Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the innermost lining of the large intestine, which is also called the colon or the rectum. The condition leads to inflammation and ulcers or sores in the digestive tract and needs specific management and care. Food and nutrition play a vital part in managing this disease, and this article specifically talks about the foods you should eat to manage ulcerative colitis better. Refined grains Go for white rice and refined white flour when your symptoms become persistent. White bread, pasta, oatmeal, rice, and gluten-free bread like sourdough can help ease the discomfort as these foods have more carbs and are low in fiber. The low fiber content does not irritate the gut lining and makes digestion easy. Avoid whole grains like brown rice, wild rice, rice pilaf, and lentils. Low-fiber fruits It includes food items like bananas, cantaloupes, very ripe apricots, honeydew melon, watermelon, nectarines, plums, peaches, and papaya. Fruits with low fiber are helpful because they do not stimulate the digestive tract, which leads to symptoms like diarrhea or inflammation. Avoid canned or raw pineapple, fresh figs, berries, prunes or prune juice, fruit seeds, and all dried fruits.

Acid reflux is a health condition in which the stomach’s contents move back into the food pipe. If acid reflux worsens, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can be a long-term problem accompanied by discomforts like pain in the upper abdomen and heartburn. One way to relieve the symptoms is to avoid all possible triggers. And since certain foods can also aggravate the condition, one must follow a healthy meal plan. Foods for acid reflux and GERD management Acid reflux, which occurs when acid flows from the stomach to the esophagus, is a prevalent problem. One of its leading causes is a weak or damaged lower esophageal sphincter. Some foods help control the amount of acid the stomach produces, thus managing the symptoms. Here are a few such foods that can control acid reflux or GERD: Ginger A spice rich in natural anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is one of the best natural treatment options for heartburn and other gastrointestinal problems. Zucchini Often known as summer squash, zucchini is a low-acid vegetable, making it highly suitable for patients suffering from the symptoms of acid reflux or GERD. Bananas A fruit rich in potassium, bananas are usually recommended for patients suffering from acid reflux.

A chronic respiratory disorder known as asthma is characterized by inflamed airways that make breathing challenging. Even though symptoms must be treated medically, certain foods can provide relief. On the other hand, some foods can worsen allergies and lead to painful symptoms. Vitamins C, D, and E, as well as selenium, fiber, and certain lipids, can help with asthma treatment. Here are the best foods for asthma patients to eat and stay away from. Best foods for asthma Carrots Carrots high in beta-carotene and vitamin C also contain anti-inflammatory antioxidants that protect the lining of the airways. Vitamin C aids in preventing oxidative stress and damage to respiratory cells and fluids. It may be included in salads, cold-pressed juices, and smoothies. Additionally, they can be roasted or grilled; rapid heating ensures that they keep some crunch and more of the vitamin C that comes from carrots. Sardines Sardines are abundant in selenium, which has cell-protecting and antioxidant effects. It has been discovered to help reduce airway mucus secretion and control inflammatory airway conditions, especially when paired with vitamin E. Sardines provide 82% of the recommended daily intake in three ounces. Citrus fruits Citrus fruits with high vitamin C content, such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit, can be used in sweet and savory recipes.

Over 25 million people in the country live with asthma. Where people live can dramatically affect the severity of their symptoms daily and the quality of care they receive. For example, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America drew up the 2019 Asthma Capitals Report, where they examined over 100 metropolitan cities across the country along eight risk factors that influence asthma outcomes to find out the best and worst cities to live for asthmatics. The worst cities for people with asthma are: Springfield, MA Springfield has a high rate of asthma-related emergency room visits, the overall prevalence of asthma, and pollen counts, making it one of the worst cities for those with asthma. Dayton, OH Dayton has high asthma rates, indicated by the high usage of quick-relief treatments and controllers. Greensboro, NC Greensboro has a low rate of asthma specialists and a high rate of uninsured citizens, making it one of the worst cities to live in as an asthma patient. Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia has a high prevalence of asthma, a high number of emergency room visits, and a high number of asthma-related fatalities. Cleveland, OH Cleveland has poor air quality, a high rate of quick-relief treatment use, and a high occurrence of asthma.

