Arthritis affects 350 million people around the world. The condition causes joint pain and inflammation. In addition to seeking appropriate treatment, making healthy nutritional changes can also help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. An easy way to get more anti-inflammatory foods and essential nutrients into the meal plan is to have smoothies. So, here are delicious and nutrient-packed smoothies that can help one deal with arthritis and relieve its symptoms. What is arthritis? Arthritis is a comprehensive term used to describe over 100 different types of joint conditions. It affects people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. The most common type of this condition is osteoarthritis, which develops when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. Other common types are rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. Some factors may contribute to the development of arthritis, such as genetics, injury, infection, and hormonal changes. The condition can cause pain, stiffness, swelling in joints or surrounding tissues, decreased range of motion in affected areas, and fatigue. Symptoms vary based on the type but generally worsen with age or after extended periods without movement, such as sitting for long periods at work or sleeping for too long without stretching.  Best smoothies Tropical sunrise smoothie For those looking for a refreshing and nutritious beverage to ease arthritis pain, the tropical sunrise smoothie is the perfect option. It contains ingredients rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and essential vitamins and minerals to support joint health. Here is the recipe: 1 cup of unsweetened coconut milk: The unsweetened coconut milk serves as a creamy and dairy-free base for this delicious smoothie. Coconut milk contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. It is also rich in vitamins C and E, which can help boost the immune system and protect joints from damage.

Our body converts food into energy through metabolism, when the food and oxygen get broken down as energy and carbon dioxide, respectively. We exhale the carbon dioxide while breathing out. Those with a lung disease might have to work much harder to exhale the carbon dioxide. A meal plan that is poor in antioxidants and fiber or rich in nitrates, fat, and sugar is bound to affect the lungs and trigger symptoms like breathing difficulties. Foods to omit for healthy lungs Lung diseases can cause breathing difficulty, prevent the lungs from working properly or affect other respiratory organs like airways, blood vessels, and lung tissues. The lungs’ main function is transporting oxygen to all body parts and carrying carbon dioxide away from the lungs. Some of the common diseases that affect the lungs include viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, asthma, mesothelioma, lung cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Inflammation in the lungs and airways can also lead to many lung-related diseases. One should omit all foods that can trigger any infection or worsen existing lung disease. This is crucial for anyone with a history of lung infection, who has been exposed to harmful chemicals, lives in polluted environments, or works in hazardous professions. One should also avoid foods that can cause inflammation, gas, and bloating, as these can put additional pressure on the lungs. Here are a few foods that one should avoid to prevent any damage to the lungs: Carbonated beverages If one drinks soda frequently and is at high risk for lung-related diseases, it is time to stop it completely. Carbonated and aerated drinks affect the lungs in more than one way. They are filled with gas and cause the chest to tighten, making breathing difficult. Research says that carbonated beverages can promote inflammation, which can cause breathing problems and coughing almost instantly.

Parkinson’s disease is a movement-related disorder caused by degeneration of the brain cells that control the body’s movements. The nerve cells stop producing dopamine – a neurotransmitter that works with other chemicals to communicate between nerve cells and muscles that control movement. This condition can be managed with timely diagnosis and various treatment methods, including oral prescriptions, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) procedures, lifestyle changes, and exercise. Role of foods in managing Parkinson’s disease There is no official recommendation or solid evidence yet to show that a specific food or a combination can help in managing the advancement of Parkinson’s Disease. It is a degenerative condition resulting in tremors, slow movement, imbalance, rigidity, sleep disorders, pain, mental health disorders, and sensory disturbances. Oral treatments for Parkinson’s Disease are known to cause multiple side effects: Nausea Vomiting Loss of appetite Constipation Dyskinesia – uncontrollable movements of arms, legs, torso, and face Confusion Daytime sleep Constipation Low blood pressure Since Parkinson’s Disease mostly affects seniors, their food intake has to consider the physical and mental changes they go through, any comorbidities they may have, and also manage the side effects of the oral prescriptions. It is recommended to consult a nutritionist to devise the right menu plan that provides the required nutrition, helps manage side effects, and prevents worsening symptoms. Food has to be soft, easy to digest, and easy to eat, making meal times comfortable and stress-free. Beneficial foods for Parkinson’s Disease Patients with Parkinson’s require calcium to compensate for the loss of bone density, vitamins and minerals that can prevent the progression of symptoms, and fiber to ease constipation. A caregiver should create a menu from varied food groups, like carbs, dairy, proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Here are some of the important foods that can benefit people with Parkinson’s Disease: Green leafy vegetables Green leafy vegetables contain beneficial compounds like tryptophan, which may boost serotonin and dopamine.

