Hyperkalemia is a condition wherein patients show the presence of excessive levels of potassium in the blood. It causes an electrolyte imbalance in the body, potentially leading to severe health concerns. The condition is rare since the body can regulate the electrolyte balance. Some common hyperkalemia symptoms include muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea, heart palpitations, and irregular heartbeats. Carefully selecting the right foods can help manage blood potassium levels without resorting to prescriptions and other treatments. Foods that are safe for hyperkalemia patients Apples Apples are a rich source of soluble fiber that helps decrease cholesterol levels in the body and promote overall health. They also have low levels of potassium, which makes them a great choice for people with hyperkalemia. Apples can also be included in the form of applesauce or juice. Blueberries Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and can help the body fight off oxidative damage caused by the presence of free radicals. Their low potassium and high fiber content makes them a hyperkalemia-friendly food that can be had safely. Blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries can also be included in the meal plan. Cabbage Cabbage is a good source of vitamins C and K that help improve bone health and strengthen immunity.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is the umbrella term comprising progressive lung disorders- chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Both these conditions involve blockage of airflow from the lungs and have various underlying causes, including air pollution and exposure to dust. Individuals with COPD experience symptoms such as coughing up mucus, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Alongside following the suggested treatment course, incorporating certain foods into one’s meal plan can help fight the disease. Types of COPD COPD occurs in two forms – chronic bronchitis, characterized by long-term cough, and emphysema, involving damage to the air sacs. Chronic bronchitis Chronic bronchitis occurs due to inflammation and swelling of the bronchial tubes, causing the accumulation of mucus along the tube lining and narrowing of its opening. Moreover, the bronchial tubes comprise small, hair-like projections called cilia, which expel mucus from the airways. However, chronic bronchitis damages these cilia, furthering mucus accumulation. Chronic bronchitis is typically diagnosed when an individual experience cough for at least three months a year for two consecutive years and tests negative for tuberculosis and other lung conditions. Emphysema Emphysema involves the eventual rupture and damage of air sacs or alveoli, leading to large air spaces forming in the organ.

Migraine is a condition in which individuals experience headache episodes with varying intensity. The headaches are also often accompanied by symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Experts believe that migraine episodes make it hard to complete daily tasks and suggest proper rest and sleep to fight the symptoms. However, certain food choices might aggravate the symptoms. Some foods to avoid and home remedies to manage the condition are discussed below. Caffeine Too much caffeine or even caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches and migraine symptoms. According to experts, caffeine can stop oncoming migraine, though its quantity must be supervised. Migraine sufferers must drink coffee or even tea with caffeine in moderate amounts. Chocolate Experts consider chocolate as the second most common trigger factor of migraine symptoms. It has caffeine and beta-phenylethylamine, which are responsible for triggering headaches and migraines in individuals. According to research, chocolates affect around 22% of those dealing with migraine attacks. MSG Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, is a naturally occurring sodium salt that is a product of glutamic acid. However, this is also an ingredient that is found in a lot of food recipes. Research indicates that MSG intake is linked with migraine attacks, even though eating this product is perfectly safe for the body otherwise.

Usually, hair shedding is seen about two or three months after one develops certain illnesses. Such illnesses tend to force several hairs into simultaneously entering the telogen (shedding) phase of their lifecycle. Additionally, certain diseases are autoimmune, meaning that they can bring about aggressive immune reactions in people that cause the elimination of hair follicles and, subsequently, hair loss. Here are some common medical conditions that can trigger severe hair loss in people: Thyroid disorders Both thyroid issues, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, indicative of an under-active thyroid or an over-active one, can cause hair thinning and subsequent hair fall. The thyroid gland is responsible for hormone secretion in various parts of the body. An under or over-production of such hormones can negatively affect the performance of one’s hair follicles. This results in hair fall on a premature basis. Alopecia areata One of the more common causes of hair loss is alopecia areata. “Alopecia” is a term used to denote baldness in individuals, while “areata” stands for patchy hair loss in this health condition. Hair fall in this condition occurs in small, coin-sized patches of hair. This is why, initially, one may not notice that they are steadily losing hair. This health condition falls in a list of autoimmune disorders that attack hair follicles to cause premature balding in men and women.

