Nutrition plays an important role in maintaining one’s health, and certain items, like processed and fried food, can have an adverse effect on one’s mental health. On the contrary, foods rich in nutrients can improve one’s mental well-being. Learning about the benefits of the right kind of food can help encourage better eating habits. So here is how certain food choices can help in improving one’s mental health and well-being: Improves self-esteem One’s self-esteem can be associated with the way they look and feel, and unhealthy eating habits may often lead to poor physical well-being and state of mind. On the other hand, a nutrient-rich, balanced meal plan can help people feel healthy and fitter, improving how they see and feel about themselves. Helps manage disorders The brain responds to what one eats and drinks, and choosing foods rich in essential vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and other nutrients is crucial for healthy cognition. The lack of key nutrients may worsen mental health and disorders like depression. So, one should add foods rich in magnesium, selenium, zinc, and amino acids and have lots of water. Elevates mood Studies show a link between mental health and food, so one’s meals may impact how one feels during the day.

For most women, pain is synonymous with menstruation. Approximately 80% of individuals who menstruate experience menstrual pain at some point. Such pain is typically accompanied by cramps, bloating, and mood swings and is caused by the release of natural chemicals called prostaglandins, due to which the uterine walls and blood vessels contract. Adequate rest and a healthy meal plan can help handle menstrual pain. Some foods to incorporate during your menstrual cycle are as follows: Oats Oatmeal is a healthy, fiber-rich breakfast option high in calcium, zinc, magnesium, vitamins A and B, and iron. A cup of oats contains around 14 mg of iron, accounting for three-quarters of the total iron intake needed per day, i.e., 18 mg. Studies have shown that having iron-rich foods can reduce menstrual pain and help you handle menstrual symptoms better. Spinach A cup of cooked spinach contains 6.5 mg of iron and magnesium; vitamins A, C, B6, and E; potassium; and calcium in sizable amounts. Thus, it can help reduce PMS symptoms, including pain, bloating, and cramps. Besides, one may add spinach to stir-fries, gravies, soups, smoothies, etc. Oranges Oranges are packed with vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin D and are among the best fruits to manage period pain and cramps.

In multiple sclerosis, the myelin sheath of the nerve cells gets damaged, affecting the central nervous system. It is, therefore, vital to seek timely treatment. While multiple sclerosis patients don’t always show the presence of the same signs and symptoms, some of these, such as numbness and tingling, can be considered early signs of the condition. So, noting them can help doctors diagnose the condition early, leading to better treatment and management. Fatigue Exhaustion or fatigue, even when performing daily activities, is one of the early signs of multiple sclerosis. Patients might experience increased fatigue following exposure to high temperatures and infections, but it might also have no obvious cause. The chronic tiredness tends to impact one’s quality of life and work significantly. Vision problems Experiencing pain and problems with vision is one of the most common and early signs of multiple sclerosis. As the condition affects the central nervous system, the optic nerve is affected in turn. Patients might experience temporary vision loss caused by optic neuritis. It can also lead to pain in the eye, double vision, and color blindness. Problems of the optic nerve are as considered to be more concrete signs of multiple sclerosis as opposed to other early signs like numbness and a tingling sensation.

Parkinson’s is a chronic disorder that affects the nervous system and the areas of the body controlled by the nervous system. It slows down body movements, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. The condition also causes tremors, stiff muscles, poor balance, and speech changes. Everyone has a unique set of symptoms related to this illness. Even with professional assistance, it is vital to make specific lifestyle changes to manage Parkinson’s. Here are some effective strategies. Tips for dealing with Parkinson’s disease Exercise regularly Exercise benefits everyone, but it’s especially beneficial for those with this nervous system condition. Regular exercise improves physical strength, flexibility, and balance while reducing anxiety. Walking, swimming, gardening, stretching, and other forms of exercise are all beneficial. One should consult their doctor before beginning any new form of exercise to avoid complications. Learn to maintain your balance Incorrect posture and balance can lead to frequent falls and injuries. It is critical to move mindfully while exercising and walking. When taking a step, move slowly and always place your heel first. Keep your back straight while walking, avoid carrying objects, don’t walk backward, and use a device or a cane if your balance is severely impaired. Always look ahead while walking rather than down to avoid falling off balance.

Allergies are caused when the body comes in contact with a harmless substance and identifies it as a danger. In cases like these, the immune system responds to the alarm and prepares antibodies against the allergen. So, the next time one is exposed to a particular allergen, antibodies signal the release of chemicals in the bloodstream leading to allergic symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Sometimes, it can lead to asthma attacks. Common triggers/allergens that can affect breathing Allergens can be a part of either indoor or outdoor environments. When one is exposed to them, it can trigger symptoms and lead to discomfort. Hence it’s essential to know the possible triggers and steer clear of them. Dander Hair and skin flakes are among the most common allergens. In severe cases, prolonged exposure to these allergens can lead to asthma attacks. One can decrease the exposure to these triggers by using an air cleaner with a HEPA filter and allergen-proof pillow covers and mattresses. Pollen Pollens are tiny grains or seeds found in flowering plants, grass, and trees. These seeds are often carried by the wind, and those exposed to them can either show a range of symptoms or none at all.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) publishes annual reports ranking cities from best to worst for allergy patients to live in. The report evaluates various livability and healthcare aspects like pollen and mold level, the number of treatments used per allergy patient, and the ratio of certified experts to every 10,000 patients. These factors determine how safe an area is for allergy patients. Keep reading to learn about the worst allergy-prone cities. Common irritants that trigger allergies Various environmental factors can trigger an allergic response in a person. These include poor air quality, mold, dust, and pollen. Pollen Pollen from trees, grass, and weeds is a typical seasonal trigger. These airborne particles can affect one’s nasal and respiratory tract, leading to asthma, sneezing, watery eyes, itchy nose, or even fever. The content is higher in the air during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Experts believe the pollen count will double in the next decade, affecting 30% of adults nationwide. Air pollution Poor air quality caused due to industrial and motor vehicle emissions can affect one’s respiratory and pulmonary function and worsen conditions like asthma and allergies. Mold and dust Usually affecting individuals during the winter, mold and dust mites can be found indoors in one’s bedding, stuffed animals, carpets, or furniture.

