As dreadful as it sounds, eczema is more prevalent than you think. 31.6 million have at least one form of this type of dermatitis in the country alone. The term eczema describes a skin disease that involves skin inflammation, typically due to exposure to some environmental or dietary trigger. The condition is commonly called atopic dermatitis since the cause is usually some allergen. The allergens vary from individual to individual. What is eczema? Eczema does not refer to one skin disease but is a group of conditions characterized by inflamed or irritated skin. The most common type is atopic dermatitis, related to allergic conditions like asthma and hay fever. Eczema affects 10% – 20% of infants and about 3% of adults and children in the country. Usually, in children, the symptoms are outgrown after ten years. Though there is no cure, you can manage the signs to a large extent. The condition is caused partly by genetic components but is not contagious. Managing eczema Managing any chronic condition is difficult. With skin diseases, there is not only continual discomfort but also social factors that need to be addressed. It is typically stressful during an eczema flare-up, and this emotional anguish forms a vicious cycle triggering the symptoms even further.

Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, or atopic eczema, is a skin disorder characterized by patches of dryness, redness, and inflammation triggered by allergens. The extremely itchy rashes appear on the skin when a person comes in contact with the allergen and then usually go away or remain. In the fight against atopic dermatitis, several remedies may be of use. Read on to learn about effective ways to fight eczema from the comfort of your home.  Information In any challenge, the first task patients must take up is research. When a person is diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, curiosity will make them learn more about the condition. Nearly 1 in 10 people in the country live with this condition. This skin disease is not contagious, though it is partially hereditary. The eczema patches are likely to appear in the creases of the elbow, knees, face, neck, palms, and legs. These areas are likely to be dry, scaly, and excessively itchy. Often the skin may become thick, leathery, and discolored. Common triggers for flare-ups of atopic dermatitis are cold, dry weather, allergens in the food, long, hot showers, heat, sweating, strenuous exercise, unhealthy lifestyle habits, sand, certain types of grass, pollen, dust, soaps, detergents, wool, and synthetic fabrics, as well as stress.

Maintaining healthy skin is not just about external skin care through creams and oils. Skin health is also affected by one’s food choices. As a variety of foods and supplements are advertised as “healthy” options, many may go for trending food products that do not offer long-term benefits for the body. Some might even cause skin issues and premature aging. So, here are five foods to avoid at all times to maintain healthy skin: Fried food Fried foods are high in fat, increasing the risk of heart disease. They contain trans fats, which may increase one’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Fried foods have also been shown to cause skin inflammation, making the skin more susceptible to breakouts or other problems like blemishes, wrinkles, and premature aging. While the precise impact of fried foods is still being studied, there is no denying that they are high in fat and calories. So, one should avoid foods like chips, French fries, donuts, and other deep-fried items to keep skin issues at bay. Sugary beverages Sugary beverages are one of the worst items for skin health. They can cause acne, wrinkles, and dry skin. The drinks contain excessive refined sugar, so they do not quench one’s thirst or hydrate the body but rather cause dehydration.

Good lung health is crucial for overall well-being. Environmental toxins, poor lifestyle habits, and inflammatory foods can damage the lungs and lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and other conditions that can significantly impact one’s quality of life. Adding nutritious foods to the meals can help mitigate some of this damage and reduce the symptoms and severity of lung disease. Try these 20 foods to boost lung function and improve breathing. Apples Research suggests that those who eat at least five apples a week are less likely to develop COPD. Apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin, which slows lung function decline. The fruit also helps lower the risk of asthma and lung cancer owing to its flavonoids and vitamin C content. Beetroots Beetroots and beet greens are rich sources of nitrates, which can help optimize lung function, relax blood vessels, and reduce blood pressure. Beets are also packed with beneficial nutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and carotenoid antioxidants. Beetroot (in its natural form or as a supplement) is known to improve physical performance and lung function in those with COPD and pulmonary hypertension. Peppers Peppers are rich in vitamin C, a vitamin that has been shown to improve lung function.

Sugar is a vital source of energy and essential for survival. However, not all sugars have the same effects. Fructose, naturally present in fruits and vegetables, and lactose in milk and dairy products are natural sugars. However, added or refined sugar usually found in processed foods should be avoided. This sugar, when added to meals excessively, can increase the risk of developing various health conditions such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, and high blood pressure. Signs of excessive sugar intake Irritability Excessive sugar intake can lead to irritability, moodiness, and increased stress levels. A 2010 study suggested that high levels of sugar intake can promote inflammation, worsen one’s moods, and even increase the risk of developing depression. Exceeding the recommended sugar intake would mean that one is opting for meals high in sugar without adequate proteins or fat, leading to a spike in blood sugar levels. After a while, the previously elevated energy levels crash, making one feel irritable and sluggish. So, one should track their energy levels before and after a meal, especially when dealing with diabetes. Trouble sleeping A study found that poor quality of sleep is associated with increased sugar intake. Disruptions in sleep cycles can lead to restlessness.

