Bronchitis is when the bronchial tubes that carry air to the lungs get infected or swollen. It can lead to coughing, throat ache, increased mucus production, and general cold-like symptoms like body aches or chills. Bronchitis is mostly caused by viruses that do not respond to treatment, so patients often have to wait to feel better. However, symptoms can be managed by eating right. So, here are six foods to avoid when affected by bronchitis: Foods rich in sodium Sodium causes water retention, leading to shortness of breath in people with lung diseases such as bronchitis. This includes the food’s natural sodium content, as well as any added salt (by itself or in condiments and dressings). To limit sodium intake, one should cut back on salty foods and seasonings. One should also check the labels before buying a food item to confirm that the product doesn’t contain more than 300 milligrams of salt per serving. One can choose herbs and spices instead of sauces to reduce salt and keep food flavorful. Dairy products When dairy products are broken down for digestion, an exorphin called casomorphin is released, which has been linked to the production of thicker mucus. This can cause irritation in people with bronchitis.

Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder where individuals start to perceive reality in different ways. Studies indicate that mental illness affects about 1.1 percent of the adult population in the country. Treatment methods, therapies, and coping mechanisms can help an individual cope with the condition. However, diagnosing the disorder may take time as the symptoms do not surface until later in life. So here are seven subtle symptoms that may indicate the development of schizophrenia. Social withdrawal One of the signs that are easy to miss is social withdrawal. Here the individual may exclude themselves from opportunities for social interactions. The person may not avoid talking to others because they believe no one understands them. The sign may eventually lead to social isolation, where the individual may also avoid talking to friends and family members. Social withdrawal, when left unchecked, may also lead to depression – a symptom of schizophrenia. Outbursts of negative emotions Signs like hostility, extreme reactions to criticisms or jokes, suspiciousness, and impulsivity are signs seen in the general population. But there’s a chance that people with anger issues or those who always doubt others might be experiencing early signs of schizophrenia. Unlike others, an individual in the early stages of schizophrenia may exhibit sudden negative emotions for no apparent reason.

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can lead to inflammation of the digestive tract along with other complications. Foods to add and avoid differ for each person, based on what triggers their symptoms. As symptoms can lead to repercussions like malnutrition, it is necessary to prevent extreme nutrient deprivation by making better choices. So here are some common foods that can trigger Crohn’s disease symptoms: Dairy and dairy products Those who are lactose intolerant must avoid dairy and dairy products. Lactose intolerance involves the improper or incomplete absorption of lactose—a kind of sugar found in milk, cheese, and other dairy products. It can lead to bloating, diarrhea, and gas, worsening the symptoms of IBDs. These products, however, contain important nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium, and protein, so it is important to substitute them adequately. These nutrients can be found in green leafy vegetables, fortified juices, or supplements. Spicy foods Spicy foods can aggravate symptoms like pain, especially during Crohn’s flare-ups. So, one should limit spices like allspice, black pepper, cayenne powder, chili powder, jalapenos, garlic, paprika, and wasabi, as they can act as irritants in the digestive tract. Instead, one can add flavor to their food using turmeric, ginger, cumin, lemon peels, fresh herbs, mustard, and chives (or green onions).

