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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Migraine typically causes severe pain on either one or both sides of the head. The pain is a throbbing or pulsing sensation and can often make it difficult to function in day-to-day life. Migraines are accompanied by other symptoms and can last from hours to days. There are several causes for them, including external factors. Thus, here is a list of all the best and worst places to live for those with migraines. Worst places for migraines There are a large number of individuals who suffer from migraines. This is typically a form of headache that also comes with other signs and symptoms. Those who have migraines also experience nausea, blurry vision, light sensitivity, and even dizziness. One of the ways to understand which places are the worst for migraines is to take a close look at what triggers are present in a particular location. The condition can be triggered by external factors such as heat, humidity, and even cold. For some, dust, smoke, pollen, and even chemicals could be a trigger. Certain places in the country have certain external factors that could trigger migraines or make individuals more prone to this condition. Some of these locations include Cincinnati, Madison, Nashville, Chattanooga, Canton-Massillon, Knoxville, and St.

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.