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that causes morning joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. This discomfort is associated with psoriasis or a family history of the condition. Both psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis are autoimmune conditions that affect the immune system. Adding nutritious food to one’s meal plans and following a prescribed treatment regimen may help in managing the condition. Here are some foods to avoid and eat along with certain treatments for managing psoriatic arthritis. Foods to avoid The following foods can trigger psoriatic arthritis due to the components found in them and must be avoided. Red meat Red meat, such as beef, pork, lamb, and veal, is high in saturated fatty acids. These fats are linked to various inflammatory conditions, including type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Red meat also contains heme, which binds oxygen in the blood and gives it its red color. Heme has been linked to gut irritation and systemic inflammation. Dairy products Milk, yogurt, and cheese are low-fat dairy products that can be healthy when consumed in moderation. However, patients who are lactose intolerant may experience discomfort and worsened symptoms. Saturated fats are abundant in high-fat dairy products like whole milk, full-fat cheese, and ice cream. These may result in an increase in body mass, which may worsen one’s symptoms.

Eosinophils are white blood cells in the immune system that ward off external attacks and protect the body from diseases. However, some allergic reactions trigger an unprecedented increase in the production of these cells. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic reaction that causes inflammation and swelling in the esophagus. Many risk factors are involved, but certain foods mainly trigger this allergic response. Here are common food substitutes that help manage EoE and prevent major flare-ups. Milk substitutes Milk contains a natural protein called casein that triggers an allergic reaction to the condition. People who are lactose intolerant are anyways unable to process any dairy. The top culprits include milk in all its forms, butter, margarine, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, mayonnaise, and salad dressings. These are all trigger foods that need to be eliminated. Nutritionists advise switching to more safe alternatives like coconut milk, hemp milk, oat milk, almond milk, and rice milk. These fortified substitutes eliminate the dairy digestion problem while retaining a balanced nutritional value. Further, one can switch to dairy-free yogurts and cheeses made from coconut, cashew, or hemp milk for regular intake. Eat gluten-free snacks Gluten is a protein commonly found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye.

Most people, at one point or another, suffer from digestive disorders. It could be something as common as constipation and diarrhea, which cause just a minor inconvenience. Or, it could be a complex digestive or gastrointestinal issue that affects one’s quality of life. Sometimes, problems like constipation and bloating appear as signs of another underlying health condition. Regardless, it is crucial to be aware of the common digestive conditions and their symptoms. Food intolerance This is one of the most common digestive disorders today. Food intolerance is a health condition where the digestive system does not react well to certain foods. A few common symptoms one may experience during an episode of food tolerance include bloating, cramps, gas, diarrhea, heartburn, headache, vomiting, and irritability. Food intolerance should not be confused with food allergies, which can also cause hives and respiratory issues. Constipation Chronic constipation indicates the body’s inability to get rid of waste matter. It occurs when the colon cannot move the bowels through the digestive tract. Around 63 million people in our country alone deal with this problem on a daily basis. Some causes of constipation include low physical activity, dehydration, low fiber intake, and specific treatments. When suffering from constipation, a person may experience decreased bowel movements, slow transit and passing of stools, and hard stools.

Headaches can be difficult to categorize because their symptoms and level of pain can differ from one person to the next. An individual may experience painful symptoms of migraines (a type of headache), while others may find their condition moderate. Sometimes people may develop constant headaches even if they have never experienced the sensation before. In this situation, individuals should visit a healthcare expert to check if the signs are indicators of other complications. Headache with sudden fever While the symptoms of headaches, including migraines, are treatable with prescriptions or adequate rest, one may require a professional diagnosis if one runs a fever simultaneously. A few with a headache usually indicates that the patient has a sinus infection. It could also mean that the individual is at risk of a more severe condition like meningitis (stiffness of the neck) or encephalitis (an infection of the brain), which may cause confusion and difficulty with speech. These conditions can turn severe if left untreated. Moreover, older individuals have weaker immune systems and are at a greater risk of developing these infections. A “thunderclap” onset A “thunderclap” onset refers to a headache that develops suddenly. Individuals susceptible to this phenomenon usually describe it as one of the worst pains they have experienced.

The thyroid gland is one of the most crucial organs in the human body and is responsible for producing hormones. These hormones control vital functions like blood pressure, heart rate, and core body temperature. It is located in the lower region of the neck. Any abnormal cell growth in this region causes thyroid cancer, more cases of which are reported among women. The known causes, risk factors, and symptoms of thyroid cancer are listed below. Causes and risk factors Family history of cancer Having a close family member who was previously diagnosed with thyroid cancer significantly increases the risk. It is for first-degree relatives, including parents, brothers, sisters, or children. Genetic risk Inheriting faulty genes also increases the risk of certain types of cancer. A modified genetic code can trigger health complications linked to the thyroid gland. Genetic risk is a common trigger factor in 25% of the cases diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer. Exposure to radiation The thyroid gland is susceptible to radiation. Therefore, repeated exposure does increase the risk of cancer among men and women. Commonly, the first signs of radiation exposure include developing nodules and lumps around the thyroid gland. Iodine deficiency Iodine is an essential nutrient for the thyroid gland to function normally.