Hyperkalemia is a condition characterized by excessive potassium levels in the blood, typically caused by kidney disease or over-consumption of potassium-rich foods. Although potassium is an essential nutrient, excessive potassium can lead to several negative consequences, including chest pain, weakened muscles, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath. Alongside proper therapy, a healthy lifestyle and carefully curated meals can help alleviate hyperkalemia effects. Look at some foods that are a no-no for individuals with hyperkalemia. Potassium-rich fruits Several fruits contain high potassium levels, with bananas containing the highest potassium content. An average banana has about 450 mg of potassium; thus, consuming one banana every day can contribute to hyperkalemia symptoms in individuals suffering from the condition. Other high-potassium fruits include avocados, papayas, apricots, oranges, cantaloupes, and mangoes. It helps to replace high-potassium fruits with those low in potassium, such as apples, raspberries, blueberries, red grapes, and pineapples. Potatoes Potatoes are rich sources of potassium, mainly when consumed with the skin. A medium baked potato contains 941 mg of potassium, which can be generally nutritious but unhealthy for individuals diagnosed with hyperkalemia. Sweet potatoes also contain almost equal potassium concentrations, with one sweet potato consisting of 700 mg of the nutrient.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition that affects the body’s CNS or central nervous system. It destroys the myelin sheath (covering of the nerve cells), which impacts the communication pathway between the brain and the body. Some symptoms include loss of bladder control, fatigue, vision problems, pain, and problems related to bowel movements. The condition does not yet have a cure. Its management involves a combination of treatment, food habits, and a healthy lifestyle. Saturated fats Foods rich in saturated fats have often been labeled bad for patients with various health conditions, including multiple sclerosis. They increase the levels of low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) in the body, which raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis. A few common sources of saturated fats in daily meals include processed meat, red meat, butter, and cheese. It is highly advisable for patients with this condition to either avoid or cut down on these. Sugar Many are ignorant of the ill effects of excess sugar intake. Some of these harmful effects include increased inflammation in the body and lethargy. These, combined with decreased physical activity, can cause frequent flare-ups in patients. Therefore, to avoid worsening symptoms, one must avoid foods rich in refined sugars like soft drinks, candy, and chocolate bars.

Skin diseases are conditions that affect our skin. They cause rashes, inflammation, irritation, and itchiness, affect your complexion, and lead to other changes in the skin. Some skin diseases can be genetic in nature, while others may result from lifestyle and environmental factors. There are many treatment options to tackle various skin conditions and their symptoms. But, you can always support the treatment by avoiding certain things. Read on to learn more. High intake of deep-fried foods Deep-fried foods taste incredible, and there is no denying that. But, these foods can take a toll on your skin, especially if you have a skin disease. Oily foods like fish and chips, chicken croquettes, and patties can increase the production of oil in the skin, which can change your complexion and lead to acne breakouts, irritation, and even allergies in worse cases. Also, hydrogenated fats are found in deep-fried foods. You can instead try healthier options like baked foods. Not adding enough healthy fats to the meals One of the most common mistakes many individuals make when tackling skin diseases and improving skin health is ignoring the right foods. Remember that not all fats present in foods are bad for you. Some are, in fact, necessary to build your immune system and maintain your overall health.

Crohn’s disease is an illness in which the tissues inside the digestive tract swell up, which leads to complications like abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, malnutrition, fatigue, and weight loss. Such an inflammatory bowel disease needs significant management to avoid flare-ups in the digestive tract. One of the important factors in dealing with Crohn’s disease is nutrition. Herein, we’ve listed five food groups one needs to avoid to help manage symptoms. Grains Frains are generally crucial for a healthy stomach, But for those with Crohn’s disease, it is advised to limit or avoid eating grains. The insoluble fiber in grains passes through the digestive tract and can trigger diarrhea or abdominal pain in those with Crohn’s disease. Grains also include gluten, which can cause a reaction along with the fermentable carbohydrates in this food source. Avoid grains like whole wheat, rye, barley, and any products made from these, including bread or pasta. Choose alternatives like rice, gluten-free bread, cornmeal, and polenta. Red meat Studies have shown that it is harder to digest red meat and hence should be avoided to minimize inflammation or pain in the abdomen. Avoiding red meat, sausages, and dark meat poultry can help manage the symptoms. Researchers suggest that leaner meat and types of meat with beneficial fats, like in bison or elk, should be considered over inflammatory fats.