For people living with ulcerative colitis, traveling can be an anxiety-ridden experience. The physical symptoms of the condition are always painful, including rectal bleeding, sharp abdominal pain, diarrhea, and a looping, endless urge to seek a restroom nearby. These, in turn, lead to constant stress. So, how can someone with this condition make their travels less of an ordeal? Here are some handy tips for traveling better with ulcerative colitis: Preparing well in advance Taking two or three days to prepare before traveling can be helpful for people with ulcerative colitis. Even for short trips, one can do their packing and scheduling in advance to avoid making panicky, on-the-fly decisions once they hit the road. Keeping an emergency kit in your carry-on One can include things like tissues, wipes, multiple underwear/adult diapers, hand sanitizer, prescription treatment products, and other vital products in their emergency kit. Even if all items aren’t used, the kit can provide some much-needed assurance to travelers. Carrying a water bottle People with ulcerative colitis lose a lot of fluid, so they must always keep themselves hydrated. So taking an empty bottle and filling it just before boarding a plane is a smart way to carry water on flights, as airport security usually does not allow passengers to carry full water bottles.

Understanding the benefits of the nutrients in different foods helps determine which ones to add to the meal plan. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that perform many essential bodily functions and are found in several everyday foods, including fatty fish, flaxseeds, plant oils, and guavas. Eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid are the three primary types of omega-3 fatty acids. Let’s have a look at some benefits of eating omega-3-rich foods regularly. Lowered risk of cardiovascular diseases Triglycerides increase one’s susceptibility to atherosclerosis, a condition that gradually thickens the arteries and increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases. Omega-3 fatty acids lower triglyceride levels in the body, thus reducing one’s susceptibility to heart diseases and arrhythmia. Good eye health Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, forms a crucial part of the retina. An absence of it in the eyes can lead to compromised vision. Thus, foods rich in omega-3 can help prevent eye problems like macular degeneration and permanent blindness. DHA is mainly found in fatty fish, including salmon, tuna, herring, and shellfish. Resistance to auto-immune diseases Omega-3 fatty acids can help the body fight auto-immune diseases like type 1 diabetes, lupus, and multiple sclerosis. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps relieve psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.

Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints in the body, with symptoms like pain and stiffness in the joints. The pain may vary based on age, genetics, sex, and earlier injuries. When managing arthritis pains, healthcare experts may recommend treatment options and changes to one’s meals to boost recovery. Here are a few snack ideas that most people with joint pain caused by arthritis should consider eating. Salmon and crackers Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation caused by arthritis. Individuals should mix cooked salmon with an olive-oil-based vinaigrette and eat it with whole-wheat crackers. Apple slices Fruits like apples are abundant in fibers, vitamin C, and polyphenols that are effective against arthritis pains. One can easily snack on apple slices throughout the day. Low-fat string cheese dip Dips made of low-fat string cheese are an ideal option one can consume along with other snacks in between meals. The cheese is rich in calcium, essential for developing and maintaining healthy bones. Salads Salads made with vegetables like mushrooms, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli may significantly help boost one’s ability to fight off arthritis pains. They can also be cooked and added as a side dish to an individual’s meals.

Respiratory health is one of the most important aspects of living a healthy and fulfilling life. Air quality has been deteriorating over time with the increasing threat of climate change and natural and man-made disasters. So, here are some tips for maintaining lung health and ensuring healthy breathing practices. If one experiences changes in breathing patterns or any such issues, consulting a doctor is crucial for ruling out respiratory illnesses. Limit exposure to pollutants With the Air Quality Index being compromised every day, it is important to make sure that one does everything necessary to maintain respiratory health. This includes avoiding not just air pollutants like dust particles but also smoke from industries and chemicals from cleaning products at home or workplaces. One of the ways to avoid exposure is to be around those who follow a healthy, smoke-free lifestyle at home and work. If one resides in a city that frequently has poor AQI, then it is important to limit going outside too much and instead spend time at home or indoors. Further, one should check the AQI before stepping out every day and limit exposure to only necessary outdoor activities. Prevent infections Getting a cough or a cold occasionally may be inevitable, however, frequent infections indicate a weakened immune system.