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.

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 (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).

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.

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.

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.

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.