Arthritis is a chronic condition that leads to the stiffening of joints and surrounding tissues, causing severe pain and movement issues in the affected areas. Prescription treatment and physical therapy are the recommended course of action for dealing with arthritis pain. However, changes in eating habits can aid treatment and relieve the discomfort to an extent. An arthritis-friendly meal plan consists of nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory foods and is free from highly processed snacks that worsen symptoms. Arthritis and nutrition There are many types of arthritis, including gout, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Although they can cause different symptoms, all forms of the condition are caused by inflammation, leading to pain and joint stiffness. There is no cure for the condition, so doctors focus on a combination of prescription treatment, physical therapy, exercise, lifestyle changes, and food choices. Although nutrition alone cannot cure or relieve arthritis, a good food plan can help manage the symptoms. Here, the ideal food regimen should focus on providing adequate nutrition and maintaining regular body mass. High BMI results in additional pressure on the joints, causing pain and stiffness, directly increasing the dependency on prescriptions. Doctors recommend a plant-based meal plan with fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fats, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats as the best option for dealing with the condition. On the contrary, a food regimen rich in red meat and processed meats can worsen arthritis symptoms. Such foods can trigger inflammation, weaken immunity, increase BMI score, and worsen symptoms. The effect of foods on symptoms can vary from one person to another. So, one should maintain a food journal and keep track of changes in symptoms based on food intake. This can help one identify foods that aggravate pain and discomfort. Foods to avoid While one should opt for a balanced meal plan, they should avoid food that can increase body mass and does not offer any nutritional value or health benefits.

When one cannot pass stools or finds it difficult to have a clean bowel movement at least three times a week, it is diagnosed as constipation. The bowel movement could be painful, and the stool could be small, hard and dry. Moreover, one could feel bloated before and after passing stools. While doctors may prescribe some treatment options, one can ease constipation by following a fiber-rich food regime. Causes of constipation Constipation is a common problem, affecting both children and adults but the cause of the condition may vary among children and adults. Young children may withhold their bowels or may not have adequate toilet training. Some may feel shy or repulsed at the idea of passing stools. Changes in food regime, inadequate hydration, and lack of fiber-rich foods can cause constipation in children. In adults, nutritional deficiencies, lack of adequate fiber, dehydration, and improper habits are the major reasons for constipation. In some cases, preexisting conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetes, hypercalcemia, hyperthyroidism, and muscular dystrophy can also cause constipation. If one has had constipation for more than two weeks, experiences severe abdominal pain, or notices blood in stools, it is important to visit a doctor immediately. Doctors will prescribe treatment options that soften stools and conduct additional tests to identify the root cause of constipation. They will also advise one to eat foods that can naturally ease constipation and drink about 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to help bowel movement. Foods that help ease constipation If one has constipation occasionally, it may not be a concern, and one’s bowel movements may become regular without any home remedy. One can increase the quantity of fiber, drink a lot of water, and exercise to make it easier to pass stools. Choose foods that are rich in soluble or insoluble fiber.

Lupus is an autoimmune condition that can affect any organ in the body. If it affects the joints, one may experience pain and stiffness. Rashes and redness are common if they affect the skin. Fatigue and reduced kidney function are common if lupus affects the kidney. Lupus symptoms are characterized by periods of flares and remissions. There is no cure yet for lupus, but it is not fatal. Doctors treat lupus to reduce symptoms’ intensity, manage comorbidities, and reduce pain. Food and lupus Most people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or lupus have comorbidities like anemia, hypertension, or diabetes. Lupus puts patients at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases. What they eat can help them manage lupus symptoms and reduce the risk of other cardiovascular diseases. A balanced meal plan with various food groups like vegetables, fruits, grains, protein, fats, and dairy is ideal for keeping lupus symptoms from flaring up. Since it is an autoimmune disease and an inflammatory condition, avoiding foods that can weaken immunity or trigger inflammation is essential. Foods to avoid for lupus While it is important to eat the right food, avoiding foods that can increase pain, cause mouth sores, increase kidney-related symptoms like swelling and high blood pressure, induce fatigue, or worsen anemia is equally important. One should avoid all foods that can cause blood to clot, cause rashes, or increase muscle or joint pain and stiffness. Here are some of the important foods that one has to avoid for lupus: Alfalfa Once a patient is diagnosed with lupus, doctors advise them to avoid foods like alfalfa. Alfalfa is a known trigger for lupus. Alfalfa sprouts have L-canavanine, an amino acid that can trigger and stimulate inflammation. Avoid alfalfa sprouts if diagnosed with lupus or other autoimmune conditions. Garlic Garlic is considered a superfood that can build immunity and fight cancer.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition wherein one’s immune system attacks the central nervous system. It is an inflammatory and autoimmune condition affecting speech, vision, and mobility. Persistent fatigue, tremors, vision issues, osteoporosis, and bladder problems are common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The food one consumes plays a significant role in managing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Certain foods help improve symptoms and protect patients from frequent infections. This article discusses foods to avoid for multiple sclerosis. Impact of multiple sclerosis on the body MS occurs when the immune system harms the myelin, which is the protective coating of neurons in the brain and central nervous system. MS can result from demyelination, inflammation, loss of neurons, or gliosis. Lesions form in various regions of the central nervous system, causing symptoms to manifest based on the affected nerves. Environmental factors, infections, genetic factors, and a defective immune system can cause MS. The typical symptoms of MS include: Progressing weakness in one or several limbs Stiffness Weakness Imbalance Double vision Atrophy in the optic nerve Fatigue Chronic headache Short-term memory loss Lack of concentration Problems in chewing and swallowing Constipation Diarrhea Bladder problems Impotence Lack of interest in sexual activity The intensity of symptoms differs from one person to another. While some may experience these symptoms and go through a phase of no symptoms for many months or years, some may experience symptoms many times a year. Oral prescription treatment, physical therapy, exercise, and healthy meal plans are common management techniques for MS. Foods to avoid for multiple sclerosis Consuming foods that strengthen the immune system and prevent inflammation can benefit those with MS. Conversely, foods that exacerbate symptoms, promote inflammation, and weaken immunity should be avoided. MS is an autoimmune condition, so it’s important to be mindful of what one eats.

Shortness of breath is one of lung cancer’s first symptoms and complications. It also leads to fluid accumulation in the lungs, preventing them from expanding when inhaling. Chest pain, bloody cough, and the chances of cancer spreading from the lungs to other parts of the body are some of the potential complications. Treatments aim to reduce symptoms’ intensity and improve the quality of life and life expectancy for those affected by lung cancer. Role of food in managing lung cancer Good nutrition should be the fundamental and underlying factor while preparing meals for a patient who has either been diagnosed with lung cancer or is undergoing treatment. What you eat can directly impact how your body fights cancer and responds to treatment. Oral and intravenous prescription treatments, chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy are normal treatments for any cancer, including lung cancer. Food can influence the speed with which the cancer cells spread, the efficacy of treatments, and prevent the chances of recurrence. For example, a sugar-rich meal can influence cancer cell growth. An ideal cancer meal should contain the following: Essential vitamins Folate Selenium Phytonutrients Antioxidants Dietary fiber Similarly, many foods are detrimental to people with lung cancer. These foods can worsen lung cancer symptoms, wheezing, chest pain, exhaustion, sudden weight loss, and bloody cough. Eight foods that can worsen lung cancer and treatment Cancer and treatment can cause mouth ulcers, nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue, and the patients are at risk of frequent infection because of a weak immune system. The following uncooked or raw food has to be avoided for many weeks after treatment: Processed meat Some data link that high consumption of red meat has a higher risk of cancer. They contain high amounts of nitrates, nitrites, and preservatives, which can increase inflammation and worsen cancer symptoms. Avoid the following types of processed meat:

Thyroid cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the thyroid gland, which produces hormones that regulate body temperature, heart rate, and metabolism. It is the fifth most common cancer found in women in the country. This condition may not cause symptoms in the early stages and is often discovered during a routine neck examination or imaging scan. Knowing the risks, warning signs, and symptoms may help diagnose and treat the condition successfully. What is the thyroid gland? The small butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is situated around the trachea, at the base of the neck. It is one of the most vital hormone glands, affecting most bodily functions. The thyroid regulates the metabolism, growth, and development of the human body. The two main hormones secreted by the thyroid gland are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). What are the warning signs of thyroid cancer? Thyroid cancer is classified by the type of cancer cell. Some of these include papillary cancer, follicular thyroid cancer, Hurthle cell cancer, sporadic medullary thyroid cancer, familial medullary thyroid cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer, and thyroid lymphoma. Although it is tough to identify thyroid cancer until its advanced stages, here are some early warning signs to be wary of: Swollen lump on the neck An unusual lump, swelling, or nodule in the neck is generally one of the most common signs of thyroid cancer. If one experiences such abnormal growth, it is advisable to visit the doctor to have it checked and run additional tests if needed. This can help identify if the tumor is benign or malignant and make way for early treatment and recovery. Fatigue Although this is a common symptom associated with most cancers, it is often overlooked. Those who have been feeling more tired than usual must visit their primary care physician to diagnose the underlying cause.