artificial sweeteners Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose, can lead to high insulin levels. Research also suggests that consuming artificial sweeteners can cause behavioral, cognitive, and neurophysiological problems. High-fat dairy products Dairy products are one of the main culprits for inflammation and can worsen mental health conditions, including schizophrenia. Individuals with the condition should consider limiting their consumption of dairy products like heavy cream, butter, and full-fat cheese. Processed vegetable oils According to a 2018 study, the consumption of processed oils such as soybean, canola, and vegetable oils can cause cognitive decline. The inflammation caused by these lesser-quality oils has been linked to mental health conditions and schizophrenia. Foods high in trans fats Foods such as potato chips, pizza, and fast food are high in trans fats. Their regular consumption causes inflammation, affecting mental health and preventing the production of omega-3 fatty acids that help improve brain function.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, one in eight people nationwide aged 12 years or above suffer from hearing loss in both ears. Hearing loss is a significant health issue that must be addressed with proper treatment and infrastructure. In addition to leveraging cutting-edge technology to facilitate hearing, leading a healthy lifestyle and avoiding certain types of foods can contribute to a more functional life for individuals with hearing difficulties. Foods to avoid with hearing difficulties Red meat Although a rich source of protein and iron, red meat is also high in saturated and trans fats, which can contribute to plaque generation in the arteries, restrict blood circulation, and trigger or worsen hearing impairment. It is a good idea to replace red meat with lean meat sources like chicken and turkey breast and venison. Confectioneries Store-bought confectioneries like cakes, cupcakes, biscuits, puddings, and pastries contain large quantities of sugar, refined flour, and carbohydrates, which can increase one’s glucose levels significantly. Elevated glucose levels can damage the blood vessels in the body and the nerves present in the upper ear, exacerbating hearing difficulties. Salt Salt in limited quantities is necessary for almost all preparations. However, excessive salt content in foods can elevate blood pressure and restrict proper blood circulation. Poor blood circulation is associated with hearing impairments like tinnitus (ringing noises in either or both ears). Therefore, people with hearing problems should limit foods with too much salt, including ready-made fries, chips, canned or curated meats, cold cuts, salted nuts, and salted popcorn. Monosodium glutamate Also known as MSG, this excitatory neurotransmitter is widely used in ready-to-eat, packaged foods and meals prepared at restaurants and is associated with hearing loss, tinnitus, and neurological damage. Thus, individuals with hearing problems should strictly limit or avoid eating from restaurants or out of packets; they must swap such foods with fresh, nutritious meals prepared at home.

Huntington’s disease is a hereditary disease that causes the degeneration of brain cells. One of the main symptoms of this condition is uncontrollable jerky movements in the arms, legs, face, head, and upper body (called chorea). Other symptoms may also include a decline in thinking and reasoning skills, alterations in mood, and behavioral changes. This article explores how the condition impacts one’s eating and food management strategies to improve nutritional intake. How Huntington’s affects the body and food intake Chorea Huntington causes jerky, uncontrollable movements called chorea. This can use more energy, increasing one’s caloric needs. Difficulty in planning Huntington’s may cause short-term memory loss, making it difficult to plan meals in advance. This can also affect one’s food and nutrition. Clumsiness One may also experience stumbling and clumsiness. As a result, one may find it difficult to eat or drink, causing embarrassment among individuals with Huntington’s. Mood changes Cognitive changes with Huntington’s can cause depression and anxiety. This can cause changes in appetite, affecting one’s desire to eat. Muscular changes With Huntington’s, individuals may also have hand-eye coordination, eating, and posture issues. This can limit their ability to put food into their mouths, affecting their daily eating habits. Additionally, it can make it difficult to close the lips together, causing spillage. It may also cause food and drink to transfer too quickly or too slowly, affecting eating. Dysphagia Those with Huntington’s also commonly experience difficulty swallowing as a result of a loss of fine motor skills in the face and neck. This is called dysphagia. It can lead to an increased risk of choking, posing difficulty while eating and drinking. In the advanced stages of Huntington’s disease, one may also find it difficult to chew and swallow. As a result, doctors may recommend tube feeding. A percutaneous endoscopic gastroscopy (PEG) tube is often inserted.

Like most cancers, the precise cause of breast cancer is unknown. Sadly, there is no definite cure for the disease at its advanced stage, nor can it be prevented. Yet, it is one of the most common cancers affecting over 260,000 women every year. Even though men also develop breast cancer, they make up only 1% of the total number of cases each year. Here are three useful tips for managing breast cancer: Start treatment without any delay There is no concrete biological answer for why an individual would develop breast cancer. Nor are there any definite symptoms to be cautious of beforehand and adopt the required preventive measures. A combination of genetic and environmental causes come into play to contribute to such a condition. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognize the following as the primary symptoms of breast cancer: Swelling in the breast or armpit A thickening or bulging of the breast Development of dimples in the breast or skin irritation Reddish or flaky skin around the nipple area Other discharges from the nipple apart from breast milk However, it is crucial to note that all these symptoms do not necessarily imply the presence of a malignancy. Even cysts and infections fall under the category of diagnosis for such symptoms.  Nevertheless, once breast cancer is diagnosed through screening methods like mammograms, X-rays of the breast, and biopsies, the health professional conducts further tests. The objective of such tests is to grasp the current condition of cancer, whether it is limited to the breast area or has dispersed to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Depending on the nature of the breast cancer, a patient may undergo one or a combination of the following treatments: Chemotherapy This treatment uses particular remedial agents to reduce or eliminate cancer cells.

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.

Asthma is a respiratory condition wherein the airways in the lungs swell up, become narrow, and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe. People affected can experience breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing. The disease could be a minor issue for some, while others may have to deal with serious long-term symptoms. Although there is no permanent cure for asthma, here are treatment options, foods to have and avoid, and alternative therapies to manage the symptoms: Treatment options Doctors can recommend the right course of treatment based on the severity of asthma symptoms. Here are a few popular options: Tezepelumab:  It is a popular treatment option, approved by the FDA as a supplementary maintenance remedy for pediatric patients over 12 and adults with asthma. Tezepelumab is an injectable option and the first and only biologic to significantly and consistently reduce severe asthma symptoms in clinical trials. Fasenra:  This is a monoclonal antibody that works on the immune system activity in the body. Fasenra helps control the elevated eosinophil count responsible for severe asthma symptoms. This injection is suitable for children over 12 and adults and can be used with other treatment plans to keep flare-ups in check. Nucala:  This is a monoclonal antibody that also reduces the eosinophils in the body. Doctors recommend this option with other treatment plans to control severe symptoms in children (over 6) and adults. Nucala is administered once every four weeks, and it cannot work as a rescue treatment to deal with sudden attacks or breathing problems. Xolair:  This option helps treat moderate to severe allergic asthma symptoms in children (over 6) and adults. This oral treatment option lowers the allergic response in the body, but it is not a rescue treatment to cure sudden asthma attacks. Zyrtec:  Antihistamines like Zyrtec target allergy-related symptoms like runny nose and watery eyes and can ease breathing difficulty in patients with mild to moderate asthma.

Skin care these days has become synonymous with splurging on masks, serums, creams, and massagers. As beneficial as these enriched solutions are, they cannot do it all. One of the main reasons for dull, lifeless skin is improper nourishment. It has long been known that the skin and hair reflect the kind of nourishment our body receives. Read this article to learn more about healthy and nourishing foods for nourished skin: Avocados If we had to pick just one food to maintain healthy glowing skin among the numerous options available, avocado would be it. Its rich and creamy texture provides versatility that helps incorporate the fruit into various recipes. Avocados carry a trusting balance of healthy fats, essential nutrients, and taste. It is truly a superfood that significantly assists in maintaining the skin’s firm and fresh look. Its fatty acid content makes it a natural moisturizer and keeps the skin dewy looking through all seasons. Berries Antioxidants have a bigger picture to paint when it comes to health than we generally give them credit for. The ability of these compounds to help maintain physical, mental, and emotional well-being is unmatched. So is their ability to keep the skin glowing, fresh, and free of blemishes. Including berries, such as blueberries, has been a sure solution to the free radicals damaging your skin. Opting for berries when you have the munchies delivers on a healthy body and mind and gives you unbeatable glowing skin. Papaya Maintaining healthy and glowing skin might seem like a math problem that calls for a lot of head scratching. But, it isn’t, as long as you include healthy fruits and vegetables in your meals. Foods with a high amount of Vitamin C are an absolute must for glowing, age-defying skin. Papaya is one such fruit that carries loads of Vitamin C.

Depression, one of the common mental disorders, affects about 5% of the global population. There are three stages of the disorder, namely mild, moderate, and severe. The moderate and severe forms can impact a person’s daily routine. In many cases, severely depressed people can feel suicidal. About 17.3 million people suffer from depression, and the disorder is more prevalent in females than males. These are the three ways to help manage mental disorders: Get treated   Although challenging and long-term, the illness is treatable. Getting the proper treatment at the right time can make a crucial difference to the quality of life. REXULTI and CAPLYTA are two proven treatment methodologies that have benefited many.    REXULTI This is a psychiatric treatment belonging to the atypical antipsychotics class and is used for treating certain mental illnesses, including depression. It typically re-instates some of the natural chemicals in the brain and helps deal with everyday situations by controlling thoughts, nervousness, and hallucinations. It also positively influences the person’s energy levels, enhancing appetite, mood, and sleep quality. Caplyta This is another treatment that has proven results in the case of bipolar and depression. It is advised for adults and is used for treating patients suffering from bipolar I and II. It affects certain natural compounds in the brain like serotonin and dopamine, resulting in improved mood. What to eat   There is no typical meal plan that people suffering from depression need to have. Doctors advise balanced meals so that the person’s overall health remains stable. For example, eating foods rich in antioxidants help fight free radicals and can create a healthy ecosystem for brain cells. If depression is making daily life difficult, consider choosing from these food items to boost mood:   Dark chocolate This is brilliant as a mood enhancer and acts as an antidepressant.

Migraine is a type of headache that may result from a neurological condition. It causes severe pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. If you regularly have migraine attacks, consult a neurologist who can treat your chronic migraine. The doctor will help you identify the factors that trigger your headaches and treat the pain accordingly. A person’s age, family history, sex, and hormones make them more prone to migraines. Migraine triggers Though the deep-rooted cause of migraines remains unknown, specific triggers can cause the onset of migraines. Some of them are: Food and food additives Particular food and chemical additives may set off migraine attacks. Fasting is another meal-related trigger that is responsible for this h ealth  condition. Caffeine, chocolate, cheese, pickled, fermented, and cured foods are associated with a migraine attack. Also, it has been found that food items containing more Tyramine may cause this condition. It has also been reported that Migraines may also be triggered by aspartame, an artificial sweetener, and Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), the flavor enhancer. Many people believe in this rational finding, while the experiments have led to conflicting results for aspartame. Hunger and dehydration Hunger or skipping meals is another factor that triggers this  health  condition. This results in lower glucose levels that can cause migraines. Dehydration is another factor that may contribute to this type of headache. Low hydration levels are the cause in forty percent of people. It also affects the overall body and leads to confusion and dizziness. Therefore, there is a need to stay properly hydrated. Strong and unusual smells Certain people have reported that migraine gets triggered by certain strong, unusual, and odd smells. Various smells, like the fragrance of perfumes, colognes, chemicals, and food odors, can cause the condition to set in. These triggers may lead to a migraine attack or worsen an existing one.