The lung is entirely made of porous sponge-like tissue, which is designed to absorb oxygen. Pulmonary fibrosis results in the scarring of the tissue and causes respiratory problems. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is the most common form diagnosed among adults and currently there is no cure for it. The condition can be, at best, managed with healthy lifestyle habits, changes in food habits, and by exploring Esbriet® as a medication option for pulmonary fibrosis. Early Signs of Pulmonary Fibrosis One of the more obvious signs is shortness of breath that results in shallow breathing. A persistent dry cough could indicate the condition’s progress. Unexplained fatigue even after a good day or night of rest. Unexpected weight loss even if there have been no sudden changes in daily food regime. Best Foods for Pulmonary Fibrosis Foods rich in protein Lean meats and seafood options can provide proteins necessary for maintaining lung heath. Further, assorted nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds are also protein-rich choices that can provide healthy calories and essential nutrients to boost immunity. Foods rich in antioxidants Antioxidants help combat the oxidative stress that results in healthy tissue damage. One must eat vegetables like leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, carrots, squash, bell peppers, cabbage, and broccoli.

GERD is a digestive disorder where stomach acids travel upwards into the food pipe. While this can lead to chest pain and difficulty swallowing, heartburn is the most common symptom. It is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, which can also be felt in the neck and throat. Thankfully, patients can control heartburn to a large extent at home by eating certain foods and following particular home remedies listed below. Chew gum Although unusual, chewing gum 30 minutes after a meal reduces heartburn and other GERD symptoms. When a person chews gum, the production of saliva increases and the excess saliva passes down the esophagus to cancel out the effect of stomach acid, the main culprit for GERD. Reduced stomach acid, in turn, decreases heartburn and other associated problems. Drink pineapple juice Since GERD is caused by excess stomach acid production, controlling the amount of acid can manage the problem. Pineapple juice helps do that. It has a group of valuable enzymes called bromelain that reduces stomach acid, preventing heartburn and other symptoms. Hence, patients can drink small amounts of pineapple juice every day. Eat peppermint Peppermint is a flexible herb that can relieve digestive stress. It can also reduce the length, severity, and frequency of abdominal pain.

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition. Though it’s common in children, it can affect people at any age. Since the condition is the result of inflammation in the body, eating anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding pro-inflammatory or trigger foods can provide relief from the symptoms to some extent. Herein, we look at foods to eat and avoid for managing atopic dermatitis. But, before that, let’s briefly discuss the early signs and symptoms of the disease. Early symptoms of atopic dermatitis In most cases, the signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis begin before the age of five and may continue into adolescence and adulthood. However, one should be aware that the disease tends to manifest differently in different individuals. Some common early symptoms may include dry skin, itchy skin that worsens at night, tiny bumps, and red to brownish-gray patches on the limbs, upper chest, and eyelids. Foods to eat The following foods can help reduce atopic dermatitis symptoms: Salmon Salmon is a fatty fish and a storehouse of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are healthy fats that can combat inflammation in the body, alleviating symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Yogurt Yogurt is rich in probiotics. These are healthy gut bacteria that can bolster the immune system and reduce flare-ups or allergic reactions.

Those suffering from Type 2 diabetes are at risk of being afflicted by certain eye diseases. This group of diseases includes diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Diabetic eyes are most commonly observed in working-age patients and are known to be the leading cause of blindness in such patients. Such diseases can be avoided by taking certain precautions. In this article, we talk about the effects of diabetic eyes and foods that aggravate such issues. Warning signs Some early warning signs to look for when suspecting diabetic eye disease are, Floating spots If you observe random floating spots in your field of vision, either intermittently or continuously, these symptoms are possible signs of diabetic retinopathy or diabetic eye disease. Floating spots occur as a result of the damage caused to the blood vessels that supply nutrition to the eye as a result of high sugar. Blurred vision Blurred vision is another common symptom that can indicate the beginning of diabetic eye disease in people. Such a symptom is the result of leaking blood vessels as a result of which, the fluid in the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurriness. Sometimes, blood vessels may also leak into the central area of the retina called the macula, leading to extremely blurred vision.