Arthritis is characterized by swelling or tenderness of the joints. It affects over 50 million people in the country. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which tend to worsen with age. It may be inherited or caused by immune problems or metabolic conditions like gout. Making changes in daily meal plans can help manage arthritis symptoms. One of the easiest ways to introduce inflammation-relieving foods into one’s life is with delicious smoothies. Try these twelve arthritis-friendly smoothies at home to alleviate joint pain. Pineapple and turmeric smoothie Blend a quarter of a pineapple with water, orange, turmeric, lemon zest, mango, ginger, carrot, and salt. This delicious yellow smoothie is rich in antioxidants from pineapple, orange, and turmeric, which can reduce oxidative stress in the body. The main active component of turmeric, curcumin, inhibits COX-2, the enzyme that causes joint pain and inflammation, helping reduce symptoms of arthritis. The pineapple, orange, and mango add vitamin C to the smoothie, which also helps fight inflammation. Pineapple also contains the enzyme bromelain, which can help reduce arthritic pain. Kiwi and kale green smoothie Blend two kiwis with a bunch of kale, one mango, one orange, and some water to create a quick and easy green smoothie.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. It causes damage to the myelin sheath, which is a covering that protects the nerve fibers, and leads to several debilitating symptoms. It is a complex health disorder without any cure and its exact cause is unknown. However, lifestyle changes such as eating mindfully may help manage the condition. Certain types of foods worsen the symptoms and should be avoided. Saturated fats Saturated fats are mostly found in animal-based products and by-products. Additionally, they are present in certain types of oils. Saturated fats increase inflammation levels in the body as these raise the level of LDL or bad cholesterol. This increases the risk of heart disorders, which most people with multiple sclerosis are highly prone to have. So, it is best to avoid foods with saturated fats, such as: Red meat Full-fat dairy Butter Processed snacks, such as cakes, cookies, and chips Palm oil Coconut oil Trans fats Another group of foods to avoid to manage multiple sclerosis is those containing trans fats. Just like saturated fats, trans fats also increase the level of inflammation in the body. Trans fats are known to increase inflammation levels within blood vessels.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder primarily affecting the nerves communicating signals from the brain. An intricate network of nerves runs throughout the body carrying electrical impulses and signals to control a specific part or function. Parkinson’s disrupts these communication channels, making it difficult to control automatic reflexes and movements. It is only possible to manage Parkinson’s with early diagnosis as the disease has no cure. Tremors One of the first signs of developing Parkinson’s is tremors. People might experience different intensities of this motor function, but often, resting tremors are the first indicators of the neurological disorder. Resting tremors develop when the body is active and subside when the body is at rest. For example, one might not notice the tremors while using the hand actively. But when the hand is in a rested position, these tremors develop abruptly and are more noticeable while walking or sitting. Tremors that get worse with time start to interfere with regular activities like writing or shaving, among other actions that require fine gross motor skills. The uncontrolled shaking starts with just the thumb or one of the fingers, usually affecting one hand. However, the intensity of these tremors varies depending on how quickly the condition progresses.

An overactive bladder (OAB) results in frequent, unexpected urges to urinate. When one is dealing with an overactive bladder, they can experience frequent urges during the day and at night, along with incontinence. However, simple changes, such as better food choices, timed voiding, and bladder-holding techniques utilizing the pelvic floor muscles, can help one manage the symptoms of an overactive bladder. Here are a few things one should know when affected by OAB: Signs One may experience the following symptoms: Sudden and frequent urge to urinate Accidental urination right after experiencing an urge to urinate (urgency incontinence) Frequent urination, typically two or more times every few hours Need to go to the washroom more than two times every night (nocturia) Even if one can urinate normally when dealing with an overactive bladder, symptoms like unexpected frequent urination and nighttime urination can disrupt daily routine and cause discomfort. Doctors may refer the patient to a urologist, who focuses on illnesses and conditions of the reproductive system and urinary tract. One should consult a doctor as soon as they notice any of the signs. Overactive bladder is common in older adults, but some women can develop the issue at about 45. Ways to manage an overactive bladder People with overactive bladder may respond to a variety of therapies.

Esophagus is the muscular tube that connects the throat and the stomach. Esophageal cancer is a form of cancer that affects this muscular tube. It is rare cancer that can also lead to life-threatening complications. Most patients are diagnosed with this condition in its advanced stages as this type of cancer does not show symptoms in the initial stage. Keep reading to learn more about some common alarming signs of esophageal cancer. Warning signs of esophageal cancer Difficulty swallowing Also known as dysphagia, facing trouble swallowing is one of the most common signs of esophageal cancer. Dysphagia can occur because of a tumor that makes it difficult for food to pass through by obstructing the esophagus. The pain and difficulty in swallowing may be because of damage to the nerves that control the movement of esophageal muscles. Alternatively, it can also happen because of physical obstruction. As the tumor grows, the patient might experience increasing pain and difficulty swallowing solid food and eventually face problems with liquids. However, this symptom can also be attributed to several other health conditions. Acid reflux Acid reflux is considered one of the common indicators of esophageal cancer. It occurs when the contents of the stomach or the hydrochloric acid in the stomach go back up into the esophagus.

A healthy bladder is crucial for one’s overall well-being. As a critical part of the urinary system, the bladder works coordinately with the kidneys to eliminate waste and toxic substances from the bloodstream. Therefore, keeping this vital organ healthy is essential. From low physical activity to dehydration, there are several factors that can compromise the function of the bladder. So, paying attention to the overactive bladder and avoiding common mistakes is essential. Significance of a healthy bladder The bladder is a muscular sac-like and expandable organ that stores urine. When the bladder is in optimal condition, it performs complex coordination of musculoskeletal, psychological, and neurologic functions. Apart from removing wastes, a healthy bladder has various responsibilities, such as, Maintaining stable electrolyte levels, including phosphate and sodium Preventing toxins and excess fluid from accumulating in the body. Producing specific hormones that aid in blood pressure regulation. Enhancing the production of red blood cells and the strong development of bones Common mistakes to avoid to maintain a healthy bladder Most young individuals fail to maintain bladder health. And as one grows older, the elastic bladder tissue toughens and becomes less stretchy, causing the bladder to hold enough urine. This can further make one more susceptible to various bladder-related conditions such as overactive bladder, urinary tract infection, and bladder cancer.