Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a health condition in which the kidneys cannot effectively filter waste from the blood, leading to an accumulation of toxins. If left untreated, it can cause serious health complications. While chronic kidney disease can be an onerous burden, it does not have to prevent the patient from living a fulfilling life. Many treatments help manage the symptoms and discomforts, and doctors also recommend a few nutrition and lifestyle changes. Foods for managing chronic kidney disease Healthy nutrition is an essential part of managing chronic kidney disease. Certain foods have nutrients that help improve overall kidney health and manage diseases that affect the organ. Below are a few such foods to consider adding to meals: Low-sodium foods Reducing salt and sodium intake is essential when dealing with chronic kidney disease. Cutting back on salt helps maintain healthy blood pressure, reducing the risk of complications that can arise with this condition. Eating fresh foods like greens, broccoli, and cauliflower is a great way to reduce sodium intake. Besides being low in salt, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats are excellent sources of nutrients and protein. Another way to reduce sodium intake is to avoid canned foods, as they use salt as a preservative.

Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow and is associated with severe health complications. Many symptoms of multiple myeloma can go unnoticed until the disease has progressed to other parts of the body. So, recognizing uncommon signs of the condition can help one get an early diagnosis. Further, treatment options and lifestyle changes, including choosing the right foods, can help manage the condition.  Best foods Certain foods can help one manage multiple myeloma symptoms and maintain strength when undergoing treatment. Fruits and herbs: Ursolic acid is a naturally occurring compound in foods like apples, basil, rosemary, and cranberries. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, which can help reduce the symptoms of this condition. Apples are especially rich in ursolic acid, making them a great choice for those with multiple myeloma. Further, pterostilbene, a compound found in blueberries, has been linked to potential anti-cancer benefits. Its antioxidant properties may help reduce inflammation and fight free radicals. Cruciferous vegetables: Isothiocyanates are natural compounds found in cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. The compounds are derived from sulfur-containing chemicals that may inhibit cancer cell growth. Studies suggest that isothiocyanates can reduce the risk of multiple myeloma and other types of cancer.

Hyperkalemia is a health condition characterized by excessive potassium levels in a person’s bloodstream. Maintaining healthy potassium levels is crucial for optimal health, and one can do this by following a healthy nutritional regime that helps manage hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is potentially life-threatening, so prompt treatment is necessary to keep its symptoms at bay. Various healthy foods are proven to help reduce potassium levels, and some of these food items are listed below.  Hyperkalemia Hyperkalemia is a medical condition in which the potassium concentration in the blood is too high. The condition can lead to various symptoms, such as muscle weakness, fatigue, tingling sensations, and an irregular heartbeat. The best way to manage hyperkalemia is to make lifestyle changes that help maintain healthy potassium levels in the body. These include reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced meal with an adequate amount of potassium the body requires. Types of foods to manage hyperkalemia A balanced meal plan low in potassium helps manage hyperkalemia symptoms to a great extent. Four different types of foods that help manage and reduce the risk of developing hyperkalemia are listed below. Vegetables Vegetables are an essential part of a balanced meal plan to manage hyperkalemia.

Multiple sclerosis is an immune-mediated condition. This means that the system that is supposed to keep the body healthy accidentally destroys healthy body parts. Damage to the nerve cells’ protective coatings results in a decline in brain and spinal cord function. MS is a condition that can cause unanticipated symptoms of varying severity. While some MS sufferers report feeling worn out and numb, more severe cases can result in paralysis, visual loss, and impaired brain function. What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune infirmity of the central nervous system. Relapsing multiple sclerosis is the most-common type of MS. It is characterized by episodes of worsening neurological symptoms, or “flares,” followed by periods of partial or complete recovery. The symptoms of MS can vary significantly from person to person and range from mild to severe.  The diagnosis of MS is made through a physical exam, imaging tests, and a review of one’s medical history. Treatment of MS usually includes supplements to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression. Other therapies, such as physical and occupational therapy, are also commonly used to manage symptoms and improve the overall quality of life. Causes of multiple sclerosis Understanding the causes of this condition can help patients, and their healthcare providers develop appropriate treatment plans.

The thyroid is a vital component of the endocrine system, responsible for producing hormones. Thyroid cancer is a health condition affecting the thyroid gland and is often difficult to diagnose in its early stages due to the silent symptoms. Therefore, understanding the early warning signs of thyroid cancer is crucial in early diagnosis and prompt treatment. The main risk factors and some silent warning signs of thyroid cancer are discussed below. Thyroid cancer As mentioned earlier, thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and body mass. There are four types of thyroid cancer- papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. The symptoms of this cancer vary depending on the type and stage. Early detection is essential for successful treatment, so it’s important to be aware of any changes to your health. Regular health check-ups with your doctor can help detect any underlying health issues early on. One can prefer the MSK thyroid cancer center, where experts diagnose and treat thyroid cancer patients using the latest research findings. Other tests, such as ultrasounds, physical exams, or biopsies, may also be advised to check for possible signs of thyroid cancer.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a severe lung condition in which the lung tissue becomes scarred and stiff over time. The disorder makes breathing difficult, eventually leading to respiratory failure if ignored. The possible causes of pulmonary fibrosis include exposure to certain chemicals or toxins, infection, and autoimmune diseases. While there are several treatments to manage the symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life, following a healthy, balanced food regime is also essential. Foods for managing pulmonary fibrosis Patients should consult a doctor or nutritionist when creating a tailored nutrition plan, as the best foods for pulmonary fibrosis can vary depending on the kind of symptoms and their severity. Here is an overview of the foods health experts usually recommend for this condition: Beans and pulses Beans and pulses like chickpeas, lentils, kidney beans, black beans, and white beans are rich in plant-based protein. Protein plays a vital role in managing pulmonary fibrosis. It helps strengthen the lung muscles and keeps the symptoms at bay. While chicken and meat are also excellent sources of proteins, beans and pulses are good alternatives for those who do not prefer animal products. Of course, protein should be balanced with fat and carbohydrates, as excess can lead to other problems.