Diabetic eye disease, also called diabetic retinopathy, is an eye disorder that mainly occurs when blood vessels in the eyes get damaged due to diabetes. The problem can cause vision loss in both type 1 and type 2 patients in cases where blood sugar is not managed correctly. While medicines are the best diabetic eye treatment, patients can also adopt the following nutrition plan and lifestyle changes to manage the disease better and speed up recovery. Foods to eat The following are two healthy foods to eat during diabetic eye treatment: Leafy greens Leafy greens are the complete package when it comes to nutrition. Popular options like spinach, collards, turnip, and kale contain vitamin C, essential nutrients, and eye-healthy minerals. Moreover, they have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reverse the effects of cellular degeneration caused by conditions like diabetes. Multiple studies show that leafy greens are beneficial in promoting eye health. Eggs Eggs are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and provide various health benefits when eaten regularly. They can help improve the body’s sensitivity to inflammation and maintain better cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications like diabetic eye disease. Eggs are beneficial for overall eye health as well.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, autoimmune condition characterized by joint pain caused by inflammation. It can affect people of all ages and gender. However, those above 65 are more susceptible to this inflammatory disorder. Research suggests that at least 49 percent of those diagnosed with arthritis are over 65. Apart from taking medications to manage the condition, adding the following foods to one’s meal regimen can help keep arthritis symptoms at bay. Foods to eat Here is a list of foods to manage rheumatoid arthritis: Garlic Garlic is not only a taste-enhancing root vegetable but also a great anti-inflammatory agent that can help fight symptoms of arthritis. The inflammation caused by arthritis is due to its auto-immune response toward the body. Garlic helps in strengthening the immune system, thereby reducing the inflammation in the joints. It is also believed to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis by preventing cartilage damage due to pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body. Ginger Ginger, like garlic, is used as a flavor enhancer in several savory and sweet recipes. It has specifically proven to be effective in treating knee pain caused by osteoarthritis. It contains chemicals like shogaol and gingerol that help block inflammatory pathways, thereby relieving inflammation and improving overall immunity.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive and chronic inflammatory condition that leads to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It is considered an autoimmune disease that can cause loss of joint functions and deformities. While no food can treat this condition, it may be a smart move to avoid foods that worsen its symptoms. Read on to know which foods to avoid if you have RA and medical treatment options for RA. Sugar Beverages and drinks that contain high levels of sugar are known to induce and worsen joint pain. The American Heart Association recommends 6 teaspoons per day for women and 9 teaspoons for men. Try to limit or avoid eating candy, soda, ice cream, and other foods that are full of unhealthy amounts of sugar. Replace sweetened drinks with an unsweetened version by adding organic honey or lemon. Salt Salt is one of the essential nutrients for humans. However, when consumed in excess, it can trigger a variety of serious health issues, including joint pain. Eating too much salt increases not only the risk of RA but also kidney problems. Substitute salt in your food with other herbs and spices like ground pepper, oregano, minced garlic, onion powder, cumin, or any other seasoning to enhance the taste.

There are no specific guidelines related to food that can help cure asthma. However, there are changes that can be made to eating patterns and preferences that can help better manage the condition. Healthy food choices can help lower the frequency of asthma flare-ups. Well-balanced meals are, of course, a helping hand in this journey. But at the same time, it is equally important to be aware of foods that need to be avoided. Let’s have a look at some foods that trigger asthma and its symptoms. Soy The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology has listed soy along with other common foods that cause intolerance or result in allergic reactions. If one has a known allergy to soy, it can also lead to a flare-up in asthma symptoms. It is, therefore, best to avoid soy. Dried fruits Dried fruits are packed with nutrients that help nourish the body. But, at the same time, they are also concentrated sources of sulfites. It is useful in the preservation of dried fruit but can prove to be an aggravator of symptoms for people with asthma. Beans Beans are often associated with foods that cause gastric discomfort and result in acid reflux, gas, and/or bloating.

Cancer is a disease in which the body cells experience changes in their genetic structure and start mutating. The cells start growing rapidly and uncontrollably, consequently forming a tumor. These tumors usually rely on nutrients from the food we eat. In addition, there are specific foods that accelerate cancer growth. So, it is necessary to steer clear of such foods that may increase the risk of cancer. Let’s have a look at the food list. Sugar It is one of the leading triggers of cancer. Malignant or cancer cells often rely on glucose present in sugar for their prolific growth. As a result, any food with a very high glycemic index can increase the risk of cancer. Avoid foods such as aerated drinks, candies, cakes, cookies, and desserts as they have a high amount of refined sugar that can increase cancer risk. Processed meats Processed meats such as hot dogs, pepperoni, ham, beef jerky, corned beef, pastrami, and salami contain a high amount of chemical preservatives. These preservatives help increase the shelf life and enhance the taste of the meat. However, the sodium nitrate present in the preservatives increases the risk of suffering from cancer. So, it is advised to switch to uncured meat products, preferably from grass-fed sources.

There are many types of cancers. Researchers are still trying to find the exact causes behind this condition. However, a number of studies have indicated that a person’s food choices can increase or decrease their risk of developing cancer. Fortunately, certain foods are known to be full of nutrients that can lower the chances of cancer in most people. Below is a list of foods that can reduce the risk of cancer. Garlic Garlic contains an active compound known as allicin, which is known to have anti-cancer properties. One study indicated that people who ate allicin-containing vegetables had a lower risk of stomach cancer. Try to include two to five grams (or one clove) of garlic in your meals daily to reduce cancer risk. Broccoli Broccoli contains sulforaphane. This is a plant compound that may have strong anti-cancer properties. Some studies also show that consuming broccoli can lower the risk of certain cancers such as colorectal. Berries These tiny fruits are loaded with antioxidants that can prevent various types of cancer, including colorectal and esophageal. Some excellent berries to eat include goji berries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries.  Turmeric This yellow spice contains an active ingredient called curcumin. Curcumin may inhibit some kinds of cancer cells and even slow the spread of cancer or shrink tumors.  Green tea Green tea is brimful of potent antioxidants and also contains epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG).