Arthritis affects 350 million people around the world. The condition causes joint pain and inflammation. In addition to seeking appropriate treatment, making healthy nutritional changes can also help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. An easy way to get more anti-inflammatory foods and essential nutrients into the meal plan is to have smoothies. So, here are delicious and nutrient-packed smoothies that can help one deal with arthritis and relieve its symptoms. What is arthritis? Arthritis is a comprehensive term used to describe over 100 different types of joint conditions. It affects people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. The most common type of this condition is osteoarthritis, which develops when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. Other common types are rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. Some factors may contribute to the development of arthritis, such as genetics, injury, infection, and hormonal changes. The condition can cause pain, stiffness, swelling in joints or surrounding tissues, decreased range of motion in affected areas, and fatigue. Symptoms vary based on the type but generally worsen with age or after extended periods without movement, such as sitting for long periods at work or sleeping for too long without stretching. Best smoothies Tropical sunrise smoothie For those looking for a refreshing and nutritious beverage to ease arthritis pain, the tropical sunrise smoothie is the perfect option. It contains ingredients rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and essential vitamins and minerals to support joint health. Here is the recipe: 1 cup of unsweetened coconut milk: The unsweetened coconut milk serves as a creamy and dairy-free base for this delicious smoothie. Coconut milk contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. It is also rich in vitamins C and E, which can help boost the immune system and protect joints from damage.

Our body converts food into energy through metabolism, when the food and oxygen get broken down as energy and carbon dioxide, respectively. We exhale the carbon dioxide while breathing out. Those with a lung disease might have to work much harder to exhale the carbon dioxide. A meal plan that is poor in antioxidants and fiber or rich in nitrates, fat, and sugar is bound to affect the lungs and trigger symptoms like breathing difficulties. Foods to omit for healthy lungs Lung diseases can cause breathing difficulty, prevent the lungs from working properly or affect other respiratory organs like airways, blood vessels, and lung tissues. The lungs’ main function is transporting oxygen to all body parts and carrying carbon dioxide away from the lungs. Some of the common diseases that affect the lungs include viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, asthma, mesothelioma, lung cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Inflammation in the lungs and airways can also lead to many lung-related diseases. One should omit all foods that can trigger any infection or worsen existing lung disease. This is crucial for anyone with a history of lung infection, who has been exposed to harmful chemicals, lives in polluted environments, or works in hazardous professions. One should also avoid foods that can cause inflammation, gas, and bloating, as these can put additional pressure on the lungs. Here are a few foods that one should avoid to prevent any damage to the lungs: Carbonated beverages If one drinks soda frequently and is at high risk for lung-related diseases, it is time to stop it completely. Carbonated and aerated drinks affect the lungs in more than one way. They are filled with gas and cause the chest to tighten, making breathing difficult. Research says that carbonated beverages can promote inflammation, which can cause breathing problems and coughing almost instantly.

Parkinson’s disease is a movement-related disorder caused by degeneration of the brain cells that control the body’s movements. The nerve cells stop producing dopamine – a neurotransmitter that works with other chemicals to communicate between nerve cells and muscles that control movement. This condition can be managed with timely diagnosis and various treatment methods, including oral prescriptions, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) procedures, lifestyle changes, and exercise. Role of foods in managing Parkinson’s disease There is no official recommendation or solid evidence yet to show that a specific food or a combination can help in managing the advancement of Parkinson’s Disease. It is a degenerative condition resulting in tremors, slow movement, imbalance, rigidity, sleep disorders, pain, mental health disorders, and sensory disturbances. Oral treatments for Parkinson’s Disease are known to cause multiple side effects: Nausea Vomiting Loss of appetite Constipation Dyskinesia – uncontrollable movements of arms, legs, torso, and face Confusion Daytime sleep Constipation Low blood pressure Since Parkinson’s Disease mostly affects seniors, their food intake has to consider the physical and mental changes they go through, any comorbidities they may have, and also manage the side effects of the oral prescriptions. It is recommended to consult a nutritionist to devise the right menu plan that provides the required nutrition, helps manage side effects, and prevents worsening symptoms. Food has to be soft, easy to digest, and easy to eat, making meal times comfortable and stress-free. Beneficial foods for Parkinson’s Disease Patients with Parkinson’s require calcium to compensate for the loss of bone density, vitamins and minerals that can prevent the progression of symptoms, and fiber to ease constipation. A caregiver should create a menu from varied food groups, like carbs, dairy, proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Here are some of the important foods that can benefit people with Parkinson’s Disease: Green leafy vegetables Green leafy vegetables contain beneficial compounds like tryptophan, which may boost serotonin and dopamine.

Inflammation, infection, cell and tissue damage, and aging are some of the common factors that can contribute to issues that interfere with the normal functioning of the lungs. Respiratory issues are usually triggered by viral or bacterial infection, exposure to irritants and environmental pollution, lack of nutrition, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and a family history of a lung-related condition. Here, good eating habits can help in maintaining lung health and preventing respiratory issues. Managing lung health Limiting exposure to pollution is a key measure to protect the lungs. So, one should wear masks outdoors to avoid dirt, dust, smoke, and hazardous fumes from entering the body. Maintaining the highest hygiene standards at home and outside can help one prevent contracting any infection through airborne pathogens. While a healthy meal plan and regular exercise can strengthen the lungs, frequent medical checkups can help identify any risk of lung disease so that one can take necessary preventive measures. Best foods for lungs A nutritious, balanced, and lung-friendly meal plan can help the immune system keep infections at bay. So, one should add the following nourishing foods to their daily meals: Sources of vitamin A The lungs are among the last organs to develop in a fetus, so the right nutrients during pregnancy help in healthy lung development. Vitamin A is one of the crucial nutrients for healthy lung development in infancy and for maintaining lung health at all ages. Retinoic acid, a key component of Vitamin A, is essential for developing air sacs and maintaining airways, lung cells, and tissues. Research has also shown that those with various respiratory illnesses have a deficiency of vitamin A. The nutrient is vital for the lung epithelium, which provides barrier protection, maintains fluid balance in the lungs, clears irritants, initiates an immune response, and produces mucus.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting children and adults. It occurs due to inflammation of the esophagus, which leads to issues in contraction. In some cases, the esophagus may also become narrower and develop abscesses. Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, and food getting caught in the esophagus are some of the symptoms. Read on to know more about this condition and which foods can help manage the symptoms. What You Must Know About Eosinophilic Esophagitis Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has become one of the most common esophageal and reflux diseases. When a person has EoE, white blood cells known as eosinophils accumulate or overcrowd the esophagus, causing pain and inflammation. Though eosinophils are meant to protect us from infection, if there are too many and they begin to collect in the wrong places, it causes problems. Allergies, infections, and diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, some types of blood cancers, and autoimmune myocarditis can lead to the overcrowding of eosinophils. If one finds it difficult to swallow food or if it frequently gets stuck in the throat, it could indicate EoE. Family history and genetic changes can also lead to an increase in the number of eosinophils. Doctors perform a thorough physical examination and tests like GI endoscopy, biopsy, and blood examinations to diagnose and confirm EoE. Once they have a clear diagnosis, they prescribe certain treatments to control the inflammation. Nutrition also plays an important role. One must try eliminating certain foods to see how the body reacts. If there is no improvement, they may use a procedure called dilation, where they stretch the esophagus to make swallowing easier. Foods That Help Manage EoE While choosing the right food for managing EoE, it is important to understand the triggers. People with EoE may also have food allergies; eliminating such trigger foods is crucial in preventing inflammation.

Just like how the human body replaces old cells with new ones, bone tissue often gets broken down and is replaced by new tissues. If the body cannot produce new bones fast enough to replace the lost ones, it is a condition known as osteoporosis. Here, the skeleton becomes fragile, and the bones turn weak and brittle, putting people at risk of frequent fractures. Keep reading to learn about healthy foods to manage osteoporosis symptoms. Food and osteoporosis Osteoporosis can affect all the bones, but it is most common in the hip, wrist, and spine. Fractures can also affect the upper arm, lower legs, and pelvis. The broken bones can lead to severe pain and disability. Osteoporosis is a silent disease, as symptoms don’t show until a fracture occurs. An individual’s bone mass increases steadily until they reach 12 years of age, accelerating at puberty until mid-twenties, after which it begins to decline steadily. Though it is impossible to prevent bone loss, a healthy nutritional regime can help children achieve peak bone mass and prevent premature bone loss in adults. For people with osteoporosis, the bones become so weak that a cough, a mild fall, or stress can lead to fractures. The slow collapse of bones can lead to severe pain and a change in posture. People with a history of poor nutritional habits, thyroid issues, and overactive adrenal glands are at a higher risk of osteoporosis. Some unhealthy lifestyle habits, like lack of regular physical activity, can trigger the early onset of osteoporosis. 8 key nutrients that reduce the risk of osteoporosis The cells that facilitate bone formation are called osteoblasts, and the cells involved in bone resorption are called osteoclasts. Vitamin or nutrient deficiencies can interfere with these cells’ functioning. A healthy meal plan can help achieve peak bone mass in children, maintain good bone health in adults, and prevent and treat osteoporosis in seniors.