Hair loss is a universal problem that affects many people. While some amount of hair loss is normal and is brought on by age, lifestyle, or genetics, severe hair loss may indicate an underlying health condition. Further, treating the condition can, at times, help reduce hair loss or stop it from worsening. Here are a few conditions that can trigger the loss of hair and the management options to deal with it: Understanding hair loss While there is no permanent cure for hair loss, certain treatment options and therapeutic measures can help manage the condition. Many may experience mild to moderate hair loss at some point, but severe hair loss is a much more serious condition requiring treatment. The prognosis for someone who experiences severe hair loss depends on the degree of damage. If one loses a significant amount of hair, it may be difficult to reverse the damage. However, scalp treatments, supplements, surgery, or hair transplant can help restore hair growth. If the cause is unknown or if hair remains unaffected by treatment, doctors may be unable to predict a clear outcome. Here, seeking psychological support may be necessary to help manage the emotional impact of hair loss. In any case, it is essential to consult a doctor to understand the cause of hair loss and explore the best treatment options.

A migraine attack can result from various factors, including stress, weather changes, hormonal changes, and even certain foods and smells. The trigger can vary from person to person, and there isn’t any universal cause. The best way to determine one’s trigger is to work with an experienced doctor who treats chronic migraines. This post discusses the common foods and smells that can cause migraines and home remedies to combat the same. Foods that may trigger migraines Studies suggest that foods may cause migraines only when combined with other triggers. Nevertheless, patients should be cautious about including the following in their meals: Highly caffeinated beverages According to experts, high caffeine intake can trigger migraine attacks, so patients should avoid or limit beverages like energy drinks, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. However, since sudden caffeine withdrawal can also cause headaches, one should reduce their intake gradually. Chocolate Chocolate is considered the second most prevalent migraine trigger, affecting around 22 percent of patients. Beta-phenylethylamine and caffeine are two ingredients in chocolate that might cause the problem. Foods with MSG MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a sodium salt of glutamic acid naturally present in the body. It’s also commonly used as a food additive in instant noodles, soups, fast food, and processed meat.

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a lung disease that can make breathing difficult. It is often caused by long-term exposure to damaging particles or gases, such as tobacco, air pollution, dust, and other irritants. The condition can weaken the body’s immune system, making it more vulnerable to sickness and disease. Fortunately, certain foods can help boost your immunity and also increase overall lung health. Read on to know about COPD and foods to have for it. Symptoms of COPD The primary symptoms of COPD are persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. The symptoms can vary from person to person, but the most common signs are difficulty breathing, increased mucus production, frequent flare-ups or exacerbations, fatigue, and changes in sputum color. Diagnosing COPD COPD is a condition that affects the airways and can make it difficult for you to breathe. It is crucial to get a diagnosis as soon as possible so you can start treatment and begin to manage your symptoms. The diagnosis process may include a physical exam, a review of your health history, pulmonary function tests, and imaging tests. During a physical exam, your doctor will listen to your lungs using a stethoscope and may use a peak flow meter to measure your breathing.

Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is an inflammatory skin disorder affecting approximately 16.5 million adults across the country. It could develop at any age due to genetics, environmental factors, and stress. The most common symptoms include red, scaly, and itchy rashes on the skin. These rashes tend to flare periodically and are often accompanied by physical discomfort, emotional burden, and disturbed sleep. Here are the treatments, meal plans, and lifestyle tips for managing atopic dermatitis: Treatment options Since atopic dermatitis is a long-term skin condition, patients need professional assistance. Below are some popular treatment options: DUPIXENT Doctors recommend this treatment option for adults and children over six months to treat mild-to-severe atopic dermatitis. It is ideal for those who do not get better with topical ointments or therapies. DUPIXENT is administered subcutaneously under the skin, targeting the key source of inflammation. The possible side effects include eye problems, joint pain, and allergic reactions. CIBINQO It is a once-daily oral treatment for people with moderate-to-severe eczema. CIBINQO targets a specific protein responsible for inflammation, providing relief from symptoms like itchy skin. The treatment is available in multiple dosage options, and one can consult a doctor to understand the correct dosage as per their requirement.