Inflammation, infection, cell and tissue damage, and aging are some of the common factors that can contribute to issues that interfere with the normal functioning of the lungs. Respiratory issues are usually triggered by viral or bacterial infection, exposure to irritants and environmental pollution, lack of nutrition, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and a family history of a lung-related condition. Here, good eating habits can help in maintaining lung health and preventing respiratory issues. Managing lung health Limiting exposure to pollution is a key measure to protect the lungs. So, one should wear masks outdoors to avoid dirt, dust, smoke, and hazardous fumes from entering the body. Maintaining the highest hygiene standards at home and outside can help one prevent contracting any infection through airborne pathogens. While a healthy meal plan and regular exercise can strengthen the lungs, frequent medical checkups can help identify any risk of lung disease so that one can take necessary preventive measures. Best foods for lungs A nutritious, balanced, and lung-friendly meal plan can help the immune system keep infections at bay. So, one should add the following nourishing foods to their daily meals: Sources of vitamin A The lungs are among the last organs to develop in a fetus, so the right nutrients during pregnancy help in healthy lung development. Vitamin A is one of the crucial nutrients for healthy lung development in infancy and for maintaining lung health at all ages. Retinoic acid, a key component of Vitamin A, is essential for developing air sacs and maintaining airways, lung cells, and tissues. Research has also shown that those with various respiratory illnesses have a deficiency of vitamin A. The nutrient is vital for the lung epithelium, which provides barrier protection, maintains fluid balance in the lungs, clears irritants, initiates an immune response, and produces mucus.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting children and adults. It occurs due to inflammation of the esophagus, which leads to issues in contraction. In some cases, the esophagus may also become narrower and develop abscesses. Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, and food getting caught in the esophagus are some of the symptoms. Read on to know more about this condition and which foods can help manage the symptoms. What You Must Know About Eosinophilic Esophagitis Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has become one of the most common esophageal and reflux diseases. When a person has EoE, white blood cells known as eosinophils accumulate or overcrowd the esophagus, causing pain and inflammation. Though eosinophils are meant to protect us from infection, if there are too many and they begin to collect in the wrong places, it causes problems. Allergies, infections, and diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, some types of blood cancers, and autoimmune myocarditis can lead to the overcrowding of eosinophils. If one finds it difficult to swallow food or if it frequently gets stuck in the throat, it could indicate EoE. Family history and genetic changes can also lead to an increase in the number of eosinophils. Doctors perform a thorough physical examination and tests like GI endoscopy, biopsy, and blood examinations to diagnose and confirm EoE. Once they have a clear diagnosis, they prescribe certain treatments to control the inflammation. Nutrition also plays an important role. One must try eliminating certain foods to see how the body reacts. If there is no improvement, they may use a procedure called dilation, where they stretch the esophagus to make swallowing easier. Foods That Help Manage EoE While choosing the right food for managing EoE, it is important to understand the triggers. People with EoE may also have food allergies; eliminating such trigger foods is crucial in preventing inflammation.

Just like how the human body replaces old cells with new ones, bone tissue often gets broken down and is replaced by new tissues. If the body cannot produce new bones fast enough to replace the lost ones, it is a condition known as osteoporosis. Here, the skeleton becomes fragile, and the bones turn weak and brittle, putting people at risk of frequent fractures. Keep reading to learn about healthy foods to manage osteoporosis symptoms. Food and osteoporosis Osteoporosis can affect all the bones, but it is most common in the hip, wrist, and spine. Fractures can also affect the upper arm, lower legs, and pelvis. The broken bones can lead to severe pain and disability. Osteoporosis is a silent disease, as symptoms don’t show until a fracture occurs. An individual’s bone mass increases steadily until they reach 12 years of age, accelerating at puberty until mid-twenties, after which it begins to decline steadily. Though it is impossible to prevent bone loss, a healthy nutritional regime can help children achieve peak bone mass and prevent premature bone loss in adults. For people with osteoporosis, the bones become so weak that a cough, a mild fall, or stress can lead to fractures. The slow collapse of bones can lead to severe pain and a change in posture. People with a history of poor nutritional habits, thyroid issues, and overactive adrenal glands are at a higher risk of osteoporosis. Some unhealthy lifestyle habits, like lack of regular physical activity, can trigger the early onset of osteoporosis. 8 key nutrients that reduce the risk of osteoporosis The cells that facilitate bone formation are called osteoblasts, and the cells involved in bone resorption are called osteoclasts. Vitamin or nutrient deficiencies can interfere with these cells’ functioning. A healthy meal plan can help achieve peak bone mass in children, maintain good bone health in adults, and prevent and treat osteoporosis in seniors.

