Lupus is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Although the common symptoms are fatigue, fever, skin rashes, and joint pain, these can vary from person to person and can be confused with many other illnesses. Lupus is, therefore, referred to as “a disease with a thousand faces.” Like most other conditions, though, food choices play an essential role in managing the symptoms. Here are four foods to avoid for lupus. Alfalfa sprouts Alfalfa sprouts, or the shoots of the alfalfa plant, can increase inflammation in the body. This is particularly true for people with lupus and other autoimmune conditions. A compound called L-canavanine present in alfalfa is responsible for this. L-canavanine can stimulate the immune system and worsen the symptoms of the disease. Therefore, lupus patients must avoid alfalfa, whether as sprouts or as a garnish for soups and sandwiches. Garlic Garlic enhances the activity of white blood cells, including the lymphocytes and macrophages of the immune system. While this enhanced immune response is beneficial for others, it can prove counterproductive for lupus patients. This does not mean one should entirely eliminate the herb from the menu. Mindful and monitored consumption of garlic is okay without going overboard.

Lupus is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and pain across the body. It occurs when the immune system erroneously attacks healthy tissues and organs, which means it is an autoimmune condition. Unfortunately, there is no specific meal plan for lupus. That said, eating and avoiding certain foods can help manage the symptoms and prevent complications. So, let’s look at what foods to eat to prevent lupus flare-ups. Flaxseeds It is considered a superfood by many nutritionists. Adding flaxseeds to your daily meals can avoid or reduce lupus flare-ups to a large extent. The alpha-linolenic acid present in it has atherogenic properties that can reduce inflammation associated with lupus. The lignans present in flaxseeds are platelet-activating factor (PAF) – receptor antagonists that can also be beneficial in treating lupus nephritis. Fatty fish Fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, trout, and herring are rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and HUFA (highly unsaturated fatty acid), which are a type of omega-3 fatty acid. These nutrients are associated with decreasing inflammation due to autoimmune diseases like lupus. Other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce or avoid lupus flare-ups include Brussels sprouts, algal oil, chia seeds, walnuts, among others. Whole grains Metabolism plays an essential role in any disease management.

Dealing with eczema can be extremely frustrating due to its erratic flare-ups and symptoms. The skin inflammation is painful and irritating. Using harsh soaps is one of the biggest triggers of eczema flare-ups. Therefore, make sure you read the label carefully to avoid all the trigger ingredients mentioned below. These ingredients can cause an allergic reaction and should be avoided at all costs. Read to know more about them. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate SLS is commonly used in soaps and even shampoos for its quality of breaking up oil and grease, which makes it a great cleaning agent. While cleaning excess oil and dirt is important to stay hygienic, SLS is known to break down the natural oil barrier on the skin. Although it doesn’t directly cause any irritation on the skin, due to no oil, the skin becomes dry and flaky and allows for other allergens to cause a reaction. Fragrance ingredients Any soap with fragrance should be avoided to prevent eczema flare-ups. Fragrances are a mix of esters, aldehydes, amines and ketones, and other ingredients. Unfortunately, due to the secrecy followed by most cosmetic companies, we never really know the ingredients that bring out the fragrance in soaps. Coconut Diethanolamide Another ingredient that helps break down oil and grease from the skin is coconut diethanolamide.

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the patient’s bones become brittle and porous. This increases the chances of getting bone fractures and experiencing joint pain. Sometimes bones become so brittle that coughing or bending over causes a fracture. Although osteoporosis does not have a permanent cure, there are ways to manage its symptoms and strengthen weakened bones. Listed in this article are some of the steps that can be taken to promote bone health naturally. Opt for calcium-rich foods Calcium plays an integral part in the maintenance of bone density for osteoporosis patients, which is why it needs to be incorporated in every meal. Dairy products are an ideal source of calcium. However, calcium-fortified food options like cereals, yogurt, juices, and more can be equally resourceful. Include physical activity In our fast-paced lives, physical activity often takes a backseat. This lack of daily physical activity can prove to be a concern, especially for patients with osteoporosis. Strength training or weight-bearing exercises like swimming, walking, running, hiking, and more are recommended by health care professionals. Eat vitamin-rich foods While vitamin D helps the body improve calcium absorption, vitamin K2 ensures that the absorbed calcium is not lost. Both these crucial components can be obtained from food.

Skincare products are formulated to help cleanse, exfoliate, and counter surface odors. But most of these daily-use sunscreens, moisturizers, and creams are made using synthetic compounds. Regularly using such products intensifies chemical concentration on the skin and triggers irritation and allergies. People with sensitive skin or a disorder like eczema usually switch to organic products to protect the skin. This article elaborates five skincare ingredients that can be quite aggravating for those with eczema. Parabens A lot of beauty products come with a “paraben-free” disclaimer. This ingredient is one of the most used preservatives in almost all cosmetic products in the market, especially fragrances. Compounds like propylparaben and Iosbutylparaben will increase the shelf life of the product but are quite harmful to sensitive skin and people with eczema. Moisturizing agents Lanolin, propylene glycol, and petroleum jelly are largely used in moisturizing products and protective lotions. Any skin care product with these ingredients worsens the symptoms of atopic dermatitis or eczema. Improper refining processes trigger a release of irritants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Synthetic fragrances Fragrances are formulated to mask body odor and have a long-lasting effect even on hot days. But a lot of these fragrances are made with chemicals and added scents that may smell good but trigger irritation in eczema patients.