The early stages of any form of arthritis can make indulging in daily activities quite frustrating. One may find it difficult to hold, grab, reach, or lift objects because of the stiffness in their joints. A healthcare expert may suggest certain therapies, prescriptions, and other treatments to manage the symptoms and pain caused by arthritis. However, one must avoid factors that trigger or worsen the condition, including the foods mentioned below. Pork Pork is a red meat that an individual with arthritis should strike off from their daily meal plan. Research indicates that this meat is substantially high in saturated fat. The intake of such fats may cause strain on the heart and may lead to gaining an unhealthy BMI, triggering inflammation and worsening one’s arthritis symptoms. Beef, lamb, mutton, and elk are other sources of red meat that arthritis patients should avoid. Milk This high-fat dairy product is rich in nutrients like calcium and proteins essential for healthier living. However, milk usually contains casein, a common contributor to inflammation in individuals with arthritis. Therefore, one should consider limiting milk and other high-fat dairy products like yogurt and cheese if dealing with arthritis. Tomatoes While tomatoes make great additions to several foods, people with arthritis may have to steer clear of this food.

The early stages of any form of arthritis can make indulging in daily activities quite frustrating. One may find it difficult to hold, grab, reach, or lift objects because of the stiffness in their joints. A healthcare expert may suggest certain therapies, prescriptions, and other treatments to manage the symptoms and pain caused by arthritis. However, one must avoid factors that trigger or worsen the condition, including the foods mentioned below. Pork Pork is a red meat that an individual with arthritis should strike off from their daily meal plan. Research indicates that this meat is substantially high in saturated fat. The intake of such fats may cause strain on the heart and may lead to gaining an unhealthy BMI, triggering inflammation and worsening one’s arthritis symptoms. Beef, lamb, mutton, and elk are other sources of red meat that arthritis patients should avoid. Milk This high-fat dairy product is rich in nutrients like calcium and proteins essential for healthier living. However, milk usually contains casein, a common contributor to inflammation in individuals with arthritis. Therefore, one should consider limiting milk and other high-fat dairy products like yogurt and cheese if dealing with arthritis. Tomatoes While tomatoes make great additions to several foods, people with arthritis may have to steer clear of this food.

Eczema is a condition that can cause dry, itchy, or inflamed skin. It is a chronic condition that is common among young children. Common triggers include irritants such as harsh soaps, environmental factors such as cold or dry weather, or allergens such as dust mites, pet fur, pollen, or mold. It is important to manage inflammation during a flare, and nutrition is essential to controlling the symptoms. Avoiding the following foods may help one manage eczema better: Dairy products Milk and milk products are a common group of allergens. They can worsen eczema flare-ups among those with allergies, which is why most people with eczema tend to avoid dairy products. Unless one is severely allergic, it is advisable not to eliminate dairy products without consulting a physician first, as they are an important source of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. Speak to a qualified nutritionist or a doctor about replacements or alternatives for dairy products. Eggs Egg allergy is another commonly occurring one. Children may be allergic to certain proteins found in eggs, which could trigger eczema flares. This also includes foods with eggs as an ingredient, such as baked goods. However, most egg allergies in children resolve by the age of 5.

Food is fuel for the body, and the organs depend on a delicate balance of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals for better functioning. Abrupt changes in daily foods can trigger increased blood pressure or blood glucose. Also, the skin is the body’s largest organ, weighing 8 pounds and stretching over 22 square feet for a full-grown adult. Daily nutrition directly affects skin health, so the following foods should be eliminated to preserve skin integrity. Sweets and desserts Candies, sweets, ice creams, baked goods, sweet confectionaries like pastries, and doughnuts are all made from refined sugars. These are empty calories that the body cannot process, only to a spike in blood glucose levels. Sugar primarily breaks down elastin and collagen, two important components for maintaining skin texture and sheen. Chocolate Chocolate is a deadly combination of sugar and caffeine, which harm skin health. The body metabolizes these empty calories, leaving sugar in the bloodstream. An imbalance in blood glucose levels triggers a sudden increase in sebum production (the oils that fill up pores, causing acne), increasing the risk of breakouts. Consuming chocolate in moderation or eliminating it is better to avoid acne flare-ups. Deli meats Bacon, hot dogs, and pepperoni are popular cuts of meat sold at deli counters across the country.