Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition and type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. Though no specific food has been found to cure the disease, studies suggest that eating anti-inflammatory foods can decrease inflammation, making living with the disease easier. Here is a list of the best anti-inflammatory foods for ankylosing spondylitis and a few medications, including RINVOQ®. But before that, you need to know the initial signs and symptoms of the disease. Early signs and symptoms Pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, especially in the morning or after rest, are among the most common early signs of ankylosing spondylitis. Other signs and symptoms can include neck pain, fatigue, ligament and tendon pain, night sweats, mild fever, and appetite loss. Best foods for ankylosing spondylitis Load up on these foods to manage the disease. Omega-3-rich foods Omega-3s are healthy fats that can help fight inflammation, including those associated with ankylosing spondylitis. The best sources of omega-3s are salmon, sardines, tuna, walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds. Berries Berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, are a storehouse of powerful antioxidants, especially anthocyanins. These compounds can lower inflammation and fight free radical damage in the body, potentially improving ankylosing spondylitis symptoms.

Diabetes is one of the most common and chronic conditions diagnosed in the country. Individuals may either have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, with the latter being more prevalent. The condition mainly affects the body’s ability to convert food into energy. Thus, it is vital to monitor one’s food intake and make healthy changes to manage blood sugar levels. The following options can help avoid insulin spikes, resulting in a healthier lifestyle. Fresh greens and vegetables Greens like broccoli and Brussel sprouts contain isothiocyanate compounds that help promote better insulin sensitivity. Okra contains certain compounds and enzymes like polysaccharides and flavonoid antioxidants that help bring down blood sugar. Kale is another superfood that is rich in fibers and flavonoids antioxidants that promote antidiabetic properties. Sweet potatoes and yams are also an excellent substitute for starchy veggies like potatoes to manage insulin production well. Fresh fruits Apples are rich in soluble fibers and quercetin, one of the main compounds that helps regulate blood sugar. Eating an apple a day helps reduce the risk of diabetes from a young age. Also, citrus-rich fruits like oranges and grapefruit have a very low glycemic index, meaning eating these will not trigger a spike in blood sugar levels.

A type of autoimmune disease, diabetes, is caused due to increased blood sugar levels of the body. This condition affects a lot of individuals as statistics suggest that there are more than 100 million people globally who have diabetes. However, despite being so widespread, diabetes is rarely caught in the initial stages. This article lists eight early warning signs of diabetes and foods to avoid to prevent the development. Reduced healing capabilities Individuals who have diabetes will also observe a decrease in their body’s healing capacity. This is because high blood sugar can affect the body’s ability to tackle wear and tear. The compromised immune system is unable to treat wounds due to the delayed response. Patches on the skin Another common sign of diabetes is acanthosis nigricans. This condition leads to dark, patchy skin in the creases of the armpits, neck, and even groin. This skin is usually soft to touch and does not cause itchiness. Numbness in the body Another early warning sign of diabetes is numbness in different parts of the body. This numbness is usually caused due to diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is a condition where the nerves suffer from damage due to prolonged high blood sugar levels in the body.

Getting diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease can completely change a person’s life. It is a neurological condition that directly affects the motor movements of a person and can lead to symptoms like shaking, coordination issues, balance issues, stiffness, and difficulty in walking. Receiving all the essential nutrients is important to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s; it can also help avoid the disease altogether. Some foods that are excellent for Parkinson’s disease are as follows: Berries The deficiency of antioxidants and vitamins is known to trigger the process of neurodegeneration. Berries such as strawberries and blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. These nutrients can help reduce the amount of oxidative stress in the body, which, in turn, helps in managing the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Nuts Adding more ingredients such as almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts, pecans, and pistachios can help in controlling the motor symptoms caused due to Parkinson’s. These ingredients are rich in vitamin E, vitamin B1, and omega-3 fatty acids that help the body fight this disease. Flax seeds Flax seeds, in addition to being rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, also contain a compound called lignans that helps improve hormonal balance and digestion-related issues in the body.

Overactive bladder, also popularly known as OAB, is characterized by a frequent and sudden urge to urinate. Individuals with this health condition often face urinary incontinence and visit the bathroom very often. Thankfully, OAB can be tackled in many ways, including physical therapy, certain foods, and other methods. This article lists seven healthy food options that can help improve bladder health considerably and relieve the symptoms of an overactive bladder. Bananas Bananas can help improve bladder function. Most fruits are high in fiber and contain lots of antioxidants that are good for the body. Bananas are loaded with fiber and are rich on potassium, which are great for the urinary tract. They also regulate bowel movement and help relieve pressure on urine flow. Berries Cranberries have compounds that help prevent the build-up of bacteria in the urinary tract. On the other hand, blueberries are rich in antioxidants that keep the urinary tract healthy. However, patients must eat berries in moderation. Cauliflower Cauliflower has several healthy elements, such as vitamin C, folate, and fiber. The cruciferous vegetable also contains compounds called indoles, which help control inflammation in the urinary tract and promote bladder health. Water Many think that drinking less water is the solution to an overactive bladder.

Overactive bladder, also commonly known as OAB, is characterized by the frequent and sudden urge to pass urine, which cannot be controlled. Those with this condition may also experience urgency incontinence or unintentional loss of urine. One’s eating habits can help a great deal in managing an overactive bladder. On that note, here is a list of four foods to avoid or restrict to reduce the symptoms of an overactive bladder. Foods to avoid Citrus fruits like oranges Fruits with high concentrations of acid are considered to be trigger foods for those with an overactive bladder. The acid in oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and limes irritates the inner lining of the bladder. Hence, it is essential to consume them in moderation. The list also covers juices and lemonades. Caffeine Caffeinated beverages are among the most common foods that contribute to an overactive bladder. The caffeine in tea and coffee acts as a bladder stimulant and increases the frequency of passing urine. It is advisable to lower the consumption of caffeinated beverages to avoid aggravating the symptoms of bladder incontinence. Artificial sweeteners Foods rich in sugar and artificial sweeteners like sodas, pastries, icecreams, and sugar-free desserts should be avoided or limited. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sodium saccharin, and acesulfame K, which are usually used in frozen desserts, increase urinary frequency and urgency.

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition of the joints, and it impacts people of all ages. It is the swelling and tenderness joints and its major symptoms include joint pain, tenderness, and stiffness. That being said, those in the age group of 65 years and above tend to be more susceptible to arthritis. Fortunately, this disorder can be managed with changes in lifestyle and eating habits. The following foods can help reduce inflammation of the joints. Foods to eat Garlic Arthritis causes inflammation owing to the auto-immune response of the body. Garlic helps overcome the issue by easing the inflammation in the joints, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It also contributes toward strengthening the body’s immune response. Ginger The potent spice can fight off inflammation in the body to a great extent. It is particularly effective in treating knee pain that results from osteoarthritis. It contains gingerol, a compound that actively blocks inflammatory pathways, making it easier to fight off inflammation and strengthen the immune system. Fatty fish Freshwater fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help fight inflammation. This also means decreased pain in the joints. Additionally, fatty or oily fish is an equally rich source of vitamin D, making it a nutritionally rich food for those with bone-related issues.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the body and is also naturally present in certain foods. When found in excess, it can take up space in the arteries, narrowing them and constricting blood flow. There are two types of cholesterol: HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol). The latter is harmful and gets deposited in the bloodstream, increasing the heart disease risk. Below are five foods to lower cholesterol levels in the body. Oats Oats are a great staple food option for cholesterol as they are packed with soluble fiber. Research shows that soluble fiber helps reduce LDL cholesterol by preventing it from getting absorbed into the bloodstream. Individuals can eat oats for breakfast and even other meals by mixing different fruits. Besides oats, other food options rich in soluble fiber include kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, and pears. Avocados Apart from being a great spread, avocados help improve LDL levels because they have monounsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, avocados are considered heart-healthy when combined with options like whole-wheat bread, whole-wheat chips, or when used with raw vegetables. Fish Fatty fish like mackerel, herring, tuna, salmon, and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce triglycerides – a type of fat in the blood.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in our body that settles in the arteries. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL or low-density lipoprotein and HDL or high-density lipoprotein. Out of the two, LDL is bad, while HDL is good as it helps in excreting excess cholesterol from the body. Here are some foods that you should exclude from your nutritional regime to maintain good cholesterol health for a healthy life. Fried foods All fried foods are known to have trans fat, which can be harmful to your health and also increase the risk of getting heart disease. The consumption of fried foods has also been linked to increased risk of diabetes and obesity. Foods like deep-fried meats and cheese sticks should be avoided due to their high cholesterol content. Fast food Consuming too much fast food has been linked with an increased risk of several chronic diseases, including heart illness, diabetes, and even obesity. It is observed that those who consume fast food very often are known to have irregular sugar levels, higher levels of inflammation, and visible belly fat. Even with exercise, it is important to consume a nutritious meal instead of fried and fast food. Desserts Having a sweet tooth has some disadvantages, including risking your cholesterol levels.

Depression is a mood disorder that can get serious if it’s not treated in time. It can lead to symptoms that affect how one may think, feel, or how they handle daily activities like eating, working, or sleeping. Along with treatments for depression, there are certain foods that one can consume to get relief from the symptoms of depression. These foods also help improve a person’s overall health. Listed below are five such foods. Berries Berries like raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries are foods that contain high quantities of antioxidants. According to a study, patients who were treated for two years with antioxidants had lower depression scores. These antioxidants are also known to prevent other illnesses and cancer. Walnuts Walnuts are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support brain function and alleviate the symptoms of depression. Omega-3 fatty acids also contain other properties that can significantly help improve a person’s overall condition. Dark Leafy Greens Dark leafy greens are one of the healthiest foods you can eat to improve your overall health. They are rich in immune-boosting and anticancer properties such as vitamins A, C, E, and K; phytochemicals; and other minerals. Avocados Avocados are known as power foods because they are rich in healthy fats needed by the brain to function properly.