Also called the emperor of maladies, cancer affects nearly 1 million people in the country. It is also the second leading cause of death globally, heart disease being the leading cause. Most of the time, cancer affects those people whose family has a history of cancer. Genes carrying cancer-triggering cells are passed down from one generation to the next. In other cases, prolonged exposure to radiation or toxic substances can chemically induce cancer. This exposure can be a result of occupational hazards, lifestyle choices such as smoking, or due to radiation therapy. In all of these cases, cancer prevention is very difficult unless all the risk factors are eliminated. But, more often than not, this is practically quite difficult. However, the field of alternative medicine recommends the use of certain herbs and spices for cancer prevention. Although there is no reliable scientific proof regarding the effectiveness of these herbs and spices, adding them to one’s diet may lower the risk of certain types of cancer. Here are some well-known herbs and spices that help prevent cancer. Black pepper Black pepper contains a chemical known as piperine. This chemical is known to prevent the growth of cancerous cells, especially in the case of breast cancer.

Lungs, an integral part of the respiratory system, hold oxygen which is then supplied to the rest of the body through the bloodstream. It is essential to keep the lungs healthy to maintain optimum oxygen intake. However, there can be things in the environment that can trigger lung damage. This article lists five such household factors that can trigger lung damage, which can, in turn, cause diseases. Let’s check them out. Mold Mold is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces and corners. It is common in houses with issues of leaking pipes. The fungus releases spores in the air and can trigger a severe reaction in those allergic to mold. The response is relatively severe in people with lung damage and diseases like asthma and COPD. Carpet Carpets add to the allure and warmth of our homes. But there are some other harmful things that they add. Carpets can act as a storage space for dust mites, cockroach droppings, mold, dander, pet hair, and other allergens. These are released back into the air often. As a result, it is advisable to clean and vacuum carpets multiple times a week to ensure they do not work as carriers for lung-damaging components.

Asthma is a respiratory condition where the airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus. These factors make it difficult for the person to breathe and trigger wheezing and coughing. Apart from treatment and home remedies, people with asthma tend to eat foods that can boost their recovery. But not all foods are suitable, and some may even worsen the condition. Here are seven such foods that may trigger severe respiratory symptoms. Eggs Eggs contain healthy nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals. However, asthma patients prone to egg allergies should avoid them. Egg allergies generally lead to reactions on the skin, such as hives. Eating eggs can also cause inflammation in the respiratory tract and lead to an asthma attack. Soda Soda produces gas, which may apply pressure on the diaphragm. The excessive pressure may make it difficult to breathe, worsening the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory disorders. Bread Bread is a wheat-based product that may also cause allergic reactions because of its gluten content. Those allergic to gluten are likely sensitive to albumin and globulin. These are amino acids that lead to inflammation in the respiratory tract and subsequently cause an asthma attack. Dried fruits Despite their healthy nature, people with asthma must avoid dried fruits.

Finding it hard to sleep at night? Staying away from your phone and reducing psychological stress can help, but these are not enough. You also need to be wise when choosing foods late in the evening and before bedtime. Some foods have ingredients that can induce insomnia and cause tummy troubles, making it hard to sleep well at night. Below, we’ve listed seven such foods you should avoid eating before hitting the sack. Chocolate Post-dinner chocolate cravings are pretty common, but it’s not good when struggling to get proper sleep. Chocolates, especially dark chocolate, contain lots of caffeine, which can prevent you from getting deep, restful sleep. Coffee Talking about caffeine, it’s hard not to mention coffee. A shot of espresso is a go-to late-night drink for many, but it can hurt your objective of sound sleep. Coffee contains very high levels of caffeine, more than dark chocolate. So, it’s best to avoid any type of coffee at least six hours before bedtime. Potato chips Potato chips are fried foods loaded with unhealthy fats. Such foods take long to digest, cause indigestion, and can keep you up at night. Some studies even show that eating lots of fried, greasy foods can cause disturbing dreams.

The foods we eat play a significant role, and that dictates how our organs function. The eyes are vascular, and it is necessary to eat nutritious foods to keep the blood vessels in good health. Eating unhealthy foods may block the veins that provide the eyes with the essential nutrients and oxygen. Such restrictions may affect one’s vision. Keeping this in mind, here are five foods that can worsen eye health. Margarine Margarine is considered a healthy alternative to butter, as it is made from vegetable oils. However, it still contains trans fats. These fats may increase a person’s cholesterol levels and put them at risk of heart diseases and eye problems. Red meat Red meat contains preservatives like salt, cholesterol, and fat, making them tasty and increasing their shelf life. However, these chemicals may harm one’s health and lead to high blood pressure. Such pressure spikes can lead to Choroidopathy, a fluid buildup below the retina. Fish Several fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may offer health benefits. However, fish also contain hints of mercury. People who eat lots of fish may be at risk of eye damage because of the chemical element. Coffee Coffee contains caffeine, an energy-boosting component that helps people stay active.