Arthritis is a chronic condition that leads to the stiffening of joints and surrounding tissues, causing severe pain and movement issues in the affected areas. Prescription treatment and physical therapy are the recommended course of action for dealing with arthritis pain. However, changes in eating habits can aid treatment and relieve the discomfort to an extent. An arthritis-friendly meal plan consists of nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory foods and is free from highly processed snacks that worsen symptoms.  Arthritis and nutrition There are many types of arthritis, including gout, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Although they can cause different symptoms, all forms of the condition are caused by inflammation, leading to pain and joint stiffness. There is no cure for the condition, so doctors focus on a combination of prescription treatment, physical therapy, exercise, lifestyle changes, and food choices. Although nutrition alone cannot cure or relieve arthritis, a good food plan can help manage the symptoms. Here, the ideal food regimen should focus on providing adequate nutrition and maintaining regular body mass. High BMI results in additional pressure on the joints, causing pain and stiffness, directly increasing the dependency on prescriptions.  Doctors recommend a plant-based meal plan with fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fats, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats as the best option for dealing with the condition. On the contrary, a food regimen rich in red meat and processed meats can worsen arthritis symptoms. Such foods can trigger inflammation, weaken immunity, increase BMI score, and worsen symptoms. The effect of foods on symptoms can vary from one person to another. So, one should maintain a food journal and keep track of changes in symptoms based on food intake. This can help one identify foods that aggravate pain and discomfort.  Foods to avoid While one should opt for a balanced meal plan, they should avoid food that can increase body mass and does not offer any nutritional value or health benefits.

When one cannot pass stools or finds it difficult to have a clean bowel movement at least three times a week, it is diagnosed as constipation. The bowel movement could be painful, and the stool could be small, hard and dry. Moreover, one could feel bloated before and after passing stools. While doctors may prescribe some treatment options, one can ease constipation by following a fiber-rich food regime. Causes of constipation Constipation is a common problem, affecting both children and adults but the cause of the condition may vary among children and adults. Young children may withhold their bowels or may not have adequate toilet training. Some may feel shy or repulsed at the idea of passing stools. Changes in food regime, inadequate hydration, and lack of fiber-rich foods can cause constipation in children.  In adults, nutritional deficiencies, lack of adequate fiber, dehydration, and improper habits are the major reasons for constipation. In some cases, preexisting conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetes, hypercalcemia, hyperthyroidism, and muscular dystrophy can also cause constipation.  If one has had constipation for more than two weeks, experiences severe abdominal pain, or notices blood in stools, it is important to visit a doctor immediately. Doctors will prescribe treatment options that soften stools and conduct additional tests to identify the root cause of constipation. They will also advise one to eat foods that can naturally ease constipation and drink about 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to help bowel movement. Foods that help ease constipation If one has constipation occasionally, it may not be a concern, and one’s bowel movements may become regular without any home remedy. One can increase the quantity of fiber, drink a lot of water, and exercise to make it easier to pass stools. Choose foods that are rich in soluble or insoluble fiber.