Multiple sclerosis is a potentially disabling condition of the brain and spinal cord, wherein the immune system attacks the protective sheath that covers the nerve fibers. This issue causes communication problems between the brain and other body parts, leading to permanent damage or deterioration of the nerves. Signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis differ from one person to another over the course of the disease and the location of the affected nerve fibers. Symptoms There are quite a few common signs of multiple sclerosis, some of them include Numbness or weakness in the limbs Shocking sensations with certain neck movements Tremors and unsteady gait Partial or complete loss of vision Prolonged double vision Blurry vision Slurred speech Fatigue Dizziness Tingling or pain in some parts of the body Risk factors The following factors are known to have quite a major role as far as the development of multiple sclerosis is concerned: Age Such a condition can occur at any age, but the onset usually begins between the ages of 20 and 40. Gender Women are more likely to develop relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis compared to men. Family history Those with an immediate relative who has such a condition have a much higher chance of being diagnosed too.

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the large intestine (the colon) or the rectum. As these two are significant parts of the lower portion of the digestive system, their damage may substantially impact the body’s functioning. Nearly 101,000 new colon cancer cases are reported annually, making it one of the country’s leading causes of cancer deaths. Take a look at some of the early symptoms of colon cancer below. Causes of colon Cancer There are no definite causes of colon cancer. Still, research has found that genetic mutations play a significant role in the development of colon cancer, even though they do not guarantee it. Some genetic mutations may cause the formation of abnormal cells called polyps in the colon lining that are benign. But if left untreated, they may become cancerous in the future. Early signs Suppose there is a medical history of colon cancer in the family. In that case, it is advised to get regular checkups done to spot the cancer cells as early as possible and begin the necessary therapy. Unlike other illnesses, colon cancer does not show signs in its early stages. Take a look at a few of the early signs below.

Colon or colorectal cancer is the third most dominant cancer diagnosed in the country. It is a condition where cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably and abnormally, gradually affecting normal body tissues. Stages of colon cancer depend on the tumor size and its growth into the colon or rectum wall, whether it has spread to nearby nodes, distant nodes, or other organs. Some of the signs that indicate colon cancer are given below. Early signs Any changes in bowel habits like constipation, diarrhea, or dramatic changes in stool consistency, such as dry or hard stools with fluid leaking out, can be concerning. If any of these signs last for a long time, it can be a sign to get one’s colon tested for cancerous cells. Bowel movement issues Constant changes in bowel habits can cause worry, such as watery loose stools called diarrhea, constipation, or a sudden change in the stool’s consistency, like dry or hard stools with fluid leaking out around the stool. If any of these signs last for a long time, it can be a sign to get one’s colon tested for cancerous cells. Rectal bleeding Bloody stools are often an indicator of colon cancer.

Colon cancer refers to cancer of the rectum or colon and typically begins as growth or polyp. Rectal bleeding, constipation and diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal pain, and bowel incontinence are some symptoms of this type of cancer. Alongside chemotherapy and other interventions, a change in eating habits can provide relief from colon cancer symptoms and help patients recover better. Here are some foods that can help alleviate the effects of this cancer type: Cruciferous vegetables Cruciferous vegetables, particularly broccoli, contain high sulforaphane, a sulfur-rich phytochemical that helps fight cancer. Other cruciferous vegetables like kale, cabbage, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, collards, and mustard greens are also rich in sulforaphane and can help battle colon cancer. Foods rich in carotenoids Carotenoids are phytonutrients responsible for certain foods’ red, yellow, and orange pigmentations. Studies have demonstrated that these phytonutrients have cancer-fighting properties and help protect against colon cancer. Thus, carotenoid-rich foods like carrots, papayas, pumpkins, tomatoes, cantaloupes, and winter squash are beneficial for patients with colon cancer. Lean protein sources Chemotherapy can be a harrowing process that can considerably deplete one’s strength. Thus, it is important to replenish your body with essential proteins to regain energy throughout this procedure. Lean protein sources like Greek yogurt; eggs; white-fleshed fish such as haddock, halibut, and cod; low-fat cottage cheese (in case of no lactose intolerance); skinless chicken and turkey breast; and tofu are good sources of lean protein.