Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) develops when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus—the tube connecting the mouth and stomach. Acid reflux causes heartburn, discomfort, or even vomiting and is triggered primarily by certain types of foods. GERD can be easily managed by getting the right nutrition and maintaining healthy habits post meals. As GERD is directly associated with the digestive tract, eating the right foods becomes all the more important. Foods for managing GERD Common symptoms of GERD include heartburn, bloating, burping, dry cough, and sore throat. One may also experience a burning sensation in the chest or stomach after a full meal or having highly processed or spicy foods. Here are some foods that can help keep GERD symptoms at bay: Egg whites Egg whites, rich in protein, are alkaline foods, making them a good option for dealing with heartburn. Whole grains Foods like brown rice, whole wheat bread, quinoa, barley, and millets are highly fibrous foods, making one feel full for a long period. This ensures one does not overeat or snack between meals, which is one of the prime reasons for heartburn. Oatmeal Oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber and can lower the risk of acid reflux.

Arthritis and joint pain can weaken a person, leading to mobility issues and other health conditions. People coping with arthritis require timely and consistent treatment, care, and lifestyle changes to control its symptoms. A nutritious food intake contributes to a healthier lifestyle and a better response to treatment. Besides having wholesome foods, incorporating refreshing smoothies into one’s meal plan can balance taste and nutrition . Here are some smoothies that can help individuals with arthritis. Pineapple and blueberry smoothie Pineapple contains high vitamin C, an antioxidant that can relieve joint pain. Moreover, blueberries contain anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation. A blend of pineapple, blueberry, and other ingredients like ginger root and honey can create a refreshing smoothie perfect for the taste buds and joints. Green smoothie Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and parsley are packed with crucial nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K; iron; polyphenols; and antioxidants, in addition to being low in calories. A smoothie with leafy greens and some fruits of your choice can be your go-to breakfast or snack for healthy joints and reducing arthritis symptoms. Orange, carrot, and turmeric smoothie Citrus fruits like oranges are packed with vitamin C, highly effective in reducing joint inflammation. Moreover, carrot contains vital nutrients like vitamin A and beta-carotene, making them an excellent addition to the anti-arthritis meal plan.

Some cities can be healthier for migraine sufferers, and can reduce the incidence of migraine attacks. According to research conducted in 2006 by some researchers, four categories of data were analyzed to determine which cities were the best and the worst for those with migraine. While more recent analyses have added access to world-class healthcare to this list, the original methodology used for determining these hotspots included several parameters such as: Lifestyle factors:  Factors that can contribute to an increase in migraine attacks include the number of hours of overtime worked, plane travel, frequency of vigorous exercise, frequency of insomnia, and frequency of sunburn. Irregular sleep patterns and high amounts of stress also contribute to the frequency of migraine headaches. Prescriptions filled:  This is defined as the number of migraine-related prescriptions per capita. Environmental factors:  Many environmental factors are commonly known to trigger migraines, such as barometric pressure, rapidly changing weather, and extreme temperatures. The coasts are safer than the mountains when it comes to rapidly changing weather. Migraines can also result from the social environment, induced by factors such as divorce rates, crime rates, suicide rates, and commute time. Consumption of common food triggers:  While this is a personal factor, common trigger foods include citrus fruits and juices, cheese, chocolates, pickles, sour cream, nuts, coffee, tea, soda, hot dogs, sausages, peanut butter, and foods with nitrates in them.

Cold sores, or fever blisters, are a cluster of tiny sores developing on and around the lips. These sores are typically painful, beginning with an itching or burning sensation and eventually swelling up and reddening. Cold sores are typically caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which spreads through activities involving close physical contact. Although cold sores do not have a specific cure, their frequency may be controlled with some basic remedies: Apply apple cider vinegar Research studies suggest that applying apple cider vinegar can help the body protect itself from bacteria, germs, and viruses. Further, apple cider vinegar can help eliminate dead skin cells from the body, contributing to a quicker healing process. Use cold compress Using a cold compress is one of the best cold sores remedies to reduce swelling and inflammation and provide pain relief. One may also wrap a muslin cloth around an ice cube and place it on the affected area to relieve cold-sore symptoms. Invest in a good sunscreen and lip balm Exposure to direct sunlight can trigger or aggravate cold sores. However, as one cannot avoid stepping out during the day, applying good sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 can help prevent such flare-ups.

From childhood, we are taught that eating well can help us look and feel our physical best. What is often glossed over is the fact that what we eat also has a significant impact on how we feel mentally. Healthy, well-balanced meals can help people think more clearly, become alert, and improve concentration and attention span. On the other hand, unhealthy foods lead to fatigue, impaired decision-making, and a slower reaction time. Processed foods can cause brain inflammation Increased reliance on processed foods high in sugar and flour can lead to inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. And brain inflammation is linked to mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Furthermore, many of these processed foods stimulate the dopamine centers in the brain, making us crave more. Healthy gut bacteria help regulate mental processes Researchers have been studying the connection between our gut and brain, which are linked via the vagus nerve. According to the American Psychological Association, gut bacteria produce a range of neurochemicals used by the brain for regulating physiological and mental processes, such as our mood. Around 95% of our mood-stabilizing hormone, serotonin, is produced by gut bacteria, signaling its undisputed role in maintaining our mental health.

Nutritious food can play a significant role in maintaining and improving our overall health. On the contrary, some meals may be unhealthy, especially for individuals with health complications, including prostate cancer. The disease is characterized by symptoms like regular urination, blood in the urine, and weak urine flow. Certain foods may aggravate or trigger the symptoms of prostate cancer, leading to other complications, and should hence be avoided as far as possible. Red meat People who opt for meals with large portions of red meat are at risk of developing prostate cancer or worsening their symptoms. Red meat like hot dogs, beef, and pork contain heterocyclic amines (HCAs)—carcinogens detected in cooked meat. HCAs are said to be linked to the development of multiple cancers. Full-fat cheeses Excess consumption of dairy products like full-fat cheeses should be avoided. Their high-fat content has been associated with c-peptide concentration, which may lead to the aggressive development of prostate cancer. Other dairy products to steer clear of include yogurt, butter, cream cheeses, and ice creams rich in fat. Coffee Coffee and other caffeinated beverages function as diuretics. They may dehydrate an individual faster and increase the urge to urinate. And someone with an enlarged prostate might find it challenging to relieve themselves, which can cause discomfort.

The blood needs essential clotting factor VIII proteins to clog an open wound and prevent a person from bleeding. Hemophilia occurs when the blood is missing these clotting factors triggering excessive bleeding without any underlying health complication. It is an inherited bleeding disorder passed down as a genetic mutation from one or both parents carrying defective genes. Following are the available silent signs of developing hemophilia to take notice of and ensure immediate medical attention. Bleeding inside the joints The blood disorder primarily triggers bleeding into the joints, a sign that goes unnoticed well into the advanced stages of hemophilia. It is noticeable only when the pooled blood triggers pain and swelling of the joints. The resulting tightness of muscles and cartilage ultimately affects movement. Bruising and discoloration on the skin surface are also visible signs of excessive blood pooling under the joints. This is commonly referred to as a hematoma. If left unchecked, the bleeding will severely affect joint flexibility and mobility, thus disrupting daily routine. Bleeding in the mouth and gums At first glance, people often assume that poor oral hygiene or an underlying dental problem triggers bleeding in the gums and around the mouth. However, bleeding disorders like hemophilia also exhibit similar signs of progression.

A deficiency of blood cells, red or white, can be extremely dangerous. Blood is the primary carrier of nutrients and oxygen to all body parts. It keeps the body ticking and all the systems interconnected. Therefore, one always needs to choose foods that can help them maintain a healthy blood count and, as a result, boost circulation and lower blood pressure. Some foods for improving blood count and circulation are: Walnuts All nuts are packed with essential omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids. These acids reduce inflammation in the arteries and the possibility of massive blood loss and circulation problems. Walnuts, in particular, contain significant reserves of iron, too, thus boosting hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin is the primary component of blood, which carries oxygen to all body parts. Individuals can snack on walnuts daily to boost their blood quality and quantity. This aspect makes walnuts quintessential for good health. Red beans Beans are known for their rich reserves of protein. While all beans are helpful, red beans are incredibly healthy and delicious. Boiled red beans possess high levels of iron. As a result, a person’s hemoglobin levels rise when they add red beans to their meal plan, which, in turn, improves blood count.