Lupus is an autoimmune condition that can affect any organ in the body. If it affects the joints, one may experience pain and stiffness. Rashes and redness are common if they affect the skin. Fatigue and reduced kidney function are common if lupus affects the kidney. Lupus symptoms are characterized by periods of flares and remissions. There is no cure yet for lupus, but it is not fatal. Doctors treat lupus to reduce symptoms’ intensity, manage comorbidities, and reduce pain. Food and lupus Most people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or lupus have comorbidities like anemia, hypertension, or diabetes. Lupus puts patients at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases. What they eat can help them manage lupus symptoms and reduce the risk of other cardiovascular diseases. A balanced meal plan with various food groups like vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, fats, and dairy is ideal for keeping lupus symptoms from flaring up. Since it is an autoimmune disease and an inflammatory condition, avoiding foods that can weaken immunity or trigger inflammation is essential. Foods to avoid for lupus While it is important to eat the right food, avoiding foods that can increase pain, cause mouth sores, increase kidney-related symptoms like swelling and high blood pressure, induce fatigue, or worsen anemia is equally important. One should avoid all foods that can cause blood to clot, cause rashes, or increase muscle or joint pain and stiffness. Here are some of the important foods that one has to avoid for lupus: Alfalfa Once a patient is diagnosed with lupus, doctors advise them to avoid foods like alfalfa. Alfalfa is a known trigger for lupus. Alfalfa sprouts have L-canavanine, an amino acid that can trigger and stimulate inflammation. Avoid alfalfa sprouts if diagnosed with lupus or other autoimmune conditions. Garlic Garlic is considered a superfood that can build immunity and fight cancer.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition wherein one’s immune system attacks the central nervous system. It is an inflammatory and autoimmune condition affecting speech, vision, and mobility. Persistent fatigue, tremors, vision issues, osteoporosis, and bladder problems are common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The food one consumes plays a significant role in managing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Certain foods help improve symptoms and protect patients from frequent infections. This article discusses foods to avoid for multiple sclerosis. Impact of multiple sclerosis on the body MS occurs when the immune system harms the myelin, which is the protective coating of neurons in the brain and central nervous system. MS can result from demyelination, inflammation, loss of neurons, or gliosis. Lesions form in various regions of the central nervous system, causing symptoms to manifest based on the affected nerves. Environmental factors, infections, genetic factors, and a defective immune system can cause MS. The typical symptoms of MS include: Progressing weakness in one or several limbs Stiffness Weakness Imbalance Double vision Atrophy in the optic nerve Fatigue Chronic headache Short-term memory loss Lack of concentration Problems in chewing and swallowing Constipation Diarrhea Bladder problems Impotence Lack of interest in sexual activity The intensity of symptoms differs from one person to another. While some may experience these symptoms and go through a phase of no symptoms for many months or years, some may experience symptoms many times a year. Oral prescription treatment, physical therapy, exercise, and healthy meal plans are common management techniques for MS. Foods to avoid for multiple sclerosis Consuming foods that strengthen the immune system and prevent inflammation can benefit those with MS. Conversely, foods that exacerbate symptoms, promote inflammation, and weaken immunity should be avoided. MS is an autoimmune condition, so it’s important to be mindful of what one eats.

Shortness of breath is one of lung cancer’s first symptoms and complications. It also leads to fluid accumulation in the lungs, preventing them from expanding when inhaling. Chest pain, bloody cough, and the chances of cancer spreading from the lungs to other parts of the body are some of the potential complications. Treatments aim to reduce symptoms’ intensity and improve the quality of life and life expectancy for those affected by lung cancer. Role of food in managing lung cancer Good nutrition should be the fundamental and underlying factor while preparing meals for a patient who has either been diagnosed with lung cancer or is undergoing treatment. What you eat can directly impact how your body fights cancer and responds to treatment. Oral and intravenous prescription treatments, chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy are normal treatments for any cancer, including lung cancer. Food can influence the speed with which the cancer cells spread, the efficacy of treatments, and prevent the chances of recurrence. For example, a sugar-rich meal can influence cancer cell growth. An ideal cancer meal should contain the following: Essential vitamins Folate Selenium Phytonutrients Antioxidants Dietary fiber Similarly, many foods are detrimental to people with lung cancer. These foods can worsen lung cancer symptoms, wheezing, chest pain, exhaustion, sudden weight loss, and bloody cough. Eight foods that can worsen lung cancer and treatment Cancer and treatment can cause mouth ulcers, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue, and the patients are at risk of frequent infection because of a weak immune system. The following uncooked or raw food has to be avoided for many weeks after treatment: Processed meat Some data link that high consumption of red meat has a higher risk of cancer. They contain high amounts of nitrates, nitrites, and preservatives, which can increase inflammation and worsen cancer symptoms. Avoid the following types of processed meat:

Thyroid cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the thyroid gland, which produces hormones that regulate body temperature, heart rate, and metabolism. It is the fifth most common cancer found in women in the country. This condition may not cause symptoms in the early stages and is often discovered during a routine neck examination or imaging scan. Knowing the risks, warning signs, and symptoms may help diagnose and treat the condition successfully. What is the thyroid gland? The small butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is situated around the trachea, at the base of the neck. It is one of the most vital hormone glands, affecting most bodily functions. The thyroid regulates the metabolism, growth, and development of the human body. The two main hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). What are the warning signs of thyroid cancer? Thyroid cancer is classified by the type of cancer cell. Some of these include papillary cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, Hurthle cell cancer, sporadic medullary thyroid cancer, familial medullary thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer, and thyroid lymphoma. Although it is tough to identify thyroid cancer until its advanced stages, here are some early warning signs to be wary of: Swollen lump on the neck An unusual lump, swelling, or nodule in the neck is generally one of the most common signs of thyroid cancer. If one experiences such abnormal growth, it is advisable to visit the doctor to have it checked and run additional tests if needed. This can help identify if the tumor is benign or malignant and make way for early treatment and recovery. Fatigue Although this is a common symptom associated with most cancers, it is often overlooked. Those who have been feeling more tired than usual must visit their primary care physician to diagnose the underlying cause.