A mental health disorder, schizophrenia, can alter the patient’s ability to behave conventionally, feel, and even think. There is no known cure for the condition, but treatment plans are designed for better management. Apart from following a prescribed treatment plan, patients are often advised to make changes to their lifestyle and eating habits. It is believed that adding or removing certain foods can help manage symptoms and decrease their severity. Gluten-rich foods Gluten is a natural protein found in several foods that are regularly consumed by the population. Increased inflammation in the body is also a leading cause of the aggravation of symptoms associated with schizophrenia. It can also put patients with gluten sensitivity, intolerance, or celiac disease at a high risk of developing conditions like intestinal complications, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Health care experts advise using grains, bread, and other food products that are 100% gluten-free in order to avoid developing complications. Replacements made from potato flour, rice flour, quinoa, or corn are safer for patients. This helps prevent the increased antibody production and action caused in the body due to gluten. Processed foods There is a reason behind the bad reputation of highly processed foods. One of the most important reasons is their lack of nutritional content.

Muscle pain can be a common symptom in some health conditions, including some mentioned below. It is always important to be aware of how your body responds to your environment and your activity. Notice if you see any changes, swelling, or other accompanying symptoms which may point to a health condition that needs attention. Here are some health conditions that may cause muscle pain and need to be diagnosed if severe. Chronic fatigue This is a chronic condition in which the person feels extremely tired for a long period, like 6 months, without any reasonable explanation for this tiredness. The fatigue tends to increase with any physical or mental activity. However, even with adequate rest, the tiredness does not go away. Muscle or joint pain is a common symptom of chronic fatigue, along with unrefreshing sleep, sore throat, headaches, loss of concentration or memory, and dizziness from lying down or standing up quickly. Chronic fatigue causes are viral infections, hormonal imbalance, immune system problems, or even physical or emotional trauma. Muscle cramp This condition refers to a sudden or involuntary contraction of one or more muscles in the body leading to tightness or stiffness, causing discomfort. Some people also experience cramps during sleep and are awake due to the sudden pain felt in the muscle.

Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is a severe condition that affects the brain and the central nervous system. Here, the immune system of the body attacks the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath covers and protects the nerve fibers responsible for the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This condition progresses over time and may cause permanent damage. Read on to find out about foods that should be avoided for MS. Saturated fats and processed foods Saturated fats are an absolute no-no when it comes to managing multiple sclerosis. Most saturated fats result from animal products such as meat or dairy. They are also found in certain other foods, such as palm oil or coconut oil, that can be used to cook meals. It is best to avoid saturated fats for MS because they have been linked to increased inflammation and higher risks of developing bad cholesterol. These conditions can lead to developing secondary conditions and increase the chances of heart attacks and strokes. This can be bad for individuals who have multiple sclerosis because those who have MS are already at high risk of heart disease. Not to mention, conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular conditions can worsen the symptoms of MS.

A normal cough that is accompanied by flu is not something to worry about. However, a persistent cough should not be taken lightly. If the illness worsens, then the cough often comes with mucus, which signifies a far more severe issue. Breathing difficulties, wheezing, coughing, and mucus production are often symptoms of chronic bronchitis, which falls under chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is not curable but can be managed with care. Fighting bronchitis – Foods to avoid People suffering from chronic bronchitis often suffer from breathing problems, persistent cough, and wheezing. As these symptoms cause more discomfort to the patient, it is advised to eliminate exposure to smoke and other pollutants. In addition, the illness can also be managed by making lifestyle changes, which include food habits. This ensures that the patient does not face any discomfort and that they remain healthy to fight against bronchitis. There are some foods that should be avoided, and these include: Sodium An excessive amount of sodium (salt) often increases the patient’s discomfort by aiding water retention. People who suffer from COPD, especially chronic bronchitis, suffer from the common symptom of edema (swelling due to fluid retention) in the legs, ankles, and feet. If the consumption of food with high amounts of sodium isn’t avoided, it starts affecting the lung and heart’s ability to process liquids, leading to the worsening of the swelling.

Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. It can lead to swelling and inflammation of the tissue in the digestive tract. It also causes symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, exhaustion, and weakness. Although Crohn’s disease commonly affects the small intestine, it can affect different areas of the tract in many individuals. One of the ways to manage this bowel disease is by avoiding certain foods. Whole grains If you have conditions such as Crohn’s that can inflame your digestive tract, avoiding foods rich in fiber is best. That is because high levels of fiber can lead to accumulation in the digestive tract and cause diarrhea or even abdominal pain. This irritation of the digestive tract can also cause a flare-up and other symptoms related to Crohn’s disease. Foods that contain whole grains and should be avoided include whole wheat bread, pasta, popcorn, bran, rye and rye products, and even barley. Beans Beans are nutritionally dense foods. They have high protein content and contain other essential nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. But, beans also tend to cause gas which can lead to discomfort during a Crohn’s flare-up. Beans are also high in fiber content, which, as we have discussed, can affect the functions of the digestive tract.

Food is fuel for the body, and many studies have proved that certain superfoods are beneficial to include in the long run to promote daily healthy body functions. For example, eating carrots and other foods rich in beta carotene and vitamin A have been linked to better eye health. Here is a comprehensive list of suggested top vitamins and nutrients that promote better vision and eye health for children and adults. Vitamin A Vitamin A, one of the essential vitamins for eye health, can be found in carrots, red peppers, sweet potatoes, and even pumpkins. These foods can be incorporated regularly to help prevent vision complications like night blindness. Studies also show that vitamin A improves visibility in low lighting conditions. Most fruits and vegetables also contain an essential compound called beta carotene. The body converts the beta carotene from plant-based foods into vitamin A, and enables the retina to make more pigments, promoting better vision. Apart from beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin are excellent alternatives in carotenoids. Nutritionists suggest a recommended allowance of 700 to 900 micrograms for women and men. Vitamin E Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body combat harmful free radicals that cause cell damage.

Is your body having a hard time digesting lactose? Well, you’re not alone! It’s said that around 75 percent of people in the world are lactose intolerant. But, instead of going dairy-free and missing out on essential nutrients, it makes sense to switch to lactose-free milk products. If you’re wondering what lactose-free milk is and what are the best lactose-free milk products in the market, read this article till the very end. What is lactose-free milk? To put it simply, lactose-free milk contains nearly all the same ingredients as regular milk, except the problem-causing ingredient, lactose. Milk free from lactose is produced by adding an enzyme called lactase to regular cow’s milk. This enzyme breaks down lactose in the body, aiding digestion in lactose-intolerant people. It’s crucial to not confuse lactose-free milk with dairy-free milk. The former is made from real dairy, while the latter is made from plant-based alternatives such as soy, almond, coconut, and others. This also means that lactose-free milk has the same nutrient profile as regular milk — protein-rich, and high in micronutrients like calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, and riboflavin. Top lactose-free milk products Here are some of the best lactose-free milk products: Organic Valley 2% Lactose-Free Milk This is most people’s go-to lactose-free milk choice.

Insulin pumps facilitate the delivery of insulin. Individuals diagnosed with type 1 diabetes often require periodical insulin to control their blood sugar levels. Some type 2 diabetic patients whose pancreas don’t make sufficient insulin also require such doses. Insulin pumps provide a basal dose of insulin every 3-5 minutes, which in turn mimics the function of naturally functioning pancreas. Listed below are the three best insulin pumps of 2021. Tandem insulin pumps Tandem Diabetes Care offers the t:slim X2 insulin pump. It has a full-color touchscreen and is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity with many devices like smartphones and CGM. The pump has an in-built algorithm that automatically monitors basal doses based on glucose readings. When integrated with Dexcom G6, no fingerstick calibration is required. The t:slim X2 is the first device that can be updated remotely. This allows patients to be up to date without waiting for insurance to cover a new device. What’s more is that this insulin pump is waterproof within three feet depth for about 30 minutes, so individuals can keep it on while showering. The t:slim X2 is also battery-operated; it sends alerts for high temperatures and counting carbs. The device can also calculate boluses up to 50 units.